47 New Movies This Fall to Watch Out For

August 27, 2024 Jonathan Moustakas

Fall 2024’s most intriguing movie releases include everything from Wicked and Joker: Folie á Deux to Saturday Night and Nosferatu.

Gladiator II: Paramount; Joker: Folie a Deux: Warner Bros; Saturday Night: Sony Pictures

This fall, the film industry is poised to captivate audiences with a stellar lineup of 47 new releases, each promising unique narratives and thrilling entertainment. From eagerly awaited blockbusters that promise to dominate box office conversations to indie films that explore nuanced, personal stories, this season is set to offer an eclectic mix of cinematic treasures.

As we transition into the cooler months, moviegoers can look forward to a diverse array of films. Big-name directors and star-studded casts align to bring forth a mixture of sequels to beloved franchises and groundbreaking original content. With genres ranging from action-packed thrillers to heartfelt dramas and everything in between, there’s no shortage of films to draw viewers into theaters.

Highlighting the depth and variety of this season’s offerings, audiences can expect to see major releases like “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “Gladiator II”, which are set to redefine the boundaries of their respective genres. Alongside these, smaller films like “The Wild Robot” and “Piece by Piece” explore heartfelt stories and innovative storytelling techniques that are equally compelling. This dynamic blend ensures that regardless of your cinematic tastes, there will be multiple films to engage and excite you as 2024 winds down.

Explore our fall preview and add captivating films to your bucket list below:

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

• Directed by: Tim Burton

• Starring: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega

• Release Date: September 6

The long-awaited return of Tim Burton’s ghostly trickster promises to resurrect the dark, quirky humor that made the original a cult classic. Reuniting Michael Keaton with Winona Ryder and introducing Jenna Ortega, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice aims to blend nostalgia with fresh, innovative storytelling. Set to captivate a new generation, the film explores themes of the afterlife with the same whimsical and macabre style that defined its predecessor.

His Three Daughters

• Directed by: Azazel Jacobs

• Starring: Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen

• Release Date: September 6 (theaters), September 20 (Netflix)

This poignant drama brings together three estranged sisters in the shadow of their father’s impending demise. Directed by Azazel Jacobs, His Three Daughters promises a deep exploration of family dynamics and reconciliation. With stellar performances expected from Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen, the film aims to provide an intimate look into the complexities of familial relationships and the healing power of connection.

My Old Ass

• Directed by: Megan Park

• Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Maisy Stella

• Release Date: September 13

Megan Park directs this light-hearted yet profound exploration of self-acceptance and familial bonds. Aubrey Plaza plays a future version of Maisy Stella’s character, who provides wisdom and guidance through a whimsical yet touching narrative. Set against the backdrop of a family’s cranberry farm, My Old Ass mixes humor with heartfelt moments, promising a film that’s both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

A Different Man

• Directed by: Aaron Schimberg

• Starring: Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson

• Release Date: September 20

In a story that challenges perceptions of identity and beauty, A Different Man features Sebastian Stan as an actor who undergoes facial reconstructive surgery, only to become entangled in a complex relationship with a man (played by Adam Pearson) who he portrays in a play. Directed by Aaron Schimberg, this film blends elements of psychological thriller and drama to explore themes of self-discovery and societal expectations.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

• Directed by: Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui

• Release Date: September 21

This documentary focuses on the life and legacy of Christopher Reeve, exploring his iconic role as Superman and his inspirational journey following a life-altering accident. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the film combines intimate interviews and archival footage to paint a comprehensive portrait of a man who became a real-life hero through his advocacy and resilience.

Wolfs

• Directed by: Jon Watts

• Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt

• Release Date: September 20 (theaters), September 27 (Apple TV+)

George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunite under the direction of Jon Watts in Wolfs, a clever blend of thriller and dark comedy. As two rival fixers forced to collaborate on a high-stakes job, their chemistry and strategic maneuvers are at the heart of this engaging caper. With a limited theatrical release followed by a quick transition to streaming, this film offers

The Substance

• Directed by: Coralie Fargeat

• Starring: Demi Moore

• Release Date: September 20

Coralie Fargeat directs Demi Moore in a gripping sci-fi thriller about an aging actress who encounters a mysterious substance that promises to rejuvenate her life and career. The Substance combines elements of body horror and dramatic intrigue, showcasing Moore in a transformative performance that explores the intersections of vanity, identity, and ambition.

Never Let Go

• Directed by: Alexandre Aja

• Starring: Halle Berry

• Release Date: September 20

In this tense thriller, Halle Berry plays a mother determined to protect her children from an unseen threat. Directed by Alexandre Aja, Never Let Go promises a nail-biting narrative filled with suspense and emotional depth. Berry’s portrayal of a fiercely protective mother highlights her versatility and commitment to roles that push the boundaries of traditional thriller archetypes.

Megalopolis

• Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola

• Starring: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel

• Release Date: September 27

Francis Ford Coppola channels his five decades of filmmaking into Megalopolis, a grand narrative that blends Americana with ancient Roman history. This ambitious film, which explores the construction of a utopian city from the ruins of a modern metropolis, features stellar performances by Adam Driver and Giancarlo Esposito. Despite mixed reviews at Cannes, the film’s audacious scope and Coppola’s legendary direction have cinema aficionados eagerly anticipating its release.

Lee

• Directed by: Ellen Kuras

• Starring: Kate Winslet

• Release Date: September 27

Lee presents the intriguing story of Lee Miller, a model turned acclaimed war photographer, as directed by Ellen Kuras. Kuras, who was inspired by Miller’s profound work and resemblance to Kate Winslet, crafts a narrative filled with emotional depth and historical significance. This film promises a powerful exploration of a pioneering woman whose lens captured some of the twentieth century’s most pivotal moments.

The Wild Robot

• Directed by: Chris Sanders

• Starring: Lupita Nyong’o (voice), Pedro Pascal (voice), Kit Connor (voice)

• Release Date: September 27

DreamWorks Animation brings Peter Brown’s beloved book to life under the direction of Chris Sanders. The Wild Robot explores the adventures of Roz, an intelligent robot voiced by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, who must adapt to wilderness life after a shipwreck. The ensemble voice cast, including Pedro Pascal and Kit Connor, adds vibrant layers to this animated journey, promising a heartwarming tale of survival and friendship.

Joker: Folie à Deux

• Directed by: Todd Phillips

• Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga

• Release Date: October 4

Todd Phillips returns to Gotham with Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as Arthur Fleck, now joined by Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn in a disturbingly symphonic sequel. Joker: Folie à Deux delves deeper into the shared madness between Joker and Harley, exploring the darker, musical undercurrents of their relationship in this highly anticipated follow-up to the 2019 hit.

White Bird

• Directed by: Marc Forster

• Starring: Helen Mirren, Gillian Anderson

• Release Date: October 4

Marc Forster’s White Bird extends the universe of Wonder with a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied France. A young Jewish girl’s struggle for survival is brought to life with powerful performances by Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson, weaving a tale of resilience and hope amidst one of history’s darkest hours.

The Outrun

• Directed by: Nora Fingscheidt

• Starring: Saoirse Ronan

• Release Date: October 4

Based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir, The Outrun features Saoirse Ronan as a woman returning to her childhood home in the Orkney Islands to confront her personal demons and past addictions. This film combines the stark beauty of Scotland with a profound story of recovery and self-discovery, promising a moving cinematic experience.

STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAG

Brothers

• Directed by: Max Barbakow

• Starring: Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage

• Release Date: October 11 (theaters), October 17 (Amazon)

In Brothers, directed by Max Barbakow, Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage play siblings embroiled in comedic misadventures and familial drama. This film, inspired by the 1988 comedy Twins, blends humor with heartfelt moments, highlighting the chemistry between Brolin and Dinklage as they navigate through chaos and laughter.

Piece by Piece

• Directed by: Morgan Neville

• Starring: Pharrell Williams (as himself)

• Release Date: October 11

Morgan Neville’s Piece by Piece is a creative documentary that examines the life and career of Pharrell Williams through the innovative use of Lego animation. This unique storytelling approach, combined with a soundtrack of Pharrell’s hits, offers an engaging and visually dynamic portrait of the music icon.

Saturday Night

• Directed by: Jason Reitman

• Starring: Gabriel LaBelle

• Release Date: October 11

Jason Reitman recreates the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live, focusing on the tumultuous events leading up to the iconic show’s debut in 1975. Saturday Night captures the essence of live television, the chaos behind the scenes, and the inception of a cultural phenomenon, all seen through the eyes of Lorne Michaels and the original cast.

We Live in Time

• Directed by: John Crowley

• Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh

• Release Date: October 11

We Live in Time is a poignant romance about unexpected love and the harsh realities of life. Directed by John Crowley and starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, the film beautifully captures the fleeting moments of joy and the inevitable challenges faced by a couple in love, set against a backdrop of heartfelt drama and poignant storytelling.

Exhibiting Forgiveness

• Directed by: Titus Kaphar

• Starring: André Holland

• Release Date: October 18

Titus Kaphar makes his directorial debut with Exhibiting Forgiveness, a film that explores the complexities of family, art, and reconciliation. André Holland stars as a painter who confronts his past and estranged father, weaving a narrative that delves into the intersections of art and personal history, highlighted by powerful performances and thoughtful direction.

Anora

• Directed by: Sean Baker

• Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn

• Release Date: October 18

Sean Baker’s Anora takes audiences into the gritty underbelly of Brooklyn’s streets, where sex workers and gangsters collide in a raw, kinetic narrative. Mikey Madison shines as the titular character, whose life is a complex web of survival and ambition, set against the backdrop of Baker’s trademark style of vivid, unfiltered realism.

Flight Risk

• Directed by: Mel Gibson

• Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace, Michelle Dockery

• Release Date: October 18

Mel Gibson directs Flight Risk, a high-octane thriller where Mark Wahlberg plays a pilot with a hidden agenda. As the plot unravels, characters are thrust into a whirlwind of danger and deception, showcasing intense performances and a plot thick with suspense and unexpected twists.

Woman of the Hour

• Directed by: Anna Kendrick

• Starring: Anna Kendrick

• Release Date: October 18 (Netflix)

In a riveting directorial debut, Anna Kendrick delivers a suspenseful true-crime drama about a young woman on a 1970s game show who unknowingly matches with a serial killer. This film combines suspense with a sharp critique of gender dynamics, offering a gripping narrative that keeps the audience on edge until its powerful conclusion.

RaMell Ross - RODIN ECKENROTH/GETTY IMAGES

Nickel Boys

• Directed by: RaMell Ross

• Starring: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Daveed Diggs, Ethan Herisse

• Release Date: October 25

RaMell Ross brings Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to life, exploring the harrowing reality of a reform school in Florida. This poignant drama challenges viewers with its raw portrayal of institutional abuse and the quest for dignity and redemption in the face of inhumanity.

Conclave

• Directed by: Edward Berger

• Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow

• Release Date: November 1

A thrilling narrative unfolds in Edward Berger’s “Conclave,” where the sudden death of a pope leads to a gripping power struggle within the Vatican. With a stellar cast and a masterfully woven plot, this film is a compelling exploration of ambition, faith, and power.

Saoirse Ronan in Steve McQueen's 'Blitz.' - Apple TV.

Blitz

• Directed by: Steve McQueen

• Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Elliott Heffernan

• Release Date: November 1 (Theaters), November 22 (Apple TV+)

Steve McQueen returns with a World War II drama set during the Blitz in London. Centering on a mother’s search for her missing son, this film combines historical authenticity with deep emotional storytelling, highlighting the resilience and despair of those dark times.

A Real Pain

• Directed by: Jesse Eisenberg

• Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin

• Release Date: November 1

Jesse Eisenberg directs and stars alongside Kieran Culkin in a film about cousins uncovering family secrets in Poland. This introspective journey blends humor and heartache, showcasing a dynamic interplay between its leads.

Emilia Pérez

• Directed by: Jacques Audiard

• Starring: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz

• Release Date: November 13 (Netflix)

Jacques Audiard’s audacious musical drama tells the story of a Mexican drug cartel leader’s gender transition, weaving a complex narrative of identity, loyalty, and power. The film’s vibrant storytelling and powerful performances make it a standout.

Here

• Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

• Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright

• Release Date: November 15

Robert Zemeckis crafts a unique time-travel story focusing on a couple’s life through a century, all within the confines of their living room. This innovative narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time with profound depth.

Heretic

• Directed by: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods

• Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East

• Release Date: November 15

“Heretic” explores a sinister encounter between two young missionaries and a mysterious man, blending elements of horror and faith. This intense thriller from the writers of “A Quiet Place” offers a chilling take on conviction and deception.

Gladiator II

• Directed by: Ridley Scott

• Starring: Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal

• Release Date: November 22

Ridley Scott revisits the grandeur of ancient Rome in “Gladiator II,” where legacy and revenge drive a new chapter in this epic saga. Paul Mescal steps into a world of power, betrayal, and gladiatorial combat, promising a cinematic experience filled with intense drama and action.

Wicked

• Directed by: Jon M. Chu

• Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum

• Release Date: November 22

“Wicked” brings the magical land of Oz to life before Dorothy’s arrival, with Jon M. Chu directing this vibrant adaptation of the beloved musical. Featuring a star-studded cast, the film delves into the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, offering a fresh perspective on their enchanting world.

Spellbound

• Directed by: Vicky Jenson

• Starring: Rachel Zegler

• Release Date: November 22 (Netflix)

Vicky Jenson’s “Spellbound” tells the story of a princess on a daring quest, set against a backdrop of enchanting music and vibrant animation. This family-friendly film combines adventure and magic, aiming to captivate audiences with its heartfelt story and stunning visuals.

Moana 2

• Directed by: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller

• Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson

• Release Date: November 27

The sequel to “Moana” sees the titular heroine embarking on another epic journey across the vast oceans of Oceania. With new challenges and adventures, this film builds on the themes of exploration and self-discovery that made the original a hit.

SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES.

Nightbitch

• Directed by: Marielle Heller

• Starring: Amy Adams

• Release Date: December 6

In “Nightbitch,” Amy Adams delivers a powerful performance as a mother undergoing strange transformations. This darkly comedic drama explores the pressures and surreal experiences of motherhood, with a narrative that’s as intriguing as it is unsettling.

Y2K

• Directed by: Kyle Mooney

• Starring: Rachel Zegler, Jaeden Martell, Julian Dennison

• Release Date: December 6

Kyle Mooney’s directorial debut takes us back to the eve of the new millennium with “Y2K,” a horror-comedy that captures the anxiety and excitement of the era. This nostalgic trip features a group of teens confronting their fears and societal expectations as the 20th century comes to a close.

Kraven the Hunter

• Directed by: J.C. Chandor

• Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Russell Crowe, Ariana DeBose

• Release Date: December 13

“Kraven the Hunter” introduces audiences to one of Spider-Man’s formidable foes, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson taking on the title role. This action-packed film explores the complexities of its antihero, blending intense combat scenes with a deep dive into his tumultuous psyche.

Mufasa: The Lion King

• Directed by: Barry Jenkins

• Starring: Aaron Pierre

• Release Date: December 20

Barry Jenkins directs “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a prequel that explores the origins of the iconic character. This visually stunning film combines Jenkins’ storytelling prowess with the rich lore of the Lion King universe, offering a new perspective on the tale of leadership and legacy.

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