Home | Entertainment | The Best Upcoming Movie Releases of 2024
As 2024 unfolds, movie lovers are in for a treat. From long-awaited sequels to brand-new franchises, the film industry is brimming with excitement and innovation. Whether you're a fan of action, fantasy, sci-fi, drama, or animation, there’s something for everyone in the lineup of upcoming releases. Here are some of the most anticipated films set to hit theaters in 2024.
1. Deadpool 3 (May 3, 2024)
Director: Shawn Levy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
The Merc with a Mouth is finally back in Deadpool 3, and this time, it’s bigger than ever. After the events of Deadpool 2, fans were left wondering how the chaotic anti-hero would fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With Hugh Jackman reprising his role as Wolverine, Deadpool 3 promises to deliver irreverent humor, jaw-dropping action, and plenty of fourth-wall-breaking moments. This film also marks the first time Deadpool appears in a Marvel movie since Disney's acquisition of Fox, so expect a ton of surprises.
2. Mad Max: The Wasteland (TBA, 2024)
Director: George Miller
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Tom Burke
After the monumental success of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), George Miller is returning to the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max with The Wasteland. Set in the same brutal, lawless desert landscape, this prequel will focus on the origins of Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. The film will explore the rise of a young Furiosa as she attempts to escape the warlord Immortan Joe and lead a rebellion against his oppressive rule. With stunning visuals, fierce action sequences, and Miller's distinct vision, this film is poised to be a must-see for fans of the franchise.
3. Avatar 3 (December 20, 2024)
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver
James Cameron’s Avatar franchise continues to captivate audiences with its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive world-building. Avatar 3 will delve deeper into the alien world of Pandora, introducing new ecosystems, characters, and conflicts. Following the success of Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), fans are eager to see how Jake and Neytiri’s story evolves as they face new challenges both from human invaders and internal strife. With Cameron’s unparalleled commitment to pushing cinematic boundaries, expect another visually stunning adventure.
4. Killers of the Flower Moon (April 2024)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone
This highly anticipated historical drama from Martin Scorsese is based on David Grann’s non-fiction book about the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma. Killers of the Flower Moon tells the story of a string of killings targeting the Osage Nation, whose members became some of the richest people in the world after oil was discovered beneath their land. With a powerhouse cast including Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, this film promises to be a searing indictment of systemic racism and greed in American history.
5. Fantastic Four (May 2, 2024)
Director: Matt Shakman
Starring: TBD
After years of speculation and fan anticipation, the Fantastic Four are finally making their way to the MCU in 2024. While specific casting details remain under wraps, the film promises to introduce Marvel’s first family into the broader MCU. With Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, at the helm, fans are eager to see how Marvel reinvents these iconic characters for a new generation. Will we see a more traditional take on Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, or will the film take the team in a fresh direction?
6. Rebel Moon (2024)
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou
Zack Snyder’s long-awaited Rebel Moon is a space opera that has generated significant buzz even before its release. Set in a galaxy on the brink of war, the film follows a young woman (played by Sofia Boutella) as she assembles a ragtag group of rebels to fight against an oppressive empire. Fans of Snyder’s work in 300 and Zack Snyder's Justice League are excited to see him tackle the sci-fi genre with his signature visual style and epic storytelling. With comparisons to Star Wars and Dune, Rebel Moon is expected to be one of 2024’s most thrilling space adventures.
7. Joker: Folie à Deux (October 4, 2024)
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz
The highly anticipated sequel to Joker (2019) will bring back Joaquin Phoenix’s troubled and complex Arthur Fleck. But this time, he will be joined by Lady Gaga, who plays Harley Quinn, in what promises to be a musical take on Gotham's most infamous couple. Folie à Deux (French for "a madness shared by two") explores the dark, symbiotic relationship between Fleck and Quinn, as the two dive deeper into their chaotic lives together. Expect a film that blends psychological drama with musical elements, all set against Gotham’s gritty backdrop.
8. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (March 29, 2024)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Hunter Schafer
Fans of The Hunger Games will return to Panem with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel set decades before Katniss Everdeen’s time. This film focuses on Coriolanus Snow, the future dictator of Panem, and his rise to power during the 10th annual Hunger Games. The story will explore Snow’s early life as a mentor in the games, his complex relationship with his tribute, and his dark path to becoming the tyrant seen in the original series. With the same director as the original Hunger Games films, this prequel promises to expand the universe while delving into the origins of one of its most iconic characters.
9. The Marvels (February 16, 2024)
Director: Nia DaCosta
Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani
A direct sequel to Captain Marvel (2019), The Marvels brings together Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) in an intergalactic adventure. The trio of powerful women will face off against a new cosmic threat, blending action, humor, and heart in classic Marvel fashion. With WandaVision and Ms. Marvel setting the stage for these characters’ interaction, The Marvels is shaping up to be a fun, high-energy ride in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.
10. Dune: Part Two (March 15, 2024)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh
Following the success of Dune (2021), Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated Dune: Part Two will continue the epic saga of Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach. The film promises to cover the latter half of Frank Herbert’s classic novel, with an emphasis on Paul’s rise to power and his relationship with Chani (Zendaya). With breathtaking visuals and an all-star cast, this installment will likely be one of the biggest blockbusters of 2024, bringing the sweeping, intricate world of Dune to even greater heights.
Conclusion
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for cinema, with diverse genres, fresh talent, and ambitious stories coming to the big screen. Whether you're a superhero aficionado, a lover of historical dramas, or a sci-fi enthusiast, there’s no shortage of incredible films to look forward to. Mark your calendars—2024 will be a year to remember in the world of film.