Movie Trailers That Are Cinematic Masterpieces All On Their Own
Written By: Ella Collins
A trailer is arguably the most important part of a film's promotion process. Without a good trailer to capture the audience's attention, the movie is already destined to be unsuccessful. I have been to many movies and seen many trailers, here are a few of my favorites from 2024. ​
Gladiator 2
The Gladiator 2 trailer is number one on my own personal list for the best trailers of 2024. I had not seen the first Gladiator or even watched much of Ridley's work as well as the cast's films prior to watching this movie. When I first saw this trailer in theaters I immediately fell in love. I enjoy movies with constant action and that never have a dull moment. The trailer alone fulfills all those needs. I could watch it a million times over and never get bored. The Gladiator 2 trailer is absolutely a cinematic masterpiece all on its own. I have never experienced an adrenaline rush like the one I received watching this trailer and watching this movie.
A Complete Unknown
Now this choice might be subject to a tiny bit of bias because Timmy is everything to me but nonetheless this trailer gives all it needs to give. It is the perfect combination of fulfillment and curiosity. We as audience are given a hint of what this movie has to offer whether it be story wise or music wise while not still leaving some parts up to a curious mind.
Queer
The cinematography of this film I believe aids i a lot in creating such a beautiful trailer. The shots that are part of this film which also were a part of this trailer makes for its own sort of movie. The music as well gives this trailer its footing. For those who are Luca Guadagnino veterans you know that you never truly know what you are getting yourself into just by watching the trailer which is another reason why the trailers for his movies are so engaging. Drew Starkey in glasses with slick back hair will also make an audience yearn for more.
We Live In Time
​If you are someone who wishes love could have a minute long trailer so you knew what you would be getting into, this would be it. We Live In Time is a raw yet very real look at the rollercoaster that is love and this trailer is a perfect capture of that look. The music, the scenes utilized, the dialogue utilized, it all makes for a beautiful yet emotional watching experience while also leaving your heart needing more of this fulfillment that only watching the movie can give you.
Here
This is one of the only movies where I personally enjoyed watching the trailer more than the movie itself. Similarly to the trailer for We Live In Time, the trailer for Here gives us that same sort of raw yet real look except its into life itself. I believe the music is what make this trailer so powerful as well as the diverse amount of time rather than just one specific set of moments. This trailer gave me a predetermined emotional connection to this movie, even if it did not fully live up to my expectations. If you enjoy watching the trailer I believe this movie is still worth viewing at least once, especially in order to gain an understanding for the thought provoking message this movie is depicting. Also of course the fact that a Tom Hanks film will always be a must watch.
​The Wild Robot
Adding this trailer to the list might also have to do with underlying bias because this movie is literal perfection and my all time favorite movie but disregarding that it is such a beautifully curated trailer. All of the elements whether it be the song, scenes, or memorable quotes forms that sense of connection that we all want to feel with a movie.
​A Real Pain
The hilariously chaotic vibe that Jesse and Kieran both bring to the function radiates through this trailer. Watching it made me feel alive in a sense. There is so much going on and it is all so random and nonlinear but in a really good way. It captured my attention because I was intrigued amongst all the madness and it was like I almost wanted to gain a better understanding of it all. The trailer as well as the movie were amazing and brought me to life and allowed me the pleasure of thriving in chaos since it was not my own.
​The Fabelmans
While The Fabelmans did not come out in 2024 it was too special not to add on this list. The movie as well as the trailer are one of those that remind me why I am so passionate about film (regardless of the fact the movie is about filmmaking). Similarly to Queer the cinematography of this film can make even just one scene appear to be it's own movie. Every component of this trailer tells its own story and forms its own relationship to the person watching it. I would of course expect nothing less from Spielberg but watching just the trailer alone truly felt magical. The movie as a whole will forever be sacred to me.