MacabreDaily's Top 10 Most Anticipated Films Of 2024
With 2023 swiftly coming to an end, we look back at the horror movies that were released this year—some we loved, some we loathed, nonetheless leaving 2024 with some big shoes to fill. From prequels and sequels to reimaginings of classic horror flicks, and completely new franchises, this year was a milestone for the once niche genre of horror. That’s enough reminiscing though; a New Year means new possibilities and opportunities for even more mind-blowing terror and trepidation. Here’s our top 10 most anticipated movies of 2024:
10. Alien: Romulus (August 16th, 2024)
Over the last 40 years, the ‘Alien’ franchise has become a renowned pop culture icon in the sci-fi and horror world. Enough so that ‘Alien vs. Predator’ even scored a house at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Orlando in 2014. Needless to say, we’re looking forward to this one. Directed and written by Fede Álvarez, ‘Alien: Romulus’ will be a stand-alone film in the franchise but is set between the events of ‘Alien’ (1979) and ‘Aliens’ (1986) according to one of the stars in the film, Cailee Spaeny.
9. Nosferatu (December 25th, 2024)
Notably one of the most well-known vampires, next to Dracula of course, Count Orlok, otherwise known as Nosferatu, has had a remake coming for a long time. Over 100 years, in fact. The original ‘Nosferatu’ was released in 1922 as a black-and-white silent film, so it will be interesting to see what director Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse, The Witch) will do with this one.
“A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.” (sourced from IMDB) The new film will be filled with a star-studded cast including Willem Dafoe, Bill Skarsgård (who will be playing Count Orlok), Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Emma Corrin.
8. Saw XI (September 2024)
The ‘Saw’ franchise to many is some of the most brutally gory and unsettling sets of films they have seen. I’ll admit it, some of those scenes are pretty gnarly. I think that is what makes these films so special though and why they are now on the 11th installment in the saga. We’re drawn to things that make us uncomfortable, and the storytelling keeps us intrigued.
Unfortunately, not much is to be known about ‘Saw XI’ just yet, but one thing we do know is that there will be plenty of new torture traps and games alike to show our “lucky” contestants that life is precious and should be treated as such. There is still no official word on whether or not Tobin Bell will be back to reprise his role as Jigsaw.
7. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (March 29th, 2024)
‘Ghostbusters’ is pure 80’s nostalgia. Even though nothing will top the feeling you get when you watch the original film for the first time, the other renditions that have been released are just as enjoyable and evocative. Join the Spengler family as they head back to New York City to revisit the iconic firehouse from the original Ghostbusters film. While reminiscing, they stumble upon an ancient artifact that unleashes an evil force and will ultimately start a second ice age unless the Ghostbusters, new and old, can save the day. Bill Murray will be back to reprise his role as Peter Venkman along with Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Dan Aykroyd.
6. The Strangers: Chapter 1 (May 17th, 2024)
Home invasions are a reality and the 2008 film ‘The Strangers’ portrayed this in a petrifying light. One of the most unnerving sentences to be uttered in the film “Because you were home” made us all go check to see if our doors were locked. The anxiety-inducing film will be coming back as a three-part film trilogy.
‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ along with Chapters 2 and 3 will all be released in 2024, an interesting take by director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Exorcist: The Beginning). “A young couple drive cross-country toward a new beginning; unfortunately they have no choice but to stop in a secluded Airbnb in Oregon--and endure a night of terror against three masked strangers.” (sourced from IMDB)
5. Night Swim (January 5th, 2024)
Growing up with a pool, I was instantly drawn to the premise of this film and how unsettling “going for a night swim” can be. There’s just something about the ominous dark water and the vulnerability you feel. Blumhouse is always coming up with new and creative ways to freak us out and we’re here for it.
Directed by Bryce McGuire, ‘Night Swim’ follows former baseball player Ray Waller who was forced to retire early due to an underlying illness. The Wallers move into a new home with a pool in hopes that the kids will enjoy it and that Ray will be able to use it for physical therapy. Little do they know, an evil spirit lurks in the watery depths.
4. Terrifier 3 (October 25th, 2024)
Director Damien Leone is back with the third installment in his ‘Terrifier’ franchise, and this time Art The Clown will be spreading some yuletide joy. Be sure to expect insanely grisly kills and plenty of blood. I know we’ll be looking forward to seeing Art on the big screen again. There isn’t too much insight into this ‘Terrifier 3’ just yet, but we do know that past characters will be back to reprise their roles such as Lauren LaVera, Elliott Fullam, David Howard Thornton, and Samantha Scaffidi. A special teaser trailer for ‘Terrifier 3’ was also shown during the ‘Terrifier 2’ previews when it was re-released in theaters earlier this year.
3. Beetlejuice 2 (September 6th, 2024)
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! We just can’t get enough of the ghost with the most. Although we may not believe that ‘Beetlejuice’ needs a sequel, we’re still intrigued to see what director Tim Burton has up his sleeve. Little has been said about the highly anticipated ‘Beetlejuice 2’, but sometimes it’s good to go in blind and with an open mind.
Some familiar faces will be returning including Michael Keaton who will be reprising his role as Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara will also be back as Delia and Lydia Deetz. Jenna Ortega will be debuting her role as Lydia’s daughter and Willem Dafoe has also been noted to be in the new film.
2. Smile 2 (October 18th, 2024)
‘Smile’ was an absolute fan favorite at the box office this year; the marketing alone was impeccable and didn’t give away too much about the film which was much appreciated. Even if you’re not a fan of horror, this wasn’t your typical horror movie, and with a fresh story, it really drew us in. We hope that ‘Smile 2’ follows suit. After further research, it seems as if they’re keeping Smile 2 pretty lowkey with the plot still under wraps. The expectations are going to be high for this one.
1. MaXXXine (May 10th, 2024)
“Follows Maxine, who was the only survivor of the bloody incidents of X, as she continues her journey towards fame to be an actress in 1980s Los Angeles.” (sourced from IMDB) Director and writer Ti West will finally be releasing the third film from the ‘X’ saga titled ‘MaXXXine’. With the success and notoriety of ‘X’ and ‘Pearl’, we’re certain that this new film will be nonetheless a raunchy, alluring, and blood-soaked masterpiece, and we hope you feel the same.
We at MacabreDaily hope that 2024 treats you well and is filled with horror goodness. As for a New Year’s resolution, we suggest you watch more horror movies, including these picks! Happy New Year to all, and to all a good fright.
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