31 movies we're excited to see after watching never-before-seen footage at CinemaCon 2024

• CinemaCon, the world's largest movie theater convention, took place in Las Vegas April 8 to 11.

• Business Insider was on the ground to see all the footage studios presented.

• Here's what we're most excited to see at theaters this year and beyond.

CinemaCon is the annual movie theater convention that's held in Las Vegas every spring. During it, movie studios present never-before-seen trailers and footage to excite theater owners with what's to come the rest of the year and beyond.

Business Insider was on the ground at this year's convention, which kicked off in Las Vegas on April 8. Here is the best of what we saw.

“The Fall Guy” (May 3)

CinemaCon attendees got more than just a few minutes of footage of this upcoming Universal title that will kick off the summer movie season; they got the entire movie.

From director David Leitch ("John Wick," "Hobbs & Shaw," "Deadpool 2," "Bullet Train"), "The Fall Guy" is a loose reimagining of the hit 1980s TV series of the same name, starring Lee Majors. In the latest version, Ryan Gosling plays Colt Seavers, a stuntman tasked with trying to find the star actor (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) he's doubling for after he goes missing from the movie set. Colt is extra motivated to find the star seeing the director of the movie is an ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt) he's trying to reconnect with.

This all leads to a fun, action-packed rom-com that can entertain viewers looking to kick off the summer movie season.

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (May 8)

For the latest movie in the "Planet of the Apes" franchise, we fast forward 300 years in the future (basically, a restart to the franchise as the days of Caesar are through).

In "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," ape civilization has flourished. However, there are some who have taken weapons from the human era to enslave other ape clans. Noa, a young ape, and Mae, a human girl, set out to try to stop this evil group from doing more damage.

As with the previous modern-day "Planet of the Apes" movies, the CGI and motion capture shown is flawless.

“IF” (May 17)

"IF" could be a sleeper hit for the young crowd.

Written, directed, and produced by John Krasinski, the film follows a young girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming) who has the ability to see people's imaginary friends, or "IFs" for short, who have been abandoned by kids.

In the movie, she sets out to help these IFs find new kids and along the way, she gets some help. Turns out her neighbor, Cal (Ryan Reynolds), also has the ability to see IFs. It leads to a madcap story filled with lots of funny characters, many of whom you'll recognize as the cast includes Steve Carell, Matt Damon, Jon Stewart, Emily Blunt, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Blake Lively, and Maya Rudolph — just to name a few.

“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (May 24)

One of the most anticipated movies of 2024 is "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," the prequel to George Miller's hit movie "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Set almost two decades before the events of "Fury Road," Anya Taylor-Joy has been cast as Imperator Furiosa (played in "Fury Road" by Charlize Theron). We watch as young Furiosa is plucked from the Green Place by the evil Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) and gets sucked deep into the world of Wasteland.

Along with Miller's trademark action, the performances by Taylor-Joy and Hemsworth (we are a long way from Thor) look top-notch.

“Inside Out 2” (June 14)

"Inside Out 2," the sequel to Pixar's Oscar-winning 2015 movie, is finally upon us.

In the latest film, Riley is now a teenager and going through some new kinds of emotions. So while Joy (Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), and Fear (Tony Hale) are still prevalent, Riley now has Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Boredom (Adèle Exarchopoulos), to grapple with.

It all leads to some extremely clever comedy and, for younger audiences, an entryway to address some sticky life issues.

"The Watchers" (June 14)

Is Ishana Night Shyamalan as twisted as her famous filmmaker father, M. Night? Yes. Yes, she is.

In the horror "The Watchers," Dakota Fanning plays Mina, who finds herself stranded in a forest. Unfortunately for Mina, it doesn't get any better. She finds shelter with a group of strangers only to realize she's trapped and now being stalked by mysterious creatures.

Time will tell if this Shyamalan is also good with the surprise endings.

“A Quiet Place: Day One” (June 28)

For the prequel to the hit horror franchise, we go to New York City as the aliens who use sound to hunt their prey first attack Earth. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't work out well for one of the loudest cities in the world, but there are some trying to be clever enough to survive.

Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, and Djimon Hounsou star.

“Horizon: An American Saga” (June 28 / August 16)

Kevin Costner's latest directing effort is an epic, two-part Western — with seven weeks between releases — that chronicles the expansion of the American West during the Civil War era.

Expect stern looks from a mustache-adorned Costner and lots of gun fights.

The movies also stars Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Michael Rooker, and Luke Wilson.

“Despicable Me 4” (July 3)

For the latest sequel in this big money-making animated film franchise, the stars are coming out to play.

Along with Steve Carell coming back to voice Gru and Kristen Wiig as his wife Lucy, also lending their voices are Will Ferrell, Joey King, Sofia Vergara, and Stephen Colbert.

“Twisters” (July 19)

This standalone sequel to the hit 1996 movie "Twister" has all the makings of being a summer hit. Along with the name recognition from the original, it also has legendary producer Frank Marshall involved and a strong cast including Anthony Ramos, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Glen Powell.

CinemaCon audiences were wowed by the CGI-fueled storm footage, including the rare sighting of a double tornado.

“Deadpool & Wolverine" (July 26)

This could be the biggest box office earner of the year.

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool teaming with Hugh Jackman as Wolverine — it's a scenario few ever thought possible and somehow it's happening.

The footage shown to the CinemaCon crowd was hilarious. It's also amazing to watch Deadpool swim around in Marvel IP.

This one doesn't need to be hyped. You know you're going to see it.

“Borderlands” (August 9)

Based on the popular video game, "Boarderlands" has a "Guardians of the Galaxy" vibe as it showcases a group of misfits charged with the task of saving the universe.

Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt, and Jamie Lee Curtis star.

“Trap” (August 9)

A few weeks after Ishana Night Shyamalan's movie premieres, her Dad has his latest open.

For this new M. Night thriller, he's cast Josh Hartnett as a seemingly nice dad taking his daughter to a pop concert (the pop star is played by M. Night's other daughter, Saleka Shyamalan). However, once police activity alarmingly ramps up at the venue, things get really weird. Turns out a psychotic killer is at the concert. And the police now have him trapped in. Oh, and it turns out Hartnett's character is the killer.

“The Crow” (August 23)

After decades in development hell, a reboot of "The Crow" is finally here.

Known to many as the character Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, played when he tragically died on set during a botched gun shooting scene, this revamp has Bill Skarsgård in the lead role.

Following the murder of himself and his fiancée (FKA Twigs), Skarsgård's character is allowed resurrection so he can seek revenge, leading to him being known as The Crow.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (September 5)

Tim Burton teamed with Michael Keaton to create one of the most outlandish movies of the late 1980s with "Beetlejuice." Thanks to its creative production design, animation, and, of course, Keaton as the crazed title character, the movie is a beloved part of the Burton filmography.

Decades later, Burton and Keaton are trying to see if lighting can strike twice with a sequel.

The footage is promising, with Burton's unique style in full display. Along with Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara return from the original movie. Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, and Monica Bellucci also star.

“Speak No Evil” (September 13)

"Speak No Evil" a remake from the 2022 Danish movie of the same name stars Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy as a couple who befriend another couple (James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi) and agree to spend some time with them at their country home with their kids.

Things spiral out of control from there, with McAvoy playing a psychotic host.

“The Wild Robot” (September 20)

"The Wild Robot" has all the makings of being one of the biggest animated movies of the year.

Based on the popular books by Peter Brown, a robot (voiced by Lupita Nyong'o) is shipwrecked on an island and must learn to adapt to the rugged surroundings. In the process, it builds relationships with the animals on the island, including an orphaned gosling.

This one is likely to pull at the heartstrings.

“Never Let Go” (September 27)

Here's another thriller set in a forest.

In "Never Let Go" Halle Berry plays a mother caring for her twin sons in a secluded house deep in the woods. They are convinced something evil is outside, so they tie themselves to a rope attached to their house whenever they go outside.

Things get wild when one of the boys questions the existence of the evil.

“Super/Man” (September TBD)

You are definitely going to need tissues for "Super/Man."

Featuring never-before-seen home videos and interviews from his family, this documentary chronicles the life of Christopher Reeve.

On-screen, he was superhuman playing Superman, but in 1995, after being paralyzed from the shoulders down after being thrown from a horse, his life changed. However, he went on to change lives as he lobbied to better the existence of those living with spinal injuries.

This is destined to be an Oscar documentary frontrunner for next year's Academy Awards.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” (October 4)

2019's "Joker" was a box office hit and earned star Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar. Now director Todd Phillips has made a sequel, and it has some additions: Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the Joker's love interest, and a lot of music.

At CinemaCon, Phillips would not confirm that the movie is a musical, only saying, "It will all make sense when you see it."

What we do know for certain is that the movie will play on Imax 70mm. So that's another thing to be excited about.

“Gladiator 2” (November 22)

One of the most memorable pieces of footage shown at this year's CinemaCon was Ridley Scott's anticipated sequel to "Gladiator."

After winning a best picture Oscar 24 years ago for the original movie starring Russell Crowe, Scott is giving a sequel that looks even more bloody and outrageous than the first.

There are fights with strange monkeys, a giant rhino, and even sharks!

At the center are Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington, (who doesn't look to be the good guy in this one).

“Moana 2” (November 27)

There wasn't much about the plot of "Moana 2" revealed out at CinemaCon, though we got an appearance from The Rock and were shown one of the movie's new musical numbers.

The 2016 original was a sensation. We'll see if Disney can repeat.

“Wicked” (November 27)

This adaptation of the hit musical of the same name, "Wicked," will be on the big screen for Thanksgiving. The footage shared at CinemaCon proved that Universal is sparing no expense to give "The Wizard of Oz" fans a fun and moving experience as the sets and costuming look flawless.

Plus, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (aka, the Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Glinda (ala, Glinda the Good), that's quite a duo. Part two of the movie is slated to come out a year later, November 26, 2025.

"Mufasa: The Lion King" (December 20)

We weren't shown much footage of Disney's latest live-action tale taken from the classic animated "The Lion King," only enough to see that the CGI is gorgeous.

But it's easy to root for its director Barry Jenkins. A beloved figure in the independent film world for his heart-felt filmography, especially Oscar-winner "Moonlight," you have to feel that with this large canvas he's working on, he'll be able to take his storytelling to new heights.

“Nosferatu” (December 25)

Who better to tell the next big-screen vampire tale than a director obsessed with the past?

Robert Eggers has used his cinematic talents to give us "The Witch," "The Lighthouse," and "The Northman," now he takes on F. W. Murnau's classic 1922 unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula."

In "Nosferatu" Bill Skarsgård plays the vampire Count Orlok (note, not named Count Dracula), with Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, and Lily-Rose Depp also starring.

“Mickey 17” (January 31, 2025)

For director Bong Joon-ho's next movie he's doing something completely different from his Oscar-winning "Parasite."

In "Mickey 17," he casts Robert Pattinson in the darkly comedic sci-fi tale as the lead character, a disposable employee who is on board a human expedition in space. After he dies doing some kind of dangerous task, he is regenerated to continue on, with his memory mostly intact.

Sporting a high-pitched voice for the character, this looks to be another memorable Pattinson role.

“Captain America: Brave New World” (February 14, 2025)

"Captain America: Brave New World" marks the first movie in which Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson has the Captain America title.

Harrison Ford also takes over the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, which was previously played by William Hurt before his passing.

We were shown a thrilling action sequence that featured Ford's Ross character, now President of the United States, getting into the action alongside Mackie.

We'll see if by 2025 the Marvel burnout has subsided.

“Michael” (April 18, 2025)

Producer Graham King knows how to pull off the seemingly impossible music biopic. He did it with a successful movie on Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody," and now he's going to try it with the king of pop, Michael Jackson.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day," "The Equalizer" franchise), King told the CinemaCon audience that Fuqua is holding nothing back in telling Jackson's life story. So that means the good, the bad, and the ugly will all be present.

The footage we saw of Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, in the lead role, though brief, was promising.

“John Wick Presents: Ballerina” (June 6, 2025)

Set between "John Wick Chapter 3" and "Chapter 4," Ana de Armas plays Rooney, a ballerina who is seeking revenge against those who killed her family.

As you'd expect from a "John Wick" spin-off, the action in this movie looks bloody and intense, complete with Armas' character taking a flamethrower to a moving pickup truck while she's riding in the back of it.

For those who loved Armas' action moves in "No Time to Die," this seems like the movie for you.

“Good Fortune” (TBD)

Along with "Michael," Lionsgate also presented two titles that, though different, look great in their own ways.

Aziz Ansari writes, directs, and stars in the comedy "Good Fortune" in which he plays a guy living a horrible life whose only income is from doing odd jobs for a wealthy socialite, played by Seth Rogen.

Keanu Reeves plays a guardian angel who feels bad for Ansari's character and has he and Rogen's characters switch lives.

And that's when the wackiness happens as Ansari never wants to switch back to his old life, leading to some serious repercussions for Reeves' character.

“Flight Risk” (TBD)

Hands down my favorite footage from this year's CinemaCon, was from "Flight Risk," a Mel Gibson-directed thriller set inside a small plane flying over rocky terrain.

It stars Michelle Dockery as an FBI agent, Topher Grace as an informant she's transporting, and Mark Wahlberg as the pilot flying the plane. However, turns out Wahlberg isn't a pilot but a hitman hired to kill Grace's informant character.

It leads to lots of action and suspense within the plane as Dockery and Wahlberg, sporting a receding hairline, do battle.

Wait until you see this trailer.

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