Last year was one of the greatest years of film we’ve had in quite a while, as we got to watch movies like “Barbie,” “Poor Things,” “Oppenheimer” and “The Iron Claw.” These films have made a lasting impression on both viewers and the film industry itself. So, it’s fair to say that many of us cinephiles are ecstatic to see what’s in store for us this year. From the looks of it, this year has another set of stellar movie releases as filmmakers are debuting various films ranging from true crime stories to romantic comedies while also reviving some of our favorite film classics with sequels and prequels. To celebrate what’s to come, we curated a list of films that most people can’t wait to see. Here are the most anticipated movies of 2024:
`1. “Love Lies Bleeding”
Whenever I see an A24 film announcement, I immediately put the film on top of my watch list and I’m probably not the only one who does this as the A24 studio has such a stellar reputation for fantastic movies. So, when A24 announced their new film “Love Lies Bleeding” it caught many moviegoers’ attention as the movie had an intriguing storyline and had Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian leading the cast. The film centers around a reclusive gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) who falls hard for Jackie (Katy O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder who is on her way to Vegas to pursue her dreams. However, their love begins to rift as they both are pulled into the dark web of Lou’s criminal family. The film’s first trailer, “Love Lies Bleeding” grabbed viewers’ attention by seemingly telling an all-around good crime story while bringing fresh new elements to the table, such as a teased supernatural sequence from O‘Brian’s character.
“Love Lies Bleeding” theatrical release will be on March 8.
2. “Abigail”
This year has some amazing horror film releases such as the prequel to “A Quiet Place,” a new installment of “Saw” and a sequel to “Smile.” But one scary movie has all of us horror fans buzzing, and that film is “Abigail.” This movie will be a reboot of “Dracula’s Daughter” as it tells a story about a group of kidnappers who abduct a 12-year-old ballerina and hold her hostage in her manor. The group hopes to receive a large ransom of $50 million from the girl’s wealthy and powerful father in exchange for her freedom. However, their plan turns unexpectedly when the little girl reveals she is a vampire. The kidnappers are forced to fight for their lives as the manor locks up and turns into a fortress. With horror film director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin behind the movie and scream queen Melissa Barrera as a main cast member, we were immediately sold. We can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.
“Abigail” will be released in theaters on April 19.
3. “Challengers”
In 2023, many moviegoers, including myself, were devastated to hear that “Challengers” theatrical debut was pushed back to 2024 because of the SAG-AFTRA strike. But now the new release date is soon approaching, and viewers are anxious to watch it. The film follows Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), an all-star tennis player who turns to coaching after injuring herself during a tennis tournament. She begins to transform her husband, Art (Mike Faist), who is currently on a losing streak, into a world-famous grand slam champion. Tashi’s plan for his comeback abruptly changes when she realizes her husband must play against Patrick (Josh O’Connor) – his former best friend and Tashi’s ex – in a “Challenger” tennis match. The match between Patrick and Art reignites old rivalries and tensions between all three of them. The film reprises sport-romantic comedy and has the talented Zendaya, Faist and O’Connor as the film’s leads. How could you not be enthralled as this film fulfills most of us cinephiles’ dreams?
“Challengers” theatrical release will be on April 24.
4. “Inside Out 2”
“Inside Out” is one of the best Pixar movies as it beautifully tells a story about depression in a light-hearted yet thought-provoking way that all ages can understand and enjoy. So, when Disney announced there would be a sequel to the beloved film, fans couldn’t wait to hear more. The new installment follows the Headquarters undergoing reconstruction as Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) turns 13 and begins her teen years, something Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale) and Disgust (Liza Lapira) weren’t prepared for. Now the gang must try to make room for new emotions such as Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Embarrassment, Ennui and Envy and find a way to work with one another. Watching Pixar films showcase the complex world of adolescents is always such a joy to watch and to see the studio continue to tell those stories has many of us eager for “Inside Out’s” new installment.
“Inside Out 2” will be released in theaters on June 14.
5. “Beetlejuice 2”
It’s been over a decade of talks about a sequel to the iconic Halloween film “Beetlejuice” and after nearly 38 years from the movie’s initial release, the time has finally come. Tim Burton is bringing “Beetlejuice 2” to life and it will debut later this year. This has many of us Halloween fans anticipating the fall season as we get to see our iconic Halloween film once again.
Unfortunately, the plot of the movie has yet to be revealed. All we know is that Winona Ryder is reprising her role as Lydia Deetz and Jenna Ortega will play her daughter. Just from that cast detail alone, many moviegoers are enthused about the sequel as both Ryder and Ortega are known for their remarkable work in both Halloween and horror films.
“Beetlejuice 2” theatrical release will be on Sept. 6.