As we eagerly step into the cinematic wonderland of 2024, a year promising 365 days of movie magic, the silver screen is set to grace us with a plethora of captivating stories, from musical adaptations to intergalactic adventures. In the spirit of anticipation, here’s a sneak peek at 22 must-watch movies scheduled to hit theaters in 2024.

1. Mean Girls (Jan. 12)

The year kicks off with a fetch start as we revisit the iconic world of “Mean Girls.” The musical adaptation promises a fresh take on the beloved classic, with Renee Rapp and Angourie Rice leading the charge as Regina George and Cady Heron, respectively.

2. How to Have Sex (Feb. 2)

Embark on a wild journey to Crete with three British girls in “How to Have Sex.” This festival circuit gem takes a plunge into the chaos of a spring-break-gone-wild scenario, offering a nuanced portrayal of a night out gone awry.

3. Lisa Frankenstein (Feb. 9)

Mix Lisa Frank’s vibrant world with the classic tale of Frankenstein, and you get a horror rom-com directed by Diablo Cody. Kathryn Newton breathes life into the titular character, reanimating a Victorian corpse (played by Cole Sprouse) in this quirky and colorful love story.

4. Drive-Away Dolls (Feb. 23)

Ethan Coen weaves his magic in “Drive-Away Dolls,” where Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan find themselves entangled in a Coen Brothers-esque plot during a road trip to Tallahassee, Florida. Expect normal lives to take unexpected turns.

5. Dune: Part Two (March 1)

Delayed but not forgotten, “Dune: Part Two” continues the epic saga with Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh joining the cast. Brace yourself for another immersive journey into the sci-fi universe.

6. Mickey 17 (March 29)

Bong Joon-ho’s enigmatic sci-fi venture, “Mickey 17,” follows an expendable human (Robert Pattinson) with a regenerative body on a space exploration mission. The stellar supporting cast includes Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

7. Challengers (April 26)

Zendaya returns with “Challengers,” a rescheduled project directed by Luca Guadagnino. In this love triangle set in the world of tennis, Zendaya shares the screen with Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, promising a film that’s both intense and, perhaps, a bit “horny.”

8. My Ex-Friend’s Wedding (May 10)

Kay Cannon, the genius behind “Pitch Perfect,” brings us “My Ex-Friend’s Wedding.” Brace yourself for a hilarious ride as Amanda Seyfried, Ariana DeBose, Chloe Fineman, Meg Salter, and Liza Koshy team up to stop a wedding after a drunken voicemail reveals doubts.

9. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24)

Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the iconic role of Furiosa in this long-awaited prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Joined by Chris Hemsworth as the antagonist, the film promises high-octane action and a deeper exploration of Furiosa’s backstory.

10. Ballerina (June 7)

“John Wick” expands its universe with “Ballerina,” a prequel/spinoff starring Ana de Armas. Set between the third and fourth installments, this action-packed thriller follows a killer ballerina seeking vengeance for her family’s murder.

11. Inside Out 2 (June 14)

Pixar’s emotional journey continues with “Inside Out 2,” where Riley, now navigating the turbulent waters of puberty, introduces a host of new emotions. Maya Hawke lends her voice to Anxiety, adding depth to the intricate workings of the human mind.

12. A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28)

Following the suspenseful success of “A Quiet Place Part II,” the prequel, “A Quiet Place: Day One,” takes us back to the initial moments of the alien invasion. Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, and Alex Wolff lead the charge in this chilling exploration of humanity’s fight against sound-sensitive extraterrestrial threats.

13. Twisters (July 19)

Revisiting the stormy world of “Twister” after nearly 30 years, this sequel introduces a new generation of storm chasers. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, and a star-studded cast embark on a thrilling adventure, promising to deliver the same adrenaline-fueled excitement as its predecessor.

14. Alien: Romulus (Aug. 16)

The “Alien” franchise continues with “Alien: Romulus,” a standalone film set between the iconic “Alien” and “Aliens.” Cailee Spaeny leads the cast in an interstellar tale where screams may echo silently in the vacuum of space.

15. Beetlejuice 2 (Sept. 6)

Beetlejuice is back, summoned once again with the return of Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara. “Beetlejuice 2” promises a mysterious adventure, introducing new characters played by Jenna Ortega and Monica Bellucci. Get ready for another round of the supernatural and the absurd.

16. Joker: Folie á Deux (Oct. 4)

In a cinematic event that blends madness and music, Lady Gaga joins Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker: Folie á Deux.” Building on the success of the first film, this sequel explores the chaos that ensues when Harley Quinn enters the twisted world of the Joker, promising a captivating mix of drama and spectacle.

17. Gladiator 2 (Nov. 22)

The long-awaited sequel to the 2000 Best Picture winner, “Gladiator 2,” sees Paul Mescal take on the role of the Emperor’s grown-up nephew. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Pedro Pascal join the cast, ensuring a thrilling continuation of the epic tale with returning characters played by Connie Nielsen and Djimon Hounsou.

18. Wicked: Part One (Nov. 27)

The enchanting world of Oz comes to life in the first part of “Wicked.” Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater promise to deliver a musical extravaganza with Act One boasting some of the most iconic songs in musical history.

19. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Dec. 20)

Sonic races back to the big screen in his third installment, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” Though Jim Carrey may be absent, the comedic duo of Ben Schwartz and James Marsden ensures another adventure-packed journey, introducing the beloved character Shadow.

20. Nosferatu (Dec. 25)

On Christmas Day, Robert Eggers, the visionary director behind atmospheric masterpieces like “The Witch,” “The Lighthouse,” and “The Northman,” is set to unleash his take on the classic Dracula film from 1922 with “Nosferatu.” Bill Skarsgard steps into the lead role, bringing his unique brand of eerie charisma to the iconic vampire. The star-studded cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe, promising a haunting and visually stunning retelling of this timeless tale.

21. Untitled Jordan Peele Movie (Dec. 25)

The enigmatic genius Jordan Peele, known for delivering thought-provoking and spine-chilling narratives with films like “Get Out,” “Us,” and “Nope,” is set to surprise audiences once again with an untitled project. With no information about the plot or cast, the sheer anticipation and Peele’s proven track record make this a must-watch on Christmas Day. Strap in for another mind-bending journey into the unknown.

22. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (TBD)

The final piece of the Spider-Verse trilogy, “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” originally slated for early 2024, faced a setback due to strikes, leaving fans hanging in suspense. While the exact release date is still up in the air, the prospect of Miles Morales swinging back into theaters is too exciting to ignore. Late 2024 seems likely, and when it arrives, expect another visually dazzling and emotionally resonant animated adventure.

As 2024 unfolds, these three films promise to cap off the year with a mix of horror, mystery, and superhero excitement. Whether you’re a fan of classic tales reimagined, a devotee of psychological thrillers, or someone who enjoys animated superhero escapades, December 2024 has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, gather your popcorn, and get ready for a cinematic feast that will linger in your memory long after the credits roll.