Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming in 2024, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won't want to miss.
Ray Waller (Wyatt Russell) is a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness. He moves into a new home with his concerned wife Eve (Kerry Condon) and their two children. Secretly hoping, against the odds, to return to pro ball, Ray persuades Eve that the new home’s shimmering backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for him. But a dark secret in the home’s past will unleash a malevolent force that will drag the family under, into the depths of inescapable terror.
Struggling to find a better life, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is captivated by the power of the rising Messiah and soon risks everything to carve a path to a divine existence.
(L-R) Kaley Cuoco as “Emma” and David Oyelowo as “Dave” in the action comedy, 'Role Play,' a Prime Video release. Photo courtesy of Prime Video.
Emma (Kaley Cuoco) has a wonderful husband and two kids in the suburbs of New Jersey—she also has a secret life as an assassin for hire, a secret that her husband David (David Oyelowo) discovers when the couple decide to spice up their marriage with a little role play.
(L to R) Nat Wolff and Lucy Hale in 'Which Brings Me To You.' Photo: Decal.
Two romantic burnouts, Jane (Lucy Hale) and Will (Nat Wolff), are immediately drawn to each other at a mutual friend’s wedding. After a disastrous hookup in the coatroom, the two spend the next 24 hours together, trading candid confessions of messy histories and heartbreak, on the off chance that this fling might be the real thing.
(L to R) Dolph Lundgren as “Johansen” and Christina Villa as “Rosa” in the action thriller, 'Wanted Man,' a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
Johansen (Dolph Lundgren) is an aging detective, whose outdated policing methods have given the department a recent public relations problem. To save his job, he is sent to Mexico to extradite a female witness (Christina Villa) to the murders of two DEA agents. Once there, he finds not only his old opinions challenged, but that bad hombres on both sides of the border are now gunning for him and his witness.
(L to R) Jon Bernthal as Brett Hamilton and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Isabel Wilkerson in director Ava DuVernay's 'Origin.' Photo: Neon.
While grappling with tremendous personal tragedy, writer Isabel Wilkerson (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) sets herself on a path of global investigation and discovery.
(L to R) Scott Haze and Kate Lyn Sheil in 'The Seeding,' a Magnet release. Photo courtesy of Magnet Releasing.
In 'The Seeding,' a hiker lost (Scott Haze) in the desert takes refuge with a woman (Kate Lyn Sheil) living alone, and soon discovers that she might not be there willingly.
(L to R) Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in 'Miller’s Girl.' Photo Credit: Zac Popik.
A talented young writer (Jenna Ortega) embarks on a creative odyssey when her teacher (Martin Freeman) assigns a project that entangles them both in an increasingly complex web. As lines blur and their lives intertwine, professor and protégé must confront their darkest selves while straining to preserve their individual sense of purpose and the things they hold most dear.
(L to R) Henry Cavill, Dua Lipa, and John Cena in 'Argylle,' directed by Matthew Vaughn.
When the plots of reclusive author Elly Conway's (Bryce Dallas Howard) fictional espionage novels begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past. Accompanied by her cat Alfie and Aiden (Sam Rockwell), a cat-allergic spy, Elly races across the world to stay one step ahead of the killers as the line between Conway's fictional world and her real one begins to blur.
‘The Tiger’s Apprentice' hits Paramount+ on February 2nd. Photo: Paramount+.
A young boy (Brandon Soo Hoo) in San Francisco who meets a talking tiger named Mr. Hu (Henry Golding) and discovers he is the latest in a long line of guardians who protect an ancient phoenix from evil-doers.
In 18th century Denmark, Captain Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) – a proud, ambitious, but impoverished war hero -- sets out to tame a vast, uninhabitable land on which seemingly nothing can grow. He seeks to start farming crops, build a colony in the name of the King, and gain a noble title for himself. This beautiful but forbidding area also happens to be under the rule of the merciless Frederik De Schinkel, a preening nobleman who realizes the threat Kahlen represents to his power. Struggling against the elements and local brigands, Kahlen is joined by a couple who have fled the clutches of the rapacious De Schinkel. As this group of misfits begins to build a small community in this inhospitable place, De Schinkel swears vengeance, and the confrontation between him and Kahlen promises to be as violent and intense as these two men.
Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson) in Columbia Pictures’ 'Madame Web.'
Madame Web (Dakota Johnson) is a clairvoyant whose psychic abilities allow her to see within the Spider-Verse itself.
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley in 'Bob Marley: One Love.' Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. Discover Bob Marley’s (Kinsley Ben-Adir) powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.
Russell Crowe as Reaper in the action film, 'Land of Bad,' a release by The Avenue. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.
When a Delta Force team is ambushed in enemy territory, a rookie officer (Liam Hemsworth) refuses to abandon them. Their only hope lies with an Air Force drone pilot (Russell Crowe) as the eyes in the sky during a brutal 48-hour battle for survival.
Hilary Swank as Sharon Stevens in 'Ordinary Angels.' Photo Credit: Allen Fraser.
Based on a remarkable true story, 'Ordinary Angels' centers on Sharon Steves (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.
(L to R) Margaret Qualley as "Jamie" and Geraldine Viswanathan as "Marian" in director Ethan Coen's 'Drive-Away Dolls,' a Focus Features release. Credit: Wilson Webb / Working Title / Focus Features.
Jamie (Margaret Qualley), an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.
(L to R) Jermaine Fowler, Zac Efron and Andrew Santino in 'Ricky Stanicky.' Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
When three childhood (Zac Efron, Andrew Santino and Jermaine Fowler) best friends pull a prank gone wrong, they invent the imaginary Ricky Stanicky to get them out of trouble. Twenty years later, the trio still uses the nonexistent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behavior. But when their spouses and partners get suspicious and demand to finally meet the fabled Mr. Stanicky, the guilty trio decide to hire a washed-up actor and raunchy celebrity impersonator (John Cena) to bring him to life.
(from left) Po (Jack Black) and Zhen (Awkwafina) in 'Kung Fu Panda 4' directed by Mike Mitchell.
Po (Jack Black) is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace, but also needs someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. As such, he will train a new kung fu practitioner for the spot and will encounter a villain called the Chameleon (Viola Davis) who conjures villains from the past.
Zach Braff as Gordon Kinski in the romantic comedy, 'French Girl,' a Paramount Global Content Distribution Group release. Photo courtesy of Paramount Global Content Distribution Group.
Gordon (Zach Braff), a hopeless romantic, finds his proposal plans are thrown into chaos when his girlfriend (Evelyne Brochu) is swept away to Quebec by a job offer from her ex, a sophisticated celebrity chef (Vanessa Hudgens). Determined to keep their love alive, Gordon leaves Brooklyn for her hometown, only to find himself hilariously out of his depth in attempting to charm her hard-to-impress, French-speaking family.
Russell Crowe as “Roy Freeman” in the Action/Crime/Thriller film 'Sleeping Dogs,' a The Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.
Roy Freeman (Russell Crowe), who is undergoing a cutting-edge Alzheimer’s treatment, is forced to grapple with the impact of an investigation from his former life after a death row inmate that Freeman arrested 10 years prior starts to proclaim his innocence. Intrigued and fighting to regain his memory, Freeman enlists his former partner to help him revive the case and discover the truth. Together, they set off to unravel a tangled web of secrets, forcing Freeman to make some horrific discoveries.
(L to R) Justice Smith as "Aren", David Alan Grier as "Roger" and Aisha Hinds as "Gabbard" in writer/director Kobi Libii's 'The American Society of Magical Negroes,' a Focus Features release. Credit: Tobin Yelland/Focus Features.
'The American Society of Magical Negroes' is a fresh, satirical comedy about a young man, Aren (Justin Smith), who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people’s lives easier.
'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.' Photo: Sony Pictures.
The Spengler family (Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard and Carrie Coon) returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who've developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.
'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' opens in theaters on April 19th. Photo Credit: Daniel Smith.
Based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, 'The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox). The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.
Cast of 'Unsung Hero.' Photo: Lionsgate.
Based on a remarkable true story, 'Unsung Hero' follows David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history.
Kirsten Dunst in 'Civil War.' Photo: A24.
In the near future, a group of war journalists attempt to survive while reporting the truth as the United States stands on the brink of civil war.
(L to R) Ryan Gosling is Colt Seavers and Emily Blunt is Judy Moreno in 'The Fall Guy,' directed by David Leitch.
He’s a stuntman (Ryan Gosling), and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?
(L to R) Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming star in Paramount Pictures' 'IF.'
The story of a girl (Cailey Fleming) who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.
(L to R) Froy Gutierrez as “Ryan” and Madelaine Petsch as “Maya” in 'The Strangers' Trilogy, a Lionsgate release. Photo Credit: John Armour for Lionsgate.
After their car breaks down, a couple driving cross-country to begin a new life in the Pacific Northwest is forced to spend the night in a secluded rental, where they are terrorized from dusk till dawn by three masked strangers.
(L to R) Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in 'A Quiet Place: Day One' from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
A prequel detailing the origin of the creatures in 'A Quiet Place.'
'Borderlands.' Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
After returning to her home-planet Pandora, infamous outlaw, Lilith (Cate Blanchett), is given a dangerous mission and forms an alliance (and potential friendship) with other criminals; including former mercenary Roland (Kevin Hart), demolitionst Tiny Tina and her protector Krieg, insane scientist Tannis, and the wisecracking robot Claptrap (Jack Black). The mission: find and protect the missing (and important) daughter of a very powerful man named Atlas. Although, things may not be as they seem, as the girl holds the key to great power, one that can change the fate of the entire universe.
'Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1.' Photo: Warner Bros.
Chapter 2 continues to explore the lure of the old West and takes audiences on a treacherous journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff / Kraven the Hunter in 'Kraven the Hunter.'
'Kraven the Hunter' is the visceral story about how and why one of Marvel’s most iconic villains came to be. Set before his notorious vendetta with Spider-Man, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as the titular character in the R-rated film.
Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry), better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
(L to R) Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker and Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn in 'Joker: Folie à Deux.' Photo: Todd Phillips' Instagram Account.
A sequel to the 2019 film 'Joker.'
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), an ostracized but defiant girl born with green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a privileged aristocrat born popular, become extremely unlikely friends in the magical Land of Oz. As the two girls struggle with their opposing personalities, their friendship is tested as both begin to fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and The Wicked Witch of the West. The first of a two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn Elessar in director Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.'
Focused on the mighty King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand, and a legendary battle which helped shaped Middle Earth leading into the events of 'The Lord of the Rings.'
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff / Kraven the Hunter in 'Kraven the Hunter.'
'Kraven the Hunter' is the visceral story about how and why one of Marvel’s most iconic villains came to be. Set before his notorious vendetta with Spider-Man, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as the titular character in the R-rated film.
(L to R) Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in 'Sonic The Hedgehog 2' from Paramount Pictures and Sega.
The third film in the 'Sonic the Hedgehog' franchise.