Every year, I make a list of movies that are coming out which I want to see - a mini movie bucket list. And I know it's March and I'm late to the game, but with the first one on my list coming out today, I thought I'd share them with you. Here are my most anticipated movies of 2024 - and spoiler alert, Gladiator II is finally on the list…

Road House

Released: March 

Released today, Road House is a new take on the 1989 cult classic featuring Patrick Swayze. This time it's legendary actor Jake Gyllenhaal who will take the starring role as the former UFC fighter turned bouncer of a Florida Keys roadhouse.

There are plenty of shady characters to bounce, including Conor McGregor in his acting debut as a gun-for-hire. The trailers fight scenes look decidedly brutal and are sure to be talked about and picked apart way after the movie airs.

Brought to us by director Doug Liman of The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow, we can expect amped up action and tight quips in this redemption story - plus at least one… seriously… big… headbutt…

Road House streams today (21 March) on Amazon Prime.

Civil War

Due: April

Nope, it's not The Avengers. Directed & written by Alex Garland (of “Ex Machina” fame) this apocalyptic action film features a United States divided in a second civil war in the near future. It's cued up to be a gripping thriller, reminiscent of 28 Days Later.

With real-life political divides ever present in the States, a rise up against a dictatorial president is sure land close to home for audiences. Though whether that resistance would be led by a tag team of Texas and California is a matter that has divided the internet already (seems unlikely!)

Garland has already admitted that his movie will be divisive - but I'm keen to see Kirsten Dunst (who you might know as Spiderman's girlfriend from the Toby Maguire days) play the lead in this promisingly relevant movie.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Due: April

A top secret combat unit comprising a motley crew of rogues and mavericks has strong Inglorious Bastards vibes but there's at least one major difference between Tarantino's WWII film and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare - this time it's based in truth.

Guy Ritchie and Henry Cavill reunite to lead an ensemble case for this spy action comedy, taking an unconventional (read: ungentlemanly) approach to fighting the Nazis on the first special forces mission in history.

Ritchie's directorial fame precedes him, but with Sherlock Holmes, Snatch and The Gentlemen behind him, I think it's safe to say we're in pretty good hands. Expect a lot of ruthless killing.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Due: May

The Mad Max franchise rolls on with Anya Taylor-Joy starring as a young Imperator Furiosa in the fifth film in the franchise. Furiosa serves as both a spin off and a prequel, exploring the life and backstory of our protagonist before she met Mad Max in Fury Road.

Bringing the muscle is Chris Hemsworth as Warlord Dementus. It looks from the trailer like he'll be sporting some questionable beards and haircuts - but satisfyingly is expected to fly off the handle multiple times at least.

Director George Miller (together with his co-writer Nick Lauthoris) spent over 15 years on the script for Fury Road, which included detailed backstories of the major characters - so we're expecting this to be nothing short of authentic, post-apocalyptic madness.

The Crow

Due: June

Somewhere between the supernatural and superhero genres is The Crow - an upcoming reboot of the 1994 film that starred Brandon Lee in his final role before his tragic accidental death during the films production.

Both Bradley Cooper and Jason Momoa were considered and in fact cast for the lead role, but it eventually went to Bill Skarsgard - a resurrected musician back to avenge his death.

The original sequels featured none of the original cast and were mostly considered flops but in my opinion Skarsgard is the perfect choice to breathe new life into both the film and it's main character. Creepy, gothic and grisly, he has a lot to live up to - I'm anticipating big things.

Bad Boys 4

Due: June

We couldn't leave it off the list. Will Smith is back alongside Martin Lawrence for the fourth installment and sequel to Bad Boys for Life. Whatcha gonna do?

After years of slow progress between sequels, the boys are back - almost 30 years since they first hit screens. The film was quickly confirmed after the surprisingly well-reviewed third instalment.

Expect plenty of familiar faces, with Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig and Paola Núñez returning - as well as Jacob Scipio as Armando Aretas as Mike's (Will Smith's) long lost son.

Alien: Romulus

Due: August

I thought the standalone Prey from the Predator saga was unexpectedly excellent, so I'm expecting big things from Romulus - an Alien standalone, expected to be a return to the genre and style of the original movies.

Set between the events of Alien and Aliens (i.e. the first and second movies), we'll follow a group of young space colonisers as they scavenge their way through a derelict space station. Director Fede Álvarez is new to the series, but heavyweights Ridley Scott and James Cameron (directors of the first two movies respectively) have both seen and been impressed by the film, adding gravitas.

Speak No Evil

Due: August

James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis star in this remake of this Danish psychological thriller, which obviously did well enough in 2022 to be followed swiftly by a remake.

Director James Watkins brought us Eden Lake, The Woman in Black and the episode of Black Mirror Shut Up and Dance - all of which are creepy in some way or another, so you can expect the same from Speak No Evil which is bound to be nightmare fuel.

Joker - Folie a Deux

Due: October

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight purposely never gave us a Joker backstory, so it was up to Joaquin Phoenix in Todd Phillip's Joker to show us the origins of one of Batman's most famous nemeses.

In Joker - Folie a Deux, Phoenix is back alongside Lady Gaga (who plays Harley Quinn) in this years upcoming musical thriller, making for an intriguing but exciting cast. We already know that Phoenix can sing (none of his singing was dubbed in the Johnny Cash Biopic in Walk the Line) and it's been reported that Gaga has thrown herself into the role, asking to be referred to as Harley both on and off set.

It's bound to be weird - and I expect it'll be worth the wait.

Gladiator II

Due: November

It's only been 24 years. Ridley Scott is back with a star-studded cast including Paul Mescal as the lead, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi and Joseph Quinn. It's going to be mega.

Gladiator II will take place 15 years after the deaths of Commodus and General Maximus. The story picks up with Lucius, Commodus' nephew, who is all grown up now and played by Paul Mescal. On rewatching the original, you'll recall that Lucius may… or may not… have been Maximus' son - which is expected to feature in the follow up.

Apart from that, the plot has been kept hidden tightly under wraps, so what to expect is anyone's guess. Mine, though, would be blood, sand and plenty of action.

Most Anticipated Movies of 2024

There are a couple of originals, a few remakes and plenty of sequels to look forward to this year,  with great casts and plotlines that are expected to be gripping. It was tough to choose just ten, and there were a few that almost made the list - which you'll just have to wait and see about.

Keep an eye out for these great movies!