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. We’ll be updating this list periodically to reflect the best of the best movies as they come and go.
1 Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
February 9
Lisa Frankenstein is more than just its title suggests. A neon-soaked film set firmly within the 1980s, Lisa Frankenstein tells the story of Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), a goth girl living in a world that can’t seem to understand her. However, when she takes an interest in the corpse of a boy from the Victorian era, she takes initiative. With morbid science at her disposal, she revives the boy, aiming to make him into the man of her dreams. Cole Sprouse of Riverdale and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody fame co-stars as Lisa’s undead companion.
Lisa Frankenstein Pairs Zelda Williams With Diablo Cody
Lisa Frankenstein has all the pieces for a fantastic film. Zelda WIlliams makes her directorial debut here, melding the 1980s with all the terrifically tacky camp you could ask for. Combine that with a screenplay by Diablo Cody, who previously made waves with her terrific horror comedy Jennifer’s Body, and you have the makings of what could very well be one of the most entertaining movies of 2024. For anyone interested in a fresh retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, Lisa Frankenstein will surely deliver. Watch the trailer for Lisa Frankenstein on YouTube
2 Scrambled (2024)
February 4
Scrambled
4.5
/5
- Release Date
- February 4, 2024
- Director
- Leah McKendrick
Scrambled is a movie that originally made the rounds through film festivals in 2023, though now it has finally been released to the public. An auteur project by Leah McKendrick, who stars in this film in addition to writing and directing, Scrambled tells the story of Nellie Robinson. As she approaches her mid 30s, Nellie is given an unfortunate ultimatum by her doctor. With a certain biological clock ticking down, Nellie makes the decision to freeze her eggs, all while dealing with the ripples her choice has in her personal life.
Scrambled Is Delightfully Sincere
Being a film inspired by McKendrick’s own life experiences, a genuine sense of sincerity shines through its palpable drama and hearty laughs. Its relatability and personable themes will feel welcomed by those who share a similar plight with Nellie, as she struggles with making an important decision while figuring out her life path. The laughs found throughout also do an excellent job of balancing out the film’s more insightful moments. Watch the trailer for Scrambled on YouTube
For a better perspective on how Leah McKendrick brought Scrambled to life, check out our interview below:
3 The Beekeeper (2024)
January 12
Director David Ayer and legendary actor Jason Statham unite to bring us The Beekeeper, a film in which Adam Clay (Statham) tends to a modest hive of honey bees on a quiet Massachusetts farm. Of course, he also happens to be a former operative of the “Beekeeper” organization, an illusive group who trained Clay in the art of violent espionage. When Clay’s landlady, Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad), falls victim to a disastrous phishing scam, the tragic fallout will lead Clay on a personal quest to find those responsible. However, the more he digs, the more he’ll realize just how far the rabbit hole goes.
The Beekeeper Has High Octane Action
If David Ayer is known for anything, it’s for his stylish direction. With notable high points in his filmography, including titles like Fury and End of Watch, it’s natural to expect a similar level of flair in The Beekeeper. Combined with Statham’s gritty performance and villains you can’t help but hate, The Beekeeper delivers a straightforward if not highly effective action film that’s sure to entertain. If that’s not enough of a sell, you’ll be happy to know that Kurt Wimmer penned the film’s screenplay, having previously collaborated with Ayer on his 2008 film Street Kings. Watch the trailer for The Beekeeper on YouTube
Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with David Ayer below:
4:51
Exclusive: Josh Hutcherson on His Villainous Beekeeper Role and How Fortnite Distracted Him in 2023
Hutcherson spoke to MovieWeb about the perks of playing the bad guy and that highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel.
4 The Boys in the Boat (2023)
December 25
George Clooney produced and directed The Boys in the Boat, a film based on the titular 2013 novel by Daniel James Brown. Just as the book does, The Boys in the Boat depicts a true story set in the 1936 Summer Olympics, focusing specifically on the University of Washington rowing team. An underdog story at its core, the film follows their triumphant story as the team overcomes their troubled pasts and tense competition at this historically significant event. Joel Edgerton stars as the team’s coach, Al Ubrickson, with Callum Turner playing the role of Joe Rantz.
An Effective Underdog Story
Against the backdrop of 1936, which featured the last Olympic Games prior to the advent of World War II, The Boys in the Boat is an effective sleeper hit that’ll touch on familiar story beats from the sports genre. Clooney clearly had a clear vision in mind for this film, and if you’re the type to enjoy a classic sports story, The Boys in the Boat is right up your alley. Of course, the film is made even more effective with performances provided by Peter Guinness, Jack Mulhern, and James Wolk. Watch the trailer for The Boys in the Boat on YouTube
Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with George Clooney and Joel Edgerton below:
5 American Fiction (2023)
December 15
Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut presents a particularly intriguing tale caked in nuance. American Fiction tells the story of Thelonious Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a novelist based in Los Angeles who is currently facing a financial rut. When his latest book is rejected by his publisher due to creative differences, Ellison comes up with a plan: instead of writing from the heart, he creates a book that deliberately satirizes stereotypical depictions of Black people under a pseudonym. Unfortunately, the book’s unintentional breakout success both critically and commercially puts him in a brand-new rut.
American Fiction Combines Hilarity With Bias
An incredibly effective comedy film, Jeffrey Wright could’ve easily carried American Fiction with his performance were it not for the other positive elements found throughout. The film’s many jokes allow us to look inwardly at our own racial and cultural biases, and given its wide acclaim from a plethora of critical institutions, it certainly resonated with a sizable audience. The film itself would go on to be nominated for Best Picture, with Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown garnering nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively. Watch the trailer for American Fiction on YouTube
Speaking of Sterling K. Brown and Jeffrey Wright, be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Brown and Wright below:
6 Wonka (2023)
December 15
Wonka
4
/5
Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) gains friends and powerful enemies while trying to achieve his chocolatier dreams.
- Release Date
- December 15, 2023
- Director
- Paul King
First impressions were admittedly pretty mixed when Wonka was first revealed to the public. Thankfully, this reimagining of the titular candy mogul’s origins is as entertaining as it is sweet. Timothée Chalamet dons the famed chocolatier’s persona in Wonka as he rises to the top from humble beginnings, presenting an overall narrative that stands on its own when compared to other films featuring the character. That said, this musical comedy features plenty of memorable songs and reprisals of familiar themes.
Wonka Is a Surprising Prequel
It’s safe to say that Wonka was a pleasant surprise in a sea of legacy sequels and prequels. Chalamet does a fine job in presenting a younger version of Willy Wonka, with the surrounding cast — including the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Grant, and more — giving it their all in this musical comedy. The film is incredibly whimsical, and best of all, it delivers more than you would expect from a typical legacy prequel. Watch the trailer for Wonka on YouTube
7 Poor Things (2023)
December 8
A critical darling shortly after it premiered, this late 2023 film is still hanging around in theaters if you haven’t gotten a chance to see it. Poor Things is the latest venture by director Yorgos Lanthimos, adapting the titular novel originally written by Alasdair Gray. In it, a young woman named Bella (Emma Stone) is miraculously brought back from the dead via the work of scientist Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). However, to do so, Godwin had to replace Bella’s brain with that of an unborn child. What follows is an eclectic journey of self-discovery as Bella’s worldview starts to quickly shift into something more mature.
How Yorgos Lanthimos Brings Out the Best in Emma Stone
The directing and acting pair seem to have some of the best chemistry right now in terms of crafting a remarkable film
Yorgos Lanthimos Dazzles Yet Again
Lanthimos has certainly built up a reputation for his unconventional films, with notable titles like Dogtooth and The Lobster being two particularly eclectic examples. In spite of its strange premise, however, Poor Things struck a chord with a wider audience. Not only did the film receive nominations for both Best Director and Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but it also delivered some impeccable casting as well, with talents like Mark Ruffalo and Jerrod Carmichael grounding the film’s strange premise. Emma Stone would even secure a Best Actress nomination for her performance here as well. Watch the trailer for Poor Things on YouTube
To see an interview with Poor Things‘ cinematographer, Robbie Ryan, check out our video below:
