Despite the fact that there will be a noticeable lack of superhero-related films and TV shows in 2024 there will be plenty of genre fare for us to get excited about. With that, here is the list of the top ten most anticipated films and TV shows (both new series and returning favorites) coming out this year in 2024. Keep in mind, of course, that there will be many schedule changes as well as unexpected films or TV shows that could pop up without any notice that turn out to be great. Be sure to comment below on these picks or any others you may have.
Films
10. Sonic the Hedgehog 3
The previous two Sonic the Hedgehog films were much more fun and engaging than expected, so we should get more of the same.
9. IF
Director/actor John Krasinski follows up to A Quiet Place with this creative foray involving imaginary friends and stars Ryan Reynolds.
8. A Quiet Place: Day One
Speaking of A Quiet Place, the third film in the franchise will be a prequel that will feature the initial stages of the invasion by the sound-hunting aliens that decimate civilization.
7. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
The latest Monsterverse film looks admittedly goofy but fun as the kings of the monsters, Godzilla and King Kong team up to face their deadliest enemy yet in an underground society of kaijus.
6. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a great return to form for the Ghostbusters franchise with endearing new characters. The newest sequel will more closely follow the franchise with its New York setting.
5. Civil War
Alex Garland, known for his provocative sci-fi films, directs this film that could be taken from tomorrow’s headlines. Its setting of a United States in the thralls of a second civil war will probably emphasize challenging themes over action thanks to Garland’s directorial skills.
4. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Director George Miller’s latest entry in the Mad Max films focuses on Furiosa, the breakout character from Mad Max: Fury Road. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as a young Furiosa, this film functions as a prequel that embellishes her character.
3. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The latest Apes film is set many years after the last film and Ceasar’s death. Naturally, this sequel will do more worldbuilding as it will feature new characters and situations as the ape society evolves further in contrast to a humanity ravaged by a plague.
2. Dune: Part Two
The second part of the sci-fi epic was delayed from last year due to the writers and actors strike which nearly crippled Hollywood. This development disappointed fans of the first film who craved to see the conclusion of the saga of Paul Atreides, the future messiah struggling to fight for his adopted people on the desert planet Dune.
1. Deadpool 3
The third Deadpool film (which could have a name change), has turned out to be a very important film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Due to missteps the MCU faced last year, a lot is riding on the success of Deadpool 3.
The big draw for Deadpool 3 is not just Ryan Reynolds reprising his role of the Merc with the Mouth, but Hugh Jackman returning to his iconic role as Logan/Wolverine. The MCU and the multiverse will feature prominently in the film as the two traverse many universes, which should be more than enough to draw in fans.
Noteworthy Mentions:
Alien: Romulus, Beetlejuice 2, Joker Folie à Deux, Imaginary, Inside Out 2, Kung Fu Panda 4, Mickey 17, Nosferatu, Rebel Moon, Part Two: The Scargiver, Venom 3
TV Shows
10. 3 Body Problem
The adaptation of Liu Cixin’s novel about an impending alien invasion will hopefully be as complex and mind-bending as the novel.
9. Fallout
Amazon Prime’s live-action adaptation of the popular post-apocalyptic video game looks both faithful to the source material and intriguing.
8. The Umbrella Academy
The fourth and final season of the quirky superhero family team should be as goofy and endearing as the previous seasons as it concludes their unique storylines.
7. Star Wars: The Acolyte
It is unknown if this Disney+ Star Wars TV show, which is set in the era of the High Republic, will air this year. But it seems to be the most interesting of the announced Star Wars TV shows.
6. Star Trek: Prodigy
The second and final season of this better-than-expected animated Star Trek TV show will stream on Netflix and hopefully will conclude its storyline of diverse alien youths turned into Starfleet cadets.
5. What If…?
The animated series set in the MCU went all out with its stories of alternate realities. There hasn’t been any word on when it premieres, but Disney+ already gave us a teaser, so it may drop soon.
4. Agatha: Darkhold Diaries
Agatha Harkness was one of the most popular characters and villains to come out of WandaVision. It was only natural that she was rewarded with her own spinoff show, which will dwell more into her background.
3. The Boys
Season 4 of the dark look at superhero celebrities will amp up the conflict between the amoral Homelander with his Superman-like powers and those trying to oppose the popular tyrant in the making.
2 Avatar: The Last Airbender
The Netflix live-action version of the popular animated TV show will be much more accurate than the awful 2010 live-action film that rushed through the intricate fantasy world of the element benders with its whitewash casting.
1. House of the Dragon
The prequel series to Game of Thrones was unbelievably better than expected as we were instantly enthralled with the family dynamics of the Targaryen royal family.
Season two promises to push these envelopes further with the bitter rivalry with the family as they use their deadly dragons to duel over the rightful claim to the Targaryen throne.
Noteworthy Mentions:
Dark Matter, Echo, Halo, Invincible, Orphan Black: Echoes, The Penguin, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Sugar, Time Bandits, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Starloggers 
Dune Part 2 and Deadpool 3 are the two films I’m most looking forward to in 2024. As for TV shows, well I’m, super hyped for the final season of the Umbrella Academy – love that show! Also excited for House of the Dragon, Fallout and of course… Doctor Who 🙂
Ooh forgot about Doctor Who! It’s strange how the show what not been mentioned in these articles about upcoming TV shows for the year.
Yes, I think everyone thought there were the 60th anniversary specials and that was it. The new Season 1 is coming in May, and I believe filming has already started on Season 2.
With all the inevitable controversies about Doctor Who in the recent years, even for its 60th Anniversary, it may be understandable. Some Whovians like myself might still be somewhat optimistic. Thank you though for this article. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a new one that I might have high hopes for, given my fandom for Anya Taylor-Joy. And I certainly look forward to Dune: Part 2.
Thanks for the comments. Feeling especially hopeful that Furiosa will be great or at least entertaining since George Miller is directing and it could expand the world of Mad Max if it succeeds.
Definitely looking forward to Dune: Part Two!
Same here! Have to watch Part One again as a refresher.
I was thinking about this lack of superhero movies coming out this year just the other day. And I’m kind of excited for it?? I think it may allow the cultural conversation spotlight to fall on some different genre stories which may not be a bad thing. And, as superhero fare certainly isn’t going anywhere, I wonder if/hope it will lead to the return of a more creative, varied approach to superhero cinema in the years to come.
Of the choices here, I think either ‘Civil War’ or ‘IF’ is the one I’m most excited for! And it probably depends on the day for me which is at the top of my anticipation scale.
Despite how much the haters wish it the superhero films won’t go away but the reduced amount for this year will probably be a blessing in disguise as it will give the Hollywood folks time to rethink their approach and come up with new and creative angles. With that said those Sony Spider-Man related films sure do look awful!
I keep trying to forget Kraven and Madame Web are even going to be a thing. At least Madame Web has a chance at working, given the actors they cast and the fact that Julia Carpenter is a hero in her own right. But what they’re doing with Kraven? Eh, pass :8. Though it will be interesting to see if more or less people see them in a year with no real offerings (save Deadpool 3) from Marvel or DC.
Unless Kraven already came out. Honestly, I have no idea XD.
I doubt both films will do much to alleviate concerns about superhero fatigue and their pending failures will only add fuel to the argument.
Marvel Studios need to find a way to better inform general audiences that the Sony films are not affiliated with them. Otherwise the whole MCU in decline mantra will continue.