The Exciting Lineup of Sci-Fi Movies in 2024

The Anticipated Releases

2024 promises to be a good year for sci-fi movies. Sci-fi movies make up one of Hollywood's biggest markets, and there are lots of exciting releases to look forward to in 2024. The best sci-fi movies allow viewers to explore vast and imaginative worlds, providing a sense of escapism. 2023 saw a number of successful sci-fi movies debut, from franchise installments like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to the original film The Creator. 2024 will have an upward trend for the genre, with far more releases slated.

The Anticipated Releases

2024 will see book adaptations, video game adaptations, original sci-fi films, and the return of major franchises like Alien, Planet of the Apes, Godzilla, and Mad Max. These movies are set to be directed by some of the best talent in the film industry, including Bong Joon-ho and Denis Villeneuve. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, many films have seen delayed release dates. While hopefully many of 2024's films are set now, it's still possible they could be pushed back again. If all goes as planned, 2024's sci-fi lineup could make it one of the best years ever for sci-fi films.

The Early Contenders

The first sci-fi movie of 2024 is one that's seen a rocky road to release. Distant was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic and was originally set to release in March 2022. The film was pushed back three times before finally setting on a January 2024 release date. With a cast that includes Anthony Ramos, Naomi Scott, Zachary Quinto, and Kristofer Hivju, Distant will follow an asteroid miner whose ship crashes on an alien planet. There, he must contend with his AI spacesuit and his environment as he attempts to rescue his crew member and survive.

Zachary Quinto as Leather Face in American Horror Story: Asylum

Dune: Part Two is one of the most-anticipated sci-fi movies of 2024, especially after its delay from its original November 2023 release date. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring an ensemble cast headlined by Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Rebecca Ferguson, Dune has the chance to be one of the biggest films of the year. The film will conclude the story established in Dune: Part One, bringing the events of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel to a close and setting up an adaptation of its sequel.

Paul (Timothée Chalamet) stooping in front of Fremen in Dune Part Two

Adam Sandler is back to dramatic roles for his first ever sci-fi film, Spaceman. The Netflix original will follow Sandler as an astronaut sent across the galaxy, where he'll encounter a mysterious creature who helps him keep his life from falling apart. Aside from Sandler, Paul Dano, Carey Mullihan and Isabella Rossellini star in the movie. Spaceman is based on the novel Spaceman of Bohemia, written by Jaroslav Kalfař.

Adam Sandler wearing a space suit in a forest in Spaceman (2024).

Franchise Returns and New Frontiers

Mickey 17 is one of the few sci-fi movies releasing in 2024 that isn't connected to a larger franchise. The story follows a disposable human employee named Mickey, who is sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Mickey can be regenerated every time he dies, making him the perfect candidate for such a dangerous mission though it may not go as smoothly as expected.

Robert Pattinson lying down in Mickey 17

Reboots aren't often met with praise, making Ghostbusters: Afterlife's success a huge accomplishment. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is in the works, with Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Finn Wolfhard set to reprise their roles. The film was delayed from its original December 2023 release date due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which will likely ramp up anticipation further when it does debut.

ghostbusters afterlife 2

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will be the fifth movie in the MonsterVerse and a sequel to 2021's Godzilla vs Kong. For fans of giant monster action movies, the film is set to continue in the franchise's usual brand of storytelling. Godzilla x Kong was delayed to a new release date in order to avoid competing with Dune and the other blockbusters in March. It will see Brian Tyree Henry and Rebecca Hall reprising their roles from the previous installment. For Godzilla fans, the Japanese film Godzilla Minus One will also release on December 1, 2023.

Godzilla and Kong running in the latest Godzilla x Kong trailer