Top Ten Movies Coming out in 2024
One of the best things about a new year approaching is resetting the clock to start fresh and get a jump on things. Gym memberships skyrocket while tobacco sales diminish. People around the country begin new hobbies and work towards their goals with a newfound drive that only a new year can bring. While some may not stick to these resolutions, one thing we can all count on is a fresh crop of films to grace our big screens and make us eager to get back into those theater seats. 2024 has a HUGE list of movies coming out making it incredibly difficult to narrow down to only ten. The year is stacked with films that will grow existing franchises as well as the possibilities of new cinematic universes’ to be birthed. It is an extensive list but nevertheless, in the spirit of keeping things condensed, these are just ten films to be excited about coming to theaters this year.
“Bob Marley: One Love” (February)
One of the most influential musicians of all time is finally getting his biopic, and with the help of his family, Bob Marleys film, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard, We Own This City) is optimistically going to be done the right way. It also helps the hopeful that Terence Winter (Wolf of Wallstreet), Zach Baylin (King Richard) and Frank E. Flowers (Shooting Stars’) are the ones who put “pen to paper” so to speak. There is still not a considerable amount we know about the film at this moment, however Marley’s son Ziggy had this to say,
“Nothing happens before its time, and now is the time for the story of our father Bob Marley to be represented in a biopic theatrical release coming in 2024. You’ve heard the music and you think you know the man but do you really understand what he went through and what moments shaped him into the person he became…this film will bring you to witness for the first time what it was like to be around the legend, to see his pain his sorrows his joys and his redemption.”
Knowing that his family not only endorsed, but produced the film gives us high hopes that we can not only see a behind the scenes look at such an amazing public figure, but also understand the emotion behind the actions he took.
“Dune, Part 2” (March 1)
After the tremendous success of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” in 2021, fans of Frank Herbert’s iconic science fiction novel were left eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story. Now, with the announcement of “Dune Part Two,” anticipation has reached new heights. That’s the issue with having such a hit with the first part of a two part series, the second has to surpass not only expectations, but also outshine the first film.
“Dune Part Two” will pick up where its predecessor left off, delving deeper into the intricate world of Arrakis. With the first film setting the stage, audiences can expect an even more immersive experience as they follow the journey of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) as he embraces his destiny as the prophesied messiah of the desert planet.
One of the highlights of the first film was its jaw-dropping visuals and awe-inspiring cinematography. Director Denis Villeneuve’s visionary approach brought Arrakis to life, immersing viewers in its vast deserts, towering sandworms, and futuristic technology. “Dune Part Two” is expected to build upon this visual spectacle, taking viewers on an even more breathtaking journey through the world of Herbert’s imagination.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (March)
We have seen so many franchises be over saturated with cash grabbing releases, that it is hard believe that such a beloved series of movies would be able to not only go on but create a whole new story and cast of characters to fall in love with. Luckily, the release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife allowed some of the apprehension to subside. So now with a new film coming out, the excitement has grown. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has fans oozing with excitement.
The film will follow the new and legacy ghostbusters as they combine forces to stop the coming of a second ice age after an ancient artifact is found. Gil Kenan will be coming back to the series after working on the screenplay for Afterlife, only this time taking the director chair. Rounding out the excitement for the release is the star packed cast consisting of Bill Murry, Dan Akroyd, Ernie Hudson, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, Sigourney Weaver, J.K Simmons… and that’s just naming a few!
“Civil War” (April)
What if we had another civil war? Over the last decade that is a question that has come up over and over again across the country. All we have known is united, but what if a rift was created that spread across the country and forced citizens to choose sides. Such a terrifying idea can only come to life in the right way backed by A24 studio. Most details about the film have been kept under wraps, what we do know however is that it will take place in the near future in a dystopian America where California and Texas have decided to leave the union and attempt to take over the White House. Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation) wrote and directed the film with a cast including Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman and Jesse Plemons. Promising to be a nightmare fueled thrill ride, this film is sure to open some eyes to the possibilities of what if we lost our unity.
“IF” (May)
IF is the story of a young girl going through a troubling experience causing her to see other people’s left behind and forgotten imaginary friends. That alone should sell this movie, but add Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski (who also wrote and directed the film) along with Steve Carell, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt to the cast, and you are sure to have a memorable film. We can expect a heartfelt story packed full of comedy and action based off of the few details that we have received so far about this movie.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (May)
The highly anticipated return of the Mad Max franchise is fuel throttling its way to the big screen this year. Directed by George Miller, the film takes audiences on a wild ride through a dystopian wasteland, delivering heart-pounding action sequences, stunning visuals, and a powerful narrative that transcends the typical action movie genre. What else could we want from a film set in the “Mad Max” universe?
One of the most striking aspects of “Mad Max: Fury Road” was its visually stunning cinematography, and we can expect the same beauty in a world full of dust and decay in this new installment. The film is a masterclass in practical effects, with minimal use of CGI, which is what made George Miller a powerhouse director in the first place. The desolate landscapes and grotesque vehicles, all created with real-life props and stunts, give the movie a gritty and authentic feel that sets it apart from other modern action films. The color palette of the film is also worth mentioning, as it creates a unique and vibrant visual experience, with vivid splashes of red, orange, and blue contrasting against the arid desert backdrop.
Unlike his previous films however, this new chapter will not follow Max but Furiosa instead. The depth that Charlize Theron brought to Furiosa in Fury Road left big shoes to fill for Anya Taylor-Joy, but rest assured, those shoes will be filled.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (May)
The “Planet of the Apes” franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its compelling narratives, groundbreaking visual effects, and thought-provoking themes. We can only hope that the latest installment, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” takes the series to new heights, while delivering a revolutionary portrayal of a world ruled by intelligent apes. It is easy to be optimistic seeing how most of this franchise have surpassed expectations.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” picks up where its predecessor, “War for the Planet of the Apes,” left off. The film presents a post-apocalyptic Earth where humanity has been decimated by a deadly virus, leaving intelligent apes as the dominant species. Led by the charismatic and fearless Caesar, the apes have established a thriving kingdom in the remnants of San Francisco.
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is its groundbreaking visual effects. The film employs cutting-edge motion capture technology, allowing actors to portray apes and seamlessly merge with the digital characters. This revolutionary technique brings the apes to life with an unprecedented level of realism, enhancing the emotional depth and authenticity of their performances. That’s saying a lot seeing how I am normally a practical effects type of film buff; however the previous films did anything but let me down.
The film not only displays its remarkable visual effects but also presents a compelling story driven by complex characters. Caesar, portrayed brilliantly by Andy Serkis, continues to be the heart and soul of the franchise. His journey from a captive ape to a revolutionary leader is filled with emotional depth, making him a truly captivating protagonist. Additionally, the movie introduces new ape characters who add depth and diversity to the narrative, further enriching the story.
“The Bike Rider” (June)
The history of biker counterculture is one that has rarely reached the big screen. Surrounded by loyalty, union, and violence at times, it is hard to show the true pride of what it means to be in the brotherhood of bikers. The film follows the rise of a midwestern motorcycle club as it grows from the beginning stages of a hangout for outsiders, to a more gang mentality over a decade later. Staring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon and Jodie Comer, the film was written and directed by Jeff Nichols who is best known for Mud and Take Shelter. The hope is that the film will capture what it’s like to be an outcast looking for a family, to the struggles of power and always wanting more.
“A Quiet Place” (June)
John Krasinski blew viewers away when he wrote, directed, and starred in the 2018 extraterrestrial horror movie A Quiet Place. Although this time John has turned over the directors’ chair to Michael Sarnoski (Pig) I am sure John still had a tight grip on what we will eventually see come to life this year on the big screen. Unfortunately, not a lot has been released about the film, but from the title we can only assume that we may see others point of view from the day everything changed in the A Quiet Place universe.
“Bittlejuice 2” (September)
Finishing the list off with one of the most anticipated films of the last twenty years. Tim Burton is bringing us back to the dead with Beetlejuice 2. Fans have been asking for this for so long, but the die-hard fans had conditions. The first condition was that Tim Burton came back on board along with Micheal Keaton and Winona Ryder. Luckily, this is one of the times that Hollywood paid attention and that is exactly what we are getting. Along with Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe and reprising her role as Delia, Catherine O’Hara. The only thing we know about the plot is that it is a follow up to the first film and will continue the story, not re-write it. To be honest, that’s all I really need to get me excited to darken the doorways of my local movie theater on September 6.