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?

Updated April 11, 2024

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 throughout 2024. We'll be updating this list periodically to reflect the best of the best movies as they come and go; first up are the most recent films.

19 The Absence of Eden

April 12

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The Absence of Eden is a thriller that originally made the rounds through film festivals in 2023, but has since been picked up by Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment for a theatrical release. The film tackles the tense subject of border security as an agent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is caught between moral dilemmas. When he crosses paths with a woman fleeing from cartel violence, the duo form an unlikely partnership as they attempt to help an innocent girl survive an impossible situation. Zoe Saldaña, Garrett Hedlund, Adria Arjona, and Tom Waits co-star in this dramatic tale of humanity.

Told Through Two Perspectives

Initially told through parallel perspectives, The Absence of Eden provides a dramatic humanist story from both sides of the border. Zoe Saldaña gets a chance to shine in a grittier type of role, showcasing a side of herself that you'd rarely get to see from her prior roles in the MCU. Similarly, Garrett Hedlund does an ample job of performing opposite of Saldaña, having previously dazzled in movies like Mudbound and The Marsh King's Daughter.

18 Arcadian

April 12

Depending on what you want from him, Nicolas Cage has demonstrated that he can perform in a variety of interesting roles. However, Arcadian looks to bring him back to his old action-oriented self. Cage plays the role of Paul, a father of two teenage boys — Joseph (Jaeden Martell) and Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins) — who reside within a remote farmhouse. It'd be an idyllic life, were it not for one thing: they're living in the post-apocalypse. Forced to spend every day fighting for their lives, this family will find themselves pushed to the limit in the middle of dwindling supplies and waning morale. Ben Brewer directed this film, having previously collaborated with Nicolas Cage in 2016's The Trust.

A Straightforward Action Flick

While Arcadian may not be the most original film conceptually, that's not to suggest that it's somehow bad. Quite the opposite, actually, as a familiar formula allows for Arcadian to really nail down what makes the best horror action films really effective. Fantastic creature designs, a steadfast performance from Nicolas Cage, and some surprisingly effective performances from both Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins make for an entertaining film through and through. The limited cast is arguably Arcadian's greatest asset, as each character elevates the film's routine premise into something more engaging.

17 Sasquatch Sunset

April 12

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Sasquatch Sunset will likely be one of 2024's most unique films, and considering how early we are into the year, that's certainly a huge accomplishment. Co-directed by the brotherly duo of David and Nathan Zellner, Sasquatch Sunset sees Jesse Eisenberg, Riley Keough, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and Nathan Zellner living life in the remote wilderness. Although, we neglected to mention one thing — they're playing a family of Sasquatches. Adorned in elaborate costumes and makeup, we follow the family of four as they live life the best they can.

A Surreal Story About Sasquatches

Let's be honest: Sasquatch Sunset probably won't be for everyone. Whether it's because of its lofty premise or its bold approach in bringing it to life, sans any form of dialogue, Sasquatch Sunset is a film that needs an open mind to fully appreciate. However, if you're willing to experiment at the cinema, what you'll find is a unique film that delivers laughs and drama aplenty. Just don't go into it expecting something graceful. These are Sasquatches, after all.

16 Sting

April 12

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Sometimes we just need a straightforward creature feature to suit our horror needs. Luckily, this Australian film written and directed by Kiah Roache-Turner looks to deliver exactly that. Those with arachnophobia need not apply, as Sting tells the story of a young girl's pet spider growing into a terrifying monstrosity. With her family in danger, she'll have to come face-to-face with the arachnid in order to save their lives. Alyla Browne, Ryan Corr, Penelope Mitchell, and Jermaine Fowler make up the principal cast of this picture.

Not So Itsy-Bitsy

While it may not be as over-the-top as other spider-centric horror films — namely Eight-Legged Freaks — there's something to appreciate in Sting's deliberately small scope and intimate scares. It's a horror film for horror fans, one that carries a sense of self-awareness while not necessarily putting down its own monstrous premise. Those who love fantastic creature effects will also love to know that Weta Workshop, the same studio responsible for the many physical props in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, lent their talents to bringing the monstrous arachnid to life. After seeing their work in films like X and M3GAN, you're bound to feel terrified at the sight of this creepy crawler.

15 Civil War

April 12

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Even without the involvement of director Alex Garland, a film with a title like Civil War was bound to draw a bundle of attention. Civil War was both directed and written by Garland, and sees the United States engulfed in the Second American Civil War, a country-spanning conflict that sees the nation unevenly divided into four territories. As a group of war journalists attempt to cover the madness taking place, they'll end up getting caught up in the hail of gunfire and munitions themselves. Kirsten Dunst stars as Lee Smith, with Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen Henderson, and Jesse Plemons co-starring alongside her. Nick Offerman is even playing the role of the President of the United States.

Alex Garland's Latest (And Maybe Last) Directed Film

Released on the 163rd anniversary of the American Civil War, Garland's Civil War marks what may very well be his last film in the director's chair. Thankfully, it's one heck of a film to end on. More of an examination of war journalism than radical political divides, Civil War creates a harrowing exploration of the United States as it's embroiled in a bitter self-contained conflict, delivering anxious scene after anxious scene in a violent odyssey. It's a story delivered from an outside perspective, and while it may not dive into the gritty underbelly that would allow for such a bitter conflict, it's one that takes a different journey than you would typically expect. Thankfully, the performances by Kirsten Dunst and the gaggle of journalists carries the journey to its weighty ending.

14 The First Omen

April 5

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Horror franchises continue to be a staple of yearly film releases, but one in particular drew some significant attention shortly after it debuted. The First Omen, a prequel to the 1976 horror classic The Omen, was directed by Arkasha Stevenson in her first-ever feature-length film. Nell Tiger Free stars as Margaret Daino, an American woman working at a church in Rome circa 1971. As she tends to the orphans who reside within the church, however, rumblings of a horrifying conspiracy start to grip her mind, with one revelation in particular potentially challenging the sanctity of life on Earth. Ralph Ineson, Tawfeek Barhom, Bill Nighy, Maria Caballero, and Charles Dance co-star in this fantastic frightfest.

A Surprisingly Effective Legacy Prequel

The First Omen stands out from other horror prequels, not only because of its impressive production values, but because of how it utilizes its existence as a prequel to its fullest advantage. Showing reverence to the original 1976 film, on top of revamping the original's premise for modern audiences, allows The First Omen to entertain even the most critical of horror fans, especially when you consider Arkasha Stevenson's background. Having previously worked in television, specifically Season 3 of the cult-classic series Channel Zero, allows her to inject a fresh perspective into a horror subgenre that has, admittedly, stagnated in recent months. Even if you've already seen Sydney Sweeney's Immaculate, there's plenty on offer in The First Omen that'll shock the senses.

13 Monkey Man

April 5

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From the moment it was revealed to the public, Dev Patel's Monkey Man certainly turned heads. After originally climbing to fame via his breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire, Patel has now made his directorial debut with this exciting action film set in India. Kid (Dev Patel) barely makes a living in the criminal underworld, crushing bones and oozing blood in an underground fight club. But, when years of abuse and squalor finally become too much to bear, mysterious revelations about the financial elite may ultimately pull him out of his destitute situation. Patel stars alongside a plethora of talented Indian actors, including Sikandar Kher, Pitobash Tripathy, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Vipin Sharma, with Sharlto Copely also playing the role of Tiger.

An Action Movie With Something to Say

Even with the comparisons to John Wick being plentiful, Monkey Man makes a concentrated effort to not only tell a compelling action story, but to do so in a way that hasn't been done before. A focus on Indian culture meshes with Dev Patel's brutal history with stuntwork and physical performances, all in service of tackling themes surrounding India's caste system and systemic corruption. Patel gives it his all in this film, so much so that he even suffered multiple injuries during its production. It's an action film that's as grimy and bloody as they come, cementing Patel as not only an excellent artist in front of the camera, but behind the camera as well.

12 In the Land of Saints and Sinners

March 29

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Whether he's being starkly serious or poking fun at his action hero persona, Liam Neeson is usually a safe bet whenever he's in front of the camera. His latest venture, In the Land of Saints and Sinners, is yet more evidence of this. Directed by Robert Lorenz, who previously collaborated with Neeson for 2021's The Marksman, In the Land of Saints and Sinners sees Neeson donning the role of Finbar Murphy, a man whose troubled past has led him to the isolated village of Glencolmcille. But when his history with violence is utilized for a contract killer position within the criminal underworld, Murphy will have to contend with sins both old and new. Kerry Condon, Colm Meaney, and Sarah Greene co-star with Neeson alongside Ciarán Hinds.

In the Land of Impressive Acting and Beautiful Cinematography

Though In the Land of Saints and Sinners carries a grim premise, that doesn't mean it's not gorgeous to look at. Tom Stern was the cinematographer here, and when you look back at his numerous collaborations with director Clint Eastwood (including Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby), that same kind of talent can be found in spades here. As for the film's story, it's an impressive tale of redemption with a lively lead performance by Liam Neeson, along with a captivating character in the form of Kevin, played by Game of Thrones alumni Jack Gleeson. It's one of Liam Neeson's best movies in years, and it's one you shouldn't miss out on if you have the opportunity to see it.

11 Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

March 29

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Though critics may not have been too kind to this colossal creature feature, that's not to suggest you should miss out on Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The latest in the leviathan MonsterVerse sees the two biggest giants from opposite ends of the Earth — King Kong and Godzilla — making a perturbing discovery. Hidden deep in the bowels of Hollow Earth, an entire tribe of kongs led by the Skar King reign supreme. However, when they and a mysterious new threat rise from beneath to conquer the surface world, fur and scales will fly as a brawl of epic proportions breaks out. Returning cast members Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle reprise their respective roles from Godzilla vs. Kong, with Adam Wingard once again in the director's chair.

A Smashing Box Office Success

Aside from the blunt promise of kaiju fights and gorgeous special effects, Godzilla x Kong is already shaping up to be one of the biggest releases of the year in terms of box office returns, quickly becoming one of the top five highest-grossing films of 2024 so far. While some may feel that the balance in focus between the two giants was weighted more towards everyone's favorite giant gorilla, there are ample surprises to be found in this exciting MonsterVerse film. If you're a fan of the MonsterVerse, or just want to see two giants duke it out on the big screen again, Godzilla x Kong is worth a viewing.

10 Immaculate

March 22

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Sydney Sweeney gave a particularly impressive performance in her latest project, and it's a horror film at that. Immaculate sees her donning the role of Cecilia, a devout woman working at an Italian convent. However, similar to films like Sister Death and The Nun, she soon comes to discover that the convent holds terrifying secrets that should've never been discovered. Sweeney serves as a producer for the film in addition to playing the film's lead, with additional performances provided by Álvaro Morte, Benedetta Porcaroli, Dora Romano, Girogio Colangeli, and Simona Tabasco.

Sydney Sweeney's Big Horror Film

After debuting at South by Southwest, Immaculate has certainly made a big splash on the big screen. Impressive sets and stunning production design accentuate a compelling lead performance by Sweeney, making the accompanying cinematography by Elisha Christian truly pop. With Immaculate being shot in Rome, there's an authenticity that carries Immaculate's plot to its horrifying conclusion, one that'll stick with you long after the credits roll.

9 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

March 22

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The latest from the long-running Ghostbusters franchise comes out swinging with a particularly chilling entry. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire lives up to its namesake, taking place two years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. With two generations of Ghostbusters now forced to team up against a brand-new foe, proton streams will fly as New York City is swallowed by a supernatural ice storm. Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, and other key cast members from Afterlife reprise their roles here, with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts returning to their legacy roles from the first two Ghostbusters films.

A Proton Pack from the Past

Aside from serving a fresh blast of warm nostalgia via the return of beloved characters like Peter Venkman and Winston Zeddemore, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire doubles down on the serious plot threads previously established in Afterlife, giving this classic film series some genuine stakes for its fifth go-around. The inclusion of Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt round out the film's expansive cast, and under the direction of the returning Gil Kenan — who previously directed Ghostbusters: Afterlife in addition to his debut, Monster House — you can expect a supernatural adventure loaded with tense battles and goofy gags.

8 Arthur the King

March 15

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Movies with adorable dogs are usually an easy bet for positive reception. The same can be said for the affable Mark Wahlberg, who, alongside an adorable mixed-breed dog, stars in the wonderful Arthur the King. Based on the real-life story of Mikael Lindnord, Arthur the King sees Michael Light (Wahlberg) entering an elaborate on-foot race through the mountaintops of the Dominican Republic, spanning over 400 miles in length. However, as Michael endures on the grueling journey, the discovery of a friendly dog named Ukai throws a wrench into the works. Wahlberg stars alongside Simu Liu and Juliet Rylance, with famous survivalist Bear Grylls even making a cameo appearance.

A Gripping Emotional Journey (With a Dog)

It's not the easiest thing to act alongside an adorable dog, but suffice to say, Wahlberg has belted out one of his most impressive performances in years. The film currently has a whopping 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest of any film in Wahlberg's catalog. You could argue it's because of the incredible true story on display here, or because of how adorable Ukai is, but Arthur the King is certainly striking a chord with audiences everywhere. It's also worth noting that this is the second collaboration between Wahlberg and director Simon Cellan Jones in two years, with the duo previously working together for Apple TV+'s The Family Plan.

7 Club Zero

March 15

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Club Zero is the latest from Austrian director Jessica Hausner, a film that blends comedy and thrills in an eclectic story. Set in an elite private school, we follow a teacher by the name of Miss Novak (Mia Wasikowska), who is set to teach a course based around "conscious eating". However, as the days go by, the relationship she forms with a group of five students may take a grim turn. Alongside Wasikowska, Sidse Babbet Knudsen, Elsa Zylberstein, Mathieu Demy, and more fill out the film's cast.

A Palme d'Or Selection

Club Zero is one of a select few films that got to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, with the award being the highest prize given out by the festival as a whole. Though it may not have officially won, there's certainly a strong argument to be made as to why it should've. Deadpan humor, a morbid premise, and some truly shocking moments outline a particularly bizarre but thought-provoking tale. Fans of Jessica Hausner's work will likely flock to this movie in droves, but even if you're unfamiliar with the director, you may want to give it a shot.

6 One Life

March 15

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One Life is an odd movie in theaters right now, not because of its content, but because of its age. After originally premiering internationally on both film festival circuits and in the United Kingdom, it finally came to the United States earlier in March. A World War II drama at its core, one based on a true story at that, One Life chronicles the real-life efforts of Sir Nicholas Winton (Anthony Hopkins), a British stockbroker who finds himself at the center of German-occupied Czechoslovakia in the late 1930s. Just before the war fully breaks out, Winton tasks himself with helping the local Jewish children successfully escape.

Anthony Hopkins Will Make You Cry

Sniffles and crumpled tissues are aplenty during viewings of One Life, with Anthony Hopkins delivering a spectacular lead performance under the direction of James Hawes. Though Hawes primarily worked in television prior to One Life, with the film being his feature-length directorial debut, his work on shows like Raised by Wolves, Black Mirror, Slow Horses, and a handful of modern Doctor Who's earliest episodes gave him a firm understanding of how to really dish out the waterworks. It's a different kind of World War II film that ultimately deserves your attention.

5 Snack Shack

March 15

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A delightful coming-of-age comedy, Snack Shack tells the story of two friends caught in a classic romantic rivalry. Set in the early 1990s, the film follows a pair of teenage employees — A.J. (Conor Sherry) and Moose (Gabriel LaBelle) — working in the eponymous snack shack at their local community pool. Unfortunately, their lucrative operation goes topsy-turvy when Brooke (Mika Abdalla), the pool's newest lifeguard, moves in next door to A.J. With both teens quickly becoming infatuated with Brooke, will their friendship (and the snack shack) survive?

A 90s Throwback

Similar to how The Holdovers brought us back to the 1970s, Snack Shack recaptures a similar atmosphere found in the early 1990s, eschewing established comedic actors for the sake of bringing new stars to light. Needless to say, it worked out, with both Sherry and LaBelle providing ample personality in this touching coming-of-age story. Though it may fall into familiar plot beats, Snack Shack does so with unabashed sincerity, which brings plenty of raunchy laughs inbetween the more emotional moments.

4 American Dreamer (2024)

March 8

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Originally debuting on the film festival circuit in 2022, American Dreamer features an all-star cast tackling a darkly comedic tale. Peter Dinklage of Game of Thrones fame plays the role of Phil, an Economics professor who hatches a morally dubious plan. Though he attempts to buy the home of a lonely widower for pennies on the dollar, he may come to find that this ambitious goal isn't so easy to accomplish. Shirley MacLaine co-stars as Astrid, the aforementioned widow, with additional performances provided by Kimberly Quinn, Danny Glover, and Michelle Mylett.

Black Comedy and Big Dreams

Taking inspiration from a real-life story, American Dreamer admittedly saw mixed reception from general audiences due to its pacing and complex character dynamics. Still, the weight of its individual performances will likely cancel out these faults, with both Dinklage and MacLaine sharing an impressive screen presence both together and separate from each other. Combined with some impressive production values, including cinematography provided by Nicolas Bolduc (Enemy), you have a dark comedy that's well worth seeing.

3 Kung Fu Panda 4

March 8

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Jack Black has certainly mellowed out in his later years, though the same kind of lovable energy he's become associated with can be found in spades in Kung Fu Panda 4. The exciting fourth entry in DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda franchise sees the lovable Dragon Warrior panda, Po (Black), maturing into a leadership role in the Valley of Peace. However, amid his search for a Dragon Warrior successor, a mysterious new villain will reopen old wounds from the past. Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, and James Hong are just a smattering of the talented voice actors on offer here, with director Mike Mitchell having previously directed Shrek Forever After and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.

An Amicable Fourth Film

Even at its worst, the Kung Fu Panda franchise remains as one of DreamWorks' most visually-appealing and creative entities to date. That's not to suggest that Kung Fu Panda 4 is somehow undeserving of its impressive box office performance, however. Loaded with returning characters from previous films, the film marks a high point of character growth for its lead protagonist, as well as one of the studio's most impressive animation showcases so far. Of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Jack Black, along with Kyle Gass of Tenacious D, contributed yet another fantastic song to the world of cinema in the film's credits: a shortened cover of Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time."

2 Love Lies Bleeding

March 8

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A24 films always turn heads, with Love Lies Bleeding promising to be one of the studio's most unconventional stories yet. A down-on-her-luck gym manager, Lou (Kristen Stewart), finds herself falling in love with Jackie (Katy O'Brian), one of the gym's latest patrons. Unfortunately, their blossoming romance soon runs red with blood as the two are eventually caught in the web of a criminal family. Rose Glass, who rose to prominence for directing Saint Maud, returns to the director's chair for this exciting thriller, with additional performances provided by Ed Harris, Dave Franco, Jena Malone, and Anna Baryshnikov.

Guns, Muscles, and Romance

Beyond its stylized promotional materials, Love Lies Bleeding is a film whose individual parts combine into an incredible whole. Gorgeous cinematography by Ben Fordesman (who also worked on Saint Maud) accentuates the brilliant performances of both Stewart and O'Brian, with the supporting cast giving it their all in-between. Dave Franco in particular excels in the role of JJ. All of this is brought together with some of the most visually-striking scenes of the year, crossing pulpy violence with an exceptional amount of freshness.

1 Dune: Part II

March 1

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Dune: Part II is the long-awaited follow-up to 2021's Dune — and given how Dune: Part II has eclipsed its predecessor in terms of box office returns already, it was hotly anticipated. A direct continuation from the events of the first film, Part II picks up with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) teaming up with the Freman population of Arrakis, all in an effort to battle House Harkonnen following the destruction of House Atreides. Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, and more all form an incredible ensemble cast, with more than a handful of surprise additions that we won't spoil for you here. Denis Villeneuve returned to direct this exciting follow-up to one of the most beloved modern sci-fi films to date.

The Highest-Grossing Film of 2024 So Far

As of writing, Dune: Part II is currently the single highest-grossing film of 2024. If that's not a testament to how impressive the newer Dune adaptations have been, both in terms of quality filmmaking and adherence to the source material, we don't know what is. Chalamet dazzles once more as Paul Atreides, Hans Zimmer provides an impeccable score, and cinematographer Greig Fraser returns to frame this stellar sci-fi world once more after doing an impressive job in 2021's Dune. It's a bona fide phenomenon. Although, the less said about its infamous popcorn vessel, the better.