In 2024, films dominated social media, capturing attention and keeping audiences hooked. This was a season when directors revisited old franchises with fresh eyes, breathing life into beloved classics while nudging boundaries further. Each major title didn’t just land in theaters—it seeped into online feeds, inspiring reaction videos, meme storms, and TikTok dance challenges. Social media no longer stood on the sidelines; it embraced the spotlight, shaping audience perceptions and turning quiet weekends into cinematic celebrations.
Inside Out 2 soared beyond expectations, tapping back into the concept of personified emotions navigating the human psyche. Viewers flocked to theaters because they remembered how the original made them laugh and sniffle all at once, and now they wanted to feel that mix again. The film introduced new emotional characters, each with quirky mannerisms that audiences quoted on social feeds, sparking fan art and essays breaking down scenes into symbolic layers. TikTok clips of Joy singing off-key or Anger’s hilarious meltdown set off commentary waves, while Twitter buzzed with debates about which new emotion best captured the modern mood.
Deadpool & Wolverine brought the sarcastic mercenary and the brooding mutant together in a dazzling clash of blades and wit. The hype machine thrived on clever marketing stunts and the cast’s willingness to drop cryptic hints online. Social media accounts teased unexpected cameos, actors shared behind-the-scenes snapshots, and fans dissected every rumor. Worldwide audiences discovered that this duo offered more than brute force; it prompted people to link arms and say, “You saw that line, right?”
Minions, bananas, and whimsical mayhem returned in Despicable Me 4, and who can resist those giggling yellow troublemakers? Families flocked back for Gru’s antics, with viral marketing featuring minions dancing to chart-topping tunes. Instagram reels showed parents dressed as minions, while TikTok sparked minion-themed dance challenges. During a year when audiences craved easy laughs, Despicable Me 4 delivered a carefree escape, ensuring a seat was rarely empty.
Moana 2 revisited the blue horizons and lush islands of its predecessor, introducing new legends, breathtaking visuals, and melodies that sailed into viewers’ hearts. The internet carried the film’s catchiest song across platforms, inspiring fans to sing their versions at home. Hashtags sprouted overnight, bringing together communities that identified with the story’s layers. Influencers visited tropical destinations, linking real landscapes to the film’s allure, proving that the sea’s call had never been louder.
Dune: Part Two continued the epic odyssey of power struggles, whispered prophecies, and stirring visual landscapes. The studio released behind-the-scenes footage on social accounts, showing actors laughing in dusty costumes and designers crafting intricate sets. Fans took to YouTube for video breakdowns, examining layers of political intrigue and philosophical riddles, while art enthusiasts posted digital paintings inspired by iconic scenes.
Adapting a beloved stage musical into a blockbuster can be risky, but Wicked soared into people’s playlists. Social channels hummed with comparisons between the film’s performances and Broadway runs, while theater lovers shed tears as cherished songs resonated with fresh visuals. The marketing team tapped into influencers who celebrated musical theater, creating watch parties that felt like cultural events.The PR surrounding Wicked, particularly with stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has sparked widespread conversation, with fans eagerly discussing the casting, visuals, and the behind the scenes of the movie.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice tickled fans who’d cherished Tim Burton’s original vision. This quirky sequel embraced gothic whimsy, and the internet lapped it up. Horror enthusiasts launched fan art contests, cosplayers rattled social feeds with outfits, and TikTok challenges urged users to whisper the name thrice for comedic effect. The box office numbers testified to a hunger for weirdness, a cinematic oddity painted in stripes and shadows.
Gladiator II entered the arena armed with historical grit, monumental sets, and a desire to recapture the grandeur of its predecessor. Audiences returned, drawn in by clips showcasing sword clashes beneath fiery sunsets. Scholars posted threads analyzing historical authenticity, while action fans debated which fight sequence reigned supreme. Gladiator II stood as a testament that old-school spectacle still commanded attention.
It Ends with Us, adapted from a bestselling novel, found its audience in those craving emotional depth and human complexity. Online book clubs, already in love with the story, told their circles, “Trust me, it’s worth it,” and that recommendation bounced around timelines rapidly. Short video reviews thrived on Instagram, as fans offered heartfelt praise, encouraging even the skeptical to give it a try.
MaXXXine carved a space as a cult favorite beloved by niche circles. Horror podcasts featured spoiler-free reviews, and midnight screenings left viewers peeking over their shoulders as they scrolled feeds afterward. Fans posted cryptic screenshots, challenging others to decode hidden messages. MaXXXine thrived where passionate viewers savor finding something secret and sharing it with like-minded souls.
This mix of top-grossing hits and underdogs proved that cinema, in 2024, was about creating moments people wanted to talk about. Viewers carried their love for films into online conversations, rewatch parties, and creative fan projects. The biggest earners didn’t just rake in cash; they sparked movements, inspiring heartfelt essays and silly memes that spread joy. These movies succeeded because the big screen wasn’t the endpoint—it was the ignition. Stories told well always find a way to shine.
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