The Most Anticipated Movies Coming Out This Year

The film slate for the year is a treasure trove of upcoming blockbusters and anticipated sequel films, proving that the magic of cinema remains undiminished despite recent industry hiccups. With multiple continuations in iconic storylines, the promise of box office hits keeps the excitement building among movie buffs. The fervor for superhero movies soars with high-stakes narratives in “Madame Web,” “Deadpool 3,” and “Venom 3,” culminating in the darkly intriguing “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Animation and fantasy collide in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” and “Kung Fu Panda 4,” while “Inside Out 2” ventures back into the rich landscapes of our emotions. Monstrous epics like “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” are set to enthrall audiences worldwide, tagged alongside monumental directorial comebacks from George Miller with “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.” The horror flicks aren’t far behind, with “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Terrifier 3,” and “Smile 2” ready to dispatch chills down spines. And the rhythm of the “Bob Marley: One Love” biopic will resonate with the stories told through music. The multifaceted landscape will draw us through cinematic universes, explorations of real-life legends in biopics, and gripping movie sequels and prequels to satisfy our diverse palate for storytelling in the year ahead¹.

The array of high-profile films reflects a high percentage of continuations¹, providing the ideal concoction of nostalgia and innovation. Not to be overlooked is Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” slated for a September premiere, decorating the Fall season with storied filmmaking prowess. As Halloween looms, two scheduled horror sequels are poised to redefine fear¹. Early risers can anticipate the “Mean Girls” musical adaptation, cueing the curtain rise on January 12 to sing along with Cady and the Plastics¹. The ensemble casts gracing the silver screen this year are not only star-studded but promise to bring distinguished performances to numerous moviegoers worldwide¹. March ushers in the epic scale of “Dune: Part Two,” beckoning audiences to continue the journey over desolate sands and interstellar politics on March 1¹. Unique to DreamWorks’ heartwarming narratives, “Kung Fu Panda 4” also bows in March, extending its paw once again in franchise splendor¹.

Key Takeaways

The year boasts a diverse lineup of film genres, catering to all tastes.
Eagerly awaited movie sequels and prequels adorn the release schedule, with nostalgia and freshness in tow.
Superhero sagas and cinematic universes continue their box office dominance with new thrilling chapters.
Audience-preferred horror flicks are strategically timed for the Halloween season’s thrills.
Musical and story-driven biopics promise to deliver emotionally resonant narratives.
Renowned directors make their directorial comebacks, heralding a year of cinematic excellence.
With multiple installments and a packed release calendar, May emerges as a notable month for blockbusters.

Blockbuster Sequels and Prequels on the Horizon

This year’s summer lineup introduces a thrilling array of big-screen comebacks and iconic franchises, setting the stage for a season dominated by high-profile movie sequels and prequels. With an impressive 44 films set to premiere, viewers can look forward to a rich variety of cinematic experiences².

The Return of Ghostbusters and Kung Fu Panda

Among the most awaited releases, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” and “Kung Fu Panda 4” stand out as quintessential examples of animated sequels breathing new life into beloved tales. The former continues to build on its crossover films appeal with innovative storytelling and spectral adventures, while the latter sees Po tackling new challenges against The Chameleon, adding depth and excitement to this animated franchise.

Godzilla x Kong Collaboration and Planet of the Apes Expansion

The monumental “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” marks an extraordinary collaboration within the crossover films genre, channeling the strengths of two cinematic titans in a joint venture that promises unprecedented thrill and adventure on the big screen. Meanwhile, the expansion of the “Planet of the Apes” series continues to captivate audiences with its complex narratives and groundbreaking visuals, reinforcing its place as an iconic franchise.

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II: The Long-Awaited Follow-Up

After a 24-year hiatus, Ridley Scott, a true directorial legend, revisits ancient Rome with “Gladiator II”. This sequel not only revives a storied film lineage but is also set to enchant modern audiences with its epic storytelling and dramatic depth, spotlighting the enduring appeal of iconic franchises.

Alongside these anticipated sequels and prequels, summer promises a rich slate of diverse movie offerings. Notably, the majority of films – approximately 53% – slated for release are sequels or prequels³, highlighting the ongoing enthusiasm for revisiting and expanding established cinematic worlds. Hollywood continues to thrive on these sequel-driven narratives, ensuring fans remain engaged and cinemas bustling.

Movie	Date of Release	Type
Furiosa	May 24	Prequel
Inside Out 2	June 14	Sequel
Bad Boys: Ride or Die	June 7	Sequel
Robot Dreams	May 31	Original
Hit Man	June 7	New Installment
Ghostlight	June 14	Original

Superhero Sagas and Cinematic Universes

The allure of superhero films endures strongly within our culture, with Marvel movies spearheading the charge. This year, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to enrich its expansive narrative through several eagerly anticipated releases. “Captain America: Brave New World,” set to release on February 14, 2025, sees Anthony Mackie returning as the cherished hero amidst a dynamic shift within the universe⁴. Following soon after, “Thunderbolts,” scheduled for May 2, 2025, will dive into the complexities of redemption, featuring a cast of characters from multiple phases of the MCU, including fan-favorites like Red Guardian and Winter Soldier⁴.

Expanding beyond individual narratives, cinematic universes allow viewers to delve deeper into the complex interconnections between different comic book adaptations. For instance, upcoming projects like “Avengers: Doomsday” set for May 1, 2026, and “Avengers: Secret Wars” scheduled for May 7, 2027, promise to redefine the scope of blockbuster hero flicks with their ambitious storytelling and extensive character rosters⁴.

On the animated front, series such as “X-Men ’97” confirms at least two seasons, ensuring that fans of the original 90s series have much to look forward to in terms of nostalgic yet fresh content⁴. Moreover, “What If…?” continues to explore alternative realities within the MCU, green-lit for a third season and pushing the boundaries of traditional superhero narratives⁴.

While Marvel continues to expand, its counterpart, the Sony Spider-Man Universe, also makes significant contributions with three massive releases in 2024, including “Venom: The Last Dance,” “Kraven The Hunter,” and “Madame Web,” enriching the diversity of superhero films available to audiences this year⁵. Concurrently, DC’s animated and live-action sectors are not far behind, exemplified by their robust releases such as “Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths” and “Joker: Folie à Deux,” a continuation of its uniquely dark narrative⁵.

Undoubtedly, the weaving of interlinked storylines across Marvel movies and beyond into comprehensive cinematic universes continues to captivate and entertain, promising years of innovative and exhilarating comic book adaptations.

Horror and Thriller Titles to Chill the Spine

As the year progresses, horror sequels and thriller movies are gearing up to send shivers down your spine with their haunting narratives and eerie atmospheres.

‘A Quiet Place’ and ‘Terrifier’ Sequels Set to Spook Audiences

The anticipation for horror sequels such as ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ and the next installment in the ‘Terrifier’ series is palpable among fans. These chilling franchises are renowned for their ability to blend suspenseful storytelling with heart-pounding scares. ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ in particular, with an Adjusted Score of 105714%, promises to uphold the scary movies’ tradition of leaving audiences on the edge of their seats⁶.

New Scares on the Big Screen with ‘Smile 2’

Following up on the success of its predecessor, ‘Smile 2’ is expected to offer new layers of spooky cinematic content. This franchise continues to explore the visual and psychological horror that has captivated audiences around the globe. Further enriching the experience, ‘Smile 2’, along with other anticipated releases, brings forward a mix of experienced talent, with the average age of lead actors being 56.4 years old in this genre this year⁷.

For those who can’t get enough of these terrifying tales, it’s exciting to note that 17 new horror series and movies are set to debut, with a large chunk, 47%, bypassing theaters for streaming platforms like Hulu and Netflix⁷. Relevant for avid fans and critics, these projects often reach impressive critical acclaim. For instance, ‘Late Night with the Devil’ stands out with an unprecedented Adjusted Score of 109672%, signaling high-quality horror content that is sure to be a hit⁶.

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Movie Title	Adjusted Score	Streaming Availability
Smile 2	Not Available	Netflix, Hulu
Out of Darkness	91561%⁶	Shudder, Peacock
Late Night with the Devil	109672%⁶	Paramount+, Max

With this thrilling lineup, horror and thriller enthusiasts are sure to find plenty of content to keep them entertained and on the edge of their seats throughout the year.

Music, Biopics, and the Power of Storytelling

The allure of musical biopics continues to captivate audiences, highlighting an enduring trend in cinematic narratives that delve into the lives of iconic musicians. Upcoming titles such as “Bob Marley: One Love,” expected to release on February 14, promise to bring both emotional journeys and factual adaptations to the big screen⁸. The involvement of directors like James Mangold in “A Complete Unknown,” a biopic on Bob Dylan, further underscores the marriage of storytelling in cinema with the nuanced complexities of real-life figures⁹.

This year, the storytelling lens widens to include an extensive range of musical icons from different eras, ensuring that these adaptations resonate with diverse audiences. Spanning from the folk tales of Bob Dylan to the profound vibes of Bob Marley, each narrative offers a unique glimpse into the emotional and cultural impacts of these music legends⁹⁸.

Movie Title	Release Date	Director	Focus Artist
A Complete Unknown	2024 TBA	James Mangold	Bob Dylan
Bob Marley: One Love	February 14	TBA	Bob Marley
Karma Chameleon	TBA 2024	TBA	Boy George

In-depth cinematic narratives offer more than a recounting of past events; they draw audiences into the pivotal moments of these artists’ lives, allowing viewers to experience the highs and lows as if they were their own. Upcoming projects like the interconnected Beatles movies mark a significant evolution in how these stories are told, enabling a comprehensive exploration of each individual’s journey supported by their estates for the first time in history⁹.

As we look forward to these releases, it’s clear that the ambition and scope of musical biopics are expanding. Filmmakers are not only seeking to tell these stories more authentically but also to create a sensory experience that parallels the vibrancy of the artists’ music careers. This holistic approach to storytelling in cinema not only honors the legacy of the musicians but also sets a new standard in the portrayal of their lives and works.

Conclusion

As the curtains draw to a close on our preview of the most electrifying cinematic experiences of the year, we can only marvel at the diverse array of must-see movies that have been spun out of the Hollywood tapestry. Each month brought forth its unique flair: from January’s buzz around the chilling “M3gan”¹⁰, to the adrenaline-fueled titles of February including “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Cocaine Bear”¹⁰, straight through the spring season with hits like “John Wick: Chapter 4” in March¹⁰ and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” capturing hearts in April¹⁰. Even as summer promised scorchers such as “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” in June¹⁰, the cinematic journey doesn’t slow as we look ahead to fall.

For those yearning for fresh stories, the upcoming releases like “Megalopolis”, expected to awe audiences with its star-studded cast including Giancarlo Esposito and Dustin Hoffman, and a whopping $120 million self-financed budget by Francis Ford Coppola¹¹, alongside gripping Netflix premieres such as “Apollo 13: Survival” and “Rebel Ridge” in September¹¹, are a testament to the innovation and grandeur that only movies can provide. The palate of the year’s top films will blend the high stakes drama of “Joker” in October¹¹, the romance of “We Live in Time”, and the contemplative “Anora” which secured a Palme d’Or win¹¹, offering something tentatively beautiful for every movie enthusiast.

In summary, from the return of cherished franchises to the unveiling of new classics, and from the cozy confines of home streaming to the immersive grandeur of theater auditoriums, the array of top films of the year is set to captivate, entertain, and perhaps even define the cultural moments of our times. There can be no doubt that the coming months will be a treasure trove for those who revel in the magic of the movies, ensuring that the narrative of 2023 is filled with the unforgettable stories and characters that only the silver screen can provide.

FAQ

What superhero movies should I be on the lookout for this year?

Superhero movie enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to with films like “Madame Web,” “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts,” “Deadpool 3,” and “Venom 3.” These are just a few of the comic book adaptations and superhero flicks hitting the big screen, expanding cinematic universes with new tales of heroism and villainy.

Are there any major sequel films or prequels releasing soon?

Absolutely! Fans can expect thrilling sequel films like “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Gladiator II,” as well as crossover adventures such as “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” These big-screen comebacks and animated sequels are highly anticipated additions to their iconic franchises.

Will there be new entries in the horror genre this year?

Definitely, horror flicks are not falling behind with “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Terrifier 3,” “Smile 2,” and “MaXXXine” all set to deliver the chills and thrills. Each one aims to uphold the frightening aspects of their series and introduce new scary cinematic content to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Can you tell me about the upcoming biopics and movies about musical legends?

Music lovers and biopic fans have some exciting releases to look forward to, including “Bob Marley: One Love,” which chronicles the life and times of Kingsley Ben-Adir. “Back to Black” will explore Amy Winehouse’s life, while “Michael” focuses on the career of Michael Jackson. All these film projects are set to showcase the power of storytelling through the portrayal of these legendary figures.

Are there any directorial comebacks happening this year?

Yes, there are notable directorial legends returning to the helm this year. George Miller directs “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” providing another chapter in the post-apocalyptic series. Ridley Scott is also making a much-anticipated comeback with “Gladiator II,” returning to ancient Rome 24 years after the original film’s release.

What should movie enthusiasts watch for in animated sequels?

Animated movie enthusiasts should watch out for “Kung Fu Panda 4,” where Po faces off against a new villain, The Chameleon. There’s also excitement for “Inside Out 2,” which promises another emotional journey into the mind with Pixar’s signature storytelling charm.

Are there any notable crossovers or expansions in cinematic universes?

Yes, there are! “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” features a crossover of titans against a new threat, and “Thunderbolts” draws upon various phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to craft a story of redemption that includes characters like Red Guardian and Winter Soldier.

Will there be adaptations from other forms of storytelling this year?

Indeed, adaptations are a big part of this year’s film lineup. The “Mean Girls” adaptation brings the cult classic back to life with a Broadway musical twist, adding to the cinematic narratives and emotional journeys we can expect to see unfold on the silver screen.