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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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