The best upcoming movies of 2024

Love Lies Bleeding

Writer/director Rose Glass’s follow-up to her devastating debut Saint Maud, Love Lies Bleeding stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian as Lou and Jackie – two star-crossed lovers who end up pulled into a bloody and chaotic tale of vengeance and betrayal on account of Lou’s criminal father (Ed Harris with a terrifying barnet). With its late-80s setting and seedy small-town noir vibes, this romantic thriller looks set to confirm Glass as a major-league indie director.

Release date: 8 March (USA)/19 Apr 2024 (UK)

Monkey Man

Dev Patel’s directorial debut is a John Wick-style action-thriller in which he also plays the lead role: a young Mumbai man who spends his nights fighting for rich men’s sport while clad in a gorilla mask. But he’s been plotting vengeance on his mother’s murderers for years – and he’s about to unleash it in the most destructive, bone-shattering manner imaginable. Originally slated to debut on Netflix, Monkey Man was nabbed by Jordan Peele’s production company and Universal, who will be giving it a full theatrical release.

Release date: 5 April 2024

Civil War

If it were in the hands of a director like Michael Bay or Roland Emmerich, we wouldn’t be particularly excited by the prospect of a film about a future American civil war. But this movie, produced by indie studio par excellence A24 and written and directed by Alex Garland (the mind behind Ex Machina, Annihilation, The Beach and 28 Days Later), looks set to offer a more cerebral view than any adrenaline-fuelled summer blockbuster. Garland himself calls it a “sci-fi allegory for our current polarised predicament”, but the trailer suggests it’s set in the very near future rather than some distant point. Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny star.

Release date: 12 April 2024

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Guy Ritchie movies feel like they can go one of two ways: enjoyably fast-paced action-comedy or try-hard Poundland Tarantino with cod-philosophical musings. Judging by the trailer, this movie curves towards the former, making it a potentially exciting spring arrival.

It’s Ritchie’s take on the classic World War II “men on a mission” movie, following the newly founded Special Operations Executive as they take on the Nazi war machine through guerrilla tactics, espionage and skulduggery. The cast is packed with familiar faces like Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson (who you may have seen in Prime Video’s excellent Reacher TV series), Henry Golding and Cary Elwes.

Release date: 19 Apr 2024

The Fall Guy

Flexing his comedic talents once again, Ryan Gosling is starring in The Fall Guy to prove we ain’t seen nothing yet. Fresh off giving us life as Ken in Barbie, Gosling’s diving headfirst into a concoction that’s part comedy, part “hold onto your seats” action, courtesy of David Leitch. Remember Bullet Train? Yeah, buckle up for that level of intensity, but this time with Gosling’s comedic timing front and center.

In this high-octane flick, Gosling is the stuntman that’s not afraid of a few (dozen) broken bones. Taking a break from Hollywood’s stunt scene, he’s thrust back into the limelight – not for a film, but a real-life action sequence. The plot thickens faster than a London fog when the leading man of his ex-girlfriend’s latest movie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with Emily Blunt playing the ex) pulls a Houdini. Gosling’s character is roped in for a rescue mission that quickly turns from a run-of-the-mill Hollywood stunt to an escapade where the stunts could very well be his last.

Release date: 3 May 2024

Back to Black

This year’s music biopic is for none other than Amy Winehouse, and it’s already causing quite the stir. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, known for steering the ship on Fifty Shades of Grey, this film promises to delve deep into the life of the jazz sensation turned pop icon, all culminating in the masterpiece that is Back to Black.

Taking on the formidable task of bringing Amy Winehouse to life on the silver screen is Marisa Abela. This film isn’t just a retrospective glance at Winehouse’s career; it’s a deep dive into the soul of a woman whose voice defined a generation, whose talent was as immense as her struggles. Expect a blend of raw emotion, stunning musical performances, and a no-holds-barred look at the music industry’s dazzling highs and harrowing lows.

Release date: 10 May 2024

In a Violent Nature

A slasher flick with a difference, this experimental Canadian horror movie bucks the current trend for fast, frenetically edited horror by following the point-of-view of the mute killer rather than the teenagers he’s picking off one by one in the wilderness. The film’s takes are long, slow, deliberate and dispassionate as we detachedly observe the gory goings-on; think Friday the 13^th as directed by Gus Van Sant or Terrence Malick and you’d be some of the way there.

Following its theatrical release, home viewers will be able to stream In a Violent Nature on Shudder later in 2024.

Release date: 31 May 2024 (US)

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes reboot saga is getting is fourth instalment (which may also be the first in an entirely new trilogy). Set hundreds of years after the events of 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes portrays a world in which humans have reverted to a feral, beast-like state while ape civilization has flourished. When a new tyrant emerges, a young chimpanzee called Noa teams up with a human girl to undertake a dangerous expedition that may ensure a peaceful future for both species.

Release date: 10 May 2024 (USA)/24 May 2024 (UK)

IF

Get ready to dive headfirst into a world where the line between reality and imagination blurs in the most delightful way possible. IF, a fantasy comedy brainchild of John Krasinski, who not only writes but directs and stars alongside the ever-charming Ryan Reynolds, is set to take us on a whimsical journey.

The plot centers around a young girl with a rather unique gift – or curse, depending on how you look at it. She can see imaginary friends that have been given the boot by their creators. It’s like Toy Story, but with a twist that’s as imaginative as the characters themselves. And speaking of characters, Krasinski and Reynolds aren’t just pulling double duty; they’re part of an ensemble that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. With voices from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Matt Damon, Steve Carell, Emily Blunt, Awkwafina, and a host of others, the imaginary friends in this movie are set to be as star-studded as the actual cast.

Release date: 17 May 2024

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

A spin-off and prequel to the inestimable Mad Max: Fury Road, this movie fleshes out the backstory for Imperator Furiosa – the badass bionic-limbed sniper previously played by Charlize Theron. Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the role of a much younger Furiosa, joined by Chris Hemsworth (sporting quite the prosthetic schnozz) in what promises to be among 2024’s most adrenaline-fuelled and exciting action blockbusters: expect to witness some of the most eye-popping post-apocalyptic car carnage that has ever hit the silver screen. Happily, Fury Road and original Mad Max director George Miller (now 78 years young) is back in the hotseat.

Release date: 24 May 2024

Inside Out 2

Ready to save Disney from a line-up of recent flops, Pixar’s taking us on another rollercoaster of feelings with Inside Out 2. Just when you thought navigating the emotional labyrinth of a young girl was complex enough, the sequel dares to venture where many fear to tread: the tumultuous terrain of a teenager’s mind.

The original Inside Out did a bang-up job of personifying the emotional whirlwind inside a young Riley’s head, with Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust leading the charge. Now, as Riley faces the trials and tribulations of college, Inside Out 2 promises to introduce a slew of new emotions to the mix – with Maya Hawke’s Anxiety taking the lead.

Amy Poehler is set to return as the ever-optimistic Joy, whispers in the wind suggest that not all of our beloved original voice cast will make a comeback. Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, who lent their voices to Fear and Disgust respectively, might be passing the baton to new talents for this go-around. It’s a bittersweet pill to swallow, but if Pixar’s track record is anything to go by, we’re in safe hands.

Release date: 14 June 2024

The Bikeriders

Based on the 1968 photo-book which documented the very real lives of Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club, The Bikeriders film instead follows a fictional biker gang and its rise to the open road.

Spanning a decade, the film follows the gang grow from humble roots (if biker gangs can be humble, of course) to a more legit criminal crew. It stars Tom Hardy, Boyd Holbrook, Michael Shannon, Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Norman Reedus.

Release date: 21 June 2024

A Quiet Place: Day One

A spin-off from John Krasinski’s wildly popular ‘blind extra-terrestrial monsters with really good hearing’ movies, this tells the story of the aliens’ initial invasion of Earth, following Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) as she attempts to survive a New York weekday that’s anything but quotidian. Djimon Hounsou reprises his role from A Quiet Place: Part II, with Stranger Things breakout star Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff also among the cast.

Krasinski isn’t starring in or directing this film (it’s being helmed by Pig director Michael Sarnoski) but he did come up with the story and is producing alongside action king Michael Bay.

Release date: 28 June 2024

Horizon: An American Saga

Kevin Costner’s first outing as a director since 2003’s Open Range and (no surprises here) it’s an epic Western in which he himself stars! Costner is reportedly also providing much of the financial backing for this sweeping, epic John Ford-esque chronicle of the 1860s, which takes in the Civil War, frontier expansion and settlement as experienced by a humungous cast including the likes of Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Danny Huston and Luke Wilson.

So large is Costner’s scope that the film will be released in two parts over the summer – and he claims there are two more instalments yet to come. The man just loves cowboys that much.

Release date: 28 June 2024 (Chapter 1), 16 August 2024 (Chapter 2)

Despicable Me 4

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to your regularly scheduled, Minion-free programming, the mischievous yellow henchmen (and their less-than-evil master) are plotting their return to the big screen.

While the powers that be are keeping their cards close to their chest, we’ve got a few juicy details to keep us going while you brush up on your Minionese. In this latest caper, Steve Carrell returns to lend his voice to the ever-lovable Gru, alongside Kristen Wiig’s Lucy, and their trio of daughters—Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Polan). But there’s a new Gru in town – Gru Jr., poised to give his dad a run for his money in the mischief department.

The plot thickens with the introduction of Gru’s latest adversary, Maxime Le Mal, voiced by none other than Will Ferrell. Together with his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), they force Gru and his family into a world of chaos and on-the-run shenanigans.

Release date: 4 July 2024

Longlegs

Written and directed by Osgood Perkins (the son of Psycho star Anthony Perkins), this 1970s-set horror thriller stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent and Nicolas Cage as the serial killer she’s hunting. With lashings of occult weirdness promised, an extremely creepy (and blissfully non-spoilerish) trailer and the delicious promise of Cage absolutely munching the scenery as a villain, this might be our most anticipated indie horror of the year.

Release date: 12 July 2024

Twisters

The beloved 1996 disaster movie gets an update almost 30 years later, but don’t worry: the wind is still the star of the show (despite a leading role for man of the moment Glen Powell). And it’s a timely sequel, given the climate change-fuelled craziness that’s currently affecting the weather. This time around the story focusses on a tornado chaser and a weather scientist (played by Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones) looking for suitable conditions to test out a new storm warning system. Expect flying cars, flying houses and flying people.

Release date: 19 July 2024

Deadpool 3

In a hope to save the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ryan Reynolds is back n the latest Deadpool installment. But wait, there’s a twist that might just make your spandex suit tighter—Hugh Jackman is reportedly dusting off Wolverine’s claws to join the fray.

In a move that has everyone scratching their heads and wondering about the logistics (and the timeline integrity), the first Deadpool movie to grace the Disney era is shaping up to be a veritable feast of snark, action, and, dare we say, a bit of emotional complexity? Without even a trailer to go on, details are scarce. But this comic-book flick is blending cinematic universes and beloved characters, and we can’t wait.

Release date: 26 July 2024

Alien: Romulus

A group of young colonists decide to explore an abandoned space station, only to discover that it’s abandoned for a very good reason: it’s now home to the galaxy’s unfriendliest species.

Directed by horror maestro Fede Alvarez (best-known for 2013’s Evil Dead remake and the excellent home invasion thriller with a twist Don’t Breathe), Romulus promises to be the scariest film in the Alien series since, well, Alien. In a movie franchise that has disappointed far more often than it should have, given its arresting subject matter and setting, going back to its sci-fi horror roots might be for the best. We can’t wait to find out.

Release date: 16 August 2024

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The idea of a Beetlejuice sequel has been kicking around since 1990, with original stars Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder both keen – but then director Tim Burton and Keaton got side-tracked making a little film called Batman Returns instead. Now, over 30 years on, we’re finally getting one – and Ryder, Keaton and Burton are all back on board, along with new cast members Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux and Monica Bellucci. Even Danny Elfman has returned to provide the score.

With so many of the original creators involved, we’re hopeful that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (don’t say it a third time, for heaven’s sake) will be a worthy sequel rather than a cold-hearted cash-grab taking advantage of fans’ nostalgia for a creepy comedy classic. 

Release date: 6 September 2024

Maxxxine

In what’s shaping up to be the grand finale of Ti West and Mia Goth’s bone-chilling foray into horror, the A24 trilogy that kicked off with the gritty X and continued with the unnerving Pearl is ready to unleash its final act. This time, we’re catapulting into the neon-soaked era of the 1980s, where the lone survivor from the 1970s slasher chaos of X finds herself under the glaring lights of a very different kind of stage – as a porn superstar. But old habits die hard, and it seems our protagonist’s past is more eager to catch up with her than any fan or paparazzo.

The journey from surviving a nightmare to living what some might call the dream in the ’80s, with all its excess and extravagance, sets the stage for a unique twist on the horror genre. Yet, the ominous undercurrent that made X and Pearl stand out is ever-present, whispering the uncomfortable truth that success and fame can sometimes attract more than just admirers.

Release date: 16 September 2024

Joker: Folie à Deux

After Joker earned millions at the box office, bagged itself a few Oscars and caused some minor social panics along the way, a sequel was bound to happen. That comes in Joker: Folie à Deux. For non-French speakers, Folie à Deux means a shared delusion between two people. That’ll be Joker and Harley Quinn, then.

We know that Joker: Folie à Deux will be a musical, which makes sense given that Lady Gaga will be in a starring role as Quinn. Quinn, the psychatrist turned psycho, will likely follow DC canon and play as some sort of partner in crime to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.

Release date: 4 October 2024

Gladiator 2

It’s been 23 years since Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius… father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife, had his vengeance. Now, Gladiator is back.

And while it might seem like sacrilege for a Gladiator movie not to star Russel Crowe – spoiler alert: he dies in the first one – we have a potentially very worthy replacement in Paul Mescal. We’ll also see Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, and Derek Jacobi all star.

Little is known about the movie plot, but we do know that it’ll follow Lucius (Mescal), the nephew of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus from the original Gladiator. It doesn’t look like Phoenix will be returning either, which makes sense since he’s been busy leading the French army and dancing down stairs with Harley Quinn.

Release date: 22 November 2024

Wicked

The Emerald City is about to shine brighter than ever before on the big screen, with Broadway’s hit Wicked transforming from stage to cinema in an adaptation that’s got everyone talking. Cynthia Erivo is stepping into the iconic, emerald-tinged shoes of the woman who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, with popstar Ariana Grande sprinkling her magic as the bubbly and effervescent future Glinda the Good. And who better to pull the strings of Oz than the charismatic Jeff Goldblum, cast as the enigmatic man behind the curtain?

Joining this lineup are Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, and Jonathan Bailey, who are set to bring their own dazzle to this journey down the yellow brick road. As the cast follows the yellow brick road, this adaptation is shaping up to be more than just a retelling of the Wizard of Oz saga – it’s a reimagining that explores themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of evil.

Release date: 27 November 2024