There are many anticipated projects planned to be released in the year 2024; some are original ideas and others are either sequels, adaptations or knock-offs. 

Surprisingly, our picks include some lesser known movies reaching to release in 2024, but don’t worry, as all of them are either surprise films we never expected or movies we’ve been expecting since the release of the first installment. Here are the most highly anticipated movies of 2024 given by students and staff in order of release date:

First on our list is “The First Omen,” expected to release on April 5. From IMDb, the movie’s plot is as quoted: “A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, but encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.” The concept is very interesting as the teaser reads, “On the 6th day, of the 6th month, of the 6th hour, he will be born.” It’s a clever way to bring the infamous number “666” into the movie.

The cast list is as follows: Bill Nighy as Lawrence, Charles Dance as Father Harris, Ralph Ineson as Father Bennan, Sonia Braga as Silvia, Anton Alexander as Father Spiletto, Maria Caballero as Luz, Andrea Arcangeli as Paolo, among others. The person who will be directing this movie is Arkasha Stevenson. 

Fun fact: Ralph Ineson, who plays Father Brennan, was also in the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs as a posse leader. 

The second pick on our list is “Civil War,” expected to release on April 12. The plot is as quoted: “In a dystopian future America, a team of military-embedded journalists races against time to reach Washington, D.C, before rebel factions descend upon the White House.” (IMDb)

Not many of the cast members’ roles have been released, but famous and well known actresses and actors like Kirsten Dunst and Nick Offerman will be starring in it. It’s confirmed that Nick Offerman will be playing the president during this chaotic civil war. Alex Garland directed the film. Garland is responsible for books like 28 Days Later released in 2002, his earliest book, The Beach, released in 1996 and The Coma released in 2004.

Third on our list is the unexpected “Inside Out 2,” set to release on June 14. The main plot follows Riley dealing with teenage issues. The sequel “[r]eturns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: New Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up, and it looks like she’s not alone.” (IMDb)

The movie’s director is different from the previous installment – this time being directed by Kelsey Mann. The movie is planned to release in theaters only in summer of 2024. The cast from the previous installment will be reprising their roles: Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Tony Hale as Fear, and Liza Lapira as Disgust.Ironically, despite Lapira’s role as the emotion Disgust, she has a very supportive background in children’s charity organizations.

The fourth movie on our list is the exciting sequel “Despicable Me 4,” expected to release on July 3. The main plot of this film follows Gru having a baby. “Gru welcomes a new member to the family – Gru Jr – who’s intent on tormenting his dad. However, their peaceful existence soon comes crashing down when criminal mastermind Maxime Le Mal escapes from prison and vows revenge against Gru.” (IMDb)

Famous movie director Chris Renaud returned to help bring this movie to life. The legendary Steve Carell reprises his beloved role as Gru, returning to the cast alongside Kristen Wiig as Lucy Wilde, Dana Gaier as Edith, Miranda Crosgrove as Margo, Madison Skyy Polan as Agnes, and, shockingly, with Will Farell playing as Maxime Le Mal. Carell is a well known actor who shaped the beloved franchise, having starred in multiple popular television shows and movies. He played Michael Scott in The Office and acted in “Over the Hedge,” “Dinner for Schmucks,” “IF,” and “Asteroid City.”

The fifth movie on our list is none other than “Deadpool & Wolverine,” planned to release on July 26. The plot of the film is, unfortunately, not yet released. Although it may be shaped around the previous installment, “Deadpool 2,” as a handful of cast members from the previous film are slated for “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Speaking of the cast, the majority of the actors’ roles have been revealed. Ryan Reynolds’ popularity increased after the release of “Deadpool.” This will be the third time Reynolds reprises his role as the Merc with a Mouth.

Hugh Jackman is also reprising his role as Wolverine, alongside Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Jennifer Garner as Elektra, Karan Soni as Dopinder, Shioli Kutsuna as Yuki, Stefan Kapičić as Colossus, Rob Delaney as Peter and many others. Shawn Levy serves as the director of this sequel. The plot may start off with Deadpool and Wolverine being enemies, and ending as friends, which was their canon introduction.

The final pick on our list is “Joker: Folie a Deux,” expected to release October 4. The movie’s plot is not yet revealed. Some speculate there’s a chance it follows the first installment, as there are some familiar faces to go along with this film. Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Joker, with Lady Gaga by his side as the infamous Harley Quinn. The other unnamed characters cast members include Ken Leung, Zazie Beetz, Catherine Keener, Brendan Gleeson, Steve Coogan, Tim Dillon, and more. This film was made possible by director Todd Phillips and writers Paul Dini, Bill Finger, Bob Kane.

Fun fact: without Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character Batman wouldn’t exist today, as the two are co-creators of this fan favorite! Dini went on to direct multiple animated movies and TV shows based around the D.C. Universe. The Joker’s real name was revealed in the first installment, which does not align with the comic book canon. In an issue of Flashpoint Beyond #5, the Joker’s name was finally revealed as Jack Oswald White. Although the film chose another direction, this could be something to explore in a further installment or complete reboot.