The top 5 most hotly anticipated films to see in 2024

Movie lovers, brace yourselves for an exhilarating cinematic adventure in 2024.

This year promises a treasure trove of sequels, fresh stories and visionary creations set to captivate our imaginations and stir our emotions once again.

Coming after an eventful year at the box office – we all remember the ‘Barbenheimer’ hype – the line-up for 2024 beckons us into a world of familiar characters and uncharted tales.

The majestic return to the savannah in Mufasa: The Lion King, reigniting the cherished memories of childhood wonder. Alongside this, The Colour Purple brings a tidal wave of emotions, promising an unforgettable and soul-stirring experience.

But there's even more to anticipate!

Picture Elio’s transformative journey, the long-awaited Gladiator 2, and the dark humour of Joker: Folie a Deux. Get ready to immerse yourself in whole host of enchanting films destined to keep us on the edge of our seats in 2024.

‘The Colour Purple’

Intended to centralise around the act of ‘sisterhood’, The Colour Purple is a musical adaptation of the original. Not a remake as many may believe.

After featuring in Steven Spielberg’s first rendition of the film in 1985, Oprah Winfrey is a producer in the January release alongside Quincy Jones, Scott Sanders and Spielberg himself. Blitz Bazawule directs.

Originating from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Colour Purple is set in the 1910s to 1940s Southern USA and revolves around four women who survive domestic and sexual violence with the support of each other.

In cinemas January

‘Elio’

Set to take us on an adventure through the universe, space lovers don’t have to wait too long before enjoying the the latest in the decades-long filmmaking partnership between Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios.

This March will see the debut of Elio a box office powerhouse galaxy-filled project. The film introduces underdog Elio, a space-loving kid whose imagination leads to an unexpected turn of events.

He soon finds himself a spectacle amongst aliens and celestial creatures in the Communiverse (an interplanetary organisation with representatives from galaxies far and wide).

Being in such a unique position, Elio learns that on his enchanted space voyage, he will do more than just see the sights.

In cinemas March

The Colour Purple comes to life with dazzling musical scenes

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’

Serving as a sequel and prequel to the live action movie released back in 2019, Mufasa: The Lion King is tipped to have us roaring.

What is likely going to be one of the most theatrical unveils of the year, the plot follows the rise of one of Pride Rock’s greatest Kings.

Setting the tone, Rafiki – a fan favourite character of the Disney film – tells Simba and Nala’s daughter, Kiara, the story of her grandfather.

So, get ready for the backstory to Mufasa and his relationship with his brother Scar; and needless to say, there will be plenty of commentary from Timon and Pumbaa too.

In cinemas July

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

At long last – the mysterious allure of Joker is back and he’s not alone.

Played by Joaquin Phoenix, the Joker develops a relationship during his time as inmate at Arkham Asylum. The type of relationship nobody should every wish to seek out.

So far, the details of the film are being kept top secret, aside from the fact of it being a musical. And joining alongside the storied villain is love interest Harley Quinn, played by singer Lady Gaga.

It appears director Tod Phillips is delving into the weaving relationship between the two characters and their twisting romance is still alive.

However, is Quinn working with or against Joker in the sequel? Or both.

In cinemas October

‘Gladiator 2’

This household favourite is making its return after 20 years since the Gladiator Oscar takeover and box-office success.

After various scripts and versions of the sequel, the beloved movie has finally fought its way back onto the cinematic screen for 2024.

Even though, it’s expected to be very different from the original 2000 epic historical drama starring Russell Crowe, in which he does not feature, the story takes place 20 years after the death of his character Maximus Decimus Meridius.

Lucius, the son of Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen in the original, had a front-row seat to Maximus’s rebellion as many of you may remember. Now, a grown Lucius bears his legacy.

Likely to have a climactic release, fans and critics alike will once again enjoy this soul-stirring tale of freedom.

In cinemas November

Join the cinematic experience and get ready for an exhilarating year of film.

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