As we bid farewell to 2023 and usher in a new year, the world of cinema is gearing up for an exciting slate of films in 2024. A recent poll conducted by Fandango has shed light on the most-anticipated movies of the upcoming year, and the results are dominated by familiar franchises, sequels, prequels, and spinoffs.
With numerous films having officially locked in their release dates for 2024, including Oscar contenders and blockbuster franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and The Planet of the Apes, movie enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to. Notable entries that were delayed from their 2023 release due to Hollywood strikes, such as “Dune: Part Two” and Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” are also set to grace the silver screen.
According to Deadline’s report, the Fandango poll unveiled a list of the Top 10 most-anticipated movies for 2024, and what stands out is that every single one of them belongs to existing franchises. The top five in the rankings are led by the MCU’s “Deadpool 3,” followed by legacy sequels “Beetlejuice 2” and “Ghostbusters: The Frozen Empire,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “Venom 3.” The list continues with “Despicable Me 4,” Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” “Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim,” “Gladiator 2,” and “A Quiet Place: Day One.”
While this poll underscores the immense audience interest in blockbuster franchises, several factors contribute to the concentration of franchise-driven titles on the list. Firstly, the theatrical landscape itself is heavily reliant on intellectual property, with studios scheduling major tentpole releases well in advance, often at the expense of original productions. Secondly, hit original movies typically generate buzz closer to their release dates, meaning that 2024 may still hold surprises from original works.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the 2024 film calendar includes numerous original movies spanning various genres and budgets. Among these are the Ariana DeBose-led science fiction thriller “I.S.S.,” the horror-comedy “Lisa Frankenstein” by Diablo Cody, and Ethan Coen’s road trip crime flick “Drive-Away Dolls,” all slated for premieres before the end of February 2024. While their success remains to be seen, these original films will need to build anticipation more organically compared to the colossal franchises.
In conclusion, the Fandango poll provides a snapshot of the movie landscape for 2024, highlighting the dominance of familiar franchises while acknowledging the potential for original films to captivate audiences. As we eagerly await the cinematic offerings of the coming year, it’s a reminder that the allure of sequels and spinoffs should not overshadow the creativity and innovation that original storytelling brings to the silver screen.
