With a new year come new additions to cinema. The best movies of the year are ones which will fill theaters. 2024 brings some amazing films, both originals and additions to classic franchises. So many new movies mean that you will have to parse through all the options to select the best ones to watch. This list compiles some of these movies being released in 2024 to make your choice easier.
A Year of Sequels
Moviegoers can anticipate a large number of sequel films featuring a variety of well-known characters and worlds when they visit cinemas in 2024. The year promises to provide an amazing array of cinematic experiences for those who want to see the continuation of their favorite films.
With a unique combination of nostalgia and creativity, these sequels will flesh out your favorite characters, introduce fan favorites to established franchises, and build upon the established universes.
Some of your favorite franchises return to theaters this year with these new installments.
1. Deadpool and Wolverine
Release Date: 26th July
Yes, that’s right. Marvel is bringing two of its most popular characters to the screen together. Watch the budding relationship between these frenemies as they look past their clashing personalities to defeat a common enemy.
Director Shawn Levy, who formerly directed the Night at the Museum franchise, may be the perfect choice to bring these two personalities together. With two distinct and defined characters, this is the perfect summer movie.
2. Joker: Folie a Deux
Release Date: 4th October
A sequel to Joaquin Phoenix’s 2019 Joker, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is sure to be a hit. After the original film’s success, another iteration of Phoenix’s Joker was highly anticipated. Yet, it was the announcement of none other than Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn that has generated the most buzz.
Just from the posters, Gaga’s Harley Quinn seems to lack the quirky, colorful hypersexualization of previous versions of the character. Instead, this is replaced with a darker, more somber character.
This film is a musical, meaning that we will be able to enjoy the full range of Lady Gaga’s talent on the screen, just in time for Halloween.
3. Spiderman: Beyond the Spider-verse
Release Date: NA
“Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” swings into theaters this year. While the film was originally slated for a March release, it has unfortunately been met with some delays due to last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike.
However, the final installment to the franchise gives a new perspective to the well-known superhero series when the movie opens in theaters. Continuing on the popularity of its predecessor, this animated adventure is sure to enthrall viewers with its inventive animation and wide range of characters.
The prospect of traveling around the cosmos with well-known heroes like Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker excites fans. The most hype, though, is around the arrival of new Spider-People, who spice up the plot and add complexity. Enthralling action sequences are intercut with themes of identity and collaboration in this visually gorgeous and emotionally stirring movie. “Beyond the Spider-Verse” seems to be a cinematic experience unlike any other because of its distinctive fusion of comic book imagery and classical animation.
4. Dune 2
Release Date: 24th February
Dune 2 hits theaters this February, with a star studded cast. Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Zendaya return to the franchise, alongside the latest addition to the cast, Anya Taylor-Joy. With its release date delayed due to last year’s strike, its fans have been looking forward to the sequel for ages. The first part was lauded as one of the best movies of its time, so there’s much to look forward to.
The sequel to the critically acclaimed sci fi masterpiece brings back our favorite characters to the screen as this epic tale gets its next installment.
5. The Fall Guy
Release Date: 3rd May
“The Fall Guy,” plunges audiences into a world of adrenaline-fueled action and suspense. Directed by visionary filmmaker David Leitch, this cinematic thrill ride follows the gripping journey of a charismatic stuntman who is embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy. This is a film about deception, betrayal, and redemption.
Leitch, who has formerly directed Bullet Train, John Wick, and Hobbs & Shaw is sure to create a fun, action-packed summer blockbuster.
With an ensemble cast of dynamic performers, this film stars Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
“Fall Guy” captivates audiences with its compelling characters, pulse-pounding action sequences, and thought-provoking themes. Enjoy this entertaining film this summer in theaters near you.
And Some Much Overdue Ones
Perhaps it is because of the abundance of reboots, sequels, and spin-offs in the past decade that has already exhausted nearly every franchise, but this year will see some very unexpected sequels as well.
You can expect the return of some older franchises to the big screen as well. Though perhaps if a movie does not have a sequel after more than three decades, people were not really asking for one?
6. Gladiator 2
Release Date: 22nd November
24 years after the original release of the iconic Gladiator, a sequel is in the works. Ridley Scott returns to direct this film, which will explore the life of Emperor Commodus’ son Lucius. This addition to one of the best movies ever will make a whole new generation a fan of gladiators.
With Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal taking the lead, this film is sure to be a hit this holiday season.
7. Inside Out 2
Release Date: 14th June
Pixar’s Inside Out was a hit amongst adults and kids alike. The long-awaited sequel will finally hit theaters this year. This film will be exploring new emotions like anxiety. In the fast-paced modern landscape, this story will be relatable to adults and can be a great way to introduce your kids to the concept of anxiety.
8. Beetlejuice 2
Release Date: 6th September
After 36 years, we are finally getting a Beetlejuice sequel!
Beetlejuice 2 is directed by Tim Burton and stars none other than Jenna Ortega in yet another gothic role reprisal. Winona Ryder also returns to her role as Lydia Deetz.
Enjoy this Halloween with this new addition to the classic franchise as you delve once again into Burton’s strange, expressionist world.
Wait, We Have Prequels Too!
Well, adding to the future of a franchise is not the only way to stretch it out. You can also add more backstory. Have you ever wondered how your favorite characters became the way they are, or what motivated them in your favorite films? Did you ever wonder about every single detail of your favorite worldS leading up to the original film?
9. A Quiet Place: Day One
Release Date: 28th June
2018’s “A Quiet Place” puts you in the midst of a post-apocalyptic world where an alien species has overrun the Earth. But the original film and its sequel leave a lot to your imagination, with many questions left unanswered.
This prequel to the films will take you to the beginning of the apocalypse and will tell you more about the world they are set in.
10. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Release Date: 24th May
Charlize Theron’s Furiosa became a truly iconic character in “Mad Max: Fury Road.” However, the 2015 film only showed us who Furiosa was and not how she became that way. It was one of the best movies of the time, bringing attention to a classic Aussie franchise.
Anya Taylor-Joy is nearly unrecognizable in trailers and posters, covered in grime and engulfed in flames. This signals yet another great addition to the Mad Max franchise, where we develop a deeper understanding of this enigmatic character.
11. Mufasa: The Lion King
Release Date: 20th December
“Mufasa: The Lion King” roars onto screens as a captivating cinematic ode to one of Disney’s best movies. This film delves into the untold origins of Mufasa, the noble lion king beloved by audiences worldwide. The narrative unravels the majestic journey of Mufasa from cubhood to the pinnacle of his reign as ruler of the Pride Lands.
Become transported to the savannas of Africa where Mufasa’s destiny unfolds amidst the splendor and challenges of his kingdom.
Embark on this epic adventure with a voice cast that captures the essence of this beloved character. If Disney nostalgia is what you are about, “Mufasa: The Lion King” promises to reignite the magic of the original tale while bringing a fresh perspective on the timeless story of courage, love, and the circle of life.
While Mufasa’s death in “The Lion King” is already one of the most tragic scenes in cinema, this film is sure to add further depth to it.
12. Wicked
Release Date: 27th November
While much of what you have heard about this film may have been in association with Ariana Grande’s recent scandal and breakup, the film’s latest trailer is certainly promising.
This prequel to The Wizard of Oz tells the story of the friendship between Glinda and the Wicked Witch. Starring alongside Ethan Slater, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh, you can expect Grande’s musical prowess to really shine in this musical.
The Stand-Alones (For Now)
2024 does have some original films too, though. You can catch these standalones if you do not want to have to put in the extensive research and homework that modern franchises demand.
13. Madame Web
Release Date: 14th February
For a few years, the Marvel hype train has been running out of fuel. With more and more movies, miniseries, and shows being added to the franchise every day, it has simply become impossible to keep up. With around 50 films alone, just figuring out where to start is a challenge on its own. The studio has released some of the best movies of its era, especially in its first two phases.
In this climate, Madame Web will truly feel like a breath of fresh air. While it may be part of the Marvel multiverse, this film does not require you to do any homework before you come to theaters.
Dakota Johnson acts in the lead role as a clairvoyant superhero, alongside Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, and Celeste O’Connor. The film breaks away from Marvel’s usual playful tone and instead ventures into a grittier one. It is a dark suspense thriller, and a good sign that Marvel might be taking the hint to make more standalone films.
14. Borderlands
Release Date: 18th September
In 2024, the highly anticipated video game series “Borderlands” will roar onto the big screen with an epic cinematic adventure. This much awaited movie, which is directed by Eli Roth, takes viewers to the far-off and perilous planet Pandora. Under the direction of an all-star ensemble that includes Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the plot follows a gang of courageous Vault Hunters as they search for an elusive alien vault that is said to contain priceless artifacts. With its abundance of comedy, action, and fantastical characters, “Borderlands” is sure to excite both gaming enthusiasts and first-time viewers.
2024 brings many gems to theaters, and you can select some of the best ones to see in cinema through our list. Comment which ones you’re most excited about below!
