2024 is shaping up to be another stellar year at the movies filled with massive blockbusters, highly anticipated sequels, new franchise installments, and original films from visionary directors.
Leading the way is Marvel Studios’ The Thunderbolts. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands, one of its most intriguing teams will assemble for the first time. The Thunderbolts are essentially an anti-Avengers group, with members like Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, and Taskmaster being brought together to tackle missions. Under the guidance of countess Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, this morally dubious crew is sure to serve up plenty of slick action sequences and internal conflict. The Thunderbolts start their mission in July 2024.
Also on the superhero front is The Flash. This DC Extended Universe film will deal with the concept of the multiverse as Ezra Miller’s speedy hero travels through time and interacts with various versions of characters. Different big-screen depictions of Batman and Supergirl have been confirmed to appear. The Flash has blockbuster spectacle and time-bending storytelling on its side when it races into theaters in June 2024.
For giant monster mayhem, Godzilla vs. Kong 2 should deliver on its promise. The epic showdown will continue as Godzilla and Kong explore Hollow Earth. New kaiju like the three-headed Ghidorah are also set to emerge and challenge the alphas. Bigger and bolder titan clashes are practically guaranteed for the sequel arriving in March 2024.
Switching to sequels, Indiana Jones 5 is poised to show that Harrison Ford still has plenty of adventures left in him as the legendary archaeologist. Co-starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the fifth Indy movie comes from visionary director James Mangold of Ford v Ferrari fame. Timed to release in July 2024, Indiana Jones 5 will undoubtedly provide nostalgia along with spectacular set pieces.
Speaking of long-awaited sequels, Cameron’s Avatar 3 keeps the visually stunning sci-fi saga going. More expansive world-building and storytelling focused on the Na’vi and Pandora itself will lie at the film’s heart. Avatar 2 starting laying the groundwork, but Avatar 3 has the change to really deepen the lore and effects work. Slated for December 2024, Avatar 3 remains on the cutting edge.
For horror buffs, Saw 10 arrives just in time for Halloween 2024 to offer more twisted traps and games. This torture porn franchise keeps finding ways to creatively dispatch victims and surprise audiences. Little is known plot-wise for Saw 10, but fans can expect another gory celebration of everything they love about the earlier movies.
On the animated front, the Despicable Me franchise continues with Minions: Rise of Gru 2. The Minions and young Gru will get into more wacky hijinks and villainy a few decades after the 1960s setting of the first installment. Kids and families have loved the lovable Minions for years, so the second Rise of Gru promises more of that zany fun in July 2024.
And for musical theater lovers, Wicked finally gets its long-demanded big-screen adaptation. Focusing on the unlikely friendship between Glinda and Elphaba, Wicked’s subversive story has resonated with audiences since the original Broadway production. With Stephen Daldry directing and Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande starring as the witches, Wicked could enchant moviegoers in December 2024.
Other notable original films coming include Christopher Nolan’s event picture Oppenheimer about the atomic bomb’s creation, Jordan Peele’s latest horror Brainwave, and Matt Damon starring in James Mangold’s crime thriller Signal Hill. Diverse stories like Disney’s animated Wish and the musical Cyrano with Peter Dinklage will also hit theaters in 2024.
From costumed heroes to animated humor, thrilling sequels to thought-provoking directors, the most anticipated movies of 2024 run the gamut. Many longtime franchises continue, while fresh stories also get the spotlight. After the rollercoaster of recent years for the film industry and movie theaters, 2024 lines up to show the big screen’s resilience.