New movies: the most exciting films coming to theaters in 2024

Deadpool holds his hands to his face as Wolverine stands next to him in Marvel's Deadpool and Wolverine film, one of July's new movies
Deadpool and Wolverine have sliced their way into theaters worldwide. (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Summer blockbuster season is officially here – and our new movies guide's latest update is proof of that. Indeed, after Twisters whipped up a storm at the global box office last weekend, it's now the turn of Deadpool and Wolverine, the highly anticipated Marvel film (the only one we're getting in 2024, FYI) to stake its claim as the highest-grossing movie of the year so far. It'll have to exceed $1 billion globally, mind you, if it wants to wrench that title from Pixar's Inside Out 2.

But we digress. If you're looking for a full list of the biggest new movies that'll land in a cinema near you throughout the year, we've got you covered. Below, we've rounded up the most notable new films of 2024 set to be released, including the aforementioned Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) flick, the next DC movie in Joker 2, and plenty more big-screen entertainment offerings besides. Don't delay any longer, then!

New movies: July 2024

Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine | Official Trailer | In Theaters July 26 - YouTube Deadpool & Wolverine | Official Trailer | In Theaters July 26 - YouTube
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Release date: out now (worldwide)

The only Marvel movie releasing in theaters in 2024, Deadpool's MCU debut has a lot riding on it. It'll need to turn the studio's below-par performance at last year's box office around, do justice to the Merc With a Mouth's two previous brilliant movie outings, celebrate all things X-Men (Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is one of many mutants set to feature), and prove R-rated Marvel films can succeed. No pressure, then.

Preparing to go and see the exciting Marvel Phase 5 movie this weekend? You'll want to read our Deadpool and Wolverine review first (don't worry, it doesn't contain any major spoilers). If you've already been to a multiplex or independent theater to watch it, though, our Deadpool and Wolverine ending explained and Deadpool and Wolverine cameos guides should be your next port of call. Hop to it, Peanuts.

New movies: August 2024

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold And The Purple Crayon - Official Trailer #2 - Only In Cinemas July 31 - YouTube Harold And The Purple Crayon - Official Trailer #2 - Only In Cinemas July 31 - YouTube
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Release date: August 2 (worldwide)

Zachary Levi (Shazam!) brings his inner child to life on the big screen once more in this family-friendly Sony flick that'll stir up the imagination of your wide-eyed kids.

Levi plays Harold, a fictional character who can make anything come to life – albeit in the pages of his self-titled book – using the titular purple crayon. When Harold grows up, he learns how to draw himself out of his paper-bound realm and, in true Pinocchio fashion, become a real boy in the real world. With his trusty crayon in mind, he sets about creating all kinds of things to go on as many hijinks-filled adventures as possible. Household names in Lil Rey Howery, Zooey Deschanel, and Jermaine Clement are also on board.

Trap

Trap - Official Trailer 2 - Warner Bros. UK & Ireland - YouTube Trap - Official Trailer 2 - Warner Bros. UK & Ireland - YouTube
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Release date: August 8 (Australia); August 9 (US and UK)

Two months after one of his daughter's directorial debuts, M. Night Shyamalan returns to the hot seat himself with his latest psychological thriller that's sure to have one of the auteur's classic (though not always great) twists within its makeup.

Josh Hartnett (Oppenheimer) stars as Cooper, a father who takes his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to see her favorite pop star Lady Raven. However, it isn't long before Cooper and Ariel get caught up in a police operation to catch a serial killer known as 'The Butcher', with the Lady Raven concert set up as a front (read: trap) to ensnare said murderer. The trailer makes out that Cooper is 'The Butcher' – but this is a Shyamalan movie, so expect the unexpected with Trap.

It Ends With Us

It Ends With Us - New Trailer - Only In Cinemas August 9 - YouTube It Ends With Us - New Trailer - Only In Cinemas August 9 - YouTube
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Release date: August 8 (Australia); August 9 (US and UK)

Colleen Hoover's soppy and hard-hitting romance novel gets the big-screen treatment later this year, with Blake Lively (who some people may recognize as Ryan Reynolds' wife) starring as protagonist Lily Bloom.

In it, the fledgling business owner – who had a traumatic childhood – meets charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), with the pair entering a romantic relationship that becomes abusive and reminds Bloom of her parents' own embattled dynamic. Seemingly trapped in a similarly cruel relationship, Lily must learn to rely on her inner strength to escape and make peace with her past. You'll want to bring a giant box of tissues to your screening for this one.

Borderlands

BORDERLANDS - Official Trailer - In Cinemas Thursday August 8 - YouTube BORDERLANDS - Official Trailer - In Cinemas Thursday August 8 - YouTube
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Release date: August 9 (worldwide)

It's been in development for almost a decade but, finally, Lionsgate's movie adaptation of Borderlands, which is based on Gearbox Software's humorous action RPG video game franchise, has an official release date of August 9, 2024. After its grand unveiling, the first trailer for the Borderlands movie had everyone comparing it to the same Marvel movie.

Cate Blanchett stars as Lilith, an infamous bounty hunter who joins forces with a number of other misfits – Roland (Kevin Hart), Kreig (Florian Munteanu), Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt), and Tannis (Jamie Lee Curtis) – to find the missing daughter of a well connected gang leader named Atlas (Edgar Ramirez). Expectedly, things go awry when the outsiders unearth an explosive secret on the planet Pandora, leading to all sorts of carnage and adult-themed quips. One of 2024's new movies that could be a surprise hit or a complete waste of everyone's time.

Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus | Final Trailer | In Cinemas August 16 - YouTube Alien: Romulus | Final Trailer | In Cinemas August 16 - YouTube
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Release date: August 16 (worldwide)

The seventh film in the iconic sci-fi horror series, Alien: Romulus will tell a standalone tale that fans are hoping will get the stuttering franchise back on track. Fede Álvarez (2013's Evil Dead) is on directing duties from a script he co-penned with Rodo Sayagues, while Ridley Scott is among its many producers. Alien: Romulus' menacing first trailer teased it would be the first genuinely great sequel we've seen since 1986's Aliens, while its equally chilling, facehugging-centric official trailer suggests it might succeed in that endeavor. Romulus' final trailer proved it'll be a scare-filled summer for movie goers, too – watch it above to see why.

Set between 1979's Alien and the aforementioned flick, Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla) will be the movie's protagonist, while Isabela Merced (The Last of Us season 2), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), and David Jonsson (Rye Lane) are among the film's supporting cast. Plot details are thin on the ground, but here's a brief story synopsis for anyone interested: "While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe."

Blink Twice - Official Trailer - Warner Bros. UK & Ireland - YouTube Blink Twice - Official Trailer - Warner Bros. UK & Ireland - YouTube
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Release date: August 22 (Australia); August 23 (US and UK)

Get Out meets Don't Worry, Darling meets Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery in this psychological thriller film from first-time director Zoë Kravitz (Selina Kyle in The Batman). Naomi Ackie plays cocktail waitress Frida, who – alongside her best friend – is whisked away to an idyllic island by Channing Tatum's tech billionaire Slater King (that's where the Knives Out 2 comparisons come from) to party with a bunch of wild individuals. 

However, Frida soon realizes that not all is as it seems in this predominantly rich white folk-dwelling location (there's the Get Out vibes) as she begins to questions what's real and what isn't (and that's the Don't Worry, Darling tonality). Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat are also part of proceedings in this joint Warner Bros-MGM production.

The Crow

The Crow (2024) Official Trailer - Bill Skarsgård, FKA twigs, Danny Huston - YouTube The Crow (2024) Official Trailer - Bill Skarsgård, FKA twigs, Danny Huston - YouTube
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Release date: August 23 (worldwide)

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you – we haven't included two entries for Bill Skarsgard's Boy Kills World. Although it looks similar in tone and vibe, The Crow's latest film reboot (which Skarsgard stars in) is a separate entity to his other 2024 movie offering.

For those unfamiliar with the 1994 cult classic that Brandon Lee originally starred in: The Crow tells the story of soulmates Eric Draven (Skarsgard) and Shelly Webster (FKA Twigs), who are brutally murdered when Shelly's past catches up with her. However, when he's given the chance to save her by sacrificing himself, a superpower-imbued Draven is revived and embarks on a blood-soaked quest for vengeance against those who mercifully killed the loved-up pair. Rupert Sanders (Foundation on Apple TV Plus, Ghost in the Shell's remake) is in the hot seat for this one.

AFRAID

Afraid - Official Trailer - Only In Cinemas August 30 - YouTube Afraid - Official Trailer - Only In Cinemas August 30 - YouTube
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Release date: August 29 (Australia); August 30 (US and UK)

The latest in an increasingly long list of artificial intelligence (AI) inspired movies, AFRAID – yep, it's in all caps and those italics are intentional – stars John Cho as Curtis, a family man who introduces a new smart home device called AIA into his home. Color me shocked, but things take a turn for the worse after AIA learns more about the family she 'serves' and those who supposedly 'threaten' their existence.

Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass, The Creator) is the writer and director of this flick, which seems to be influenced by every recent AI-centric movie, including M3GAN, Kimi, and Mission: Impossible 7. We'll learn if it's one of 2024's new movies worth seeing later this year.

New movies: September 2024

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | Official Trailer 2 - YouTube Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | Official Trailer 2 - YouTube
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Release date: September 5 (Australia); September 6 (US and UK)

The long in-development sequel to 1988 surreal comedy-horror Beetlejuice is out this year, and its title – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – is a very clever call back to the original film's way of summoning the mischievous ghost.

Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder are returning as the titular trickster and Lydia Deetz respectively, while Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream) will play Astrid, Lydia's daughter. Catherine O'Hara, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe are also involved, while iconic gothic filmmaker Tim Burton is back on directing duties after helming the fist flick. Its first trailer teased more ghostly mayhem to come in the sequel, while its second (watch it above) gives us a much clearer idea of its plot and how closely it'll follow in its predecessor's footsteps from a practical effects standpoint.

Speak No Evil

Speak No Evil | Official Trailer 2 - YouTube Speak No Evil | Official Trailer 2 - YouTube
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Release date: September 12 (UK and Australia); September 13 (US)

James McAvoy will aim to spookily charm audiences ahead of Halloween in this psychological horror-thriller. The beloved Scottish actor plays Paddy who, alongside his wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and mute son Ant (Dan Hough), befriends and then invites the Dalton family (Scott McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, and Alix West Lefler) to their home in the idyllic British countryside. Unsurprisingly, things take a turn for the macabre not long after.

The Woman in Black's James Watkins is on dual writing and directing duties here, while horror extraordinaires Blumhouse and Universal will distribute the flick. Speak No Evil only has a US release date at the moment, so keep an eye out for its UK and Australian launch confirmations soon.

The Wild Robot

THE WILD ROBOT | Official Trailer 2 (Universal Studios) - HD - YouTube THE WILD ROBOT | Official Trailer 2 (Universal Studios) - HD - YouTube
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Release date: September 12 (Australia); September 20 (US); October 18 (UK)

Black Panther's Lupita Nyong'o will give life to this absolutely gorgeous-looking animated film's protagonist Roz in what appears to be another delightful and incredibly moving flick from DreamWorks Animation. Shipwrecked on an uninhabited island, Roz is initially viewed as an outcast by the islet's flora and fauna. When its animals soon realize Roz is an empathetic, innocent, and helpful robot, though, they accept her place in their ecosystem.

The Wild Robot's voice cast is absolutely stacked with A-listers, with the likes of Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Catherine O'Hara (Schitt's Creek), Bill Nighy (Living), Kit Connor (Heartstopper), and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once) lending their vocal talents to various critters. We can't wait for this one.

My Old Ass

MY OLD ASS | Official UK Trailer | In Cinemas 27 September - YouTube MY OLD ASS | Official UK Trailer | In Cinemas 27 September - YouTube
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Release date: September 13 (US); September 27 (UK); TBC (Australia)

Another original spin on time-travel and coming-of-age-based narratives, My Old Ass stars Maisy Stella as Elliott, an 18-year-old who, thanks to a mushroom-fuelled trip, winds up meeting her 39-year-old future self (played by Aubrey Plaza), who starts doling out life advice to her young counterpart. Initially pleased to learn where she'll go wrong in life, teenage Elliott soon realizes she has to make decisions for herself, not ones based on her future self.

Will one of September's new movies be worth watching? Based on its trailer, it'll appeal plenty of indie fans, as well as anyone wanting to see Plaza in another comedy-laced role.

Transformers One

Transformers One | Official Trailer 2 | Paramount Pictures UK - YouTube Transformers One | Official Trailer 2 | Paramount Pictures UK - YouTube
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Release date: September 19 (Australia), September 20 (US), October 11 (UK)

After multiple live-action entries, the Transformers franchise will hope to get a much-needed shot in the arm with Transformers One, a brand-new animated film helmed by Pixar alumnus Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4, Inside Out).

An origin story of sorts for the Autobots and Decepticons, it'll explore the friendship between, and then breakdown of said relationship between Optimums Prime and Megatron. Marvel stars including Chris Hemsworth (the Thor movies), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), and Brian Tyree Henry (Eternals), plus other big names like Jon Hamm, Keegan-Michael Key, and Laurence Fishburne will lend their voices to those famous robots in disguise. Read our Transformers movies in order guide while we wait for its arrival.

Wolfs

Wolfs - Official Trailer - Only In Cinemas September 20 - YouTube Wolfs - Official Trailer - Only In Cinemas September 20 - YouTube
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Release date: September 19 (Australia); September 20 (US and UK)

A-listers George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunite in this hitman buddy cop-comedy flick that, following its theatrical release in September, will be available to stream at home via Apple TV Plus.

It looks like Wolfs, which has been written and directed by Jon Watts – he of the MCU's Spider-Man film trilogy fame – will benefit hugely from the duo's natural charisma and undisputed talents, too. In it, Clooney and Pitt play professional fixers, both of whom are hired to cover up the same crime. Much to their chagrin, they're forced to work together to not only clean up the murder scene they've been called to, but to also unravel the mystery behind some felony. Based on that synopsis, what's not to love about one of September's new movies?

Never Let Go

Release date: September 26 (Australia), September 27 (US and UK)

Halle Berry stars in this Lionsgate psychological thriller/horror that continues the genres' fascination with telling the tale of a barely surviving family in the middle of the woods.

In a post-apocalyptic world where evil lurks around every corner, a mother (Berry) and her young twin sons' only hope of survival is to physically tether themselves – via the longest ropes you've ever seen – to their woods-based abode. However, when one of the boys begins to question if the threats lurking in the shadows are even real, the family's tight bond is shattered, triggering a terrifying fight to stay alive. One of 2024's new movies that'll be surprisingly good or extremely generic.

Megalopolis

Megalopolis - Teaser Trailer - YouTube Megalopolis - Teaser Trailer - YouTube
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Release date: September 26 (Australia); September 27 (US and UK)

A film over 40 years in the making, Megalopolis will finally arrive in theaters before the end of September. Famed (and, lately, controversial) director Francis Ford Coppola's latest feature boasts an all-star cast – Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Jason Schwartzman, and Jon Voight are just a few of the big names attached to it – and an intriguing, albeit bizarre story that led to it receiving mixed reviews upon its Cannes 2024 world premiere.

Billed as a "Roman Epic fable set in an imagined Modern America", it follows the brewing conflict between Driver's idealistic artist Cesar Catilina and Esposito's Mayor Franklin Cicero, the latter of whom wants to maintain the City of New Rome's status quo of class and wealth divisions, and partisan warfare.

New movies: October 2024

Joker: Folie à Deux

Joker: Folie À Deux - Official Trailer - Warner Bros. UK & Ireland - YouTube Joker: Folie À Deux - Official Trailer - Warner Bros. UK & Ireland - YouTube
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Release date: October 4 (worldwide)

Five years after Joker, one of the best superhero movies – a topic worth debating on another day – was released, a sequel will finally make its way into theaters. Considering Joker: Folie à Deux was only going to get made if director Todd Phillips and lead star Joaquin Phoenix could find a story worth telling, it seems the pair – alongside Lady Gaga, who'll play Harley Quinn in the movie – have done just that. 

Read our Joker: Folie à Deux trailer #1 breakdown for more details about what that teaser, well, teased and then watch the latest trailer above for an even better idea about what it's about. Alternatively, read its official plot synopsis here: "Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love (Lady Gaga), but also finds the music that's always been inside him."

Flight Risk

FLIGHT RISK - Official Trailer - In Cinemas October 18 - YouTube FLIGHT RISK - Official Trailer - In Cinemas October 18 - YouTube
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Release date: October 18 (US and UK): TBC (Australia)

Mark Wahlberg is famous for playing heroic characters on the big screen, but Flight Risk sees him tackle a rare antagonistic role – albeit in a film that, based on everything its trailer shows, might have given its biggest plot reveals away already.

Wahlberg plays Daryl Booth, a pilot charged with flying FBI agent Madelyn Harris (Michelle Dockery) and her gangland informant Winston (Topher Grace) to court so the latter can testify against some hardline criminals. However, when Booth is revealed to be a hitman, sent by said criminals, to kill Winston, things get decidedly hairy mid-flight. One to arguably wait for, whenever it *ahem* lands on a streaming service near you.

A Real Pain

A Real Pain | Official Teaser - YouTube A Real Pain | Official Teaser - YouTube
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Release date: October 18 (US); December 26 (Australia); January 10, 2025 (UK)

Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Batman v Superman) and Kieran Culkin (Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Succession) team up in this Eisenberg-directed comedy-drama that drew plenty of praise the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. In it, the pair play mismatched cousins who reunite to embark on an awkward tour of Poland in honor of their recently deceased grandmother.

Unfortunately for UK and Australian viewers, A Real Pain will arrive after it debuts in the US, so those of us who don't live stateside have got a lengthy wait on our hands.

Smile 2

Smile 2 | Official Teaser Trailer | Paramount Pictures UK - YouTube Smile 2 | Official Teaser Trailer | Paramount Pictures UK - YouTube
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Release date: October 18 (worldwide)

Two years after Smile (one of the best Paramount Plus movies) made horror fans sit up and take notice, and less just 18 months after Smile 2 was first announced, the bloody and somewhat terrifying sequel will make you think twice about, well, smiling any time soon .

Naomi Scott will play fictional pop sensation Skye Riley, who becomes the next potential victim of the smile-based curse when Kyle Gallner's Joel, who appeared Joel in the original, passes on said monstrous malison. Lukas Gage and Rosemarie DeWitt also star in a film written and directed by Parker Finn, who performed similar duties on the first movie.

Venom: The Last Dance

Venom: The Last Dance - Official Trailer - Only In Cinemas October 25 - YouTube Venom: The Last Dance - Official Trailer - Only In Cinemas October 25 - YouTube
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Release date: October 24 (Australia); October 25 (US and UK)

Tom Hardy will bid farewell to Eddie Brock and his symbiote buddy Venom in Venom: The Last Dance, the final entry in the Marvel anti-hero's movie trilogy. Given what was shown off in Venom 3's lengthy first trailer, it might up being as chaotically messy as the previous two films, too. Still, at least it'll give the internet a new, not-so-adorable animal character to fall in love with in the form of Venom Horse.

Following on from their brief soiree in MCU flick Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Last Dance will see Brock and Venom going on the run as humans and aliens alike hunt the pair for differing reasons. Doctor Strange's Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ted Lasso's Juno Temple, House of the Dragon's Rhys Ifans, and Boiling Point's Stephen Graham are among its starry supporting cast.

Terrifier 3

Terrifier 3 Teaser Trailer (2024) - YouTube Terrifier 3 Teaser Trailer (2024) - YouTube
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Release date: October 25 (worldwide)

A Christmas-set slasher that'll make its way into theaters in time for Halloween, Terrifier 3 will be the latest inexpensive horror movie in Dan Leone's slowly expanding cinematic franchise.

Art the Clown, the horrifying antagonist from the last two films, will return to slice 'n' dice a new group of individuals at the so-called most wonderful time of the year. David Howard Thornton will reprise his role as the blood-thirsty circus-themed murderer, and he'll be joined by Lauren LaVera, Samantha Saffidi, Elliot Fulham, and Chris Jericho as part of the cast. Terrifier 2 was received far better than its predecessor, so let's hope the threequel continues this series' upward trajectory.

New movies: November 2024

Paddington in Peru

PADDINGTON IN PERU - Official Trailer [4K] - Paddington Bear is back! - YouTube PADDINGTON IN PERU - Official Trailer [4K] - Paddington Bear is back! - YouTube
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Release date: November 8 (UK), January 1, 2025 (Australia) January 17, 2025 (US)

The first two Paddington movies are some of the best family movies we've seen in a long, long time. The debuting of the third movie's trailer and confirmation of its release dates (sorry, US and Australia, you've got a longer than expected wait on your hands), then, has been met with celebratory marmalade sandwiches among the movie series' global fanbase.

Unsurprisingly, Paddington In Peru sees the titular bear return to his homeland – with the Brown family in tow – to visit in Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton). However, upon arriving in the South American nation, the group learn that Lucy has gone missing in the Peruvian jungle. Cue a riotously fun quest to find out where she's disappeared to.

Conclave

CONCLAVE | Official Trailer | Only in cinemas November 29 - YouTube CONCLAVE | Official Trailer | Only in cinemas November 29 - YouTube
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Release date: November 8 (US); November 29 (UK); January 9, 2025 (Australia)

From Edward Berger, director of Netflix's harrowing war flick All Quiet on the Western Front, this religious conspiracy thriller – based on Robert Harris' book of the same name – sees Ralph Fiennes play Cardinal Lawrence, who leads the Catholic Church's search for a new Pope when the current incumbent dies. The covert process is made all the more difficult, however, by a power struggle within the Vatican, as well as an unsettling discovery Cardinal Lawrence makes.

With a strong supporting cast including Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow, and Stanley Tucci among its ranks, Conclave may be one of November's new movies to watch around Thanksgiving weekend (in the US, anyway).

Red One

RED ONE | Official Trailer - YouTube RED ONE | Official Trailer - YouTube
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Release date: November 14 (Australia); November 15 (US and UK)

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson knows a thing or two about starring in bang-average movies that perform extremely well at the box office and/or on streaming platforms. His latest venture, Red One, seems as if it'll fall right into that category, too.

The forthcoming festive feature stars Johnson as the North Pole's Head of Security Callum Drift. But, when Santa Clause (J.K. Simmons) is kidnapped on the eve of, well, Christmas Eve, Drift reluctantly teams up with the world's best bounty hunter Jack O'Malley (Captain America alum Chris Evans) to rescue Santa and save Christmas. A festive action movie whose trailer suggests it won't be a wonderful Christmas time.

Gladiator II

Gladiator II | Official Trailer (2024 Movie) - Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington - YouTube Gladiator II | Official Trailer (2024 Movie) - Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington - YouTube
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Release date: November 14 (Australia); November 15 (UK); November 22 (US)

Prepare to be entertained all over again, film fans, as Gladiator II will finally fight its way into theaters in mid- to late November. Set years after Emperor Commodus was slain by Maximus in the 2000 multi-award-winning original, it'll follow Paul Mescal's Lucius, Commodus' nephew, as he's forced to end his Rome-based exile when he's forced to follow in Maximus' footsteps and enter the Colosseum to earn his freedom. Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joe Quinn, and Connie Nielsen are among its extraordinarily talented cast.

Gladiator II's epic first trailer epic showed Paul Mescal fighting a rhino in the Colosseum, among other tantalizing glimpses at Ridley Scott's latest feature. It's certainly whet our appetite for another trip back in time later this year – and, between you and us, we hope it has a happier ending that its forebear.

Wicked Part One

WICKED - Official Trailer (Universal Pictures) - HD - YouTube WICKED - Official Trailer (Universal Pictures) - HD - YouTube
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Release date: November 22 (US and UK); November 28 (Australia)

Wicked, the world-famous musical that's based on the legendary tale, characters, and world of The Wizard of Oz, is getting a magical silver screen glow-up. In fact, the John M. Chu-directed project will get two installments – Wicked Part One is out in time for Thanksgiving (in the US) this year, with its follow-up releasing one year later.

For the uninitiated: Wicked tells the untold story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the eventual Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande), who aids The Wizard of Oz's Dorothy on her quest through The Land of Oz years later. Part One will explore the duo's unlikely friendship as students of Shiz University and the eventual breakdown in that relationship. Jeff Goldblum will play the Wizard of Oz, while Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage, Jonathan Bailey, and Marissa Bode are among its other notable supporting cast members. 

Wicked Part One's first whirlwind trailer arrived in February, with its official trailer (see above) launching in May. Our advice? Don't watch the latter if you don't want most of its plot ruined for you pre-release...

Moana 2

Moana 2 | Teaser Trailer | Disney UK - YouTube Moana 2 | Teaser Trailer | Disney UK - YouTube
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Release date: November 27 (US); November 28 (Australia); November 29 (UK)

The sequel to 2016's hit animated movie Moana sets sail in time for Thanksgiving 2024 (in the US, anyway). In it, the titular hero and her demigod buddy Maui reunite after three years to embark on a new voyage – one centered on an unexpected call from Moana's ancestors – across the ocean for, according to Disney, "an adventure unlike anything she's experienced before".

Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reprise their roles from Moana 2's predecessor, while Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina have penned the soundtrack – the trio replacing Lin Manuel Miranda as songwriter-in-chief.

New movies: December 2024

Kraven the Hunter

KRAVEN THE HUNTER – Official Red Band Trailer (HD) - YouTube KRAVEN THE HUNTER – Official Red Band Trailer (HD) - YouTube
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Release date: December 12 (Australia); December 13 (US and UK)

Sony continues to dive into Spider-Man's rogues’ gallery with their second 2024-based effort to expand the SSU (Sony’s Spider-Man Universe), which is simultaneously separate from, and tenuously connected to, the MCU.

In the '60s, Kraven the Hunter was an original member of Marvel’s Sinister Six and discussed as a potential big-screen foe for Peter Parker. Now, he’s following in the footsteps of fellow anti-heroes Venom and Morbius by headlining his own movie. And, just like his villainous contemporaries, Kraven's first solo live-action adventure doesn't look all that appealing.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Avengers: Age of Ultron, Kick-Ass) plays the titular hunter and Ariana DeBose (Wish, Argylle) will play long-term Kraven associate Calypso. The Many Saints of Newark’s Alessandro Nivola takes on lead villain duties as Rhino, while Russell Crowe is also on hand to play Kraven's emotionally cold father.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa | Official Trailer | Disney UK - YouTube Mufasa | Official Trailer | Disney UK - YouTube
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Release date: December 20 (worldwide)

A prequel to 2019's The Lion King "live-action" remake, Mufasa will see Rafiki recount the story of Simba's father (the titular character, for the uninitiated) to Simba's daughter Kiara, with a little embellishment-based humor from Timon and Pumba.

Aaron Pierre takes over from James Earl Jones on voice acting duties as a younger version of Mufasa, with the big game feline's own film revealing how he came to be King of Pride Rock. It'll also explore his initially strong bond with his brother Scar before the pair's relationship becomes irreparable for reasons yet to be revealed.

Mufasa's first trailer brought thrills and chills upon release in late April, although plenty of people suggest it looks like nothing more than a high tech demo for lifelike visuals. We'll see if it has substance to go with its style before 2024 ends.

Nosferatu

NOSFERATU | Official Trailer (Universal Pictures) - HD - YouTube NOSFERATU | Official Trailer (Universal Pictures) - HD - YouTube
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Release date: December 25 (US); January 1, 2025 (Australia); January 3, 2025 (UK)

An unusual time of year for a gothic horror film, but Christmas Day will be the first time that viewers (in the US, anyway) will likely be terrified by director Robert Egger's reimagining of Bram Stoker's Dracula novel.

Nosferatu stars Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter, a young woman who the vampiric Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) becomes infatuated with. As Orlok's obsession grows ever stronger, he begins to leave untold horrors in his wake, leading Hutter and her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) to seek the aid of any and all scientists, bounty hunters, and other individuals who'll stop the terrifying supernatural blood-sucker from tracking her down. Expect this one to be a big hit before 2024 ends.


Looking for more new movies to stream from the comfort of your couch? Read our new Netflix movies, new Max movies, new Prime Video movies, and new Disney Plus movies lists.

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.