Top 10 movies to look forward to in 2024

This year saw a lot of series and movie productions put on hold as screenwriters went on a 148-day strike for well-deserved raises and AI regulation.

However, things are back on track, and we have a lot of great movies to look forward to as we go into 2024.

Sure, they’re mostly sequels, but this is an opportunity to enjoy a bit of nostalgia and enjoy some comfort after a turbulent few years.

1. Mean Girls (12 January)

Directors: Arturo Perez Jr, Samantha Jayne
Starring: Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli?i Cravalho, Bebe Wood, Jaquel Spivey, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Jenna Fischer, Jon Hamm, Ashley Park

Fans of the original 2004 comedy Mean Girls can look forward to another classic written by the legendary Tina Fey. Although it’s not toted as a remake, it’s an adaptation of the stage musical… which was an adaptation of the original film. So expect some great high school dramedy!

2. Dune: Part Two (1 March)

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård

If you were a fan of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel or got hooked after the first instalment, you’ll undoubtedly be looking forward to this sequel. This already star-studded cast will welcome Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Austin Butler, and Christopher Walken.

3. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (29 March)

Director: Gil Kenan
Starring: Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt

This is an exciting instalment of a popular franchise with Ghostbusters – both new and old – fighting against the forces of evil. It’s the discovery of an ancient artefact that unleashes this evil force, beckoning the second ice age.

4. Bad Boys 4 (14 June)

Directors: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah
Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence

Bad boys, bad boys, watchya gonna do? Get ready for the fourth buddy cop spectacular. Mike Lowery (stage slaps aside) and Marcus Burnett will reunite for another action-packed, death-defying, comedic adventure.

5. Despicable Me 4 (3 July)

Directors: Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, and Steve Coogan

It’s 2024 which means the year of fourths! The hilarious antics of Gru and his yellow minions continue in this mainline series. There is little detail around the storyline, but if you’re a fan of the franchise, then this is one to diarise.

6. Twisters (19 July)

Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney

Rather than a remake, this is a sequel to the 1996 original Twister which followed a couple of storm chasers attempting to test an experimental weather alert system.

7. Deadpool 3 (26 July)

Director: Shawn Levy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Leslie Uggams

More R-rated superhero fun is heading to the big screen as the delightful Ryan Reynolds joins his arch-nemesis Wolverine for another death-embracing instalment.

8. Beetlejuice 2 (6 September)

Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Belluci, Willem Dafoe

It’s hard to believe but this cult 1988 classic is about to get a whole new following! The original director teaming up with the original cast, adding in the Wednesday lead actress Jenna Ortega and this looks like a sequel worth watching.

9. Gladiator 2 (22 November)

Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Joseph Quinn, Derek Jacobi

Sadly, no Russel Crowe this time around (he died in the first movie – spoilers!) but the sequel will focus on the grown-up Lucius who is now emperor.

10. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (20 December)

Directed by: Jeff Fowler
Starring: Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, James Marsden, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey

Finally, we’ll end the year on a fast note with the third instalment of this spiky hedgehog, his foxy sidekick, and his new mate, the echidna Knuckles. Looks like Jim Carrey’s retirement from acting might leave us with no Dr Robotnik, but there have been hints of a new villain – Shadow the Hedgehog.

SOURCES:
https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/most-anticipated-movies-of-2024/
https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/highly-anticipated-films-2024-rcna104764

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