These Are the 7 Best Movie Trailers of 2024 (Even If the Movies Were No Good)

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours engrossed in the world of cinema, I can confidently say that these trailers are nothing short of masterpieces. Each one showcases a unique approach to marketing, capturing the essence of their respective films with such precision and elegance.

Trailers serve a significant role in the world of cinema. At times, they can be so exceptional, displaying such remarkable artistic brilliance, that they continue to captivate even when the movies they advertise have faded from memory. For example, Battle: Los Angeles and Suicide Squad, which were met with widespread criticism, still leave a lasting impression due to their impressive trailer presentations. Trailers can indeed become something extraordinary, and 2024 was filled with such unforgettable moments. This extended to sneak peeks at upcoming 2025 films, which immediately resonated positively with audiences thanks to these promotional materials.

2024 saw some remarkable film trailers showcasing upcoming movies that may not appeal to everyone’s tastes, and it’s possible you might even dislike the films they promote. However, the artistic merit of these trailers becomes even more striking when you consider their origins. Even trailers for what some might consider mediocre films can captivate audiences, elevating them above the rest as the crème de la crème of trailers. Here are seven outstanding trailers that graced moviegoers in 2024!

28 Years Later

The trend for contemporary horror movie trailers (as set by films like Hereditary) often features trailers with a chilling atmosphere created by slightly off-key string instruments or eerie renditions of popular tunes. However, the first trailer for 28 Years Later broke this pattern by opting for an unexpected approach – a 1915 recitation of the 1903 poem “Boots” by actor Taylor Holmes. This minimalistic, haunting reading of the poem effectively captured the monotonous, painful, and psychologically distressing nature of living in a world overrun by zombies. The trailer for 28 Years Later made a daring creative choice that could potentially revolutionize the horror movie trailer genre.

Monkey Man

Towards the closing days of January 2024, there was some thrilling news about Dev Patel’s directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” which had been quiet for a few years. Originally planned for release on Netflix, “Monkey Man” was now slated for a theatrical premiere on April 5, 2024, by Universal Pictures instead. To celebrate this event, an engaging trailer for “Monkey Monkey” was unveiled, showcasing Patel’s captivating style in action sequences. This trailer was electrifying, filled with character and swift editing, along with a palpable energy that grew more intense as it progressed. By the time the title appeared, there was no choice but to cheer. The “Monkey Man” trailer was a success, vividly demonstrating why this film deserved a theatrical debut.

Captain America: Brave New World

By autumn 2018, when the Captain Marvel teaser was released, frequent internet users had become accustomed to the standard structure of Marvel movie trailers. Typically, these trailers featured a voice-over from a side character, guiding viewers through an unfamiliar world, followed by a rapid succession of action scenes. Subsequent trailers often deviated from this format. It seems someone at Marvel Studios was listening, as the Captain America: Brave New World trailers have been remarkably unique compared to other trailers under the Marvel label.

In specific, the second preview showcases impressive cross-editing with numerous shots, and it emphasizes entertaining action sequences such as Captain America’s arrival that can sweep away villains effortlessly. A later scene, where critical comments are heard over footage of Sam Wilson struggling, offers intriguing insight into his mental state. Meanwhile, a continuous ticking sound running throughout the trailer subtly heightens an eerie atmosphere. The second Captain America: Brave New World preview elevated Marvel Studios’ promotional efforts to a level befitting this blockbuster’s title.

Longlegs

Following a sequence of enigmatic hints, indie studio Neon unveiled a somewhat extended yet still enigmatic trailer for the film titled “Longlegs,” a few months prior to its premiere. This sneak peek provided a clearer insight into the creative vision of director Osgood Perkins. Despite being more revealing, this advertising material for “Longlegs” remained spine-tingling due to its restraint. The images and editing decisions continued to exude an atmosphere of doubt and mystery that could send shivers down anyone’s spine. Furthermore, the brief glimpses of Nicolas Cage as the lead antagonist were exceptionally executed. Even with revealing a bit more, the entire “Longlegs” trailer transformed into a masterpiece by employing a “less-is-more” strategy.

Kinds of Kindness

To effectively market an anthology film like “Kinds of Kindness,” particularly one from the dark comedy genius of Yorgos Lanthimos, one approach could be creating a thought-provoking teaser trailer. This trailer should encapsulate the film’s peculiar ambiance without revealing too much about the plot. The use of a well-known song like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by the Eurythmics in the trailer can create a sense of familiarity while also hinting at the unusual nature of the film. The goal is to evoke emotions and convey various visual styles rather than explicitly telling viewers what to expect from Lanthimos’ work. Such a strategy can lead to a striking teaser that sparks numerous engaging parodies on YouTube, as seen with “Kinds of Kindness.

Wicked

Initially, the first trailer for “Wicked” seemed almost unnecessary, given the high anticipation following its Super Bowl debut alone. Yet, this marketing material for “Wicked” proved to be a captivating masterpiece, particularly due to its extended 210-second duration, which made it feel like a mini-movie in itself. A standout moment was the concluding sequence tracing Elphaba’s life journey, poignantly illustrating her struggles on the path to “Defying Gravity.” Despite the absence of singing, this trailer was so powerful that it left an indelible impression.

Juror #2

It was odd that Warner Bros. Pictures decided to shelve “Juror #2” from its theatrical release, given that they had already crafted an exceptional first trailer for it. Trailers like those directed by Clint Eastwood for films such as “American Sniper”, “The Mule”, and “Richard Jewell” have a habit of standing out on their own, serving almost as mini-movies. The trailer for “Juror #2” is particularly well-timed, building suspense and revealing the troubled psyche of Nicholas Hoult’s character through a series of images that transform idyllic suburban life into a tormented existence in just over two minutes. Kiefer Sutherland’s ominous line, “You know what you have to do,” against a gloomy backdrop adds an air of intrigue, making this trailer instantly memorable for a gripping thriller. One would expect such an impactful and enticing trailer to pave the way for a grand cinema release, not merely serve as the only promotional material released by Warner Bros. for the project.

2024-12-26 01:10