35 Must-See Movies Hitting Theaters This Fall

The sequel to “Beetlejuice“, set to release on September 6, 2024, follows the return of the mischievous ghost “Beetlejuice”, played by Michael Keaton. Set 36 years after the events of the original film, the story begins with the Deetz family returning to Winter River after Charles Deetz’s unexpected death.

Lydia’s life is upended when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid—portrayed by Jenna Ortega—discovers a mysterious model of the town in the attic. This discovery accidentally opens a portal to the Afterlife, releasing “Beetlejuice” back into their world. The film promises a new adventure that revolves around the next generation while blending comedy, fantasy, and the spooky charm of the original, with Tim Burton returning as the director.

“The Front Room” is an upcoming American psychological horror film, marking the feature film debut of the Eggers Brothers as both writers and directors. The movie is adapted from Susan Hill’s 2016 short story of the same name and features a cast that includes Brandy, Kathryn Hunter, Andrew Burnap, and Neal Huff. Set to be released by A24 in the United States on September 6, 2024, the story follows a young couple who, while expecting their first child, must care for an estranged stepmother.

“Speak No Evil” is an upcoming horror movie that centers on a family who accepts an invitation to visit another family they met on vacation. What begins as a seemingly friendly reunion quickly turns sinister as unsettling secrets and chilling behaviors emerge.

The film explores themes of social discomfort and manipulation, gradually building tension and horror as the visiting family realizes they are trapped in a terrifying situation. The movie promises to deliver a haunting experience filled with psychological dread and disturbing twists. “Speak No Evil” is in theaters starting September 13.

“The Killer’s Game” is an upcoming American action-comedy film directed by J.J. Perry, with a screenplay by Rand Ravich and James Coyne. It is adapted from Jay Bonansinga’s 1997 novel of the same name. The film features a star-studded cast including Dave Bautista, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews, Pom Klementieff, and Ben Kingsley.

Scheduled for release by Lionsgate in the United States on September 13, 2024, the story follows a seasoned assassin who, believing he has a terminal illness, puts a hit out on himself to avoid suffering. However, when he discovers that his diagnosis was a mistake, he must fight to survive against the very killers he hired to end his life, leading to a thrilling mix of action and dark humor.

“My Old Ass” is a 2024 American comedy-drama film, written and directed by Megan Park. The movie features performances from Maisy Stella, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks, and Aubrey Plaza. It made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024, and is set for a limited theatrical release in the United States on September 13, 2024, by Amazon MGM Studios.

The story revolves around Elliott Labrant, who receives a warning from her future self to avoid falling in love. Confident she can heed this advice, her resolve is tested when she encounters the very boy her future self cautioned her about. Get ready for a heartwarming story of teenage youth.

“Transformers One” is an upcoming American animated science fiction action film. The movie features an impressive voice cast including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.

The story explores the origins and early dynamics between Optimus Prime and Megatron, revealing how their complex relationship shaped the destiny of Cybertron, the Transformers’ home planet. This film marks the first theatrical animated installment of the franchise since “The Transformers: The Movie” in 1986.

“Transformers One” is set for a U.S. theatrical release by Paramount Pictures on September 20, 2024. The film delves into the history of the Transformers race and the transformation of two Cybertronian colleagues, Orion Pax and D-16, into the iconic adversaries Optimus Prime and Megatron.

“Wolfs” is a 2024 American action-comedy film written and directed by Jon Watts, featuring a reunion of stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The movie showcases these two professional fixers who, despite their preference for working independently, are compelled to collaborate on a shared assignment.

The unlikely partnership of two lone-wolf fixers who must team up to tackle a mutual job makes for a fun blockbuster. Joining them in the cast are Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan.

The film made its debut out of competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024. It is set for a limited theatrical release in the United States on September 20, 2024, by Columbia Pictures, with a streaming debut on Apple TV+ scheduled for September 27, 2024.

“Never Let Go” is an upcoming American survival horror film directed by Alexandre Aja. The movie features a cast that includes Halle Berry, Percy Daggs IV, Anthony B. Jenkins, Matthew Kevin Anderson, Christin Park, and Stephanie Lavigne.

Set for release in the United States by Lionsgate on September 20, 2024, the film tells the story of a family—comprising a mother and her twin sons—who have long been haunted by a malevolent spirit. The family’s unity is tested when one of the sons begins to question the existence of the supernatural menace, leading to a perilous struggle for their lives.

“A Different Man” is a 2024 American black comedy psychological thriller written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, featuring Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson. The film had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2024, and is set to be released in the United States on September 20, 2024.

The story centers on Edward, a man with neurofibromatosis, who, after undergoing surgery to reinvent his life, becomes obsessively interested in Oswald, an actor with the same condition. Oswald is portraying Edward in a stage production based on Edward’s past life, leading to a tense and intriguing exploration of identity and obsession.

“The Substance” is a 2024 body horror film directed and written by Coralie Fargeat, featuring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. The plot revolves around Elisabeth Sparkle, a former aerobics star who is dismissed from her job on her 50th birthday due to her age. Disheartened, she receives a surprising offer from a secretive lab that promises a transformative “substance.” This black market drug is said to temporarily make her the ultimate version of herself—youthful, stunning, and flawless. However, the injection comes with terrifying side effects.

The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024, where it competed for the Palme d’Or and earned Fargeat the Best Screenplay award. It is slated for a theatrical release in the United States on September 20, 2024. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley have both received awards buzz for their performances.

“Killer Heat” is an upcoming American crime mystery drama film directed by Philippe Lacôte and produced by Brad Weston, the film is based on Jo Nesbø’s short story “The Jealousy Man”. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, and Richard Madden are set to star. It is scheduled to be released on September 26, 2024, by Amazon MGM Studios.

The film tells the story of twin brothers (played by Madden) that are caught in a violent love triangle with Shailene Woodley’s character. A damaged detective known as “The Jealousy Man” (Gordon-Levitt) is brought in to investigate the case.

“The Wild Robot” is an upcoming animated film based on the popular children’s book by Peter Brown. The story follows Roz, a robot who wakes up alone on a remote island and must adapt to her new, wild surroundings. As Roz learns to survive and interact with the island’s animal inhabitants, she discovers the meaning of friendship and what it truly means to be alive. The film blends adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments, bringing the beloved book’s themes of nature and technology to life on the big screen.

Lupita Nyong’o leads the cast as Roz, the main character, with a supporting voice ensemble that includes Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, and Catherine O’Hara. “The Wild Robot” is in theaters on September 27.

“Megalopolis” is a 2024 American epic science fiction drama film written, directed, and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D.B. Sweeney, and Dustin Hoffman.

Set in a reimagined contemporary United States, the film follows Cesar Catilina (Driver), a visionary architect who aims to rebuild the devastated city of New Rome into a utopian society. He faces opposition from the corrupt Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Esposito), who is determined to maintain the current flawed system. Julia, the mayor’s socialite daughter and Cesar’s love interest, struggles with her inherited influence and seeks to find her own purpose amidst the turmoil.

The project, inspired by Coppola’s vision of drawing parallels between the fall of Rome and the future of America, began in 1977. Development commenced in 1983, with plans for a Rome-based shoot in 1989 that were postponed. After several attempts to revive the project, including a significant self-financing effort, Coppola finally completed the film with an experimental approach that included improvisation and spontaneous script changes. “Megalopolis”premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2024, and will be released in the U.S. by Lionsgate Films on September 27.

“House of Spoils” is an upcoming American supernatural horror film crafted by Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy, who handle both writing and directing. The film stars Academy Award winner, Ariana DeBose in the lead role. Barbie Ferreira and Arian Moayed also star in the film. The movie is produced by horror titan, Jason Blum.

The film explores the trials of a chef who launches her debut restaurant. She faces not only the chaos of running a kitchen, a questionable investor, and her own crippling self-doubt, but also the menacing spirit of the estate’s former owner, who seeks to thwart her efforts at every opportunity. “House of Spoils” is out in time for spooky season on October 3.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is an upcoming American musical psychological thriller directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Silver. This sequel to “Joker” (2019) continues the story of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, with Lady Gaga joining the cast as his love interest, Harley Quinn. Zazie Beetz reprises her role from the first film, and new additions to the cast include Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener.

Despite Phillips’ initial reluctance to make a sequel, development began in June 2022, with Gaga and Beetz joining later that year. In the sequel, set two years after the events of the first film, Arthur Fleck, now a patient at Arkham State Hospital, falls in love with his music therapist, Lee. As they spiral into a world of musical madness through their shared delusions, Arthur’s followers begin a movement to free him.

“Saturday Night” is an upcoming American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman, who co-wrote the script with Gil Kenan. Reitman is best known for the film, “Juno”. eaturing a star-studded ensemble including Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, and Willem Dafoe, the film explores the story behind the creation and premiere of NBC’s Saturday Night, which would later become “Saturday Night Live”.

The movie shows us the 90 minutes leading up to the premiere of the first live taping. It had its world premiere at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2024, and is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on October 11, 2024, via Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Releasing. The movie is already generating awards buzz as a possible Best Picture nominee.

“Piece by Piece” is a 2024 American animated documentary film directed and co-produced by Morgan Neville, which uses Lego animation to explore the life and career of musician Pharrell Williams, who also stars in the film. Morgan Neville produced Taylor Swift’s Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana” and won the Academy Award for “20 Feet from Stardom”.

The film also features voice contributions from Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg. The project, which began serious development in 2019 following discussions between Williams and Neville, includes original music by Williams and reflects his cultural and artistic influences through custom Lego designs. The film has received acclaim for the heartwarming and inspiring story. “Piece by Piece” has its U.S. release on October 11 by Focus Features.

“The Apprentice” is a 2024 biographical historical drama directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman. Featuring Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump, the film delves into Trump’s early years in New York’s real estate scene during the 1970s and 80s. The cast also includes Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, and Martin Donovan.

Premiering at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, the film is set to release in the U.S. on October 11. It focuses on the mentor-protégé dynamic between Trump and Roy Cohn, a controversial New York prosecutor, highlighting how Trump’s approach to power and deal-making began to take shape. The movie received acclaim for the performances and is expected to make a splash during the awards season.

“Smile 2” is an upcoming psychological supernatural horror film directed and written by Parker Finn. Serving as a sequel to the 2022 hit film “Smile” that experienced a huge online following.

The story centers on Skye Riley, a pop singer played by Naomi Scott, who starts experiencing unsettling and frightening occurrences just before embarking on a global tour. As these events escalate, Skye must confront her troubled past to regain control of her life. The film also features Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, and Kyle Gallner, who reprises his role from the first film. Scheduled for release on October 18, 2024, “Smile 2” is highly anticipated among horror fans as a new movie for the Halloween season.

“Flight Risk” is an upcoming action thriller directed by Mel Gibson and penned by Jared Rosenberg, featuring Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace, and Michelle Dockery. The film follows an FBI agent who, while transporting an informant accused of ties to a mob boss, uncovers that their pilot is actually a hitman sent to kill the informant. After overcoming the hitman, the agent and informant must continue their flight while evading further attempts on their lives. It is slated for release in the U.S. by Lionsgate on October 18, 2024.

“Anora” is a 2024 American comedy-drama film created by Sean Baker, who took on the roles of writer, director, and editor. The film features Mikey Madison as Anora, an exotic dancer whose turbulent love affair with the son of a wealthy Russian businessman unfolds. Alongside Madison, the cast includes Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.

The movie made its debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024, where it achieved significant acclaim by winning the Palme d’Or, marking the first American film to receive this honor since “The Tree of Life” in 2011. The film is set for a release in the United States on October 18, 2024, under the distribution of Neon.

In the story, Ani, a young Uzbek-American dancer from Brighton Beach in New York City, uses her Russian language skills to attract clients. She meets Vanya, the heir to a Russian fortune, and their romance quickly evolves into a hasty marriage. Their seemingly perfect union faces challenges when Vanya’s parents arrive in New York with plans to annul the marriage. “Anora” is expected to be a leading contender for the Oscars.

“Nickel Boys” is a 2024 American historical drama film, directed by RaMell Ross and co-written by Ross and Joslyn Barnes. The film features Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, and Daveed Diggs. Based on Colson Whitehead’s 2019 novel “The Nickel Boys”, the movie draws inspiration from the notorious Dozier School for Boys in Florida, known for its harsh treatment of students.

Set in 1962 Tallahassee, Florida, during the Jim Crow era, the story follows Elwood Curtis, a young African-American who is wrongfully accused of car theft and sent to Nickel Academy, a reform school modeled after the real-life Dozier School. While enduring the school’s brutal conditions and corrupt staff, Elwood befriends a fellow inmate named Turner, as they both struggle to survive the systemic abuse they face. The movie is expected to be a big frontrunner at the upcoming Academy Awards.

“Here” is an upcoming American drama film directed and co-produced by Robert Zemeckis, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth. Zemeckis is best known for his work with Tom Hanks in the movies, “Forrest Gump” and “The Polar Express”. Hanks returns to collaborate with Robert in this film along with Robin Wright.

The film explores the history of a single location and its residents, delving into different periods from the past and extending far into the future. The movie used state of the art technology to de-age Hanks and Wright. The movie is a heartwarming story for the upcoming holiday season and we cannot wait to see how Hanks pulls at our heartstrings this time.

The upcoming movie “Conclave” is a thriller directed by Edward Berger, based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris. The film follows the secretive process of electing a new Pope after the sudden death of the previous one. Set within the Vatican, the story delves into the political intrigue, power struggles, and hidden agendas of the cardinals as they gather to choose a new leader for the Catholic Church.

The cast includes Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini. The movie is expected to explore themes of faith, corruption, and the complexity of religious leadership. Ralph Fiennes is expected to be a leading contender for “Best Actor” at the Academy Awards. “Conclave” will be released on November 1 in the United States.

“Blitz” is an upcoming war drama film directed by Steve McQueen. Set during the Blitz in London during World War II, the film follows the lives of several Londoners as they navigate the chaos and destruction caused by the relentless bombing by Nazi Germany. Through interwoven stories, “Blitz” portrays the resilience, courage, and struggles of those living through one of the most challenging periods in British history.

The film is expected to capture the emotional and physical toll of the war on both individuals and the community. “Blitz” will premiere in theaters on November 1st and be available on Apple TV+ on November 22.

“A Real Pain” is an upcoming film directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars alongside Kieran Culkin. The film follows two cousins who travel to Poland after the death of their grandmother. While there, they explore their Jewish heritage and confront the historical impact of the Holocaust, but things take a turn when they decide to join a Holocaust-themed tour group.

The movie is expected to combine drama and dark comedy, exploring themes of family, identity, and the lingering effects of history. “A Real Pain” is in theaters on November 1.

“Red One” is an upcoming action-adventure Christmas film directed by Jake Kasdan. The movie stars Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, who team up on a thrilling holiday mission that blends elements of action, comedy, and festive cheer. The plot details are largely under wraps, but the film is expected to put a fresh spin on the holiday genre with its high-energy action and humor. It is set to be released by Amazon Studios during the holiday season of 2024.

“Gladiator II” is an upcoming historical epic film and a sequel to the 2000 movie “Gladiator”. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Lucilla, who is now grown up and seeking to follow in the footsteps of Maximus. Set in Ancient Rome, the story explores Lucius’s journey as he navigates political intrigue, power struggles, and the brutal world of gladiatorial combat.

The 2000 film “Gladiator”, directed by Ridley Scott, was a major success, both critically and commercially. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe, and is widely praised for its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and impressive visual effects. The film’s blend of epic historical drama, action, and emotional depth resonated with audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.

Due to the original film’s legacy and enduring popularity, the upcoming sequel, “Gladiator II”, is highly anticipated. Fans are eager to see the continuation of the story and how it will expand on the themes and characters introduced in the first film. The film aims to continue the legacy of its predecessor with intense action, dramatic storytelling, and a deep dive into the Roman Empire. It is scheduled for release on November 22.

“Wicked Part One” is an upcoming film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked, which explores the untold story of the witches of Oz, Elphaba and Glinda, long before Dorothy’s arrival. After years of development and anticipation from fans, the movie is finally making its way to the big screen, bringing the iconic story to a new audience. Because of the depth of the source material, the team decided to split the movie up into two parts.

The cast features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch. The production also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Jeff Goldblum in the role of the Wizard. The film is produced by Marc Platt, who also produced the original Broadway show, and aims to bring the magical world of Oz to life with stunning visuals and a powerful soundtrack that includes both the original songs from the musical and new compositions.

The film has generated significant excitement due to its star-studded cast and the beloved nature of the source material. The film will feature original songs from the musical, as well as new surprises that the cast has hinted at for fans, promising a fresh and exciting experience. The anticipation is high, with fans eager to see how the film will capture the magic and depth of the original stage production. “Wicked Part Two” will be released in 2025.

“Moana 2” is the highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated hit “Moana”. The film is set to continue the adventures of Moana, the young wayfinder, as she explores new oceans and faces fresh challenges alongside her demigod companion, Maui.

With original voice cast members, including Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, expected to return, the sequel promises to deliver more of the vibrant animation, memorable music, and heartfelt storytelling that captivated audiences in the first film. Fans are eager to see what new songs, characters, and adventures await in this next chapter of Moana’s journey.

“Nightbitch” is a dark comedy film that follows the story of a suburban housewife who begins to suspect she is turning into a werewolf. As she grapples with her transformation, the film explores themes of identity, motherhood, and personal freedom.

Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder, it combines elements of supernatural horror with sharp social commentary. Amy Adams stars as Mother in the movie and is already generating award buzz. “Nightbitch” is in theaters on December 6.

“Hard Truths” is a drama film that delves into the complexities of truth and morality. The story follows a group of individuals as they confront their personal and professional challenges, forcing them to grapple with difficult choices and the consequences of their actions.

The film is known for its intense emotional depth and thought-provoking narrative. Academy Award Nominee, Marianne Jean-Baptiste stars in the film. “Hard Truths” is in theaters on December 6.

“Kraven the Hunter” is an upcoming superhero film centered on the Marvel Comics character Sergei Kravinoff, also known as “Kraven the Hunter”. The movie focuses on Kraven, a skilled tracker and big-game hunter, as he embarks on a quest to prove himself as the greatest hunter of all.

This film explores his backstory and his motivations, set in a world that intersects with Spider-Man and other Marvel characters. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars in the titular role with Ariana DeBose as Calypso. “Kraven the Hunter” is in theaters on December 13.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” is an upcoming animated film that serves as a prequel to Disney’s “The Lion King.” It focuses on the backstory of Mufasa, the beloved lion king, exploring his rise to power, his relationships, and the challenges he faced before becoming the ruler of the Pride Lands. The film aims to provide deeper insights into Mufasa’s character and the events leading up to the original story.

The film is directed by Barry Jenkins, known for his work on “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic franchise. The film aims to blend traditional animation with modern storytelling, maintaining the essence of the beloved “Lion King” series while offering new depth to Mufasa’s character.

The upcoming biopic “A Complete Unknown” is a film about Bob Dylan, focusing on his transformative and influential early years. The movie is set to explore Dylan’s rise to fame, his impact on music and culture, and the complexities of his persona. Timothee Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan and even did his own singing for the movie.

Anticipation for the film is building due to Bob Dylan’s iconic status and the promise of a deep, insightful portrayal of his life and career. Chalamet’s fans are also excited to see his transformation into the iconic singer. The film will capture Dylan’s artistic evolution and the cultural impact he had during his formative years.

As we head into the fall and holiday season, moviegoers have an exciting array of films to look forward to on the big screen. With a diverse lineup that includes highly anticipated sequels, gripping dramas, and enchanting animations, this season promises something for everyone. Whether you’re excited to revisit beloved characters or discover new stories, heading to the theaters offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of cinema. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a season filled with unforgettable movies and cinematic adventures!