Movies the CordCutting.com Staff Is Hyped to See in 2024

This year’s movie offerings didn’t disappoint, so we’re expecting the same for 2024. It’s also awards season, which is prime time for people to throw out their opinions on TV and the internet. The CordCutting.com staff already chose our top movie and show picks from 2023, but now we’re sharing which movies we’re excited to see in 2024!

‘Dune: Part Two’ — March 1, In Theaters

I chose “Dune: Part Two” as my most anticipated movie of 2023. That didn’t age well, since delays related to Hollywood’s writers strike and SAG-AFTRA strike have pushed Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi follow-up to 2024. The new “Dune” movie’s release date may have changed, but my attitude has not: I am still extremely fired up about this movie. So for the second straight year, I am choosing “Dune: Part Two” as my most anticipated film of the year. This is my “Dune: Part Two” pick: part two.

Honorable Mentions: “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ — June 28, In Theaters

I didn’t watch the first two “A Quiet Place” films until earlier this year, but better late than never, right? I’m glad I didn’t have to wait in the dark for too long for the spin-off prequel film, since it was announced in 2020. Knowing Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn are starring in it is enough to make it my most-anticipated movie next year. The plot is still unknown and we barely have any promotional material to reference and analyze, but at least we know it’s set to release in late June.

Honorable Mentions: “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ — October 4, In Theaters

What’s better than one insane and demented clown with anarchic aspirations? Two insane and demented clowns with anarchic aspirations! I know, I know — you’re saying to yourselves, “He’s picking a sequel for his best movie of 2024?” Well, I’ve been hurt before, and I’m ready for another round.

Anyone who plays the Joker will forever live in the shadow of Heath Ledger’s “The Dark Knight” performance in 2008, but Joaquin Phoenix came close to that level of intensity in his performance in the first “Joker” movie in 2019. Lady Gaga took her acting career to the next level with “A Star Is Born” and “House of Gucci,” but can she top the nonsense, energy, and flirtatious demeanor of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn by taking the character down a darker route with more twisted and sinister intentions? There’s only one way to find out.

Honorable Mentions: “Mean Girls,” “Challengers,” “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”

‘Wicked’ — November 27, In Theaters

“Wicked” is one of my favorite Broadway shows, but I’m unsure if the movie’s leading duo of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo can fill the dazzling shoes of the original Broadway cast’s Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. A trailer hasn’t yet been released, but there are reasons to be confident: Director Jon M. Chu did a fabulous job adapting “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights” for the big screen, and we know Grande and Erivo (both Grammy winners) have incredible pipes in addition to extensive acting experience.

Adding to the intrigue surrounding this long-awaited film adaptation is Grande’s relationship with co-star Ethan Slater. Both were married when they began filming the movie, and then separated from their spouses and are now dating each other. The icing on the cake? Slater’s character, Boq, has a crush on Grande’s Galinda in the movie. Talk about life imitating art!

Universal Pictures is clearly expecting “Wicked” to defy gravity at the box office. To capitalize on the Broadway phenomenon, the studio opted to divide the film into two parts. We’ll get the first installment in November 2024, but the second won’t hit theaters until November 2025. Hopefully it’ll be worth the wait.

Honorable Mentions: “Memory,” “It Ends With Us,” “Challengers,” “Inside Out 2”

‘Dune: Part Two’ — March 1, In Theaters

I saw “Dune” for the first time about a month ago, and as soon as it was over, I looked up when the sequel was scheduled for release. Not only is the storyline captivating, but the movie itself is also a work of art. Unlike many “Dune” fans, I haven’t read the books — although as a self-diagnosed bookworm, I may be picking up a set of the series soon. Plus, I absolutely love Florence Pugh, and I can’t wait to see what she brings to “Dune: Part Two.”

Honorable Mentions: “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool 3,” “Madame Web,” “Damsel”

‘Beetlejuice 2’ — September 6, In Theaters

“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!” Nostalgia gets me every single time, hence the follow-up to “Beetlejuice” at the top of my 2024 movie hype list. Tim Burton is doubling down on his cult-classic 1988 film with “Beetlejuice 2.” There are some big names attached to the project, including returning original cast members Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, and Michael Keaton in the title role.

What excites me most, however, is the addition of Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz. Coming off a highly successful first season of “Wednesday,” this could not be a better fit for her. I’m also excited about newcomers Justin Theroux and Willem Dafoe.

Like many sequels, there’s always a risk of disappointment. Given the success of Burton’s “Batman Returns,” an ever-evolving eye, and all-around movie cred, however, I have high hopes.

Honorable Mentions: “Imaginary Friends,” “Out of My Mind,” “Freaky Tales”

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ — May 24, In Theaters

Besides being one of my favorite movies, I believe “Mad Max: Fury Road” is one of the most technically impressive movies ever made. The commitment to practical effects makes the movie feel real, and the visuals still give me chills after countless viewings. A big part of my connection to the movie is Charlize Theron’s performance as Imperator Furiosa, a role filled with raw pain and emotion. When news arrived we were getting a prequel about her story, I was all in. Now that we have a trailer revealing Anya Taylor-Joy stepping into the role, I’m even more in. The film looks just as beautiful as its predecessor, and I will take any excuse to spend more time in this ludicrous, over-the-top cinematic world.

Honorable Mentions: “Imaginary,” “Mean Girls,” “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” “Nosferatu”