Movies, movies, movies! I love films more than the next person. So much so that I daydream about the crew filming the scenes, about to yell, “Cut!” It’s a blessing and a curse. The art of filmmaking is fascinating, especially these days with all the technology being used.
There appears to be no shortage of potential box office hits slated for 2024, so I compiled a list of the flicks for which I am most excited. You will notice that some big releases are not on the list. That’s because I truly do not care to see another damn “Transformers” (it needs to stop), the 63rd “Saw” movie or “Bad Boys 4.” Gross.
Here are my most anticipated new movies of 2024!
The Most Anticipated New Movies of 2024
“Argylle” | Feb. 2
The plot seems very interesting; a novelist who writes spy stories is sucked into the real-world underground accompanied by Dua Lipa (LaGrange), Henry Cavill (Argylle), John Cena (Wyatt) and the illustrious Samuel Jackson (Alfred Solomon). The only downfall to this movie is the lead Bryce Dallas Howard (Elly Conway(, who is a better director than she is an actor.
“The Promised Land” | Feb. 2
One of my absolute favorite actors of all time is Mads Mikkelsen (Ludvig Kahlen). His performances in “Hannibal,” “Valhalla Rising,” “Casino Royale” and “Another Round” are all incredible, just to name a few of his credits. “Promised Land” promises to take us on a journey with Mikkelsen through the Danish countryside in 1755, where he wants to establish a settlement that would grant him a lordly title from the crown. He faces conflict from a nobleman, who will soon realize that you do not mess with Mikkelsen. I am so excited for this one!
“Bob Marley: One Love” | Feb. 14
This might be my most anticipated movie of the year. A story about the greatest reggae musician ever? Yes, please! One thing to note is that the Marley family produced the film and was heavily involved in the making, so it should be a faithful biopic. My prediction is that Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley” will either be sitting front row at the Oscars or fade into the sunset after this gets released.
“Dune: Part Two” | March 1
I liked the first “Dune” movie, which had an epic feel to it. Now, add Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan Corrino, Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen), Christopher Walken (Emperor Shaddam IV) and Lea Seydoux (Lady Margot) to an already star-studded cast where Timothée Chalamet (Paul Atreides) and Zendaya (Chani) will lead a revenge story with massive battles. It needs to be seen in theatres.
“Kung Fu Panda 4” | March 4
I hope they make 100 of these movies. If Jack Black (Po) were a talking animal, he would 100% be a panda. In this installment, Po needs to find his Padawan on his journey of becoming the “Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.” The Chameleon, voiced by Viola Davis, stands in his way as she absorbs the kung fu of every villain the valley has faced. “Skadoosh!”
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” | March 29
It’s tough to make a good remake these days, so why not create a sequel 30-plus years later? The new cast reunites with AARP members Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) to battle an enemy that wants to freeze the entire world. What could possibly go wrong?
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” | March 29
Godzilla and Kong team up to battle an even bigger enemy: an orangutan threatening all life. If that isn’t enough to make you watch this film, I don’t know what is!
“The Fall Guy” | May 3
A stuntman (Colt Seavers), played by Ryan Gosling, embarks on a journey to save the big action star and get back the love of his life, who also happens to be the movie’s director and his ex. It’s a good movie when Gosling plays the goofy, charming lead. Pair that with Emily Blunt (Jody Moreno) and Hannah Waddingham (Gail), who you may recognize as the owner of AFC Richmond in “Ted Lasso,” and I will definitely be seeing this action-packed movie.
“IF” | May 17
John Krasinski has been on an incredible rise in his career as of late. He directed both “Quiet Place” films and now this movie about imaginary friends starring Ryan Reynolds (The an Upstairs). This movie looks to be just as good for adults who grew up with imaginary friends as it will be for the children who still have them.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” | May 24
The “Mad Max” remake starring Charlize and Tom Hardy was a good remake, but it left us all wondering what happened to her arm. Now, we can find out in this prequel of Furiosa’s backstory. Chris Hemsworth (Warlord Dementus) stars as the leader of the biker horde who will clash with a young Furiosa played by Anya Taylor-Joy.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” | May 24
Generations later, the apes are fully speaking, whereas human beings appear to have taken on the role of apes, which is a nice flip-flop to continue this story. We were all upset to see Caesar die in the third installment, as Andy Serkis will no longer be portraying a beloved character. But on the flip side, we do get to witness the birth of a new empire of apes being ruled by Kevin Durand (Proximus Caesar).
“Ballerina” | June 7
We technically did not see John Wick die at the end of the fourth movie, so apparently, Keanu Reaves will be making an appearance in this spinoff starring one of my favorite actresses, Ana de Armas (Rooney). The duo starred in “Knock, Knock” in 2015 and is now back in a movie where de Armas will seek revenge on those who wronged her family. I cannot wait for this movie!
“Inside Out 2” | June 14
“Inside Out” might be the most creative movie that Pixar has made to date. To take complex thoughts and emotions and distill them down into an animated movie for all ages is not easy, and they did it with flying colors. In this sequel, Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is now a teenager, which comes with a brand-new emotion: anxiety. Strap in for this emotional roller coaster.
“The Bikeriders” | June 21
This mew 2024 movie was not going to make my list until I saw Tom Hardy (Johnny) as one of the stars. He’s accompanied by Austin Butler (Benny), Michael Shannon (Zipco) and even Norman Reedus (Funny Sunny). How big of a role Shannon and Reedus will have remains to be seen, but the cast list alone excites me. Director Jeff Nichols has apparently created the “Godfather” of biker movies, per “Rolling Stone.” If that is true, sign me up to watch what will surely be another incredible performance by Hardy.
“Horizon: An American Saga” | June 28 & Aug. 16
Kevin Costner will direct and star in this two-part movie about the expansion of the American West during the periods before and after the Civil War. Need I say more? There is some drama surrounding these films, namely rumors that these movies are the cause for the ending of the television series “Yellowstone,” which also stars Costner and is thematically similar. I have not watched “Yellowstone” (I know, I know), but based on the reviews and success of the show, these movies scream home run.
“Twisters” | July 19
Universal Studios has this plot tightly under wraps, but apparently, this is a new chapter from the epic original movie “Twister.” The original was one of my favorite movies, and with the CGI technology of today? I think this movie will make us feel like cows flying around a tornado, and I can’t wait!
“Deadpool 3” | July 26
I like Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), I do, but he has become the same character in basically every movie. The biggest reason I want to see this movie is because of Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), who retired from playing Wolverine after his role in “Logan” but was persuaded by Reynolds to reprise the beloved character. Add the OG yellow suit we all love from the comics and arcade games, and this should not only be funny but entertaining.
“Borderlands” | Aug. 9
Another video game adaptation is making its way to the big screen. This one is directed by Eli Roth. Jack Black (Clattrap), Cate Blanchett (Lilith), Ariana Greenblatt (Tiny Tina), Jamie Lee Curtis (Dr. Patricia Tannis) and Kevin Hart (Roland) are voicing the characters in this, but you had me at Jack Black. I never played the successful video game franchise, but if the movie is anything like the games, we could have a box office hit on our hands.
“Kraven the Hunter” | Aug. 30
Sony superhero movies have hit or miss. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is the best one to date. But then I watched the trailer for “Kraven,” and I have to say that I’m very intrigued by this film. It’s about a man who faces death and combines his blood with that of a lion so he can now use animals to track his enemies. Russell Crowe plays the hunter’s father, who appears to be the primary antagonist. I don’t have high expectations, but they also aren’t that low either.
“Beetlejuice 2” | Sept. 6
“Beetlejuice” is in my top-10 list of favorite movies. Michael Keaton’s performance as the unconventional ghost is one of the best big-screen characters, and apparently, Tim Burton has been working on said sequel since 1990. That’s wild! Along with Keaton, Winona Ryder (Lydia Deetz) and the incredible Catherine O’Hara (Delia Deetz) are reprising their roles, and the cast will be joined by Jenna Ortega (Astrid Deetz), who worked with Tim Burton as the titular character in the Netflix series “Wednesday.” As much as I loved the original movie, my expectations for this one are low, but my excitement level is through the roof. It’s showtime!
“Joker: Folie a Deux” | Oct. 4
We do not know the plot of this sequel, but Joaquin Phoenix will be reprising his Oscar-winning role of the Joker, alongside Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. The city is in an uproar after how the first one ended, and I can only imagine what comedic director Todd Phillips has in store for us in this highly-anticipated sequel.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” | Dec. 13
Sadly, Peter Jackson will not be involved in this animated film. The original plan was to release this movie in April, but it was pushed back to December, which is still up in the air. Regardless, the battle at Helm’s Deep in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” is the best battle scene in a movie, and this new release is the untold story of the epic location. “And so it begins…”
Honorable Mentions
- “Civil War” | April 26
- “The Garfield Movie” | May 24
- “A Quiet Place: Day One” | June 28
- “Despicable Me 4” | July 3
- “Alien: Romulus” | Aug. 16
- “Wolfs” | Sept. 20
- “Alto Knights” | Nov. 15
- “Gladiator 2” | Nov. 22
- “The Karate Kid” | Dec. 13
- “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” | Dec. 20
- “Nosferatu” | Dec. 25
- “Mickey 17” | Date TBA
Thanks for reading my “New Movies to Watch for in 2024.” For more entertainment and fantasy sports advice, find me on Twitter @FantasySven.