New movies 2024: the most exciting films coming to theaters this year

Gretchen, Regina, and Karen sit and smile in a classroom in 2024's Mean Girls, one of this year's new movies
Get in, loser – we're going to watch Mean Girls' movie remake. (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Looking for some of the new movies releasing in theaters in 2024? We've got you covered.

In this article, we've rounded up the most anticipated new films of the year. At the time of writing, you'll find entries for movies due out between January and April, but we'll be adding even more of 2024's sizzling flicks to our list in the weeks ahead. So, if you want to know what new movies you'll see from Marvel and DC, or you're searching for other specific genre, such as terrifying horrors, cool-looking indies, and potential 2025 Oscar winners (yes, we're looking that far ahead), our entertainment experts will be here to provide the goods.

Our collection of new flicks doesn't end here, though. You can get the lowdown on all of the new Netflix movies, new Max movies, new Prime Video movies, and new Disney Plus movies with our help, too. Bookmark those guides for later, however, and read on for the best new movies set to be released this year.

New movies: January 2024

The Book of Clarence

Release date: out now in the US and UK (February 22 in Australia)

This biblical comedy-drama, which has satirical shades of Monty Python's Life of Brian, aims to retell the legendary story of Jesus Christ, albeit through a Black celebratory lens.

Lakeith Stanfield plays the titular character, who attempts to capitalize on the rise of the religious leader (and son of God, don't forget) by installing himself as another God's Messiahs. Unfortunately, things don't go to plan for the down-on-his-luck Clarence, especially when he draws the attentions of Jerusalem's Roman overlords.

Jeyme Samuels (The Harder They Fall) is on dual writing and directing duties, while Omar Sy, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, James MacAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Caleb McLaughlin are part of The Book of Clarence's starry ensemble cast.

Mean Girls

Release date: out now worldwide

Tina Fey's musical teen comedy remake of 2000s film Mean Girls has landed in theaters, and fans of the original have already driven to their nearest multiplex to enjoy 2024's fetch reimagining of the cult classic.

Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which is based on the 2004 movie adaptation and Rosalind Wiseman's 'Queen Bees and Wannabees' book, Mean Girls follows Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) as she navigates the social hierarchy of her new high school after years of home schooling. TikTok sensation Reneé Rapp plays the iconic Regina George, with Auliʻi Cravalho, Bebe Wood, Christopher Briney, and Avantika Vandanapu also playing important roles. Prepare to hear "On Wednesdays we wear pink" and similarly instantly quotable lines all over again.

All Of Us Strangers

Release date: January 26 in the UK (out now in the US and Australia)

Andrew Haigh's first feature film for six years is finally due out in UK cinemas before the end of the month.

All of Us Strangers stars Adam (Sherlock and Fleabag's Andrew Scott), whose mysterious encounter with neigbor Harry (Aftersun and Normal People's Paul Mescal) disrupts the flow of his everyday life. As the duo's relationship begins to blossom, Adam struggles to let go of his past, and strangely begins seeing visions of his deceased parents in the childhood home he left three decades ago. A romantic fantasy-thriller with two excellent leads that might cause an upset or two on the 2024 awards circuit.

The Color Purple

Release date: January 26 in the UK, January 25 in Australia (out now in the US)

Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has received a big screen glow up – following its early 21st century stage musical adaptation – and it's out in the UK and Australia very soon.

The Color Purple tells the tale of Celie Harris Johnson (played here by Fantasia Barrino) and the extraordinary, albeit at-times horrifyingly abusive journey she goes on in the early 1900s. Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, and H.E.R. are among its starry cast.

Blitz Bazawule (Black Is King, The Burial of Kojo) directs from a screenplay penned by Marcus Gardley (Maid, The Chi). Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg are part of the movie's world-famous producing team, too.

Miller's Girl

Release date: January 26 (US only)

Martin Freeman (The Hobbit trilogy) and Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream) star in this forthcoming indie thriller that appears like it'll have enough twists and turns to keep viewers engaged.

The leading duo play Jonathan and Cairo, a teacher and student who enter a dark relationship after they work together on a creative writing assignment. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's Point Grey Pictures developed the movie, with Lionsgate snapping up distribution rights to give Miller's Girl some financial muscle. One to keep close tabs on if you're a fan of mystery-laced dramas.

New movies: February 2024

Argylle

Release date: February 2 (US and UK), February 1 (Australia)

Matthew Vaughn, director of The Kingsman and Kick-Ass, returns to the theatrical fray with a metatextual spy comedy that'll have you guessing about what's fact and what's fiction.

Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, and Henry Cavill, Argylle sees Howard's Elly Conway, a best-selling but introverted author, unexpectedly become embroiled in the world of espionage when the stories in her best-selling novels take on a new life by way of a sinister crime syndicate. Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and John Cena are among the supporting cast.

Here's hoping Apple's latest spy-based venture (which it's co-developed with Universal) is far better than Ghosted, its most recent and critically panned espionage genre-inspired flick.

Lisa Frankenstein

Release date: February 9 (US and Australia), March 22 (UK)

After her previous film – Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – failed to light up the box office for Marvel in early 2023, Kathryn Newton returns in this horror comedy that's been directed by none other than Zelda Williams, daughter of the late and great Robin Williams, who makes her feature film directing debut here.

So, what's Lisa Frankenstein about? In it, Newton plays Lisa Swallows, a late 80s teen goth who brings a handsome Victorian man (Cole Sprouse) back to life in a lightning storm. Once resurrected and rebuilt into the man of her dreams, Lisa and her new beau embark on a humorous murder spree to exact revenge on those who have humiliated and/or traumatized her. Here's hoping it doesn't decompose in cinemas upon release.

Bob Marley: One Love

Release date: February 14

Another Marvel alumnus whose first MCU appearance – in Secret Invasion – was trashed by many, Kingsley Ben-Adir will aim to get his acting career back on track in Paramount Pictures' biographical musical drama that celebrates the life of the legendary Bob Marley.

Ben-Adir will play the famous reggae singer-songwriter, who rose to prominence for his irrefutably iconic Jamaican-inspired songs, spiritual nature and Rastafarian beliefs, and outspoken support for democratic social reforms – views that saw the global icon survive an assassination attempt in 1976 before dying from skin cancer in 1981. Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, and Michael Gandolfini are among Bob Marley: One Love's strong supporting cast.

Madame Web

Release date: February 14 (US and Australia), February 16 (UK)

One of two Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU) movies set to arrive this year, Madame Web will aim to give audiences a different kind of love bite on Valentine's Day.

Billed as a superhero-mystery take on the Groundhog Day formula, the Dakota Johnson-starring flick sees the lead actor play Cassandra Webb/Madame Web, a paramedic whose dormant clairvoyant abilities surface when a deadly adversary from the future threatens to kill three young women with eventual superpowers of their own.

Madame Web's first time-hopping trailer made it look like Spider-Man, Terminator, and Loki season 2 rolled into one, which makes it sound really appealing. However, fans have struggled to look past its derivative plot – which is mostly spoiled in the teaser – as well as its corny dialog and creative deviations from the sourcematerial, so expect this one to be another average to poorly-received SSU entry.

Drive-Away Dolls

Release date: February 23 (US), March 15 (UK), February 22 (Australia)

This crime comedy road-trip movie from Ethan Coen – yep, one of the two beloved Coen brother directors – might not be on your radar. But, with a starry A-list supporting cast including The Last of Us' Pedro Pascal, Oppenheimer's Matt Damon, and Rustin's Colman Domingo, Drive-Away Dolls could be a sleeper hit when it's eventually released.

Margaret Qualley stars as Jamie, a free spirit who embarks of an impromptu trip to Tallahassee with her more reserved best friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) following a break-up. However, when the pair get embroiled in the affairs of an inept criminal gang, things don't take long to go awry. Start your engines in 3, 2, 1...

New movies: March 2024

Dune: Part Two

Release date: March 1 (US and UK), March 14 (Australia)

The most disappointing thing about 2021's Dune was its non-descript ending. But, as anyone who’s sat through David Lynch’s flawed 1984 movie will tell you, slicing Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel in two was certainly a better plan than squeezing it into a single film.

Now, after numerous delays owing to the 2023 Hollywood actors and writers strikes, Dune: Part Two is set to emerge from beneath Arrakis' sandy wasteland in March. And, based on its three teasers – including its epic final trailer that teases all-out war, new villains, and a possible third film – it'll have been worth the wait.

Joining Dune's already impressive ensemble cast are Elvis’ Austin Butler, Black Widow’s Florence Pugh, No Time to Die’s Léa Seydoux, and the needs-no-introduction Christopher Walken. Expect this one to be one of 2024's best early new movies.

Kung Fu Panda 4

Release date: March 8 (US and UK), March 28 (Australia)

Few DreamWorks properties have proven as popular as Kung Fu Panda since the 21st century began, so the announcement – and forthcoming arrival – of the franchise's fourth movie has excited fans of the previous three flicks.

Jack Black returns to voice seminal protagonist Po the Panda, who's charged with finding his successor for the role as Dragon Warrior while fighting a new foe known as The Chameleon. Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane, and Ke Huy Quan are among its A-list voice cast.

Imaginary

Release date: March 8 (US and UK), March 7 (Australia)

One of two movies about imaginary friends releasing in the first half of 2024, Imaginary is the more horrifying of that duo.

Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2, The Curse of Bridge Hollow) directs – and co-wrote – this terrifying supernatural flick that centers on a seemingly haunted stuffed animal named Chauncey. The bear was previously owned by Jessica (DeWanda Wise) but, when her stepdaughter Alice (Pyper Braun) suddenly becomes attached to it and sinister incidents start occurring, Jessica realizes Chauncey isn't the cute toy she once remembered. You'll never look at your stuffed animal collection in the same way again.

Love Lies Bleeding

Release date: March 8 (US), March 14 (Australia), April 19 (UK)

The first of A24's new movies line-up for 2024, Love Lies Bleeding is a romantic thriller from Saint Maud filmmaker Rose Glass.

Katy O'Brian (The Mandalorian, Ant-Man 3) plays Jackie, a bisexual bodybuilder who Lou (Twilight's Kristen Stewart), an employee at the gym Jackie starts training at, falls for. Unfortunately, the pair's potential romance hits a major snag when Jackie becomes wrapped up in the escapades of Lou's criminal family. Jenna Malone, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris also feature. Will it keep A24's acclaimed track record, erm, on track? We'll have to wait and see.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Release date: March 22 (US), March 29 (UK), March 28 (Australia)

Ghostbusters: Afterlife brought a small-town, Stranger Things-like vibe to the veteran spook-hunting franchise, but this follow-up will bring the action back to the Big Apple.

Here's Frozen Empire's official story synopsis: "The Spengler family 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."

Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, and Celeste O'Connor will return from the Afterlife cast. Franchise newcomers Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, and Logan Kim are also on hand for some bustin', while beloved veterans Dan Ackryod, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts are also back.

Godzilla vs Kong: The New Empire

Release date: March 29 (US), April 12 (UK), March 14 (Australia)

Bumped up two weeks – in the US, anyway – from its original launch date, the sequel to 2021's Godzilla vs Kong crashes into theaters soon.

Godzilla vs Kong: The New Empire sees the titular kaiju join forces (after beating the living daylights out of each other in the last film) to tackle a new menacing threat from the Hollow Earth. Its first trailer, which was released in early December 2023, revealed said dangerous foe, what appears to be a baby Kong, and a pink Godzilla.

Thanks to hit Apple TV Plus prequel series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and highly-rated Toho-developed movie Godzilla: Minus One, Godzilla has never been more popular. Expect one of March's new movies to do extremely well at the global box office.

New movies: April 2024

The First Omen

Release date: April 5 (US and UK), April 4 (Australia)

Serving as a prequel to beloved 1976 flick The Omen, this Arkasha Stevenson-directed movie is the latest horror film that attempts to – unnecessarily, some may argue – fill in the gaps in its franchise lore. Here's its synopsis: "When a young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, she encounters a darkness that causes her to question her own faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate."

Nell Tiger Free, Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy are among its main cast members.

Civil War

Release date: April 12 (US), April 26 (UK), April 24 (Australia)

A war-based action-drama whose story could become a reality if humanity isn't careful, Civil War is another A24-developed movie that seems like it'll do well with general audiences.

Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Men) returns to helm this feature, which sees a team of journalists travel across a neo-dystopian US to document the unfolding conflict between a dictatorial government and an expansive Florida-based militia. Real-life married couple Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Nick Offerman, and Stephen McKinley Henderson star.

Abigail

Release date: April 19 (US), TBC (UK and Australia)

It seems April 2024 is making a play to be the year's spookiest month outside of October. Indeed, as well as The First Omen, this Dracula-inspired horror movie will make its theatrical debut this month, too.

When a group of would-be criminals kidnap a seemingly unthreatening 12-year-old ballerina, all they have to do is watch over her for 12 hours – at night, we should add – in order to collect a $50 million bounty. Unbeknownst to the gang, though, they've abducted the child of a menacing underworld figure. To paraphrase Rorschach from legendary graphic novel Watchmen: she's not trapped in there with them, rather they're stuck in their hideout with her.

Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevenson, Kathryn Newton, Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Durand are some of the notable names set to feature. Radio Silence – aka Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who masterminded the Scream franchise's return – are on co-directing duties.

Challengers

Release date: April 26 (US and UK), April 24 (Australia)

Originally set for release in late 2023, Challengers was pushed into Q2 2024 due to last year's Hollywood strikes.

Zendaya (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Dune) plays Tashi Duncan, a tennis star-turned-coach who has transformed her husband Art into a worldwide tennis phenomenon. When Art suddenly finds himself on a career-defining losing streak, she forces him to play a 'Challenger' event, where Art will take on a player on the lowest rung of elite tennis. Little do the pair realize, though, that Art will be facing off against Tashi's former flame Patrick (Josh O'Connor).

Luca Guadagnino (Bones and All) directed Challengers from a script by Justin Kurtizkes, the latter's first-ever movie screenplay. We'll see if Challengers serves up a decent movie in late April.

New movies: more exciting movies to look out for in 2024

Ryan Gosling's Colt Seavers wears a cowboy hat and shades in The Fall Guy movie

Ryan Gosling's The Fall Guy arrives in theaters in early May. (Image credit: Universal Studios)

Looking for even more new movies that'll be released this year? Take a look at the list below, which highlights the most exciting films set to debut soon. We'll be adding more new films to the list below in the weeks and months to come, so be sure to check back in regularly.

  • The Fall Guy (May 3)
  • Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (May 10)
  • Back to Black (May 10)
  • IF (May 17)
  • The Strangers: Chapter 1 (May 17)
  • Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24)
  • The Garfield Movie (May 24)
  • Ballerina (June 7)
  • Inside Out 2 (June 14)
  • It Ends With Us (June 21)
  • A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28)
  • Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (June 28)
  • Despicable Me 4 (July 3)
  • Project Artemis (July 12)
  • Twisters (July 19)
  • Deadpool 3 (July 26)
  • Trap (August 2)
  • Borderlands (August 9)
  • Speak No Evil (August 9)
  • Alien: Romulus (August 16)
  • Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 (August 16)
  • Kraven the Hunter (August 30)
  • Beetlejuice 2 (September 6)
  • Transformers One (September 13)
  • Speak No Evil (September 13)
  • Saw XI (September 27)
  • Joker: Folie à Deux (October 4)
  • Smile 2 (October 18)
  • Terrifier 3 (October 25)
  • Venom 3 (November 8)
  • Red One (November 15)
  • Gladiator 2 (November 22)
  • Wicked: Part One (November 27)
  • The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim (December 13)
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (December 20)
  • The Lion King: Mufasa (December 20)
  • Nosferatu (December 25)
Senior Entertainment Reporter

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.


An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.


Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.