Cinema is back and it is better than ever.
By the end of 2023, I had finally caved and became an AMC A-list member. Not only was I already spending too much money on movie tickets, but I was too excited about the 2024 lineup of movies that I knew I had to be prepared for.
While many films are coming out in 2024 that I have seen trailers for, there are quite a few I have not. So anticipation surrounding these films is being taken with a grain of salt. Most of this list will be films I’m genuinely excited about, though some will be films I know I am going to see but not sure how I am going to feel about.
So, without further ado, here is the list of films I plan to see in 2024:
Drive Away Dolls – February 23rd
When it was announced that the Coeh brothers would be parting ways, there was a gasp heard around the world. However, Ethan’s newest release seems to promise a bright future for those who are fans of the brothers’ work (depending on how you felt about Joel’s latest film). Two friends, feeling down on their luck, decide to embark on a trip together. However, as cinema would have it, there is a mix-up with their rental car and the girls get thrown into a life of crime… kinda. This road trip comedy has almost anything you could want: lesbians, Florida, criminals, and Pedro Pascal.
Dune Part: 2 – March 1st
If you saw the first installment of Dune, you understand what director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner, Arrival) is capable of. However, despite the success, there was a bit of disappointment with the first film. Mainly, it felt a bit underwhelming and incomplete – because it was. Dune: Part 2 continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), reintroduces Chani (Zendaya), and introduces us to a world of new characters. The cast is stacked with star quality and the plot hopefully has a chance to pick up in this release.
Love Lies Bleeding – March 8th
Kristen Stewart in a romantic thriller is something one could argue we have seen before (every single Twilight movie). But now, fans get to see her in a romantic thriller with a woman and that is something to celebrate. The film, produced by the powerhouses at A24, seems like it has a lot of promise. There’s gay love and violence and many twists and turns, I’m sure I’ll be on the edge of my seat. And who doesn’t love a good A24 film?
Challengers – April 26
A movie about the power Zendaya has over men? I’m sat. Combine that with the genius of director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Bones and All) and tennis, there’s not much to not be excited about. The movie was originally supposed to be released in September of 2023 however the SAG-AFTRA strike put that on hold. But the strike is over, workers are being compensated for their work, and love-triangle rom-coms are back! Well, rom-dramadies.
The Fall Guy – May 3rd
Now, let’s talk about romantic comedies some more! Especially when they star Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. When the star of a big studio movie goes missing, a former movie stuntman has to spring into action. The kicker is, the director of that big studio movie just so happens to be his ex-girlfriend. The trailer for this movie had me blushing and kicking my feet in the movie theater. Despite IMDB listing the film as a Comedy/Action/Drama, I’ve personally labeled this movie a rom-com that just so happens to have stunts and explosions.
If – May 17
Fans of The Office get ready for the reunion of a lifetime. This new live-action animated comedy is the newest film by director John Krasinski (The Hollars, A Quiet Place) and a shift from his previous run of horror films. Simply, a young girl gains the ability to see peoples’ abandoned imaginary friends (IFs). Despite how childish the movie may sound, the comedy and acting in this film are phenomenal. Comedy legends like Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carrell, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emily Blunt, Sam Rockwell, and so many more. This movie will hopefully allow all of us to connect with our inner child (and maybe reconnect with our own IF’s we left behind)
Untitled Deadpool – July 26th
There’s not much I need to say about the anticipation for this film. Fans of the series and Marvel fans are going to get an absolute kick out of this one as the previously dead Wolverine is starring alongside Deadpool. The comedy we’ve seen from the previous movies has been some of the best and I, for one, am super excited to see Hugh Jackman as Wolverine again. I’m also excited to see a comedic Wolverine. There’s also a potential Taylor Swift cameo so sign me up.
Joker: Folie à Deux – October 4th
While the first Joker film received mixed societal backlash, the newest installment is set to receive a whole new set of haters. Kidding… kind of. The newest film stars Joaquin Phoenix, revising his role as The Joker, and Lady Gaga, who is seemingly playing Harley Quinn. But we all know you can’t put Lady Gaga in a movie and not expect fans to want to hear her incredible voice so this newest release is set to be a movie musical. Excitement is a good word to describe the anticipation for this movie, though one could also argue skepticism is a good word too.
Wicked: Part One – November 27th
There are mixed emotions coming from the anticipation of this film. Cast drama aside, Wicked is a beloved musical and some could argue it is sacred to the Broadway community. The original musical is split into two acts and the film will be released in two parts – seemingly corresponding to acts one and two… While Ariana Grande has proven herself a great singer and actress, many fans are kind of upset that Dove Cameron wasn’t cast as Glinda. That aside, the cast is full of star power and it will be interesting to see how they all take on such coveted roles. Oh, and the fact that part two won’t be released until 2025 is a bit of a bummer too.
While I’m certain more films will be announced and more trailers will be released, these are what are on my list so far – not including countless streaming originals.