One of the best things to do every January is look forward to everything happening in the new year and looking ahead at films is no exception. 2024 looks to be a jam packed year with a little bit for everyone, especially with many that were delayed due to the strike from 2023. Here are some of the biggest films releasing this year.
“Dune: Part Two” (March 1)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) joins the Fremen as he attempts to bring justice to those who destroyed his family. Arguably the biggest victim of 2023’s strike, the sequel to 2021’s “Dune” will arrive in theaters on March 1 with extremely high expectations. Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival”) has proven he is one of the best directors working and new cast members joining such as Austin Butler (“Elvis”), Florence Pugh (“Little Women”), Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”) and many other stars is worth being excited for. Be prepared for an action-packed, visual spectacle and odyssey-like continuation with a third installment to follow.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (March 29)
Image courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing
Ghostbusters of new and old must unite to face off a new enemy that is threatening to put the world in a new ice age. While none of the “Ghostbusters” sequels have lived up to the original, it is clear that the fanbase is strong enough to push for new installments, after the previous installment finished with one of the top box office’s in 2021. One of the biggest worries going into “Frozen Empire” will be whether the film relies too much on nostalgia rather than building a real story, but it should be a fun watch regardless.
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (March 29)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Godzilla and King Kong join forces to face a monstrous threat to themselves and the entire human race. “Godzilla vs. Kong” was a massive box office hit, bringing in nearly $500 million worldwide, making this sequel no real surprise. Most people know what to expect going into these films and that is part of why they are enjoyable to so many. There has been more of an emphasis on the kaiju action rather than a gripping story and seeing Godzilla and Kong team up should bring some memorable destructive set pieces.
“Challengers” (April 26)
Image courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
To help her grand slam champion husband (Mike Faist) get out of a slump, Tashi Donaldson (Zendaya) pits him against his former best friend and her former boyfriend (Josh O’Connor) . The latest from Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name”) brings another seemingly emotionally complex and challenging story, while also hopefully rejuvenating the sports genre at the same time. The acting looks to be among the best of the year with a gripping and tense story.
“Civil War” (April 26)
Image courtesy of A24
A group of journalists make their way across the USA to survive an escalating civil war in a near dystopian future. Heavily inspired by present day events and political atmosphere, “Civil War” looks to be a harrowing and difficult watch due to how realistic these events could be, but a seemingly important one at the same time. Alex Garland (“Ex Machina”) has proven to be a capable director and it will be interesting to see his take on a film of this scope.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (May 24)
Image courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Taking place 300 years in the future, a young ape embarks on a journey about the truth of the apes’ past. Although it hurts that the story of Caesar (Andy Serkis) is over, it is the right move to show how far the apes have come, while also having the ability to connect to the previous trilogy. The visuals, unsurprisingly, look astounding and it is almost unbelievable to see how far the industry has come. “Kingdom” will also be the start of its own trilogy, which should bridge the gap between the previous trilogy and the original films.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (May 24)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
A young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy) is taken into a Biker Horde and must find her way back to the Wasteland while two Tyrants fight for dominance. “Mad Max: Fury Road” was acclaimed as one of the best action films in recent memory and this prequel could be on the same trajectory if it follows the incredible visuals and brutality of its predecessor. Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”) co-stars as the leader of the Biker Horde and should bring a fun presence in what should be an action packed thrill ride.
“Inside Out 2” (June 14)
Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Riley, now entering her teenage years, encounters new emotions, with her old ones not knowing how to feel. Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui and Envy join the emotions, which is no real surprise given today’s emphasis on mental health, especially in teenagers. “Pixar” is home to some of the best animated films of all time, but has seemingly hit a slump with their creativity, relying on sequels and reused ideas. This seemingly unnecessary sequel has plenty of room to surprise, but can always land in the right spot with younger audiences.
“Bad Boys 4” (June 14)
Image courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing
Will Smith (“Men in Black”) and Martin Lawrence (“Nothing to Lose”) return as Miami Cops, following up 2020’s highest grossing film “Bad Boys For Life.” Michael Bay (“Transformers”), who directed the first installments, is returning as well, and it will be interesting to see the public’s reception to Smith’s first big film since the infamous Oscars slap. Nonetheless, the “Bad Boys” films are the epitome of action comedy and should hopefully be a fun ride.
“A Quiet Place: Day One” (June 28)
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
The third installment of “A Quiet Place” series shows the first day of the aliens that came to Earth. The first film was one of the better horror films of the 2010’s due to its grounded story and incredibly tense moments. The sequel “A Quiet Place Part II” showed some of the first day the aliens arrived and was arguably the best part of the film, making “Day One” a must see for any fans of the franchise.
“Deadpool 3” (July 26)
Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) team up to defeat a common enemy. With the exact plot unknown at the time, it is impossible to not be excited for the latest superhero film. Reynolds and Jackman have great chemistry in real life, which will translate on screen to each actors’ most notable role. Superhero fatigue has seemingly hit moviegoers hard, so “Deadpool 3” has the perfect opportunity to bring a breath of fresh air in the genre, as its original did back in 2016.
“Alien: Romulus” (August 16)
Image courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Set between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” the Xenomorph finds its way to a distant world. Not much is known about the ninth installment of the franchise, but there is a lot to be excited about. Fede Álvarez (“Don’t Breathe”) has a great knack for suspense, which will fit perfectly for a franchise that has leaned more into the sci-fi aspect than the horror recently. According to Álvarez and the “A.V. Club,” Ridley Scott, who does not give compliments easily, has given the film his blessing and said it is great.
“Beetlejuice 2” (September 6)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
The follow-up to the 1988 film from Tim Burton, a ghost is recruited to help haunt a house. Very little else is known about the film, but Michael Keaton (“Birdman”) is returning as the titular character and also stars Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”), Willem Dafoe (“The Florida Project”) and Winona Ryder (“Edward Scissorhands”). This could very much be a return to form for Burton, whose recent films have received mixed reviews.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” (October 4)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Touted as a musical thriller, we will see Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) meet Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). The 2019 film “Joker” has firmly etched itself in pop culture and film history, making a sequel inevitable. Todd Phillips (“The Hangover) is returning to direct and making the film a musical is an interesting, yet beneficial decision, that encapsulates the two characters extremely well. Not much else is known about the film, but should be on everyone’s radar come fall.
“Wicked Part 1” (November 27)
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
The first part of the adaptation of the award winning Broadway musical showcases the beginnings of the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande). This adaptation has been 12 years in the making and has a lot to live up to, given the musical is incredibly beloved.
