The Most Iconic Movie Posters of 2024

You can't deny that there’s something magical about a great movie poster. 

Not only is it the first impression a film makes, but it is also a visual invitation that pulls you in with the promise of an unforgettable cinematic journey. 

In an era where streaming services dominate, and our social media feeds are cluttered with endless entertainment options, a striking movie poster still has the power to stop you in your tracks. And while the Academy Awards don’t hand out Oscars for best poster, we can't help wondering: Which movie has the best poster?

In this blog, we take you through the top list of collectible film posters from 2024.  

"The Brutalist": A Bold Architectural Statement

Brady Corbet’s "The Brutalist" is a film that explores grand, sweeping themes of ambition, love, and the weight of history—and its poster captures all of that with stunning simplicity. The design follows the principles of Bauhaus and Brutalist architecture and plays with asymmetry, bold typography, and negative space.

One of the most striking elements is the upside-down Statue of Liberty. This feature immediately signals that this is a story about a world turned on its head. Add to it a muted color palette and rigid composition and you have a piece that almost feels like a propaganda poster. However, the stark minimalism also gives it a timeless quality. 

It’s the kind of poster design that makes you want to take a second look. And another. And another!

"Conclave": Mystery and Intrigue in a Single Glance

Religious dramas don’t usually go for bold, thriller-esque poster designs, but "Conclave" defies expectations. The UK one-sheet is particularly striking, using a vibrant red and gold palette that immediately commands attention. It also beautifully captures the opulence and traditions of the Vatican. 

The central imagery showcases the principal actors—Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow—adorned in cardinal robes, their expressions a blend of piety and concealed agendas. The poster also places its characters in a careful arrangement— an arrangement that hints at dividing loyalties and the political maneuverings soon to come. 

However, the real genius is in the small details: the interplay of light and shadow on the characters' faces, the highlighted eye of Cardinal Lawrence, the strategic placement of the cross, and many others. When put together, you get a poster design that feels modern and cinematic while still respecting the grandeur of its subject matter.

“Anora”: A Snapshot of Youth and Rebellion

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective, and that’s exactly what "Anora" achieves with its poster. Instead of relying on heavy graphics or intricate compositions, the designers chose a single, raw photograph that bursts with energy. The image—full of movement, joy, and recklessness—perfectly captures the film’s themes of youthful rebellion and chaotic love.

The typeface is understated, allowing the image to shine while still giving just enough information. This poster is proof that sometimes, all you need is one perfect moment captured in time to sell an entire story.

"The Substance": A Surreal and Disturbing Vision

"The Substance" takes body horror to new heights, and its poster is as unsettling as the film itself. Rather than venturing into traditional horror tropes, the design embraces surrealism with bizarre and striking imagery. One version features glistening egg yolks, an eerie symbol of transformation and birth, while another showcases a fried piece of chicken. Both evoke unsettling questions: What came first, the chicken or the egg? Or, more disturbingly, what happens when nature is manipulated beyond comprehension?

The color palette heightens the unease, blending soft, sterile tones with grotesque elements to create a pastel gore nightmare. Excluding Demi Moore’s face from the poster was also a bold move, and allowed the imagery itself to do the heavy lifting. The condensed typography, used consistently throughout the film’s branding reinforces the unsettling aesthetic. 

It’s a poster that doesn’t just hint at the film’s themes—it embodies them, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease long after you’ve looked away.

"Challengers": A Modern Spin on Classic Design

The poster for "Challengers," a movie directed by Luca Guadagnino, beautifully blends contemporary aesthetics with nostalgic elements. At its center is a striking close-up of Zendaya's face, her expression exuding confidence and allure. The design choice to reflect a tennis match in her purple-tinted sunglasses is both clever and thematic, subtly hinting at the film's sports-centric narrative.​

The use of the Rockwell typeface for the title adds a touch of vintage flair that's reminiscent of 1980s sports magazines and gives a classic twist to the modern imagery. The white background further accentuates the central image, allowing Zendaya's presence to dominate without distraction. 

This minimalist approach ensures that viewers' attention is immediately drawn to the key elements, making the poster both eye-catching and memorable.

"Longlegs": A Nightmare in A Single Image 

Horror thrives on atmosphere, and the "Longlegs" poster achieves instant dread with a chillingly sparse design. Set against an eerie, snow-covered landscape, the image features a desolate cabin, swallowed by an overwhelming sense of emptiness. But then, there are the red accents—small, deliberate, and deeply unsettling. The title, the rating, and, most notably, the lead character’s crimson winter coat all stand out in stark contrast to the muted background.

This careful use of negative space amplifies the feeling of isolation, leaving viewers with an unshakable sense of unease. It’s a poster that doesn’t rely on overt horror imagery but instead lets subtle design choices do the work, evoking the exact same creeping dread that the film itself delivers. 

Why Great Posters Matter

A great movie poster isn’t just about making a film look good—it’s about storytelling. The best movie posters of 2024 did more than just advertise; they evoked emotions, built intrigue, and, in some cases, became as iconic as the films themselves. Whether through minimalism, surrealism, nostalgia, or bold imagery, these posters reminded us that cinema is as much a visual experience as it is a narrative one.

If you love movie posters as much as we do, why not bring a piece of cinematic history into your own space? Check out Film Art Gallery for a curated collection of posters from some of the greatest films ever made!