Top 50 Best Websites 2024: Get inspired!

“To understand what good feels like you have to look at a lot of good shit” - Rimbo

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Let’s break down the top 10 best. 

#1 Locomotive

For six years running, Locomotive has been crowned Agency of the Year by Awwwards. It’s no surprise they’re at the top of my list—these guys are the undisputed champions of the web. With an extensive library of outstanding projects, Locomotive continues to set industry standards. Keep a close eye on them; they’re shaping the future of digital experiences.

#2 KPR-verse

This site is a masterpiece. From the intricate details in the artwork to the seamless storytelling, UI/UX design, and creative animations, KPR-verse offers an immersive experience that will leave you in awe.

#3 ToyFight

ToyFight strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and playfulness. Every interaction on the site feels thoughtful and delightful. The micro-sound effects are a rare and brilliant touch that elevates the overall user experience. This is a trend to watch!

#4 Metalab

At MetaLab, everything feels connected. Navigation is intuitive, and the site exudes a high-end, premium feel. It’s a masterclass in delivering a cohesive and luxurious user experience.

#5 Redis

This site is the epitome of simplicity, but with tons of character that makes it stand out. The infinite scroll and stunning 3D animations are not only impressive but also add to the overall fun factor. This site genuinely brings joy :)

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#6 Lusion

Lusion is all about smoothness and fluidity. Every element feels alive, and interacting with this site is an absolute pleasure. It’s a perfect example of how motion can breathe life into a digital experience.

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#7 Opal

As my favorite e-commerce site, Opal nails the brand-to-product connection. The aesthetic and presentation are seamless, making it a perfect example of how to create a shopping experience that feels both natural and sophisticated.

#8 GSAP

GSAP is the king of web animation. As a code library dedicated to animations, the way they showcase their own capabilities is nothing short of wild. Prepare to be amazed by what’s possible with GSAP.

#9 OFF BRAND

OFFF BRAND delivers world-class interactions and animations, raising the bar for digital design. Every detail feels meticulously crafted.

#10 PLAYGROUND

Playground wraps up our top 10 with a clean and well-designed experience. The site pulls off impressive effects effortlessly, proving that simplicity and elegance can go hand-in-hand.

→ Access to full top 50 list here ←

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Common Trends I Found in the Curation Process

After analyzing the top websites for 2024, several design trends stood out. These trends are reshaping how we experience web design, and prioritizing them can significantly elevate your own projects. 

Let’s break them down in order of importance:

1. Show, Don’t Tell

The most successful websites let their design and interactions do the talking. Users don’t want to read walls of text—they want to experience the information. Focus on strong visual elements, immersive storytelling through design, and cut the fluff. If a picture (or animation) can explain it, use that instead of text. A clean, visual-first approach keeps users engaged and leaves a lasting impression.

2. Function Over Form

Before getting fancy with visuals, make sure your site works. Prioritize functionality over aesthetics, ensuring seamless navigation, intuitive user flows, and clear calls to action. A visually stunning site is worthless if users can’t easily achieve their goals. Once you’ve nailed the core user experience, you can layer on the creativity.

3. Max Width for Big Screens: Often Overlooked

As more people dock their laptops into larger monitors, ensuring your design scales well on big screens is crucial. Many websites overlook setting a maximum width, resulting in layouts that stretch awkwardly on larger displays. A responsive design should account for this and provide an optimal viewing experience, regardless of screen size.

4. Smooth Scroll Makes a Huge Difference

Smooth scrolling isn’t yet a standard feature on most websites, but it should be. It's one of the easiest ways to make your site feel smoother and more premium. By implementing smooth scroll, you instantly elevate the browsing experience, giving users that fluid, effortless flow that feels high-end. However, it's important not to overdo it—animations should remain subtle and elegant. When done right, smooth scroll adds a polished layer to the design without overwhelming the user.

5. Micro-Animations Bring Sites to Life

Micro-animations are key to creating a dynamic, engaging experience. These small interactions—like hover effects, button animations, or scroll-triggered movements—give a sense of interactivity and polish that makes a website feel alive. It’s a subtle but powerful way to differentiate your design and keep users engaged.

6. Subtle Use of Sound

While sound is often overlooked in web design, subtle feedback sounds can add a tactile layer to the experience. For instance, the snappy clicking sound when hovering over buttons on the ToyFight site is incredibly satisfying. It’s a small, elegant detail that enhances user interaction without being overwhelming. The key is keeping it subtle and refined.

7. Hotkeys in Action

Another emerging trend is the inclusion of hotkeys to trigger actions on websites. This feature can significantly improve navigation, especially for power users who appreciate keyboard shortcuts. By integrating hotkeys into your design, you provide an added layer of convenience and enhance the overall usability of the site.

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→ Access to full top 50 list here ←

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