What an extraordinary year 2023 turned out to be for movies. Following a period of figuring out what could fill the post-Marvel void, the Barbenheimer summer brought back the sense of movies being a significant event. Having the Barbie-Oppenheimer double-feature on the opening weekend in July proved both amusing and rewarding, offering two distinct and top-notch cinematic experiences. While 2024 might not boast a Barbenheimer equivalent, a glance at our anticipated best movies for the year elicits a rising sense of excitement that’s hard to suppress.

Book of Clarence (Jan. 12)

Introducing “The Book of Clarence” by visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel – a bold reinterpretation of the classic Hollywood-era Biblical epic. Within the context of streetwise challenges, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) strives to carve a promising future for himself and his family, determined to prove his value to the woman he loves and solidify his identity. Captivated by the magnetism of the emerging Messiah and His apostles, Clarence undertakes a risky journey, sacrificing everything to chart his unique divine course. Through this transformative odyssey, he unearths themes of redemption, faith, and the acquisition of power and knowledge.

Mean Girls (Jan. 12)

Paramount is set to showcase a cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical inspired by the 2004 film. This rendition features Tina Fey’s return, providing a Gen Z perspective on the iconic high school movie. The ensemble cast includes original Broadway star Renee Rapp, as well as Angourie Rice and Jon Hamm.

Zone of Interest (2 February)

Set against a backdrop of hidden horrors, the critically acclaimed film by British director-writer Jonathan Glazer unfolds as a compelling domestic drama. It delves into the life of Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss and his family home, whose garden shares a towering concrete wall with the Auschwitz concentration camp. Drawing loose inspiration from the 2014 novel “Zone of Interest” by the late Martin Amis (a term used during WWII by the Nazi party to describe the immediate surroundings of camps), the film has been recently characterized by Esquire as a “brilliantly conceived, disturbingly disjointed” masterpiece that compels viewers to confront their own complicity with the unspeakable evils hidden from plain sight.

Argylle (Feb. 2)

Returning to the espionage genre, Matthew Vaughn directs a meta film that follows the narrative of a spy novelist, Bryce Dallas Howard. Unaware that the events she is writing in her cherished book series are manifesting in reality, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, and pop star Dua Lipa. Scheduled for a global theatrical release, this Apple film will be distributed through Universal.

Lisa Frankenstein (Feb. 9)

This film presents a youthful and whimsical take on Mary Shelley’s classic, where a high schooler revives a corpse, revealing an unexpected romantic connection. Notably, this marks Zelda Williams’ debut as a feature film director, and the screenplay is expertly crafted by Diablo Cody, recognized for her contributions to “Jennifer’s Body.”

Madame Web (14 February)

Dakota Johnson embodies the role of Cassie Webb, a paramedic by day and a clairvoyant psychic by night, peering into the lives of other Spider-people. She is accompanied by Celeste O’Connor and Sydney Sweeney, both renowned for their roles in the television series “Euphoria.”

Dune: Part Two (March 1)

The follow-up to Denis Villeneuve’s first Dune was set for release in 2023 but was pushed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. The film, from Warner Bros. and Legendary, will pick up where the last left off with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) looking to avenge his family line with the help of the Fremen.

Civil War (26 April)

An upcoming epic action film, written and directed by Alex Garland, features a star-studded cast including Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Cailee Spaeny, Jesse Plemons, and Nick Offerman. Set in the imminent future, the storyline revolves around a group of journalists embarking on a perilous journey across the United States amidst an escalating civil conflict that has consumed the entire nation. Their survival is at stake in a dystopian dictatorship where governmental transformations and routine political violence by extremist militias pose formidable challenges.

The Fall Guy (3 May)

Directed by David Leitch and written by Drew Pearce, the film is an adaptation of the 1980s TV series “The Fall Guy” by Glen A. Larson. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, it follows Colt Seavers, an aging stuntman investigating the mysterious disappearance of the lead actor on a film set directed by his ex-girlfriend.

Deadpool 3 (July 26)

Making a comeback to his original domain, Ryan Reynolds concludes the trilogy by revisiting his professional origins. This time, the mutant hitman teams up with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, creating a dynamic that resembles a buddy comedy. Adding an intriguing twist, Matthew Macfadyen joins the cast as a third wheel, and his role remains shrouded in mystery. Despite Deadpool’s prior freedom, he becomes embroiled in a more serious narrative within the somewhat rigid framework of the MCU. This shift compels him to navigate and adjust his approach accordingly.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (24 May)

Directed by George Miller and co-written with Nico Lathouris, this film is both a spin-off and a prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), serving as the fifth installment in the franchise. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Imperator Furiosa, supported by Chris Hemsworth, Alyla Browne, and Tom Burke. The story follows Furiosa’s abduction from the Green Place of Many Mothers by the Warlord Dementus’ Biker Horde. Amid conflicts between two Tyrants for control over the Citadel, Furiosa faces trials while planning her return home through the Wasteland.

As film festivals commence and premieres take center stage, film enthusiasts worldwide are excitedly anticipating the revelation of these cinematic treasures. The year 2024 is poised to stand out as an exceptional period for cinema, ensuring a wealth of high-quality movies that will etch a lasting impression on the film landscape. Whether through the revival of beloved franchises, the debut of visionary directors, or the pursuit of fresh and enthralling narratives, the cinematic canvas of 2024 is imbued with the enchantment of storytelling and the captivating brilliance of the silver screen, promising a legacy that endures for years to come.