As 2023 comes to an end, excitement for the upcoming year of film begins. For 2024, we’re looking at an abundance of highly anticipated movies coming to theaters. Despite the movie industry having to detangle itself from the commotion of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which caused significant shifts in release dates as well as production delays, an intense list of films has been compiled to release this year. Film enthusiast or not, this list will no doubt ignite anticipation.
Mean Girls – January 12, 2024
Starting off the new year strong, 12 days into 2024 everyone’s favorite mean girls will be returning to the big screen. Contrary to how it may appear, this movie is not a remake of Mean Girls (2004) but rather a witty, well-written (by Tina Fey) adaptation of the stage musical Mean Girls. The musical itself was an adaptation of the 2004 film. Reneé Rapp, an American actress as well as singer, will be playing Regina George.
Madame Web – February 14, 2024
In the Spider-Man spin-off, the clairvoyant mutant named Madame Web will be played by Dakota Johnson. The movie should definitely be worth the watch, even if Spider-Man doesn’t make an appearance. Zosia Mamet, Adam Scott, and Sydney Sweeney co-star. In New York City, Web navigates revelations about her past while having to protect three young women from an adversary who wants them all dead.
Dune: Part Two – March 1, 2024
Director Denis Villeneuve will adapt and tell the second half of Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi novel. Part two of Dune will welcome notable actors like Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Christopher Walken to join the cast with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.
Kung Fu Panda 4 – March 8, 2024
Facing his greatest challenge yet, Po ventures throughout Ancient China to discover a new villain, the Chameleon. Directed by Mike Mitchell (Trolls, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part), the fat panda who’s a beast at martial arts must search for a new Dragon Warrior.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – March 29, 2024
The prequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife will be conquered by a new director, Gil Kenan. Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Paul Rudd, and Finn Wolfhard will all be returning to their star roles in the series. Not much has been released about what adventures the Ghostbusters will take, but the setting will return to that of the original films: New York and the firehouse.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – April 12, 2024
In the sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong, Godzilla and Kong face a terrifyingly epic monster that threatens the entire planet. The histories of the titans, the mysteries and origins of Skull Island and beyond into the universe will be further delved into in the upcoming movie.
The Fall Guy – May 3, 2024
David Leitch, an action director who helped with a few notable films including John Wick and Deadpool 2, is taking on the challenge of a movie adaptation of the ‘80s TV show. It follows a stuntman who becomes entangled in a sinister plot that “pushes him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.” Ryan Gosling will be playing the lead, Colt Seavers, with Emily Blunt alongside him.
The Garfield Movie – May 24, 2024
Chris Pratt and Samuel L. Jackson will be voicing Garfield and Vic, respectively. After Garfield finds Vic, his long-lost father, Vic will string him along into a high-stakes, hilarious, heist.
Inside Out 2 – June 14, 2024
The sequel to Inside Out, a coming-of-age story is told as Riley goes through her teenage years. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust will all return to the big screen, navigating Riley’s teen years with her. The original emotions will be joined by a new one, Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke.
Bad Boys 4 – June 14, 2024
The Bad Boys franchise returns with a reunion of Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett. The detectives, played by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, will join up again for another action-adventure. The movie, which is the sequel to Bad Boys for Life, is untitled as of now.
Despicable Me 4 – July 3, 2024
Gru and the Minions will return in July to get into more despicable trouble. There is no specific information available yet pertaining to what that trouble might entail. The spin-off, Minions: The Rise of Gru, came two years ago. Despicable Me 4 will be the next of the franchise, returning to the mainline series.
Beetlejuice 2 – September 6, 2024
36 years later, Tim Burton works his magic to create a sequel to the 1988 film, Beetlejuice. The classic comedy/horror had an amazing cast, so get excited for the return of a few of those actors. With Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara are reprising their roles as Lydia and Delia Deetz. Jenna Ortega will also be joining the cast as the daughter of Lydia.
Transformers One – September 13, 2024
The return of the Transformers franchise will be met with this animated prequel. The movie will delve into the origins of the world of Cybertron as well as the Optimus Prime and Megatron rivalry. Optimus Prime will be voiced by Chris Hemsworth and Megatron by Brian Tyree Henry.
Joker: Folie à Deux – October 4, 2023
Joaquin Phillips, as the Joker, will be joined by Lady Gaga to play Harley Quinn in this Joker sequel. Based on the DC comics, the film is reportedly a musical thriller. Interesting.
Venom 3 – November 8, 2024
In the untitled sequel to Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Tom Hardy will be back to play the alien symbiote possessed reporter, Eddie Brock/Venom. The set has reportedly been built in Cartagena, Columbia. Look forward to November 2024 as loose ends in the Venom trilogy will likely be tied up.
Gladiator 2 – November 22, 2024
The first thing I’d like to preface about this movie is a quick note for those of you who enjoy the series Normal People: Paul Mescal will be playing a grown-up Lucius. The sequel to the epic Gladiator will revolve around Lucius’ story as his new role as emperor.
Wicked Part 1 – November 27, 2024
Wicked Part 1 will be one half of the two-part film adaptation of the highly acclaimed Broadway musical. The story, which tells a new perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West, is directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights.) Looking at the success of Chu’s previous films, Wicked Part 1 will no doubt be anything less than incredible. Also, Ariana Grande will be taking the role of Glinda the Good Witch so that should be another aspect of the production to be excited about.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – December 13, 2024
The upcoming animated fantasy film is a prequel that will tell the untold story behind Helm’s Deep. It will follow the King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand, throughout his life and exploits hundreds of years prior to the great war. Brian Cox will be voicing the king, and Miranda Otto will return for the role of Eowyn.
Mufasa: The Lion King – December 20, 2024
Mufasa: The Lion King will dive into the riveting backstory of Simba’s father, Mufasa. The movie will be a prequel to the live-action Lion King. The voice of Mufasa in the original Lion King and the remake, James Earl Jones, will no longer play the role. Instead, viewers will hear the voice of Aaron Pierre as Mufasa.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – December 20, 2024
With a new villain tease at the end of Sonic 2 of Shadow the Hedgehog, viewers can still expect Sonic to have to contend with being chased by foe despite the potential loss of Dr. Robotnik. Jim Carrey has spoken about retiring from acting, so unfortunately it wouldn’t cause surprise if he didn’t make a reappearance to voice the main antagonist from the previous two movies. Ben Schwartz will likely return to play Sonic, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, and Idris Elba as Knuckles.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse – TBD (previously March 29, 2024)
Due to industry strikes, the release date of this film is now to be determined. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was an impeccable movie, so there’s no surprise that there would be a sequel. However, the sequel was split into two parts, with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse hitting theaters in 2023. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse hopefully and presumably will tie up the loose ends of the cliffhanger Miles Morales and his friends were left on in the previous movie.
