Lionsgate and Blumhouse join forces in ‘Imaginary,’ spearheading our compilation of the most eagerly awaited horror films of 2024.
Though Halloween may still be a distant specter on the calendar, the spine-tingling allure of horror knows no season. Reflecting on 2023, it was undeniably a year of resurgence for the genre on the silver screen, solidifying its status as Hollywood’s dependable cash cow, particularly in the wake of underperforming superhero flicks.
Regionally (especially in the UAE & KSA), horror reigned supreme, with blockbusters such as Evil Dead Rise ($3.94M), Nun II ($2.43M – UAE only), Insidious: The Red Door ($1.47M – UAE only), Romancham (Malayalam) ($1.48M – UAE), Five Nights at Freddy’s ($5.86M), and M3gan ($2.17M) dominating the 2023 box office charts.
But as we peer into the murky depths of 2024, a fresh wave of terror awaits, promising both new nightmares and the resurrection of beloved franchises. The new roster includes work from acclaimed filmmakers such as M. Night Shyamalan, Robert Eggers, Tim Burton and Jordan Peele etc.
So, sharpen your claws, brace yourself for the darkness, and prepare to unleash your most blood-curdling screams (or retreat beneath the safety of your covers) as these spine-tingling spectacles beckon you to the edge of your theater seat. After all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the chilling terror of these films in the immersive atmosphere of the cinema.
Imaginary – 7 March 2024
Imaginary unfolds through the eyes of a woman who returns to her childhood home, to discover that the imaginary friend that she left behind has a life of its own and is unhappy that she abandoned him. Are you ready to have the memory of your favorite childhood toy ruined forever?
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – 21 March 2024
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters are back, baby! This time, they’re facing off against ‘The Death Chill,’ a frosty threat that’s giving New York City a serious case of the shivers. With the OG team and some fresh faces, get ready for a ghostly adventure that’ll send chills down your spine!
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 – 21 March 2024
Hold onto your honey pots, folks! The unexpected smash hit ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ is back with a vengeance in its sequel. This time, everyone’s favorite bear is taking the slash-and-dice route, promising even more brutality and weirdness. Who’s gonna make it out alive this time? Your guess is as good as ours!
The First Omen – 04 April 2024
Holy hell! ‘The First Omen’ is here to give you nightmares. Set before the events of the classic horror flick ‘The Omen,’ this prequel follows Margaret, played by Nell Tiger Free (yep, the Baratheon girl from Game of Thrones), as she discovers that not everything behind the church gates is as holy as it seems.
The Watchers – 6 June 2024
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat with ‘The Watchers.’ Inspired by A.M Shine’s gripping novel, this film takes you on a chilling ride through the eerie landscapes of the Western Irish Countryside. With Ishana Night Shyamalan at the helm and a stellar cast, get ready for fear and suspense like never before!
A Quiet Place: Day One – 27 June 2024
Curious how it all began? ‘A Quiet Place – Day One’ takes you back to ground zero, showing the day those deadly death angels first descended upon Earth. Led by the phenomenal Lupita Nyong’o, this installment promises chaos, terror, and some Stranger Things alum thrown in for good measure!
Longlegs – 11 July 2024
FBI Agent Lee Harker is on the case in ‘The Unseen.’ Dive into an unsolved serial killer mystery filled with unexpected twists and occult elements. As Harker races against time, the stakes—and the body count—keep getting higher!
Alien: Romulus – 15 August 2024
Buckle up for an otherworldly adventure! ‘Alien: Romulus’ introduces us to a fresh batch of characters facing off against the universe’s most terrifying beings – Xenomorphs. The seventh installment in the legendary franchise takes us on a whole new journey, stepping away from the prequels and into uncharted territory.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – 5 September 2024
Tim Burton is back to haunt your dreams with ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.’ Join a grown-up Lydia Deetz as she returns to her once quaint, now ominously transformed home with her own family. But when chaos ensues, is it time to summon that mischievous poltergeist again? You might want to say his name—twice!
Terrifier 3 – 24 October 2024
Director Damien Leone is set to redefine horror with ‘Terrifier 3,’ pledging elevated levels of violence and gore. The film aims to explore the origins of the menacing antagonist, Art the Clown, and reintroduce pivotal characters like Sienna Shaw. Leone’s vision for the franchise ensures a chilling and gripping cinematic journey.
Smile 2 – 18 October 2024
Remember that unsettling smile that crawled out of your nightmares in 2022? Get ready for another round of psychological horror and spine-tingling scares as the origins of the entity are explored even further. New characters will be drawn into the nightmarish cycle, each facing their own inner demons alongside those terrifying smiles.
Thread: An Insidious Tale – TBA
The next installment of the Insidious saga unfolds with Thread: An Insidious Tale, slated for 2024. This spinoff, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Mandy Moore, delves into the perilous repercussions when a couple tamper with time to avert tragedy. Penned and directed by Jeremy Slater, anticipate a riveting journey into the abyss of fear and desperation.
But hold up, because there’s more! Here are some more that might sneak up and become the sleeper hits we all love and eagerly anticipate sequels for, just like ‘Talk to Me,’ ‘Smile,’ or ‘Barbarian’:
Source: IMDb, SCREENRANT
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