,

‘Freaknik,’ ‘Shirley,’ ‘Magical Negroes,’ and More of the Most Anticipated Black Movies of 2024

We can’t wait to see Lupita Nyong’o in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked’ and the reunion of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in ‘Bad Boys 4.’

Photo: Gareth Gatrell

Now that awards season is over, we can truly get invested in the 2024 movie calendar. From surprise sequels, to highly-anticipated musicals, to new superhero team ups, to powerful biopics, there’s something everyone can get excited about this year. Get your calendar app open, bookmark this page and check out our 2024 movie preview.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

March 21: ‘Road House’ - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0ZsLudtfjI

Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Williams star in this remake of the classic Patrick Swayze action movie. This looks like a slightly different movie that feels just familiar enough it will capture nostalgia with viewers. Here’s hoping it leans into the campiness like the first one did.

March 21: ‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told’ - Hulu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48jmE2J05OY

Modern twentysomethings will not understand the appeal or draw of Freaknik. It was a moment in time where young Black people really let loose and partied their way through Atlanta. For those who were there, they do not want this documentary out in the world, shining a spotlight on their business. We thought everyone agreed that what happened at Freaknik, stayed at Freaknik.

March 22: ‘Shirley’ - Netflix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjBeKNHIdMY

Regina King embodies a true groundbreaker in this film chronicling Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 presidential run. Let’s start the awards campaign here.

March 29: ‘Heart of the Hunter’ - Netflix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSCFWJvcYXE

A spy/assassin gets out of the business and is enjoying a quiet life with his family when he’s pulled back into his shady world. This time around it’s the possible election of a corrupt leader in South Africa that leads to all the action. This one may fly under the radar, but it looks intense and really fun.

March 22: ‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gizIbhk5Eu4

The comedy isn’t even out yet and it’s already on the receiving end of controversy. The satire pokes fun at the “magical Black person” trope, though we’re not sure if it nails the landing yet.

March 29: ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV1OOlGwExM

The latest entry in the Godzilla/Kong franchise finds the two Titans teaming up to fight an even bigger threat.

April 5: ‘Monkey Man’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8zxiB5Qhsc

Jordan Peele produces and Dev Patel stars in and directs this action/revenge thriller following a man who takes on the corrupt, powerful figures responsible for the death of his mother and sister. If you love relentless action in your revenge stories, this is probably right up your alley.

April 26: Challengers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDnVk5jIJr0

Zendaya is a tennis star turned coach in this sexually charged story about the complicated relationship between three friends.

May 24: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtFI7SNtVpY

The fourth film in the franchise is set 300 years after “War for the Planet of the Apes.” Apes are now the reigning species while humanity scrambles to survive. A young woman and a chimpanzee try to figure out the future for both their species.

May 24: ‘The Garfield Movie’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeFWNtMo1Fs

Chris Pratt voices the classic lasagna loving cat alongside Samuel L. Jackson as his father.

June 7: ‘The Crow’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djSKp_pwmOA

Bill Skarsgard and FKA Twigs star in the latest version of the graphic novel. The trailer hits all the right notes of unapologetic vengeance and overwhelming heartbreak, but did we really need another “Crow?” For ‘90s kids nothing will ever top the first movie.

June 14: ‘Bad Boys 4'

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back for more shenanigans and over-the-top action scenes.

June 14: ‘Inside Out 2'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYRnM4nyuKs

Riley is older, which means new emotions are invading her mind. The sequel introduces Joy, Sadness, Anger and Fear to Anxiety. We’re still not over the emotional roller coaster of the first one. God knows what childhood memory Pixar is going to use to break our hearts this time.

June 28: ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPY7J-flzE8

Lupita Nyong’o and Djimon Hounsou star in this spinoff of the horror/thriller about a world in which the tiniest noise attracts deadly monsters.

July 26: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJMCNJP2ipI

Enjoy this one kids, as it’s the only major superhero movie coming out in 2024. That’s right, the fate of the genre rests on Deadpool’s shoulders. No pressure, Ryan Reynolds.

Aug. 9: ‘Flint Strong’

Photo: Getty Images Gregory Shamus Photo: Getty Images Gregory Shamus

Ryan Destiny stars as Claressa Shields in this biopic following the professional fighter’s journey to compete at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Nov. 22: ‘Gladiator 2'

Photo: Getty Images Ivan Romano Photo: Getty Images Ivan Romano

In this sequel to the Oscar-winning epic, Paul Mescal (“All of Us Strangers”) is an adult Lucius who has lived away from his mother and the trappings of Rome for most of his life. The real headline here is that Denzel Washington co-stars.

Nov. 27: ‘Wicked: Part One’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1dvX9Vs0ns

The “Popular” musical has finally been made into a movie and superfans cannot wait. Seriously, Cynthia Erivo is going to destroy “Defying Gravity.”

Nov. 27: ‘Moana 2'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnZbiKKydWU

Don’t act like you’re not excited to see Moana return. You know you totally belt out “How Far I’ll Go” every time you watch the movie.

Dec. 20: ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’

Photo: Getty Images Gareth Cattermole, Leon Bennett Photo: Getty Images Gareth Cattermole, Leon Bennett

A prequel to the classic story stars Aaron Pierre as the voice of young Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Scar.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Steve Harvey's Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

Steve Harvey’s Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

With a 70,000 gallon infinity pool to a home theater and wine cellar, Steve Harvey's mansion is one of the most expensive properties in Atlanta, Ga ...
The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are <i>Pissed</i>

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are Pissed

Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. And yes, you should be offended ...
Rumi Carter's Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi Carter’s Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi's latest moment on the Cowboy Carter World Tour was her most adorable yet ...
Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

If you are rich, Black and get caught up, there is only one number you should call ...
'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...
What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

Wondering what Diddy will be eating and Doing this holiday? Here's all the tea ...
A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer... The Results Will Surprise You

A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer… The Results Will Surprise You

A white TikTok Creator decided to use relaxer on his hair and... it worked? ...
Diddy's Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being <i>Loud</i> About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

Diddy’s Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being Loud About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

He's been spotted wearing "FREE PUFF" merch, now, Charlie Liucci has an inside scoop on what Diddy will do once released ...
How Baltimore Beat 'The Wire' Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

How Baltimore Beat ‘The Wire’ Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

Violent crime has plagued Baltimore for generations, and "The Wire's" depiction of drug and gang life surely hasn't helped... but there's hope ...
Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

In these challenging times, these books can give you the hope you need ...
'Hey Google' and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

‘Hey Google’ and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

Social media is buzzing about the strange reaction kids are having to smart speakers in their homes ...
Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family's Tragedy

Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family’s Tragedy

A big rig driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel in Kaufman County before he collided with stopped traffic ...
Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Libraries are closed, the medical examiner's office has a backlog of bodies, and trash is piling up everywhere ...
How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

Sellers and Jennings often go back and forth on the CNN show, and this was only amplified when Jennings asked Sellers not to touch him during one viral interaction from December ...
The Scary Reason 'American Idol' Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

The Scary Reason ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

While Roberts' reasoning is understandable, it's a shame he had to make the decision in the first place ...
A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

Black Mom Says Cops Approached Her and Her Children With Guns Drawn ...