Knock on Wood

It’s always too early to tell for the first few months, but 2024 is shaping up to be another great year for film. Apart from the return of several high-profile creative voices to the fold, there’s also a notable lack (at least comparatively) of franchise films, a marked difference from the majority of the last decade. Whether or not 2024 will be the year fresh, original stories overpower IP remains to be seen – and in a landscape of constantly-shifting release dates, it won’t be certain for quite a while – but there are plenty of films, whether they be original, adaptations, or sequels, that we’re looking forward to this year. Here are a few, curated by our contributors.

Drive-Away Dolls

I have long been an advocate that the best Coen Brothers films were their comedies and not their dramas. Not that the dramas are bad, they’re usually amazing. But it’s with their comedies that their directorial and screenwriting abilities could really shine and flourish. But the Coens are on a different path these days, as Joel and Ethan are no longer working together, but instead making their own films. As such, I couldn’t be more excited to catch Drive-Away Dolls. Seeing Ethan make his first movie on his own is already enticing enough, but the fact that it’s also a comedy? Man, I’m there. Especially seeing as it’s yet another crime comedy (a sub-genre where the Coens have thrived) that has two young women accidentally come into possession of the mob’s money. The trailer displays a ton of witty banter, the aesthetic looks vivid and quirky, and I’m definitely engaged with this great ensemble cast. Let’s hope that we’re in line for another Coen comedy masterpiece! (Heath Lynch)

In theaters February 24.

Abigail

We can woe the poor decisions made by Spyglass in the case of the Scream franchise, but fans will surely be satisfied by the latest venture from Radio Silence, the filmmakers behind Ready or Not and the two most recent Screams. Abigail has one of my favorite trailers released of late, showcasing a group of kidnappers who get more than they bargained for when a child they are holding for ransom turns out to be a vampire. Modern horror icons Melissa Barrera and Kathryn Newton star, alongside Giancarlo Esposito and a posthumous appearance by Angus Cloud. Though it may not be entirely original in concept, Abigail will surely be fresh in execution. If there’s any actor-director combo I trust in the modern horror scene, it’s Radio Silence and Melissa Barrera, and Abigail will be a surefire display of those talents. (Rowan Wood)

In theaters April 19.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

The mad movie doctor himself is back at it again! Dr. George Miller is taking audiences back to the Wasteland…and the Wasteland Reviewer couldn’t be more excited. Furiosa will take audiences back to the life of a young Furiosa as she must navigate the crazy world in the hands of the dangerous Dementus and Immortan Joe. I was already excited by just the idea of this film’s existence after the masterpiece that is Mad Max: Fury Road, but once the cast announcements started, that just upped the ante. Anya Taylor-Joy is one of the most talented young actors working today. Chris Hemsworth jumping into a different type of project is quite exciting. The first trailer only reinforced the excitement as it recaptures the same vibe and atmosphere of the endlessly entertaining Fury Road. Taylor-Joy looks so natural in the role of Furiosa, especially when wearing the iconic black face paint and desert attire. But the biggest surprise from the trailer was the strangely different look and thick Australian accent of Hemsworth. Audiences should be prepared to see Hemsworth having more fun in the film than ever before. The film promises a journey for Furiosa from captive to the Imperator that we fell in love with in Fury Road. That is going to be an exciting rise. (Shane Conto)

In theaters May 24.

Lisa Frankenstein

Since Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton were both snubbed during the 2023 awards season after giving arguably two of the best performances of the year (in Riverdale Season 7 and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, respectively), I was immediately intrigued when I saw a trailer featuring the two of them for a film called Lisa Frankenstein. I know that may sound like a lie, and that’s because it is. But the trailer for Lisa Frankenstein did genuinely get my attention. The 1980s setting (and the fun hair and costumes that come with it), the crazy bisexual lighting, and Diablo Cody (of Juno and Jennifer’s Body) as the screenwriter all got me excited. It’s mainly that last one. But what can I say? I’m a sucker for a rom-com about an outcast and a dead body; just ask the decorative Swiss Army Man quote Knock on Wood founder and editor Rowan Wood gave me for our anniversary. (Davis Mathis)

In theaters February 9.

Wicked: Part One

I’ve always been a huge fan of the musical Wicked – an excellent and creative spin on The Wizard of Oz (based on the Gregory Maguire book of the same name), with catchy songs and an engaging structure. And if there’s anyone I trust to bring this epic story to life, it’s studio blockbuster extraordinaire, Jon M. Chu (director of Now You See Me 2, Crazy Rich Asians, and In the Heights, one of my personal favorite recent musical adaptations). Chu excels in the “fun” aspect of filmmaking, and with a cast that includes Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Bowen Yang, there’s practically no way I could dislike this movie. The fact that it’s being split into two films, with the second being released next year, only gives me more confidence – it proves (hopefully) that the story will not be rushed, and the characters and their development will instead be given the care and time they deserve to be fully-rounded. (Rowan Wood)

In theaters November 27.

Civil War

I’m going to be honest here – this movie scares me. Why? Because there’s a very possible future where something like this could happen, and seeing the visuals of that possible reality in front of me is terrifying. Seeing the United States in a state of civil war, where civilians are battling on the streets, with modern-day technology and war capabilities? Truly horrifying. However, this also has the potential to be a poignantly insightful, and viscerally intense, experience that I can’t miss, especially with Alex Garland at the helm. Though his films have been declining in quality (to me) since he burst onto the scene with Ex Machina, he’s solidified himself as a must-watch director. Adding Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Jesse Plemons, and Nick Offerman into the mix? Hot damn. I am ready for this politically charged, dramatic, action thriller. (Heath Lynch)

In theaters April 12.

Ennio

You might ask…is this really a new 2024 release when it has been floating around other countries for a few years now? Well…us Americans have been missing out on this epic documentary experience honoring one of the greatest composers in the history of film. In the hands of Cinema Paradiso director Giuseppe Tornatore, the story of Ennio Morricone is brought to the silver screen. The list of commentators is a “who’s who” of film legends, from Clint Eastwood to Oliver Stone to Quentin Tarantino to Bernardo Bertolucci to Dario Argento. There might not be much else to say as this is a straightforward concept, but the prospect of getting a deep dive into Morricone’s life and legacy by a filmmaker like Tornatore is just a wonderful prospect. (Shane Conto)

In limited theaters this spring.

The Fall Guy

Alright, okay, listen. Outside of Dune: Part Two (which was a delayed holdover from 2023), The Fall Guy is my most anticipated movie of the year. I know, it’s a bold statement, but I can’t help but get immensely excited for this film! The trailer lit me up with anticipation. Seeing this hokey, Lee Majors-starring, early ‘80s action TV show being rebooted as a movie, with all the modern filmmaking techniques at its disposal, and a ton of talented people on board, I’m hooked. David Leitch is by no means a ‘must-watch’ director, but his vibe certainly matches the energy that this story and script demands. You can see it permeating the trailer. And having hilarious, attractive, and talented people like Emily Blunt, Winston Duke, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Stephanie Hsu, and Ryan Gosling taking the reins on this one? Where does the fun end?! It doesn’t. That’s right. This crazy story about a Hollywood stuntman who has to take the place of the leading man in his film after the leading man is found murdered has action, comedy, and thriller fun written all over it. I cannot wait to see The Fall Guy. If it lives up to even half of my expectations, we should be in for a good time. (Heath Lynch)

In theaters May 3.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Were you ready to let Planet of the Apes lie with the death of Caesar at the end of War for the Planet of the Apes? I know I sure was. Andy Serkis and Matthew Reeves were both moving forward and leaving this beloved franchise behind. The story of Caesar was over and it was time to move on. But then the trailer for Kingdom for the Planet of the Apes dropped…and I couldn’t be more excited to explore this world again. The most interesting thing is the 300 year jump in time. What has occurred? Where are the apes and humans now? This is a fascinating prospect and now I am certainly back on the train for Planet of the Apes. The trailer shows off a wonderful world with rich textures and a fascinating new dynamic. The effects look as good as ever and Wes Ball (of The Maze Runner) looks like he may have been a strong choice to take over. A tale of a young explorer coming upon a dictatorial ape kingdom just sounds like a fantastic new direction to take this franchise. (Shane Conto)

In theaters May 10.