While September has arrived, the excitement for 2024’s action-packed films hasn’t slowed down. From superhero adventures to sci-fi epics and classic action flicks, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. As autumn approaches, let’s dive into the top five most anticipated action movies of the season:
5. Kraven the Hunter (2024)
Based on the Marvel Comics character, *Kraven the Hunter* follows the titular villain, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, on his vengeful rampage through the criminal underworld. Following the less-than-stellar performances of *Morbius* and *Madame Web*, expectations for this addition to Sony’s Spider-Man Universe are somewhat tempered. The trailers reveal the studio has embraced the R-rating, showcasing Kraven’s brutal and animalistic violence, a move that might please some fans. However, many are still uncertain if this comic book adaptation will do justice to Kraven’s character, especially given the conspicuous absence of Spider-Man in the marketing. It’s too early to judge, but the movie’s potential remains intriguing.
4. Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
Picking up after the events of *Venom: Let There Be Carnage*, this threequel sees fugitives Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Venom on the run from both the law and a symbiote army invasion. With *Venom* arguably being the most successful entry in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe so far, this final chapter in the antihero’s cinematic trilogy is expected to draw crowds. The movie promises to be a wild ride, with Eddie riding a Venomized horse and battling aliens on a plane. After Eddie’s brief MCU appearance in *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, fans are eager to see if Sony will finally bring Venom and Spider-Man face-to-face.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)
This animated prequel to *The Lord of the Rings* recounts the story of Rohan’s King, Helm Hammerhead (Brian Cox), and his family during their legendary war against the Dunlendings. The trailer hints at a visually stunning film, taking inspiration from the anime style of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, a move that should appeal to both franchise veterans and newcomers. The story offers a stark but welcome shift from the movies and shows depicting Middle-earth’s war with Sauron. This marks not only Middle-earth’s first major motion picture in a decade but also the franchise’s first animated film in over 40 years, making it a highly anticipated addition to the Tolkien universe.
2. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
After two movies and a miniseries, fans will finally witness Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and his friends confronting the Ultimate Life Form: Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves). Awakened after 50 years of hibernation, Shadow seeks revenge against humanity. This film also marks Jim Carrey’s return, not just as Dr. Robotnik but as two versions of the villain. Based on the trailer, this threequel promises to be the Blue Blur’s darkest and most high-stakes adventure yet, showcasing the Sonic franchise’s finest CGI action.
1. Gladiator II (2024)
Set long after the deaths of Maximus and Commodus, *Gladiator II* follows an adult Lucius (Paul Mescal) as he is enslaved and forced to fight as a gladiator under the watchful eyes of his mentor, Macrinus (Denzel Washington), General Acacius (Pedro Pascal), and the oppressive emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn). With the original film’s legendary success and Ridley Scott’s return as director, this sequel has a lot to live up to. The film’s massive budget, scope, and star-studded cast are on full display in the trailer, showcasing the Colosseum brimming with sharks and gladiators riding rhinos in the arena. This movie promises to be one of the year’s most epic and extravagant action films, an experience not to be missed in theaters.
