Some Non-Star Wars Films I've Enjoyed This Year

We talk a lot about Star Wars here (duh), but that doesn't mean it's the only thing that I like! I thought it would be fun to celebrate National Cinema Day by talking about a few of this year's non-Star Wars movies that I've loved, and maybe you'll love them too!

This post isn't sponsored by AMC A-List but I would like to thank them.

One of Them Days (dir. Lawrence Lamont)

One of Them Days is a buddy comedy movie where we watch Keke Palmer and Sza run into obstacle after obstacle trying to gather up some rent money. There have been some strong contenders, but I think its easily my favorite comedy of the year. Both Palmer and Sza are hilarious the whole way through, and incredibly lovable and relatable (despite some frustrating decisions). I found myself rooting for these characters the whole way through and as funny as it was, its also a heartwarming story about loyalty, trust, hard work and creativity. I think it's a top-tier girls night in pick and one to watch if you're in need of a pick-me-up.

You can stream One of Them Days on Netflix!

Companion (dir. Drew Hancock)

Companion stars Sophie Thatcher (Star Wars fans will know her as Drash from The Book of Boba Fett) as Iris, a companion android who believes she's a human. Her romantic cabin getaway with her "boyfriend" (Jack Quaid) turns bloody when she goes a bit haywire. This movie is loads of fun, especially if you love a Black Mirror-esque sci-fi thriller or enjoyed the themes of 2004's The Stepford Wives or 2022's Don't Worry Darling. Iris' character is as endearing as she is dangerous (she was a strong contender for this year's Halloween costume for me), and watching her grapple with what it means to be her, struggle with obstacles and continuously prove that you can't outsmart her was thrilling and satisfying.

You can stream Companion on HBO Max!

Cleaner (dir. Martin Campbell)

Cleaner went a bit under the radar for most this year, but as a Daisy Ridley (you know who she is) fan I couldn't miss it. Not only is she rocking an adorable haircut that I definitely didn't bring photos of to the hairdresser, but her performance really sells this movie. She plays a window-cleaner who unwittingly becomes the only one that can save people in a dangerous hostage situation- one of the people trapped inside being her little brother. Her character is very charming, the action is full of energy, and the movie kept me invested the whole way through. While it doesn't depart too far from its clear Die Hard inspirations, if you're a Daisy Ridley fan you'll really enjoy it.

You can rent Cleaner on Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Video and YouTube!

Mickey 17 (dir. by Bong Joon Ho)

I love a lot of Bong Joon Ho's work (Snowpiercer, Okja, Parasite), and Mickey 17 did not disappoint me. Based on the sci-fi novel Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton, Robert Pattinson plays Mickey, an "expendable," which means his job is to die over and over again while humanity explores the new frontier of space and be re-cloned each time. Naomi Ackie (Jannah in The Rise of Skywalker) plays his love interest, one of the only non-expendables to care about Mickey. When Mickey is thought dead they print a new clone of him, as normal, but he turned out to have survived what they assumed was his death, leaving the two Mickeys with a problem- because no doubles are allowed. Robert Pattinson's performance as well as Naomi Ackie's are wonderful, and I loved their strong chemistry. Like everything Bong Joon Ho does Mickey 17 is a pretty timely allegory to our political climate and a strong sci-fi film on its own.

You can rent Mickey 17 on Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Plex.

Novocaine (dir. by Dan Berk, Robert Olsen)

There have been a lot of strong action movies this year with fun, creative and a little bit gimmicky action, so I didn't want to fill the list up with those. My honorable mentions go to Love Hurts (starring Ke Huy Quan) and Ballerina (starring Ana de Armas), but I did have to settle on Novocaine- maybe because I like Jack Quaid. Quaid plays Nathan Caine, a shy, unassuming guy with a desk job and a medical condition- he can't feel any pain. When his work crush (played by Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped, he goes on an uncharacteristically violent romp through the city to rescue her. Frequently relying on the fact that he can't feel pain, the action is fun, creative and not for the squeamish (between this and The Boys, Quaid is carving out quite the niche for himself). Quaid is an easy character to root for, and this movie has twists and turns that will keep its hold on you throughout its runtime- if you can stomach to keep your eyes on the screen.

You can stream Novocaine on MGM+ or fuboTV!

Sinners (dir. by Ryan Coogler)

I'm sure I am not the first person you've seen sing the praises of Sinners, and with awards season months away I will certainly not be the last. Sinners is not your average vampire movie- starring Michael B Jordan as twin brothers Smoke and Stack and Miles Caton as Sammie, their cousin and up and coming blues musician. Sinners will blow you away. I hesitate to write too much about it, because if you've managed to avoid spoilers in the many conversations surrounding the film, its best to watch it without them. Sinners is a haunting tale about the beautiful and the ugly of community, music, family, religion and culture- and the film sticks in your brain long after you watch it. It's an ode to the dark history of Black Americans as much as it is a celebration of Black culture and triumph. Every detail is so carefully thought out you'll want to watch it again and again. Miles Caton is a newcomer as an actor, but his performance was one of the stand-outs to me. Sinners is my pick for Best Picture at the Oscars this year easily.

You can rent Sinners on Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Video, Plex or Fandango at Home.

Thunderbolts* (dir. by Jake Schreier)

It feels a little bit like cheating to put a Marvel movie on here, but it's my list so you can't stop me. While I adored The Fantastic Four: First Steps and liked Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* is my Marvel movie of the year. There's something about throwing together a ragtag group of misfits and them finding a way to heal themselves while doing good that will just always get me. Thunderbolts* features Florence Pugh returning as Yelena Belova with a performance just as compelling as the one she gave in the Hawkeye TV series. Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan and Hannah John-Kamen also all return as US Agent, Red Guardian, Bucky Barnes and Ghost respectively, plus newcomer Lewis Pullman joins this unlikely team as Bob/Sentry. The Thunderbolts* team is so lovable, the film is heartfelt, funny and filled with some fantastic (ha) action. Whether you're catching up on your MCU or just want to watch a fun adventure with some lovable anti-heroes, Thunderbolts* is for you.

You can stream Thunderbolts* on Disney+!

The Phoenician Scheme (dir. by Wes Anderson)

Wes Anderson is another director who I always like to check out, and I had a lot of fun with The Phoenician Scheme! It's visually stunning, of course, filled with Anderson's trademark style. It's a movie that draws you in- Benicio del Toro (DJ from The Last Jedi) plays a rich man who has decided to leave his entire estate to his only daughter, a nun (played by Mia Threapleton) after a brush with death. With the help of an assistant (Michael Cera), they set out on a worldwide scheme to exponentially grow the business, running intro twists, turns and unexpected obstacles across the way. It's a darkly funny movie that moves quickly while also feeling like its at a relaxing pace. A great script coupled with some very fun performances makes for a fun watch. If you've enjoyed any of Anderson's other work (especially recent films like Asteroid City) then you'll enjoy this one too!

You can stream The Phoenician Scheme on Peacock!

K-Pop Demon Hunters (dir. Maggie Kang)

If you haven't heard of K-Pop Demon Hunters yet, you might not spend much time with kids. Or me. While Sinners may be my pick for the Academy Awards Best Picture, K-Pop Demon Hunters is my personal movie of the year. This movie is so, so much fun, with music that has no doubt hit my Spotify Wrapped like a runaway train this summer. The animation is gorgeous, the action is electric, and all three of the main characters are absolutely adorable. Our main protagonist, Rumi, has a really heartwarming arc about self-acceptance and letting the people you love in, and Arden Cho performs her beautifully. Not to mention that Zoey (Rei Ami) stole my heart and Halloween costume this year from Companion's Iris. If you're looking for a short-ish watch that will leave your heart full and a catchy K-Pop tune stuck in your head, then this is a movie to watch tonight!

You can stream K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix!

Superman (dir. James Gunn)

My theater summer blockbuster of the year was easily Superman, which I ended up seeing a total of four times in theaters. I was intrigued by what James Gunn's take would be on Superman, considering his previous comic book movie work was more interested in the "C-listers" and below (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, Creature Commandos), and Superman is not just an A-list superhero, but arguably THE A-list superhero. In my opinion, he knocked it out of the park with a film that feels not just in love with Superman as a character and his supporting cast, but with the mythos of The Superhero and the role that they play in American culture. It's visually stunning, very performance is wonderful, the movie is heartwarming and inspiring, and it doesn't hurt that Krypto is an adorable menace that I'm sure made every dog owner go "yep, that's my dog." I loved the inclusion still of some slightly less popular heroes in the "Justice Gang" as Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) was an unexpected favorite of mine, and Nathan Fillion's Green Lantern had me laughing in every one of his scenes. While there wasn't a ton of Hawkgirl (Isabella Merced), what we did get made me excited for more. I especially want to shout out David Corenswet's Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor. All phenomenal castings and super performances that will go down as among the best comic book movie castings in my opinion.

You can rent Superman on Apple TV, Google Play, Plex and YouTube.

Those are just ten of the many amazing films I've seen this year! That's not even including more recent releases I liked such as Honey Don't, Caught Stealing, The Roses, or The Toxic Avenger (all still in theaters). Plus it's only September- I still have some highly anticipated movies left this year, like The Long Walk, Him, Xeno, One Battle After Another- and that's just this month!

If you watch any of my recommendations, I'd love to know! And if I missed out on your favorite movie so far this year, definitely make sure to tell us on social media or in our comment box on the website!