The 33 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2024

The 33 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2024

As a cinephile with a penchant for the macabre and the fantastical, I find myself utterly thrilled by the lineup of upcoming releases this November. Among them, the psychological horror film from Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, where our dear Hugh Grant is cast as a seemingly friendly older man with a sinister twist, truly piques my interest. The premise reminds me of an old Hitchcockian tale, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out on the silver screen.


Every autumn seems packed with movie releases, as production studios gear up for awards season, and this year is no exception – the upcoming months will bring a mix of expected sequels, adaptations, remakes, and reboots, along with some unique, captivating storylines. It’s high time we take a look at the most intriguing titles set to hit cinemas this fall, ranging from independent festival favorites with critical acclaim to big-budget films that might rule the box office. Let’s explore!

His Three Daughters

Sept. 6 (Sept. 20 on Netflix)

In this film by writer-director Azazel Jacobs (known for “French Exit”), we find Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olson portraying estranged sisters coming back together to nurse their ailing father in the New York apartment that was once their childhood home. Initial critiques indicate that these actresses deliver some of their finest performances yet.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Sept. 6

In a natural and easy-to-understand way, the second movie directed by Tim Burton, released in 1988 titled “Beetlejuice”, showcased Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as a couple of ghostly spouses haunting their former home’s residents. Additionally, Michael Keaton played the lead character Betelgeuse, a bio-exorcist they hired to scare people. Now, more than three decades later, Burton is back with a new sequel, featuring the return of Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara from the initial film, while also introducing Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, and Monica Bellucci to Tim Burton’s cinematic universe.

Will & Harper

Sept. 13 (Sept. 27 on Netflix)

The 33 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2024

This year at Sundance, the documentary directed by Josh Greenbaum (known for “Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar”) was one of the most popular premieres. The film came into being when writer Harper Steele, an old friend from SNL, approached Will Ferrell in 2021 to discuss her gender transition. Inspired by this conversation, they embarked on a 17-day road trip across America, visiting various bars, restaurants, and sports venues along the way. During their journey, they shared humorous and candid discussions about Harper’s experiences as a transgender woman, exploring the ups and downs of her transition process.

My Old Ass

Sept. 13

In this second film by director Megan Park, the story unfolds as a humorous journey of self-discovery centered around Elliott (played by Maisy Stella). On her 18th birthday, during a mushroom trip, she encounters her 39-year-old self (portrayed by Aubrey Plaza). However, the wisdom given to Young Elliott about maturity conflicts with her pursuit of love. Consequently, Young Elliott finds herself in an internal struggle… figuratively speaking, it’s more like a battle within herself.

Speak No Evil

Sept. 13

In a surprising turn for a horror film, the initial Danish version of “Speak No Evil” starts off humorously, as a pair of friends opt to spend a weekend at their rural hosts’ home, unaware of the passive-aggressive and intrusive nature that awaits them. As the story unfolds, it gradually escalates into a chilling climax that leaves a lasting impression. It is hoped that the upcoming American remake by James Watkins (known for “Eden Lake” and “The Woman in Black”) will maintain the intense, brutal third act without diluting its impact—an ending that has been one of the most haunting and memorable in horror films over the past half decade.

Wolfs

Sept. 20 (Sept. 27 on Apple TV+)

Movie stars of yesteryears, such as George Clooney and Brad Pitt, seem to be becoming increasingly rare in Hollywood, making it all the more thrilling when they collaborate, like in this upcoming action-comedy directed by Jon Watts (known for his work on the Tom Holland Spider-Man films). Previously working together on the Ocean’s trilogy and Burn After Reading, Clooney and Pitt portray rivals who are fixers that clean up crime scenes. Despite their professional animosity, they are compelled to join forces when they are hired for the same task. It appears a sequel is already being planned.

The Wild Robot

Sept. 20

Following the book series by Peter Brown, this DreamWorks-produced animated sci-fi survival film features a robot named ORZZUM unit 7134, also known as Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o). After getting stranded on an undeveloped Earth, she makes friends with various forest creatures. Chris Sanders, the writer-director who previously co-directed both “Lilo & Stitch” and “How to Train Your Dragon,” described the CGI aesthetics of this film as resembling a Monet painting set in a Miyazaki-inspired forest.

Omni Loop

Sept. 20

Time loop narratives have been popular recently, each offering a unique spin on the science fiction theme. In the latest addition to this genre, Mary-Louise Parker portrays Zoya, a quantum physicist who has a black hole within her chest, giving her only a week to live. To extend her life, she uses time-travel pills, and as a result, finds herself reliving the same week-long period repeatedly. Alongside student Paula (played by Ayo Edebiri), Zoya seeks to understand the workings of time travel and possibly alter her destiny.

A Different Man

Sept. 20

In this fresh blend of dark comedy and suspenseful thriller penned by Aaron Schimberg, we follow the story of Edward (portrayed by Sebastian Stan), a solitary individual grappling with disfiguring neurofibromatosis. A miraculous drug eradicates his tumors, transforming him into an image reminiscent of Sebastian Stan. Enter Oswald (renowned from Under the Skin, Adam Pearson), another man afflicted by the same condition yet exuding charisma and self-assurance, thriving in the limelight as he plays our protagonist in a stage production detailing his life. This vibrant portrayal of Oswald, however, only serves to push Edward further into madness.

The Substance

Sept. 20

Coralie Fargeat’s first film, titled Revenge, was a delightfully brutal revenge thriller with a focus on rape. Now, she has returned with a movie that blends feminism and body horror, centered around a wonder drug that transforms a woman into her physically optimal self. Demi Moore, who portrays the protagonist of an aging aerobics show, has been praised by critics for what may be her best performance yet. Margaret Qualley shares the screen as Moore’s younger counterpart.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

In theaters Sept. 21 and Sept. 25 only

This film focuses on the late Christopher Reeve, best known for portraying Clark Kent in movies. The story is told from the perspectives of his friends and family, making it more about the 1995 horse riding accident that left him paralyzed at age 42 and turned him into an advocate for people with disabilities, rather than his iconic roles. (Documentary Super/Man)

Megalopolis

Sept. 27

This year at Cannes, when Francis Ford Coppola’s film after more than a decade, premiered, opinions about it were widely varied. Despite the turbulent production process for this intensely personal project, which combined the decline of Rome with contemporary America in an unusual sci-fi narrative, one cannot overlook Coppola’s audacity in creating something so strikingly original. The director personally invested $120 million into the film, but it later faced accusations of sexual misconduct and production turmoil.

Rez Ball

On Netflix Sept. 27

The screenplay for this upcoming sports drama about a high-school basketball team was co-written by Director Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo, who also works on ‘Reservation Dogs’. LeBron James is involved in its production. This heartwarming tale, inspired by journalist Michael Powell’s book ‘Canyon Dreams’, revolves around a team of students from a New Mexico Native American reservation at Chuska, who strive to win the state championship after their top player leaves.

The Apprentice

October TBA

The 33 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2024

It was just a question of when the Trump biopic would eventually happen, and this particular one, helmed by director Ali Abbasi and penned by author Gabriel Sherman, delves into the former president’s New York real estate ventures during the ’70s and ’80s instead of focusing on his later ascent to power. The script primarily focuses on the influential mentor-protégé dynamic between Roy Cohn (played by Jeremy Strong) and Trump (portrayed by Sebastian Stan), a relationship that significantly shaped Trump’s ruthless approach to amassing wealth and power.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Oct. 4

Regardless of your opinion about Todd Phillips’ Scorsese-esque psychological thriller “Joker”, its success can’t be ignored: Joaquin Phoenix clinched the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the troubled Arthur Fleck, and Phillips managed to bring a fresh perspective to an often overused character. Now, he’s returning with a follow-up that brings Harley Quinn, the Joker’s longtime love interest, into the picture – with Lady Gaga set to lend her interpretation to this renowned DC Comics antagonist. The upcoming film, titled “Folie à Deux”, is also a musical, boasting around 15 numbers that are based on well-known songs.

The Outrun

Oct. 4

2016 saw the publication of Amy Liptrot’s acclaimed book, which beautifully combined nature writing and personal memoir about overcoming hardship, demonstrating how immersion in nature can heal a troubled spirit. Now, this heartfelt memoir has been adapted into a film, jointly penned by director Nora Fingscheidt and Liptrot herself. Saoirse Ronan takes on the role of Rona, a woman battling alcoholism who returns to her home in the Orkney Islands following rehabilitation.

Saturday Night

Oct. 11

Despite its intricate past filled with mistakes, Saturday Night Live has consistently been a powerful influence on culture. Given this, it’s fitting that a biopic is being made to coincide with the start of its 50th season. Directed by Jason Reitman, this comedy-drama boasts an impressive array of talented actors in its ensemble cast. Among them are Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Lamorne Morris, Nicholas Bruan, Cooper Hoffman, Kaia Gerber, and J. K. Simmons.

We Live in Time

Oct. 11

The romantic comedy-drama by John Crowley for A24 commences with an incident: Almut (played by Florence Pugh) collides with Tobias (Andrew Garfield) in a car crash, initiating a love story that stretches over years and seems destined to become a tragedy as Almut undergoes cancer treatment. However, the internet’s current obsession could be considered the real scene-stealer in this film – a captivating carousel horse.

Anora

Oct. 18

Ever since Sean Baker made a splash with his 2015 film “Tangerine,” this writer-director has gained recognition for portraying individuals from underrepresented groups, such as sex workers. His most recent comedy-drama, which clinched the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year, unfolds a perilous love tale between Anora (Mikey Madison from “Better Things” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), a Russian-American exotic dancer, and Mark Eydelshteyn, the son of a Russian oligarch.

Woman of the Hour

On Netflix Oct. 18

The 33 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2024

In Anna Kendrick’s first directorial venture, Daniel Zovatto portrays Rodney Alcala, the notorious serial killer infamously known as “The Dating Game Killer”, who was active during a murder spree in 1978 and even appeared on the game show The Dating Game. Kendrick plays Cheryl Bradshaw, a real contestant on the show who rejected Alcala’s date offer. This thriller isn’t just a chilling account of true crime; it’s also a powerful critique of misogyny and objectification, revealing how seemingly innocuous games can lead to serious acts of violence against women.

Nickel Boys

Oct. 25

The 33 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2024

Let’s hope the latest Colson Whitehead adaptation, based on his 2019 novel The Nickel Boys, attracts a bigger audience than Barry Jenkins’s criminally underseen The Underground Railroad. Set in the 1960s, the story follows Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson), two young Black attendees of the Nickel Academy—a reform school based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys in Florida, infamous for the brutally racist abuse (in some cases murder) of students by staff.

Venom: The Last Dance

Oct. 25

In this third part of the Venom series, which is also the fifth film in Sony’s Spider-Man universe, director Kelly Marcel steps into the limelight following her work as co-writer for the first two movies. In this installment, Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) and his alien symbiote companion, Venom, are evading enemies from their respective realms. These adversaries include a soldier (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a scientist (Juno Temple), and a horde of terrifying extraterrestrial invaders.

A Real Pain

Nov. 1

Kieran Culkin has received high praise at film festivals for his performance in the buddy comedy-drama, “Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg.” In this movie, Eisenberg and Culkin portray cousins who are compelled to reevaluate their complex bond as they traverse Poland on a Holocaust tour. They visit concentration camps and war memorials while paying tribute to their deceased grandmother. This thoughtful film offers a powerful examination of two characters that effectively leverages Culkin’s newfound stardom following “Succession.”

Blitz

Nov. 1

The 33 Most Anticipated Movies of Fall 2024

In a change of narrative direction since his 2018 release “Widows”, Steve McQueen’s latest film features Saoirse Ronan portraying the character Rita, a London resident who has been separated from her nine-year-old son George (newcomer Elliott Heffernan). In an attempt to safeguard him during World War II, she sends him to live in the English countryside. However, when young George embarks on a perilous journey back home, Rita feels compelled to search for him herself, with Paul Weller from ’70s rock band The Jam playing her grandfather.

Conclave

Nov. 1

In a different wording: Peter Straughan penned down an adaptation for Robert Harris’ 2016 suspenseful novel, whose title is associated with the conclave responsible for choosing a new pope after the demise of the previous one. Ralph Fiennes portrays the cardinal assigned to manage this critical decision-making process. The film features Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini (and others) playing the roles of power-hungry cardinals and nuns, who all have hidden agendas that could potentially jeopardize the purity of the papacy.

Emilia Pérez

Nov. 13

In this French musical crime comedy directed by Jacques Audiard (“The Beat That My Heart Skipped”, “A Prophet”), an adaptation of his opera libretto with the same title, Zoe Saldaña plays Rita, a lawyer who aids the main character, telenovela star Karla Sofía Gascón, in undergoing gender confirmation surgery. However, the situation is more complex: Emilia, a ruthless Mexican cartel leader seeking refuge, also undergoes this transition to alleviate her longstanding dysphoria and avoid law enforcement.

All We Imagine As Light

Nov. 15

In a nearly 30-year span, Payal Kapadia’s second film (her debut scripted drama) marked the first Indian production to compete at Cannes. Notably, it received the Grand Prix. This movie revolves around three female nurses – Prabha (Kani Kusruti), Anu (Divya Prabha), and Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam) – who, despite their generational differences, work together in Mumbai. A journey to a coastal town sets off introspection about the pressures of patriarchy they’ve faced, providing them an opportunity to reclaim control over their lives as they reassess their careers and relationships while pondering on their past experiences.

Here

Nov. 15

Richard McGuire’s graphic novel “Here”, published in 2014, creates a sense of drifting through time. Each double-page depicts a specific moment, ranging from the ancient past to distant future, all happening in the same location. Adapting such an intricate story for a movie is challenging, but Robert Zemeckis, known for tackling complex projects, has chosen to maintain a static camera to reflect the book’s emphasis on individual frames. In this production, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, working with Zemeckis again after 30 years since “Forrest Gump”, portray two characters residing in different eras. Their appearances are digitally altered using AI to depict their youth.

Heretic

Nov. 15

In this psychological horror movie by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, two young Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) encounter a seemingly amiable elderly man (Hugh Grant). Their mission to convert him leads them into his intricate home, where they face trials for their beliefs. This role might be one of Grant’s most chilling performances to date.

Wicked

Nov. 22

The Broadway hit musical “Wicked,” inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel that reimagines characters from L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” caused quite a stir when it debuted in 2003, garnering three Tony Awards and shattering box-office records worldwide. Inevitably, a cinematic adaptation was on the horizon, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande cast as Elphaba (also known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (Glinda the Good), respectively. Director Jon M. Chu (of “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights”) opted to divide the movie into two parts, with the initial installment scheduled for release in the fall, while the second part is expected to premiere in November 2025.

The Piano Lesson

Nov. 22

In a groundbreaking move, Malcolm Washington, son of Denzel, makes his directorial and screenwriting debut with this film adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. This heartfelt drama is set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression. The story revolves around a disagreement between two siblings (portrayed by John David Washington, Malcolm’s brother, and Danielle Deadwyler) concerning the fate of a cherished family artifact – an old piano decorated with intricate designs created by their enslaved ancestor.

Gladiator 2

Nov. 22

In this sequel to Ridley Scott’s historical epic “Gladiator”, originally starring Russell Crowe as a vengeful Roman general following the Emperor Commodus (the son of Marcus Aurelius), who murdered his family, we find Ridley Scott returning. Apart from Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi reprising their roles, this new installment introduces a fresh cast including Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and lead actor Paul Mescal, who finds his nose fitting for a Roman character, playing Aurelius’ grandson Lucius.

Moana 2

Nov. 27

The 2016 animated movie titled “Moana” narrated a tale of a young girl, who was the daughter of a village chief in ancient Polynesia, assigned with retrieving a powerful artifact for the goddess Te Fiti. The upcoming sequel focuses on a trip to restore unity among the Oceania communities and features the original voice talents of Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, and Alan Tudyk. Although Lin-Manuel Miranda won’t be involved in composing the soundtrack this time, his fellow songwriters Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancin will continue their collaboration to bring the second movie to life.

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2024-08-30 16:09

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