Alright fellow movie goers, 2023 is almost over. The SAG and WGA strikes are done. We can finally prep up for upcoming films. I handpicked a dozen for today’s editorial ranking my Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2024. Why Top 12? Because I refuse to add another number. Otherwise, bad luck will occur.
12. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Release Date: December 13
An anime prequel set 183 years before “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy,” Brian Cox will voice a king named, Helm Hammerhead whose quest is to defend Rohan from an army. Miranda Otto will reprise her role as Éowyn narrated the film. I haven’t watched “Rings of Power” on Amazon Prime Video. I became addicted to watching “My Hero Academia.”
11. Furiosa
Release Date: May 24
Another prequel focusing on the titular character’s early years before “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Anya-Taylor Joy portrays Furiosa previously played by Charlize Theron. Her origins will showcase her survival by overcoming dangerous obstacles organized by a warlord played by Chris Hemsworth. I have faith in George Miller. He made the last film a modern classic. Hopefully, it won’t feature a dumb male and female being a bossy know-it-all like Lucy from “Peanuts.” I find both stereotypes downright offensive.
10. The Watchers
Release Date: June 7
M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana follows her father’s footsteps as a filmmaker. She’ll make her directorial debut based on a horror novel. My fifth favorite actress, Dakota Fanning signed on for the lead role. She’ll play an artist stranded in a forest stalked by mysterious creatures. An interesting premise. It’s been awhile since Dakota carrying a great movie since “The Runaways.” She was awesome in “The Alienist.” As a fan of her work, I’m definitely onboard.
9. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Release Date: March 29
A follow up to Ghostbusters: Afterlife” Although I haven’t seen the last movie, I’m curious to see both old and new characters sharing screen time. Don’t worry, I’ll see Afterlife before Frozen Empire. Thank goodness this has no ties to that horrendously bad 2016 version. It’s good to see Dan Ackroyd, Ernie Hudson & Bill Murray reprising their roles.
8. Ballerina
Release Date: June 7
The “John Wick” series is friggin awesome. Each entry keeps getting bigger and better. The fourth became a modern classic. Keanu Reeves knocked it out of the park. Anyway, a spin-off will focus on Ana de Armas as a ballerina/assassin who embarks on a quest avenge her family from murders. Ballerina’s set between the third and fourth chapters. Keanu will reprise his role as John in a cameo or brief appearance. Norman Reedus will also appear. Co-creator, Chad Stahelski will direct upcoming spin-off. I’ve yet to see “The Continental” on Peacock.
7. The Fall Guy
Release Date: May 3
From the other co-creator of John Wick, comes an action-comedy starring Ryan Gosling as a stuntman coming out of retirement to work on a big budget action movie directed by his ex-girlfriend played by Emily Blunt. The pair must find the lead star who’s missing. When I first saw a preview, I thought it would be fun to see an action-comedy about filmmaking. What I didn’t know that this movie’s based on an ’80s TV show starring Lee Majors. By the way, Ryan played a stuntman in “Drive.” I think it’s his best work. David Leitch will direct his latest movie. I enjoyed his other movies such as “Atomic Blonde” & “Bullet Train.” I wanna see Charlize Theron & Brad Pitt crossing paths with John Wick.
6. Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire
Release Date: April 14
Set after “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the two giants embark on an adventure to prevent a powerful Kaiju threatening a hidden world underneath Earth. As they work together to fight the mysterious foe, the film will also explore their family origins. Rebecca Hall & Dan Stevens signed on as the main human leads while Brian Tyree Henry reprises his role as Bernie Hayes from the last one. Before I see “Godzilla and Kong: The New Empire,” I’m currently streaming “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” on Apple TV Plus. So far, it’s really good. I got plans to see “Godzilla Minus One.” This one’s not tied to the MonsterVerse.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Release Date: December 20
2023 sparked a trend for movies/shows adapting video games. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” earned a billion dollars at the box office and HBO’s TV adaptation of “The Last of Us” earned critical acclaim. Sonic on the other hand, has been killing it with his two movies which I really enjoyed. Without giving anything away from the second entry, Sonic, Tails and their new friend come face to face with a foe. Ben Schwarz will reprise his role as the blue speedster. It’s a great time to be alive as a gamer living in a golden age where Hollywood’s producing movies and shows based on video games.
4. My Hero Academia’s fourth movie
Release Date: Unknown
In the beginning of 2023, I binge-watched all six seasons of My Hero Academia and its three movies. As an anime enthusiast and superhero fan, I was hooked since Season 1. I wrote previous articles sharing my thoughts on each one. Don’t forget to check ’em out. Anyway, the fourth movie will take place during the upcoming seventh season. I can’t give away potential spoilers regarding Season 6.
3. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapters 1-2
Release Date: June 28, (Part One) August 16 (Part Two)
I know what you’re thinking. “Is this a film adaptation of “Horizon: Zero Dawn?” Actually, it’s a two-part epic western directed by Kevin Costner and star of an ensemble cast. Even though I haven’t watched every single season of “Yellowstone,” Mr. Costner left Season 5 leaving an upcoming follow up with Matthew McConaughey possibly taking over. I’m open to see Kevin’s first movie as director since “Open Range.” Hopefully, Horizon isn’t a dud like “The Postman.”
2. Deadpool 3
Release Date: July 26
After “Avengers: Endgame” became the final swan song of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has gotten sloppy. Most movies and shows are a hit and miss. Only ones I like are listed below.
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Loki: Season 1
- What If: Season 1
- Moon Knight
- Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Both “Ms. Marvel” & “The Marvels” are terrible or as Cleveland Brown from “Family Guy” pronounces it, “Turrible.” Due to the SAG & WGA Strikes affecting upcoming installments, the only one I’m stoked about is “Deadpool 3.” When I first heard Hugh Jackman’s reprising his role as Wolverine, (an alternate version in the MCU) I was happy. To put the icing on the cake, he’s finally gonna wear the yellow and blue outfit from the comics. Wolverine will cross paths with Deadpool and other familiar faces. Wolverine’s my all-time favorite Marvel character. I’m so excited Deadpool 3 will come out during my birthday month.
Besides Jennifer Garner reprising her role as Elektra from Ben Affleck’s “Daredevil,” I’m gonna predict actors/actresses who starred in Fox’s Marvel movies will probably make cameos with Deadpool poking fun at them. In the words of the Pokémon rap, “Gotta catch ’em all Pokémon!”
- Ian McKellen – Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto
- Famke Janssen – Jean Grey
- Halle Berry – Ororo Munroe/Storm
- James Marsden – Scott Summers/Cyclops
- Kelsey Grammar – Hank McCoy/Beast
- Anna Paquin – Rouge
- Rebecca Romijn – Mystique
- Liev Schreiber – Victor Creed/Sabretooth
- Alan Cumming – Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler
- Evan Peters – Quicksilver
- Brian Cox – William Stryker
- Ben Affleck – Matt Murdock/Daredevil
- Colin Farrell – Bullseye
- Ioan Gruffudd – Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic
- Michael Chiklis – Benn Grimm/The Thing
- Chris Evans – Johnny Storm/The Human Torch
- Jessica Alba – Susan Storm/The Invisible Woman
- Julian McMahon – Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom
Honorable Mentions
- Kung Fu Panda 4
- Beetlejuice 2
- Gladiator 2
- Venom 3
1. Joker: Folies à Deux
Release Date: October 4
My number one pick is none other than a sequel to my favorite film of 2019, “Joker.” Joaquin Phoenix (my fourth favorite actor) became the second actor to win an Oscar for his portrayal as the Clown Prince of Crime.” Heath Ledger previously won for his interpretation of Joker in “The Dark Knight.” Mr. Phoenix mentioned he doesn’t do sequels, but he wanted to play the character again, because he enjoyed playing Batman’s archenemy which is his favorite role in his entire career. As of late 2023, plot details are under wraps. Lady Gaga will play Harley Quinn. Todd Phillips will come back to direct. “Joker: Folies à Deux” will be a musical crime-drama. Possibly a cross between “La La Land” & “A Clockwork Orange.”
I bet Lady Gaga will knock it out of the park as Harley. She won a Golden Globe for her role as the Countess from “American Horror Story: Hotel” and did an excellent job in “A Star Is Born.” So, that’s my Top 12. What upcoming films of 2024 are you stoked for? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 