These Are 15 of the Best Movies Currently Playing in Theaters (2024)

There's never been a better time to be a movie fan, especially if you love checking out your local movie theaters. From re-releases of classic titles to exciting big-budget spectacles, it seems as if there's always something new and exciting to stare at over a bucket of popcorn. However, with the popularity of streaming among a huge influx of popular titles arriving in the coming days, how are you supposed to know what the best movies in theaters are?

Thankfully, we're here to address those concerns. We've taken the time to highlight a number of prominent releases, both old and new, that are currently playing in theaters. From terrific dramas to heart-pounding action films, there's certainly no shortage of things to see whenever you head down to your local cinema. Don't believe us? Here are just a handful of the best movies currently playing in theaters throughout 2024. We'll be updating this list periodically to reflect the best of the best movies as they come and go; first up are the most recent films.

Updated September 5, 2024: This collection of the best movies currently in theaters has been updated with brand-new entries.

15 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

September 6

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Comedy

Fantasy

Horror

Release Date

September 6, 2024

Director

Tim Burton

Cast

Jenna Ortega , Michael Keaton , Monica Bellucci , Justin Theroux , Willem Dafoe , Winona Ryder , Catherine O'Hara

Read Our Review

Michael Keaton in messy makeup is back. After nearly four decades, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is finally here to continue the beloved story originally directed by Tim Burton. The acclaimed director helmed this exciting legacy sequel, as the remaining Deetz family makes a surprise return to Winter River following a sudden tragedy. However, when the newest addition to the Deetz family, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), accidentally discovers a portal to the afterlife, the comical bio-exorcist Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) is released once more. Catherine O'Hara reprises her role as Delia Deetz as well, with Willem Dafoe, Burn Gorman, Justin Theroux, and Danny DeVito joining the additional cast.

Beetlejuice Is Beetle-Back

Though Beetlejuice Beetlejuice could never truly outshine its predecessor, its positive qualities make for a fun and engaging sequel with plenty of unexpected surprises. Michael Keaton slipped back into his familiar role like a glove. Jenna Ortega feels like a natural addition to Tim Burton's colorfully moody universe. Better yet, the screenwriting duo of Miles Millar and Alfred Gough (Wednesday, Into the Badlands, Shanghai Noon) make for a genuinely engaging story that thankfully doesn't outstay its welcome.

14 The Thicket

September 6

The Thicket

4/5

R

Thriller

Western

Crime

Drama

Release Date

September 5, 2024

Director

Elliott Lester

Cast

Peter Dinklage , Juliette Lewis , Esme Creed-Miles , Levon Hawke , Macon Blair

Runtime

1h 48m

Read Our Review

Neo-Westerns are always a visceral treat. The same can be said for The Thicket, a Western directed by Elliott Lester of Blitz and Nightingale fame. Based on the 2013 Joe R. Lansdale novel of the same name, The Thicket follows a man named Jack (Levon Hawke) as he attempts to rescue his sister Lula (Esmé Creed-Miles) from a vicious gang leader. He can't do it alone, however. Jack recruits the aid of a motley crew as they venture into The Big Thicket, where violence and crime run rampant. Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Leslie Grace, and Gbenga Akinnagbe co-star in this intense, dust-soaked tale.

Tubi's Wild Western

A passion project for Peter Dinklage, who's been attached to the project since 2014, this intense Western melds thriller elements with an incredible cast and some breathtaking visuals. Even outside its intense production schedule and its distinctly wintry setting, there are plenty of other surprises to be found in The Thicket as well — the biggest arguably being the involvement of Metallica singer James Hetfield in the supporting cast, as well as Macon Blair of Blue Ruin and Green Room fame. It may have taken a long time to come to fruition, but rest assured, The Thicket is well-worth seeing.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis below.

13 Continue (2024)

September 6

Continue

3.5/5

R

Release Date

September 6, 2024

Director

Nadine Crocker

Cast

Nadine Crocker , Shiloh Fernandez , Emily Deschanel , Lio Tipton , Dale Dickey , Kat Foster , Allison Paige

Runtime

1h 55m

Main Genre

Drama

Read Our Review

This 2022 drama has finally secured a wider theatrical release via the fine folks at Lionsgate. Continue, written and directed by Nadine Crocker, follows the journey of a young woman who is involuntarily institutionalized after she attempts to take her own life. However, during her time at the facility, she may come face to face with uplifting influences and newfound tragedies. Nadine Crocker stars in this film along with Shiloh Fernandez (Evil Dead, The Old Way), Lio Tipton (Crazy Stupid Love), and Emily Deschanel.

A Heart-Wrenching Story

Partially inspired by Crocker's own life story, Continue is a movie that doesn't shy away from its uncomfortable subject. In directly addressing it, however, what you get is a film that is refreshingly honest, presenting raw emotion and genuine impact without coming off as halfhearted or insincere. Nadine Crocker would later go on to direct Desperation Road with Mel Gibson, and while that film has its own positives, it pales in comparison to the rawness you'll find in this heart-wrenching story.

12 I'll Be Right There

September 6

I'll Be Right There

3.5/5

Release Date

September 6, 2024

Director

Brendan Walsh

Cast

Edie Falco , Jeannie Berlin , Kayli Carter , Charlie Tahan , Bradley Whitford , Sepideh Moafi , Michael Beach

Runtime

1h 38m

Main Genre

Comedy

Read Our Review

Coming off of her main role in Peaco*ck's Bupkis, Edie Falco is back in the lead role of a charming indie comedy. I'll Be Right There puts Falco in the shoes of Wanda, a woman who just wants to tend to those in her inner circle. Unfortunately, when she spreads herself too thin between all her loved ones, she'll have to take a stand when it finally comes time to take care of herself. Jeannie Berlin, Bradley Whitford, Michael Beach, and Michael Rapaport co-star in this fun movie by Brendan Walsh.

Edie Falco Is an Icon

Capable of balancing drama and comedy in equal measure, Edie Falco leans heavily towards the latter in this charming story. Examinations of age dynamics, messy families, and the importance of self-care take center stage here. Interestingly, Brendan Walsh and Edie Falco previously collaborated during their mutual tenure on Nurse Jackie, and you can find glimpses of their incredible work together throughout this brief comedy. It's not necessarily an easy-viewing film, but it's one that's sure to entertain and engage with its prominent themes.

11 The Mother of All Lies (2023)

September 6

A surprising international movie is hitting theaters this September, carrying with it a fascinating premise. The Mother of All Lies is a bold experiment, placing director Asmae El Moudir in a chilling documentary about family, trauma, and historical contexts. Moudir finds herself with an authentic recreation of her original neighborhood in Casablanca, all in an effort to uncover the truth behind her family's history with the help of her closest friends. The film took a total of eight years to complete from start to finish.

An Intriguing Moroccan Documentary

The Mother of All Lies saw significant praise both domestically and internationally. It premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, where Moudir won the Best Director award in the Un Certain Regard category. Likewise, this film was selected as Morocco's entry for Best International Film at the 2024 Academy Awards, and it even entered the December shortlist among what would become the official nominees.

10 Blink Twice

August 23

Blink Twice

R

Drama

Thriller

Release Date

August 23, 2024

Director

Zoe Kravitz

Cast

Naomi Ackie , Channing Tatum , Christian Slater , Simon Rex , Adria Arjona , Kyle MacLachlan , Haley Joel Osment , Geena Davis , Alia Shawkat , Levon Hawke , Trew Mullen , Saul Williams , Liz Caribel Sierra , Cris Costa , Julian Sedgwick

Read Our Review

Zoë Kravitz (Big Little Lies, The Batman) has made her exciting directorial debut with a chilling psychological thriller. Blink Twice follows what happens when an ordinary co*cktail waitress, Frida (Naomi Ackie), finds herself entangled with a mysterious billionaire (Channing Tatum), leading to a surprise invitation to a private island party. Unfortunately, sometime after Frida's friend goes missing, a series of nightmarish reveals will unveil her eventual fate. Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, and Geena Davis co-star in this edge-of-your-seat nightmare.

Be Careful Not to Blink

Aside from marking a rare villainous role from Channing Tatum, Blink Twice is as unsettling as it is overwhelming. Naomi Ackie's career has been comprised of straightforward dramas so far, but it's this experience that lends her lead role the kind of authenticity that's needed for a convincing performance. Likewise, Kravitz let her writing skills shine, as she co-authored the screenplay with E.T. Feigenbaum (High Fidelity). This movie is the perfect pick if you're aching for a "killer" island party.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Haley Joel Osment below.

9 Strange Darling

August 23

Strange Darling

4.5/5

R

Horror

Thriller

Romance

Release Date

August 23, 2024

Director

JT Mollner

Cast

Willa Fitzgerald , Kyle Gallner , Jason Patric , Giovanni Ribisi , Ed Begley Jr. , Barbara Hershey , Steven Michael Quezada , Madisen Beaty , Denise Grayson , Eugenia Kuzmina , Bianca A. Santos , Sheri Foster , Duke Mollner , Andrew John Segal , Robert Craighead , Evan Peterson

Runtime

1h 36m

Read Our Review

JT Mollner, whose previous films include the likes of 2016's Outlaws and Angels, has come back with a legitimately shocking horror-thriller that's sure to impress. Strange Darling pairs Willa Fitzgerald (The Fall of the House of Usher , Little Women) with Kyle Gallner (Smile, Jennifer's Body) in a one-night stand gone terribly awry. The night quickly turns into something foul as a ferocious serial killer begins a prolonged and perverse murder spree. Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr. co-star.

Kyle Gallner Plays a Menacing Killer

In combining a pair of unexpected actors with a thrilling premise and cinematography by Giovanni Ribisi (Saving Private Ryan, Ted), you get what will likely be one of the most understated yet poignant films of the year. Strange Darling is seen as a significant improvement over JT Mollner's previous films, and given its highly-saturated presentation and R-rating, you can expect an equally terrifying and engaging film that'll leave you breathless. If you've ever wanted to see Kyle Gallner in a menacing villain role, Strange Darling is the perfect movie for you.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with JT Moller and Giovanni Ribisi below.

8 Catching Dust

August 23

Catching Dust

3.5/5

Not Yet Rated

Western

Drama

Crime

Erin Moriarty stars in Catching Dust, a drama film from writer-director Stuart Gatt. Geena (Moriarty) is an artist looking to make it big, hoping to leave behind her desert home and controlling/abusive partner, Clyde. Before she's able to leave, a new couple from New York City move in next door, hoping to escape exactly what Geena wants to head towards. What starts off as a friendly meeting of neighbors devolves into a clash of egos - with disastrous results.

Release Date

August 23, 2024

Director

Stuart Gatt

Cast

Jai Courtney , Erin Moriarty , Dina Shihabi , Ryan Corr , Olwen Fouéré

Runtime

1h 36m

Read Our Review

The life of a criminal is never easy. Neither is the life of a criminal spouse. Catching Dust pairs these two conflicting personalities in the middle of Texas' Big Bend, leaving Geena (Erin Moriarty) to plot her eventual escape from her troublesome relationship. However, when a traveling couple from New York opts to shack up with the duo for a brief time, Geena will discover that their southern hospitality may be their undoing. Jai Courtney, Dina Shihabi, and Ryan Corr co-star in this dust-soaked drama.

Catching Positive Reviews

Equal parts tense and contemplative, Catching Dust is director Stuart Gatt's feature-length debut. And what a way to kick things off. Jai Courtney and Erin Moriarty create a compelling if not combative duo on-screen, melding what feels like an authentic stage drama with a tense character study and themes of guilt. It's a film whose themes are intricately woven into its tense plot progression and isolated setting, doubling this feeling of isolation with a cast of only four actors. While some may feel the film's script could use a bit more fine-tuning, others have noted that its individual performances — especially Jai Courtney's performance — are to die for.

7 The Crow (2024)

August 23

The Crow 2024

Action

Crime

Fantasy

Romance

Thriller

Release Date

August 23, 2024

Director

Rupert Sanders

Cast

Bill Skarsgard , FKA Twigs , Danny Huston , Laura Birn , Isabella Wei

Read Our Review

While nothing can hold a candle to the original 1994 classic, 2024's The Crow makes a special effort to adapt the source material the original film is famously based on. Rupert Sanders (Ghost in the Shell) directed this reimagining of the titular gothic superhero story, placing Bill Skarsgard in the title role as Eric Draven. Once an ordinary musician, Draven is unfortunately cut down in his prime along with the love of his life, Shelly (FKA Twigs). However, when he's given an opportunity of a lifetime, Draven makes the ultimate sacrifice to return to Earth as The Crow — a supernatural being hellbent on revenge. Danny Huston, Josette Simon, and Laura Birn co-star.

A Bold Reimagining

Take The Crow as a supplement to the original source material, not a replacement. While it's impossible to thoroughly replicate the exact energy that the late Brandon Lee brought to the title role, Skarsgard does an amicable job of providing his own interpretation of everyone's favorite gothic avenger. Likewise, the score provided by Volker Bertelmann (who won an Academy Award for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front) makes for a thrilling accompaniment to the action on-screen.

6 Alien: Romulus

August 16

Alien: Romulus

4/5

R

Horror

Sci-Fi

Release Date

August 16, 2024

Director

Fede Alvarez

Cast

Cailee Spaeny , David Jonsson , Archie Renaux , Isabela Merced , Spike Fearn , Aileen Wu , Rosie Ede , Soma Simon , Bence Okeke , Viktor Orizu , Robert Bobroczkyi , Trevor Newlin , Annemarie Griggs , Daniel Betts

Read Our Review

If you enjoyed director Fede Álvarez's work with the Evil Dead franchise, you'll love his take on Alien. Alien: Romulus is a surprising return to form, making up the seventh feature-length installment in one of the most successful science fiction horror franchises in history. The film itself takes place between Alien and Aliens, with a disconnected group of space scavengers investigating the wreckage of the USCSS Nostromo. Unfortunately, what they'll find in the confines of this metal coffin is one of the universe's most efficient and deadly predators. Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, and Isabela Merced co-star in this thrilling prequel to Aliens.

The Best Alien Movie in Years

Fede Álvarez's track record when it comes to horror is almost impeccable, with a similar level of quality being found within Alien: Romulus. Here, the titular Alien isn't so much a prop as it is a horrifying monster, returning the series to its claustrophobic roots instead of leaning into absurdity. A refreshing return to primarily practical effects, a fantastic cast, and a loving level of fan service for longtime Alien fans makes for one of the best Alien movies in years. If you don't believe us, just remember that Álvarez previously directed both the 2013 Evil Dead film and the acclaimed 2016 thriller Don't Breathe.

5 Skincare

August 16

Skincare

4/5

R

Thriller

Release Date

August 16, 2024

Director

Austin Peters

Cast

Elizabeth Banks , Lewis Pullman , John Billingsley , Medalion Rahimi , Nathan Fillion

Runtime

1h 37m

Read Our Review

A little concealer goes a long way. But in the case of Skincare, directed by Austin Peters, you may need more than just a little dab. Hope Goldman (Elizabeth Banks) is an aspiring facialist who's just about to launch her own set of professional skincare products. Unfortunately, after a series of bizarre coincidences, Hope conducts a thorough investigation as her spiraling paranoia convinces her of an immediate threat. Lewis Pullman, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Nathan Fillion, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez co-star in this hilariously morbid whodunit.

Beautiful and Thrilling

Being loosely inspired by a real-life story, Skincare purposefully deviates away from its inspirations to form something wholly unique. Though some may have noted some weaknesses in the script, most will agree that Elizabeth Banks' performance more than makes up for it, blending thriller elements with dark comedy in a fantastic pairing. It's also worth noting that Lewis Pullman pulls his own weight as well. If you're curious to see what this film is about following its synth-filled trailer, you won't be disappointed.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with director Austin Peters below.

4 Cuckoo

August 9

Cuckoo

Horror

Mystery

Thriller

Seventeen-year-old Gretchen reluctantly leaves America to live with her father at a resort in the German Alps. Plagued by strange noises and bloody visions, she soon discovers a shocking secret that concerns her own family.

Release Date

August 9, 2024

Director

Tilman Singer

Cast

Hunter Schafer , Jessica Henwick , Dan Stevens , Marton Csokas , Astrid Bergès-Frisbey

Runtime

1hr 42min

Read Our Review

After directing the German horror film Luz in 2018, director Tilman Singer has returned with yet another fantastic international horror flick. Cuckoo follows the journey of an American teen, Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), witnessing strange phenomena after moving to the German Alps. As she lives with her father, the two are inexplicably drawn into a terrifying series of events that plague their newfound home. Dan Stevens co-stars alongside Marton Csokas and Jessica Henwick.

Going Cuckoo for Cuckoo

Aside from featuring a fantastic lead performance from Hunter Schafer, Cuckoo is a horror film that revels in throwing just about everything at you in terms of scares. Gorgeous scenic shots of the German countryside along with chilling sound design makes for a movie that blends stunning sights and ear-piercing screams in terrifying harmony. Being a production distributed by Neon, you can also expect plenty of humorous moments to help make the pending scares all the more effective.

3 Good One

August 9

Good One

3.5/5

R

Drama

Comedy

Release Date

August 9, 2024

Director

India Donaldson

Cast

Lily Collias , Sumaya Bouhbal , James Le Gros , Danny McCarthy

Runtime

1h 30m

Read Our Review

The daughter of acclaimed director Roger Donaldson, India Donaldson, is at the helm of an incredible drama film hitting theaters on August 9. Good One follows Sam (Lily Collias), a young woman who ventures into the Catskill Mountains on what was meant to be a positive backpacking trip. However, constant verbal battles between Sam and her father, as well as her father's close friend, may put a wedge in what was already a frail relationship. James Le Gros and Danny McCarthy co-star alongside Lily Collias.

A Coming-of-Age Debut

Being the debut of both India Donaldson and Lily Collias, their combined talents make for a fantastic coming-of-age film whose minimalist atmosphere forms its biggest strength. It's a discomforting film, but it's one whose incredibly subtle performances ultimately feel rewarding by the time the credits roll. You'll be glued to the screen as contrasting character dynamics play out in grueling and realistic detail.

2 Kneecap

August 2

Kneecap

4.5/5

R

Comedy

Music

Biography

Drama

Release Date

August 2, 2024

Director

Rich Peppiatt

Cast

Mo Chara , Móglaí Bap , DJ Próvaí , Josie Walker , Simone Kirby , Michael Fassbender

Runtime

1h 45m

Read Our Review

Kneecap, directed by Rich Peppiatt and featuring the Irish hip-hop group of the same name, is a surprising dramedy that focuses on an unconventional subject. Naoise, Liam, and JJ — played by their real-life counterparts — grow up during a period of uncertainty in West Belfast, with their lives and native tongue being irreparably damaged by political violence and upheaval. As grown adults, they discover a notebook filled with Irish lyrics, leading them on a journey they could never have expected. Though they initially formed a hip-hop group based around their discovered lyrics, they inadvertently became the face of a social movement to revitalize the native Irish language.

A Fascinating Real-Life Story

Kneecap is a fascinating watch. Though the three leads don't have any formal acting experience, they do an incredible job of conveying their past selves on-screen as if they've been acting for years. It's a musical biopic that oozes the group's trademark style, conveying a cause worth addressing from a voice that's skyrocketed in popularity since its inception. Near-universal acclaim from review aggregates, as well as being the official Irish nomination for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, cements Kneecap's status as one of the most intriguing international films of 2024 so far.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with the titular Irish band below.

1 Deadpool & Wolverine

July 26

Superhero

Action

Comedy

Sci-Fi

Release Date

July 26, 2024

Director

Shawn Levy

Cast

Ryan Reynolds , Hugh Jackman , Morena Baccarin , Jennifer Garner , Matthew Macfadyen , Brianna Hildebrand , Rob Delaney

Tagline

Everyone deserves a happy ending.

Franchise

Marvel

Read Our Review

After six years, the latest in the Deadpool series of films promises to be one of the biggest movies of the year. Deadpool & Wolverine pairs two of the most iconic Marvel heroes in a multiverse adventure that doesn't pull any punches. In it, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) becomes the latest subject of interest for the Time Variance Authority, who pluck him from his old life in order to go on a crucial mission. This mission not only integrates Deadpool into the wider MCU, but it also pairs him up with everyone's favorite adamantium-enhanced superhero: Wolverine, played by the returning Hugh Jackman.

Possibly One of the Best MCU Films

In a period of uncertainty for the MCU, Deadpool & Wolverine looks to be an exciting return to form that wholeheartedly embraces the adult-oriented direction of the Deadpool films. Director Shawn Levy made a prolific splash with his lengthy filmography prior to this film, previously collaborating with Ryan Reynolds on The Adam Project and Free Guy on top of late 2000s staples like Night at the Museum and Date Night. It'll also be the first-ever MCU film with a surprising R-rating. With plenty of expected fan service to look forward to, Deadpool & Wolverine may very well be one of the most memorable MCU films to date.