From action, to drama, to fantasy, to superheroes, to family fare, 2024 delivered a wide range of movies. As the business continues to catch up from pandemic and strike delays, there were blockbusters hitting theaters and streaming services throughout the year. There were so many, we completely understand if you missed a few of them. Before you start fresh with your 2025 watchlist, we wanted to let you know where you can find the buzziest movies of 2024.
Note: Some of these are available with subscriptions, while others will require you to rent or buy them. Let’s get started:
‘Gladiator II’ – Digital Release
Denzel Washington is endlessly charming as clever bad guy Macrinus. We’re not rooting for him, but we kind of need the next movie to be a prequel of his story.
‘Wicked’ – Digital Release
You’ve probably seen “Wicked” multiple times, but when you watch it at home, you can sing as loud as you want, and no one cares if you’re off key. Premieres Dec. 31 on Fandango at Home’s streaming service.
‘The Six Triple Eight’ – Netflix
We always have time for a film that celebrates the impact Black women have had on history. Plus, Kerry Washington is amazing.
‘The Piano Lesson’ – Netflix
If you look up Black Excellence in the dictionary, you’ll see a picture of this cast. Malcolm Washington directs, Denzel Washington produces, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Erykah Bady, Corey Hawkins and Samuel L. Jackson star in the August Wilson adaptation.
‘Inside Out 2’ – Disney+
In familiar Pixar fashion, “Inside Out 2” takes on a hilarious, complex, insightful emotional journey. This time around, Riley is hitting puberty, which means a whole new crop of emotions including Maya Hawke as Anxiety and Ayo Edebiri as Envy. The biggest movie of the year will be available to stream on Disney+ Sept. 25.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ – Paramount+
Lupita Nyong’o fights her way through New York City on the first day of the terrifying alien attack. Though she doesn’t much dialogue, the Oscar winner uses her brilliant range to take us through every thrilling second of the alien invasion.
‘Borderlands’ – Digital Release
Kevin Hart leads an all star cast in the film adaptation of the popular video game. Fair warning: this one features a lot of over the top sci-fi/fantasy craziness, so if that’s not your jam, you can pass.
Descendants: The Rise of Red – Disney+
The fourth film in the popular Disney franchise delivers some beautiful nostalgia, as it features Brandy and Paolo Maontalban returning as Cinderella and King Charming. And yes, they’re still totally in love.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die – Digital Release
Mike and Marcus are still at it, but this time they’re the ones being chased. Obviously, they’re hilariously awful at being fugitives. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence still got it.
Divorce in the Black – Prime Video
There’s been a lot of talk about how bad Tyler Perry’s new movie is. The best way to get in the conversation is to check out for yourself and see if it’s as cheesy as everyone says. Spoiler alert: It is.
‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ – Peacock
Viola Davis joins the franchise as The Chameleon, the villain in the fourth entry. This may be one of those times where we root for the bad guy instead of the hero.
‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ – Max
The famous kaiju must team up to take on a powerful yet old monster. Brian Tyree Henry is back as Bernie Hayes, the only voice of reason in this crazy world.
‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ – Netflix
Eddie Murphy offers up a bit of ‘80s nostalgia in his latest trip to Beverly Hills. This time around Axel must stop the bad guys while trying to repair his relationship with his daughter.
‘Dune: Part Two’ – Max
If you missed Zendaya kicking ass in the second chapter of this story you can catch it on Max. If this franchise is your jam, savor this movie, because it’s going to be a while before the series, “Dune: Prophecy,” hits screens, or “Dune: Part Three” is even in production.
‘Wish’ – Disney+
This animated film came out at the end of 2023, but we’re counting it because Ariana DeBose’s Asha is such an amazing Disney heroine. This entertaining movie is a fun origin to the magic of all your other favorites.
‘American Fiction’ – Prime Video
Awards season can get overwhelming, so it’s understandable if you missed this Oscar-winning film on the impact of Black art. The cast is brilliant and the story is unique.
‘Bob Marley: One Love’ – Paramount+
Even if you’ve already seen this biopic chronicling the life and legacy of Bob Marley, it’s not like you’re going to ever be tired of the music.
‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ – Digital Release
The latest entry in the “Ghostbusters” franchise seemed to come and go so fast we barely had time to sing Ray Parker Jr.’s iconic theme. If you enjoy the new movies, this is your chance to see the kids team up with the OGs.
‘Challengers’ – Digital Release
Whether you’re a fan of tennis or complicated relationship dramas, “Challengers” is probably going to make for a fun movie night.
‘Migration’ – Peacock
It’s always enjoyable when you can find a family movie that the kids and adults will both like.
‘Monkey Man’ – Digital Release
If revenge action is your jam, “Monkey Man” is going to be your new favorite. The fight scenes are thrilling and the story is a fresh entry in the genre. Dev Patel delivered an instant classic.
‘Origin’ – Hulu
Ava DuVernay’s brilliant adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s novel “Caste” comes to Hulu on June 10. This is the kind of emotional, thought-provoking drama that may hit a little stronger when you’re watching at home away from outside distractions.
‘Damsel’ – Netflix
This fresh take on classic fairy tales has an imaginative twist, plus Angela Bassett and Millie Bobby Brown are definitely not damsels in distress who wait around to be rescued.
‘Civil War’ – Prime Video
This drama was divisive, but not for the reasons you expect. If you want to come to your own conclusions, you can stream it at home. Fair warning: This is not a hppy fun time date movie.
‘The Beekeeper’ – MGM+
In this bonkers, nonstop action movie, Jason Statham goes on a bloody rampage to avenge Phylicia Rashad’s death, and things get crazy from there. If you want a ridiculous amount of fight scenes and a cool popcorn flick, this is for you.
‘The Book of Clarence’ – Netflix
Jeymes Samuel’s star-studded bible epic tells a fascinating story about faith, belief and redemption. LaKeith Stanfield is absolutely ready for leading man status.
‘I.S.S.’ – Digital Release
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose heads into her action star era with this somewhat predictable thriller about what happens to the astronauts on the space station when nuclear war breaks out on Earth.
‘The American Society of Magical Negroes’ – Peacock
This isn’t the best satirical exploration of race on this list, but if you’re looking for something different, this one certainly qualifies. Also, can we get a spinoff on “the Society of Supportive Wives and Girlfriends?”
‘The Fall Guy’ – Digital Release
If you love Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt and Winston Duke, you can already watch this hit at home in your pjs.
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