By Sean Shuman
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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?
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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 October 17, 2024: This collection of the best movies currently in theaters has been updated with brand-new entries.
13 Smile 2
October 18
Smile 2
Not Yet Rated
Horror
Thriller
- Release Date
- October 18, 2024
- Director
- Parker Finn
- Cast
- Kyle Gallner , Naomi Scott , Lukas Gage , Rosemarie DeWitt , Dylan Gelula , Peter Jacobson , Raul Castillo , Miles Gutierrez-Riley
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Read Our Review
Smile was something of an unexpected hit when it originally debuted in 2022, making its sequel, Smile 2, all the more exciting. Taking place after the events of Smile, we shift focus to Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a successful pop singer, who's incredibly excited about going on her newest tour. Unfortunately, a familiar curse that ripped its way through the previous film rears its head once more, as Skye's adoring fans adorn an unnerving, unyielding smile on their faces. Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Peter Jacobson, Drew Barrymore, and Raúl Castillo co-star.
Smile for the Camera
While it's easy for a film like Smile 2 to fall into cliché pitfalls, writer/director Parker Finn seems to have a handle on how to really make familiar tropes work. It's a movie that, more than anything, understands how to make its simplistic premise work in the most unexpected of ways. The return of Kyle Gallner and arrival of Naomi Scott to the cast as well makes for a fun evolution of what came before as well, as plans for the third Smile film are already being drafted.
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Related
Smile 2 Director Reveals His Favorite Horror Film of All Time
Parker Finn absolutely adores a Stanley Kubrick classic.
12 Goodrich
October 18
Goodrich
R
Drama
Comedy
- Release Date
- October 18, 2024
- Director
- Hallie Meyers-Shyer
- Cast
- Michael Keaton , Mila Kunis , Carmen Ejogo , Michael Urie , Kevin Pollak , Viven Lyra Blair , Nico Haraga , Danny Deferrari with Lauren Benanti , Andie MacDowell
- Runtime
- 111 Minutes
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The sophomore directorial effort by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, Goodrich, features a familiar face in its lead role. Michael Keaton plays Andy Goodrich, the patriarch of the Goodrich family, as a recent separation and a brief stint in rehab gives him a new perspective on life. Now with two young twins to raise on his own, Goodrich seeks the aid of his adult daughter, Grace (Mila Kunis), who's going through her own family troubles as well. Carmen Ejogo, Michael Urie, Kevin Pollak, Viven Lyra Blair, Nico Hiraga, and Laura Benanti co-star.
Keaton Returns to Dramedy
It's refreshing to see Michael Keaton back in a normal dramedy again. Director Meyers-Shyer continues their exciting career in the dramatic space by pairing Keaton's contemplative performance with Mila Kunis' compelling presence. Likewise, the cinmeatography by Jamie D. Ramsay really stiches everything together, having previously received acclaim for his work on Moffie and All of Us Strangers.
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11 Terrifier 3
October 11
3.5/5
Terrifier 3
Not Rated
Horror
- Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Director
- Damien Leone
- Cast
- Lauren LaVera , David Howard Thornton , Antonella Rose , Elliott Fullam , Samantha Scaffidi , Margaret Anne Florence , Bryce Johnson , Alexa Blair Robertson , Mason Mecartea , Krsy Fox , Luciana VanDette , Clint Howard , Bradley Stryker , Daniel Roebuck , Chris Jericho , Tom Savini , Jason Patric , Alex Ross , Kailey Hyman , Kellen Raffaelo , Lisa Marie Falcone , Stephen Cofield Jr. , Corrine Kelly , Joe Falcone , Peter Mitchell , Marie Maser , Jon Abrahams
Read Our Review
After originally starting out as a low budget indie film, the Terrifier franchise has miraculously skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. This is especially evident with Terrifier 3, the latest (and greatest) of the terrifying slasher series. Set after the events of Terrifier 2, the film once again follows the life of Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) after her terrifying encounter with Art the Clown, a supernatural serial killer. However, as Christmas approaches, Art the Clown has a brand-new trick up his sleeve; a possessed Victoria Heyes, played by Samantha Scaffidi. David Howard Thornton returns to play Art the Clown once more, with Chris Jericho, Bryce Johnson, Daniel Roebuck, and Margaret Anne Florence co-starring.
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Absolutely Terrifying
The continued success of the Terrifier series is nothing short of a watershed moment for the horror scene. Terrifier 3 has already eclipsed the box office returns of both its predecessors, becoming the highest-grossing Terrifier film only a week into its theatrical run. It's grotesque, it's mean-spirited, and it's grimy, but its impressive effects and original ideas managed to place it ahead of Joker: Foile à Deux. Likewise, the ever-entertaining David Howard Thornton brings the same kind of sadistic glee to his performance that made Art the Clown such a prominent figure in such a short time.
Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with director Damien Leone below.
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10 Piece by Piece
October 11
2.5/5
Piece by Piece
PG
Animation
Biography
Musical
- Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Director
- Morgan Neville
- Cast
- Pharrell Williams , Gwen Stefani , Kendrick Lamar , Timbaland , Justin Timberlake , Busta Rhymes , Jay-Z , Snoop Dogg , Morgan Neville
Read Our Review
LEGO is back on the big screen in a way that you wouldn't necessarily expect. Piece by Piece melds the worlds of 3D animation and musical biopics in a fun retelling of Pharrell Williams' career, with the real-life Williams playing himself. Along with Williams, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Tyler the Creator, and even Daft Punk all make appearances throughout this fun depiction of a real-life story. It's worth noting that Morgan Neville directed this film as well, having previously directed the highest-grossing biographical documentary of all time, Won't You Be My Neighbor?
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A Lego-Themed Biopic
Do you like Pharrell Williams' music? Do you like LEGO? If so, Piece by Piece is a no-brainer when it comes to movies playing in theaters. In addition to featuring original compositions by Pharrell made exclusively for the film, critics and audiences alike enjoyed Piece by Piece's silly sense of humor, its ever-impressive animation, and the enthusiastic voice performances of its many celebrity cast members. If you're not in the mood for something spooky this Halloween, Piece by Piece is a fun alternative.
9 Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
October 11
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024)
PG-13
Documentary
- Release Date
- September 21, 2024
- Director
- Ian Bonhôte , Peter Ettedgui
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After a limited release in theaters following its debut at Sundance, this incredible documentary is one for the history books. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a comprehensive examination of Christopher Reeve, the famous face of the live-action Superman films, after a debilitating accident left him without the use of his limbs. Undeterred, Reeves would pivot his life's work to activism, becoming one of the most recognizable voices for disability rights. The film was co-directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, with Alexandra Reeve Givens, Matthew Reeve, and Will Reeve lending their perspectives over previously unseen archival footage.
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A True Man of Steel
Critical acclaim for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story has been nothing short of universal on Rotten Tomatoes and other review aggregates alike. This fantastic film flips between Reeve's life before and after his accident in an incredible display of his life's achievements. Additional interviews with actors tied to Reeves' career, in addition to its focus on family relationships and tearjerker optimism, makes for a movie that'll leave you misty-eyed before the credits roll. If you need some inspiration, this heartfelt documentary is sure to dole it out.
8 The Apprentice
October 11
4/5
The Apprentice
R
Drama
Biography
- Release Date
- October 11, 2024
- Director
- Ali Abbasi
- Cast
- Sebastian Stan , Jeremy Strong , Maria Bakalova , Emily Mitchell , Martin Donovan , Patch Darragh , Stuart Hughes , Eoin Duffy , Chloe Madison , Ben Sullivan , Mark Rendall , Joe Pingue , Catherine McNally , Charlie Carrick , Jim Monaco , Bruce Beaton , Ian D. Clark , Valerie O'Connor , James Madge , Ron Lea , Edie Inksetter , Michael Hough , Robert J. Tavenor , Raechel Fisher , Stefanie Martino , Randy Thomas , Myron Ron Reider , Sharon Wilcox
Read Our Review
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Arguably one of the most eye-grabbing movies of the year, The Apprentice is sure to strike a chord as we approach the presidential election. The film is a biographical drama centered around Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan), set firmly within his real estate career in the 1970s. Eager to make a name for himself in the city that never sleeps, Trump finds himself in the company of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), a powerful attorney, as the two begin a mutual career lined with increasingly discomforting events.
Controversially Entertaining
Directed by Ali Abbasi, who was previously involved with HBO's The Last of Us and 2022's Holy Spider, The Apprentice is a movie that certainly sparked its fair share of controversy. Some particularly charged scenes drew significant opposition from distributors and attorneys alike. There's also the film's subject itself, though Sebastian Stan's complete transformation into a younger Donald Trump is nothing short of impressive. Still, if you're at all interested in The Apprentice's subject or the attempts to suppress its release, it's a film that's well put together at the end of the day.
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Related
A Couple of Big Names Refused to Direct the New Donald Trump Movie
In The Apprentice's struggle to get made and distributed several directors turned down the job including Paul Thomas Anderson and Clint Eastwood.
7 Frankie Freako
October 4
Frankie Freako
Horror
Comedy
- Release Date
- July 24, 2024
- Director
- Steven Kostanski
- Cast
- Conor Sweeney , Adam Brooks , Kristy Wordsworth
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Another retro throwback? Sure, but this time around, you have the talented director Steven Kostanski (Psycho Goreman, The Void) at the wheel. In a fun blend of irreverence and crass comedy — as well as a fun nod to a bizarre real-life hotline ad — Frankie Freako is as grotesque as it is entertaining. Conor (Conor Sweeney), a frequent workaholic, looks to spice up his life by dialing a bizarre phone number he finds on late night television. Little does he know that its strange host, Frankie Freako, is more than just a marketing gimmick. Adam Brooks, Matthew Kennedy, and Meredith Sweeney co-star.
It's the Party Freak
Loaded with lovingly crafted references to the best (and worst) horror films of the late 1980s, Frankie Freako looks to be a fantastic improvement over Kostanski's previous horror comedy, Psycho Goreman. With Kostanski's blend of horror and comedy, this hilarious flick melds fantastic practical effects, grimy puppets, and an overall refinement of its core ideas into a fun package. It's absurd, it's silly, and it's the perfect way to ring in the Halloween season.
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6 Blink
October 4
Blink (2024)
PG
Documentary
- Release Date
- October 4, 2024
- Director
- Daniel Roher
Read Our Review
Sometimes, even the most heartbreaking of fictional stories pale in comparison to those found in real life. Such is the case with Blink, a documentary whose subject is equally saddening and inspirational. When two loving parents of four discover that most of their children have developed an incurable eye disease, one that will eventually claim their children's sight forever, the family embarks on a globe-spanning adventure to see all the great wonders of the world — before they won't be able to see anything ever again. Edith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier pull back the curtain on how much of a beautiful and harrowing experience such an adventure would be.
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A Family-Friendly Journey
While Blink may not dive into the emotional minutiae of such a situation, it does deliver a fantastic story that's as family-friendly as it is engaging. Co-director Daniel Roher previously won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film for his work on 2022's Navalny, and while this venture doesn't have as much geopolitical intrigue, it certainly carries some impressive production values. You'll also be happy to know that this film was officially produced by National Geographic, whose track record when it comes to informative documentaries is incredibly consistent.
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5 The Wild Robot
September 27
4.5/5
The Wild Robot
PG
Animation
Drama
Sci-Fi
- Release Date
- September 27, 2024
- Director
- Chris Sanders
- Cast
- Lupita Nyong’o , Pedro Pascal , Catherine O’Hara , Bill Nighy , Kit Connor , Stephanie Hsu , Mark Hamill , Matt Berry , Ving Rhames
- Studio(s)
- Dreamworks
Read Our Review
Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Mark Hamill are just a handful of the talented names attached to one of DreamWorks' best movies. The Wild Robot tells the story of an isolated robot in the distant future who crashes onto a remote island, unaware of where they are and how to get home. To survive, they'll have to acclimate to the local flora and fauna, making new friends all the while. Chris Sanders both wrote and directed this movie, having previously directed Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon in 2002 and 2010, respectively.
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DeamWorks' Best Movie Yet
After rave reviews from both critics and audiences alike, it's safe to say that The Wild Robot is one of DreamWorks' best movies. It's an incredibly refreshing film for the studio, one that melds the studio's incredible animation with a refreshing take on a classic "fish out of water" story. Likewise, the talented Chris Sanders does an excellent job of translating the film's original book series (penned by the wonderful Peter Brown) into a feature-length story, leading the charge for what will likely become the final in-house animated film produced at DreamWorks. Those familiar with the compositions of Kris Bowers will also recognize his work on the soundtrack, as he previously worked on films like 2023's The Color Purple and King Richard.
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4 Never Let Go
September 20
3.5/5
Never Let Go
Horror
Thriller
- Release Date
- September 27, 2024
- Director
- Alexandre Aja
- Cast
- Halle Berry , Percy Daggs IV , Anthony B. Jenkins
Read Our Review
Halle Berry returns to the world of horror once more in a thrilling survival tale by Alexandre Aja. Never Let Go places you in the shoes of "Momma" (Halle Berry), a woman living in a sprawling forest with her two children away from the rest of the world, which has presumably collapsed. However, plagued by mysterious visions, Momma finds herself coming face to face with "The Evil" as it attempts to turn their peaceful lives into a living hell. Percy Daggs IV, Anthony B. Jenkins, Matthew Kevin Anderson, and Stephanie Lavigne co-star.
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Alexandre Aja Is Back
A director as controversial as they are acclaimed, Alexandre Aja helmed this fantastic fright-fest with the help of cinematographer Maxime Alexandre (Crawl, Oxygen) and composer Robin Coudert (2012's Maniac, Gretel & Hansel). Halle Berry is a fantastic lead in this shocking film, as its psychological horror elements are balanced out by the very real threats in the harsh wilderness. With plenty of disturbing scenes and plans for a sequel in the works, you really ought to catch Never Let Go in theaters if you're at all interested.
3 Transformers One
September 20
4/5
Transformers One
Not Yet Rated
Animation
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi
- Release Date
- September 20, 2024
- Director
- Josh Cooley
- Cast
- Chris Hemsworth , Brian Tyree Henry , Scarlett Johansson , keegan-michael key , Steve Buscemi , Laurence Fishburne , Jon Hamm , Vanessa Liguori , Jon Bailey , Jason Konopisos-Alvarez , Evan Michael Lee , James Remar , Isaac C. Singleton Jr. , Steve Blum , Jinny Chung , Josh Cooley , Dillon Bryan
Read Our Review
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OG Transformers fans can rest easy, as the latest movie in the long-running science fiction franchise has finally embraced animation. Transformers One, as the title suggests, is a prequel film that tells the origins of both Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) prior to their eventual leadership of the Autobots and Decepticons, respectively. The duo were friends at one point in their lives, though their split paths ultimately put the fate of their home planet Cybertron at risk. Josh Cooley, who directed Toy Story 4 and co-wrote the screenplay for Inside Out, is directing here, with notable names like Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, and Laurence Fishburne joining the cast.
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Fully-Animated Transformers
Being the first animated Transformers film since 1986's Transformers: The Movie, this fun prequel purposefully eschews several pitfalls that plagued previous Transformers movies. There aren't any grounded conflicts on Earth, nor are there any human characters to distract you from the awesome might of transforming machines. Instead, what you get is an impressive cast, a doubly impressive score by Brian Tyler (The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Fast and the Furious), and a return to what drew so many to Transformers to begin with: giant alien robots and the frantic battles that surround them.
Related
Transformers One's Main Autobots and Decepticons, Explained
Transformers One features an all-star collection of characters from across the franchise's 40-year history to tell the epic origin story.
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2 The Substance
September 20
4.5/5
The Substance
R
Horror
Drama
- Release Date
- September 20, 2024
- Director
- Coralie Fargeat
- Cast
- Demi Moore , Margaret Qualley , Dennis Quaid , Gore Abrams , Hugo Diego Garcia , Olivier Raynal , Tiffany Hofstetter , Tom Morton , Jiselle Burkhalter , Axel Baille , Oscar Lesage , Matthew Géczy , Philip Schurer
Read Our Review
Body horror has seen a pretty notable resurgence in recent years, made all the more prominent by the flashy horror film The Substance. Written, directed, and produced by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is an international co-production that follows the journey of Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), an aging television star who is introduced to a mysterious serum after a terrible accident. This serum allows Elisabeth to form a younger clone of herself, with the two feeling as though they are "one" despite existing within separate bodies. However, as one might expect with illicit cloning procedures, things go horribly awry. Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid co-star.
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Full of Substance
Those familiar with Coralie Fargeat will likely recognize her fantastic 2017 debut, Revenge. Likewise, Demi Moore continues to lend her talent to the fantastic world of arthouse films, with her performance here reflecting beautifully against critiques of beauty standards and some of the most impressive editing you'll find in cinemas today. Seeing as how Fargeat cited David Cronenberg as one of her biggest creative inspirations, it's no surprise to see that The Substance carries with it a similar level of grotesque body horror and incredibly effective messaging.
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1 A Different Man
September 20
4.5/5
A Different Man
R
Thriller
Comedy
Horror
- Release Date
- October 3, 2024
- Director
- Aaron Schimberg
- Cast
- Sebastian Stan , Renate Reinsve , Adam Pearson , Miles G. Jackson , Patrick Wang , Neal Davidson
Read Our Review
A24 was always famous for their unconventional stories. This holds true with their latest film. A Different Man is a thrilling black comedy by Aaron Schimberg, who previously directed 2018's Chained for Life. The film follows Edward (Sebastian Stan), a man who lives with neurofibromatosis. After undergoing a procedure to remove his affliction and start life anew, Edward suddenly finds himself drawn to Oswald (Adam Pearson) — an actor with the same condition who approaches it in a completely different way. Renate Reinsve, C. Mason Wells, and Owen Kline co-star.
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A Different Kind of Comedy
In what will likely be one of Sebastian Stan's best roles, A Different Man combines a caustic examination of self-confidence with equal parts thrilling and hilarious scripting. It's a film that turns similar themes found in movies like The Elephant Man on their head, leading you to feel sympathetic to Edward's plights — but not in the way that you would typically expect. Special mention needs to go to composer Umberto Smerilli as well, whose accompanying tunes pair extremely well with the film's exemplary sound design.
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