The start of a new year means that there’s a strong slate of upcoming movies that audiences should be aware of. Alongside a slew of fresh originals from ascending and established directors, 2024 will see quite a few notable franchises deliver new entries. For instance, there are currently sequels/reboots for Ghostbusters, Deadpool, Beetlejuice, Inside Out, and so many others that are set to release this year. We’re even going to get new additions to franchises like Nosferatu and The Wolfman in the Fall.

Yet, in between all the big-name titles and star-studded blockbusters are those hidden gems that are worth recognizing. Maybe they feature noteworthy talent in front of and behind the camera or simply have a premise that could be total crowd-pleaser.  Regardless, let’s look at some upcoming 2024 films that you should be putting on your watchlist.

Lisa Frankenstein

Releases in theaters on February 9th

Those looking for a good horror-comedy to kick off 2024 (and an offbeat Valentine’s Day theater trip) will be delighted by what Lisa Frankenstein offers. The film follows a teenage girl named Lisa (Kathryn Newton) who falls in love with a resurrected corpse (Cole Sprouse) and goes on a murderous path to put her new lover back together. Currently, we’re amid a modern renaissance for classic horror creatures like Dracula and the Wolfman. With Lisa Frankenstein, the titular monster story an 80s-inspired, coming of age makeover that looks like a fantastic genre cocktail.

The combination of director Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late Robin Williams, and Diablo Cody, the writer behind Jennifer’s Body and Juno, looks to be a great mix of shocking horror and hilarity. Lisa Frankenstein features all the elements of a comedic crowd-pleaser and a touching romantic tale that’s perfect for couples wanting to blend in some bloody laughs into their Valentine’s Day activities.

Love Lies Bleeding

Releases in theaters on March 8th

Hot off her 2020 horror hit Saint Maud, writer/director Rose Glass’ next film is set to deliver sleek and sexy thrills. The film, Love Lies Bleeding, is an original crime caper that follows Lou (Kristen Stewart) and Jackie (Katy O’Brien) as their whirlwind romance is intertwined with a dangerous criminal underbelly. If Glass can sew all the tension from Saint Maud into this slick looking thriller with neo-noir vibes, then Love Lies Bleeding has all the potential to be something special.

Based off the trailer, the film boasts this neon-tinted atmosphere that’s eye-catching and oddly matches the grimy underworld its characters fall into. It’s dripping with violence, ecstasy, and sweat in every frame and teases a story that could deeply immerse viewers into every lie and shady character. Plus, the pairing of an up-and-coming visionary like Glass with a vastly underrated talent like Stewart makes Love Lies Bleeding a must-watch all on its own. Love Lies Bleeding could be one of A24’s best films of the year and help elevate Glass to new heights of artistry.

Abigail

Releases in theaters on April 19th

Director duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett – also known as Radio Silence – take a break from resurrecting the Scream franchise to deliver a fresh slice of horror with their next film, Abigail. The film sees a group of criminals have their latest job turn into a nightmare when the child they kidnap turns out to be a vicious monster. While the story is actually inspired by the 1936 film Dracula’s Daughter, Radio Silence puts an original spin on a Dracula-esque tale largely through the strong personality and humor that’s seen in all their projects.

With Abilgail, the pair work with their most star-studded cast to date – featuring the likes of Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton, Dan Stevens, Giancarlo Esposito, and the late Angus Cloud. Overall, Abigail looks like a fun horror romp that’s filled to the brim with blood, wild twists and turns, and more importantly versatile thrills that audiences will adore.

The Watchers

Releases in theaters on June 7th

While details have been scarce on the feature directorial debut of Ishana Shyamalan, the daughter of the legendary M. Night Shyamalan, viewers should be very excited about her upcoming horror thriller. The film, titled The Watchers, follows a group of strangers who are stalked by mysterious threats while trapped in a secluded cabin. As of right now, that’s all we know about The Watchers. But the cast and mere idea of another Shyamalan breaking into the film industry makes it a project people should keep their eyes on.

The inclusion of Dakota Fanning (The Equalizer 3) and Georgina Campbell (Barbarian) in starring roles gives The Watchers some established talent who could be great. The premise sounds simple yet chock-full of possibilities for enticing and unsettling thrills. Plus, it’s an opportunity for Ishana Shyamalan to establish her own legacy outside of her father. Fans of M. Night should definitely be on the lookout for the first glimpse at The Watchers as it could allow them to expand their fandom to someone else in the family tree.

Longlegs

Release Date: TBA

Now, unlike most of the films we’ve talked about thus far, the upcoming mystery-thriller from director Oz Perkins (Gretal and Hansel) and NEON, Longlegs, is already creating some buzz. NEON has been actively teasing the film through cryptic trailers posted on social media (see below) with eerie images and a peculiar cypher that fans are trying to solve. It all fits the film’s premise of a detective (Maika Monroe) on the hunt for a serial killer (Nicolas Cage) that’s connected to the occult.

With Gretal and Hansel, Perkins showed a vision for horror that’s ready to burst and the idea of him pouring his talent for daunting atmospheres into a detective narrative that’s already eliciting vibes of Se7en and Prisoners just seems perfect. If the release date for Longlegs is just around the corner, it could quickly become a lot of people’s most highly anticipated film of the year.