The best streaming shows and movies you might have missed this year

With many prominent figures TV shows and films Competing for viewers’ attention in 2024 with expensive ad campaigns, innovative marketing efforts, ubiquitous trailers that invite analysis, and countless hours of “content” to research and dissect online, it’s easy for some Media at your fingertips. Whether it’s a word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend insisting the show is a hidden gem or an end-of-year article touting a quietly released film as “the pinnacle of fantasy,” 2024 had a lot to offer and never had its moment in the world of cinema. Spotlights. This article aims to correct that oversight.

With that in mind, here’s the io9 staff’s list of deep-dive movie and TV show recommendations that flew under the radar this year — and are definitely worth spending time searching for.

Shop for killers

Korean dramas are very popular, and Shop for killers is no exception. If one had to wonder what would happen then John WickA doppelgänger who has to raise her niece and suddenly disappears when a group of disgruntled assassins lay siege to his home, leaving her seemingly humble little one to fend for herself with skills passed down by her uncle and a cache of high-quality weapons, this show provides that hyper-definable answer. If you weren’t intrigued by the first episode of Shop for killers— which shows the niece outmaneuvering a sniper on an overpass miles from their home — Don’t Have a Pulse.

Beetlejuice (animated series)

This old cartoon has resurfaced along with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice mania, with Tubi stepping up to host the previously difficult-to-stream series. It’s a very disturbing, exhilarating, and endearing take on a 30-year-old show. He remains resilient and can easily enjoy gluttony.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Okay, we’re going to cheat here just for a second because Beverly Hills cop Not the io9 movie. But it is He is A long-running sequel to the beloved franchise that brings back the star while passing the baton to a new generation. This is what we see – a lot – in science fiction and films. We are putting this on this list because out of all those movies you are thinking of right now (star wars, Screaming, Ghostbustersetc.) Beverly Hills Cop 4– Let’s call it what it is – she is among the best. It’s everything I loved about the series, but updated in smart and exciting ways. It is streaming on Netflix.

Camp host

Remember during the pandemic, when people stayed inside so much that nature began to reclaim its territory? A twisted interpretation of that idea drives this Tubi release, which follows a couple on a camping trip — their first outing after coronavirus fears gave way to cabin fever — and discover that not everyone is excited about the end of social distancing. The fact that it takes place at a campsite is a big hint, but… slicing rules apply!

Destroy all neighbors

We all know what it’s like to have an obnoxious neighbor. But most of us don’t end up becoming best friends with that neighbor’s severed head, or taking an epic journey that balances crazy horror comedy with… a deep and abiding love of rock ‘n’ roll. Destroy all neighbors He starts with a familiar idea, expands it into an outrageous premise, and delivers with high energy. There would be more joy in the world if more people sought it.

Dimension 20: The first year

Dropout is one of the best streaming services available in your subscription list and its Actual Play series Dimension 20 It’s a big part of the reason. The third installment of its spin-off series Fantasy High is just as funny and brutal as the previous seasons, and after years away from it, it’s good to see the Bad Kids once again standing up literally and figuratively against new enemies. In the words of a character late in the season: Blimey!

First slam dunk

The anime is great. Competitive sports like basketball are great. First slam dunkDirected by manga creator Takehiko Inoue, the anime film is one of the best sports anime films to ever grace the silver screen. This movie not only proves once again that CG animation can be just about looking good, but it also crowns one of the best basketball anime in a way like no other. needs To have watched it so many years ago, and to have its story make you want to raise your fist in the air and scream, “Hell yeah!”

The invincible girl

In many ways, professional wrestling is like a backwards anime series. Embracing this idea, Adult Swim’s sleeper animated series has been a hit Invincible fighting girl It captures the intestinal tenacity of professional wrestling and presents the inspiring story of a girl named Andy who gives up her monotonous office job to become the greatest wrestler in the world. For all the anime connoisseurs out there, this show evokes nostalgia and reminds us of Cartoon Network classics like Mucha lucha While delivering stunning animation quality to your favorite anime fight scenes. Watch it to help secure a second season, why wouldn’t you?

It’s what’s inside

It’s unfortunate that one of the best films of the year is buried on Netflix but that’s the world we live in. It’s what’s inside It is one of those twisty, thrilling thrillers that you want to watch again the moment the credits roll. We think this is one of the benefits of being on Netflix. The movie has a premise so unique and surprising that it’s almost a sin to spoil it, so let’s just say it kind of is Freaky Friday meet an idea. Yes. This works. It’s great.

Kaiju No. 8

Sometimes we all need a TV show about a cute himbo of a guy who transforms into a super-powered humanoid monster and beats up the adorable bigos from larger monsters. Good news then, because Kaiju No. 8The animated adaptation of the similar manga is worth every second of watching. The action is as fun and brutal as you could hope for, but it’s actually the earnest charm of the protagonist, the aforementioned Hombo Kafka Hibino, that makes it so enjoyable to watch.

Kaos

Jeff Goldblum as Zeus, king of the gods? He said enough. This messily funny and dark Netflix show is very much for mythology nerds as well as a not-to-be-missed modern adaptation of the lore. Unfortunately, it wasn’t renewed for a second season, but at least the first season is a standalone story.

Look back

Madame Web

Music by John Williams

For decades, seeing the name “John Williams“Anywhere near the movie made it instantly better. And this documentary, which is streaming on Disney+, is kind of like all of those movies rolled into one. Not only does it give you context about where Williams is coming from and his career, but it He breaks down many of his iconic musical scores from films like Jaws, star wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic gardenAnd many more. Think of it as a great album, but like a movie.

Strangeness

Irish writer-director Damian McCarthy’s indie horror film won the Audience Award at South by Southwest, but it flew under the radar even when it hit Shudder in late September with word of mouth calling it one of the scariest films of the year. This is not just empty hype. Strangeness The film follows a blind psychic who runs an antique shop full of cursed objects – and who draws on all her available resources to provoke her twin sister’s killer. Jump scares? Yes. Fear of slow burning? Yes. Photos that you won’t be able to unsee? Hell yes.

BBS Retro

Launched in 2024, the PBS Retro Channel has quickly become a hidden gem on many TV and streaming devices. Featuring favorites like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Reading rainbow. Also like the Bob Ross Channel on those platforms, it plays marathons of educational, nostalgic content if you want to entertain or show your kids more thoughtful programming than the nonsense out there coconut. We found this channel in free programming on Vizio but if you go to PBS.org or the free PBS app, you can find a way to access the original shows on your smartphone, tablets and TVs.

The shadow moves away

Director Timo Tjajahnto has been making films at a steady rate since 2012, with his latest work coming out this year A stray shadow. With an incredible physical transformation from Aurora Ribero in the lead role and one crunchy action scene after another, it’s definitely worth spending some time watching it on Netflix. By the end of it, you’ll want more, which is good too, since Jagahantu clearly does He does more.

Ultraman Rise

There aren’t a lot of superhero movies that are explicitly about parenting, which Netflix has done Ultraman Rise A unique way to stand out from the crowd. It plays all the parenting songs very well, but is completely revamped by the creativity of its hero, Ken Sato, using his powers to raise a little monster – and how adorable he looks. Maybe it’s a movie that’s streaming online, but you’ll wish you could watch it on a big screen.

Want more io9 news? Check when to expect the latest marvel, star warsand Star Trek Releases, what’s next for DC Universe in film and televisionAnd everything you want to know about the future Doctor Who.