2024 Fall Movie Preview:Moana 2,Wicked,Joker: Folie à Deuxand More Must-See Films

Mar. 15, 2025

Wicked; Joker: Folie à Deux; Moana 2.Photo:Universal Pictures; Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros.; DISNEY

Universal Pictures; Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros.; DISNEY

Autumn is the season ofsweater weather,pumpkin spice everythingand, best of all, movies for every mood. Splashy musicals featuring your favorite pop stars? Spooky thrillers to kick off October? Future classics to woo awards voters? Check, check and check. So stock up on Halloween candy a little early and settle in for these films.

01of 20My Old AssMaisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza in ‘My Old Ass.'.MARNI GROSSMAN/PrimeIt’s a popular hypothetical question: If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would you say? That scenario becomes very real for college-bound teen Elliott (Maisy Stella), who — while high on a mushroom trip — meets her future, 39 year-old-self (Aubrey Plaza). The elder Elliott advises the younger one not to fall in love with a guy named Chad — so you can probably guess what’s likely to happen. Writer-director Megan Park calls the emotional and comedic story “really joyful and a bit of an escape from the real world.”In theaters Sept. 13

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My Old Ass

Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza in ‘My Old Ass.'.MARNI GROSSMAN/Prime

MARNI GROSSMAN/Prime

It’s a popular hypothetical question: If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would you say? That scenario becomes very real for college-bound teen Elliott (Maisy Stella), who — while high on a mushroom trip — meets her future, 39 year-old-self (Aubrey Plaza). The elder Elliott advises the younger one not to fall in love with a guy named Chad — so you can probably guess what’s likely to happen. Writer-director Megan Park calls the emotional and comedic story “really joyful and a bit of an escape from the real world.”In theaters Sept. 13

02of 20The SubstanceDemi Moore stars as a woman taking desperate measures in ‘The Substance.'.Courtesy of MUBIDemi Mooregives a tour de force as Elisabeth Sparkle, a onetime Hollywood star now hosting an exercise show. Determined to recapture her youth and beauty, she turns to a black market drug that creates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley). The (big) catch in this feminist thriller? Elisabeth and Elisabeth 2.0, who’s named Sue, have to alternate time in public while the other remains in seclusion.In theaters Sept. 18

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The Substance

Demi Moore stars as a woman taking desperate measures in ‘The Substance.'.Courtesy of MUBI

Courtesy of MUBI

Demi Mooregives a tour de force as Elisabeth Sparkle, a onetime Hollywood star now hosting an exercise show. Determined to recapture her youth and beauty, she turns to a black market drug that creates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley). The (big) catch in this feminist thriller? Elisabeth and Elisabeth 2.0, who’s named Sue, have to alternate time in public while the other remains in seclusion.In theaters Sept. 18

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A Different Man

Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson in ‘A Different Man.'.Courtesy of A24

Courtesy of A24

04of 20Never Let GoAnthony B. Jenkins, Halle Berry, and Percy Daggs IV in ‘Never Let Go.'.Liane HentscherThis year’s answer toBird Boxhas a similar set-up to the 2020 horror sensation: In a post-apocalyptic landscape, a mother (Halle Berry) tries to protect herself and her children from an evil force. The need to never let go, as the title says, is real: They stay tethered together with ropes!In theaters Sept. 20

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Never Let Go

Anthony B. Jenkins, Halle Berry, and Percy Daggs IV in ‘Never Let Go.'.Liane Hentscher

Liane Hentscher

This year’s answer toBird Boxhas a similar set-up to the 2020 horror sensation: In a post-apocalyptic landscape, a mother (Halle Berry) tries to protect herself and her children from an evil force. The need to never let go, as the title says, is real: They stay tethered together with ropes!In theaters Sept. 20

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Wolfs

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Apartment 7A

Dianne Wiest and Julia Garner in ‘Apartment 7A.'.Gareth Gatrell/Paramount+

Gareth Gatrell/Paramount+

07of 20LeeKate Winslet as Lee Miller in ‘Lee.'.Roadside AttractionsA biopic of World War II photographer Lee Miller (Kate Winslet), the trailblazing truth-teller who famously snapped a photo of herself in Adolf Hitler’s bathtub. Fellow Oscar winnerMarion Cotillardalso stars.In theaters Sept. 27

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Lee

Kate Winslet as Lee Miller in ‘Lee.'.Roadside Attractions

Roadside Attractions

A biopic of World War II photographer Lee Miller (Kate Winslet), the trailblazing truth-teller who famously snapped a photo of herself in Adolf Hitler’s bathtub. Fellow Oscar winnerMarion Cotillardalso stars.In theaters Sept. 27

08of 20Joker: Folie à DeuxJoaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.'.Niko TaverniseIn this highly anticipated musical sequel to the 2019 hitJoker, Arthur Fleck/The Joker (Oscar winnerJoaquin Phoenix) is now a patient at Arkham State Hospital and awaiting his trial. While institutionalized, he falls for the enigmatic Lee (Lady Gaga).Folie à deuxis French for a shared delusion, so expect some unhinged action (and singing) as the two pair up.In theaters Oct. 2

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Joker: Folie à Deux

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.'.Niko Tavernise

Niko Tavernise

In this highly anticipated musical sequel to the 2019 hitJoker, Arthur Fleck/The Joker (Oscar winnerJoaquin Phoenix) is now a patient at Arkham State Hospital and awaiting his trial. While institutionalized, he falls for the enigmatic Lee (Lady Gaga).Folie à deuxis French for a shared delusion, so expect some unhinged action (and singing) as the two pair up.In theaters Oct. 2

09of 20The ApprenticeJeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan in ‘The Apprentice.'.APPRENTICE PRODUCTIONS ONTARIO INC. / PROFILE PRODUCTIONS 2 APS / TAILORED FILMS LTD. 2023The controversial Donald Trump biopic, set in the 1970s and 80s, depicts how infamous attorney Roy Cohn (Succession’sJeremy Strong) allegedly molded young real estate developer Trump (an unrecognizableSebastian Stan) in his image.In theaters Oct. 11

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The Apprentice

Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan in ‘The Apprentice.'.APPRENTICE PRODUCTIONS ONTARIO INC. / PROFILE PRODUCTIONS 2 APS / TAILORED FILMS LTD. 2023

APPRENTICE PRODUCTIONS ONTARIO INC. / PROFILE PRODUCTIONS 2 APS / TAILORED FILMS LTD. 2023

The controversial Donald Trump biopic, set in the 1970s and 80s, depicts how infamous attorney Roy Cohn (Succession’sJeremy Strong) allegedly molded young real estate developer Trump (an unrecognizableSebastian Stan) in his image.In theaters Oct. 11

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Courtesy of Focus Features

Songwriter and musicianPharrell Williamsdepicts his life story through Lego animation. Yep, you read that correctly. The imaginative movie is a documentary of sorts, tracking the “Happy” singer’s childhood in Virginia to his success as an artist who’s worked with the likes ofJustin TimberlakeandMissy Elliott.In theaters Oct. 11

11of 20Saturday NightGabriel LaBelle, Ella Hunt, Matt Wood and Dylan O’Brien in ‘Saturday Night.'.Hopper StoneLive from New York it’s….October 11, 1975. The clock is ticking down as visionaryLorne Michaels(Gabriel LaBelle) and a group of comedians prepare for the first-ever episode of the (now-iconic) showSaturday Night Live. The pressure is on: Network execs doubt the show’s appeal, starJohn Belushi(Matt Wood) disappears and the guest host may have over-indulged in some illegal drugs.In theaters Oct. 11

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Saturday Night

Gabriel LaBelle, Ella Hunt, Matt Wood and Dylan O’Brien in ‘Saturday Night.'.Hopper Stone

Hopper Stone

Live from New York it’s….October 11, 1975. The clock is ticking down as visionaryLorne Michaels(Gabriel LaBelle) and a group of comedians prepare for the first-ever episode of the (now-iconic) showSaturday Night Live. The pressure is on: Network execs doubt the show’s appeal, starJohn Belushi(Matt Wood) disappears and the guest host may have over-indulged in some illegal drugs.In theaters Oct. 11

12of 20GoodrichMichael Keaton and Milas Kunis in ‘Goodrich.'.Ketchup Entertainment/Courtesy Everett CollectionBeetlejuice BeetlejuicestarMichael Keatongives a more grounded performance as workaholic art gallery owner Andy Goodrich whose life is upended when his younger wife (Laura Benanti) leaves him and checks into a rehab clinic, putting him in charge of their two young children. Watching her dad turn into a family man stirs up complicated feelings for Andy’s pregnant adult daughter (Mila Kunis) in this bittersweet dramedy costarringAndie MacDowell, Carmen Ejogo and Michael Urie.In theaters Oct. 18

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Goodrich

Michael Keaton and Milas Kunis in ‘Goodrich.'.Ketchup Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection

Ketchup Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection

Beetlejuice BeetlejuicestarMichael Keatongives a more grounded performance as workaholic art gallery owner Andy Goodrich whose life is upended when his younger wife (Laura Benanti) leaves him and checks into a rehab clinic, putting him in charge of their two young children. Watching her dad turn into a family man stirs up complicated feelings for Andy’s pregnant adult daughter (Mila Kunis) in this bittersweet dramedy costarringAndie MacDowell, Carmen Ejogo and Michael Urie.In theaters Oct. 18

13of 20Woman of the HourTony Hale, Anna Kendrick and Daniel Zovatto in ‘Woman of the Hour.'.Leah Gallo/NetflixAnna Kendrickis pitch perfect in this 1970s-set true crime drama she also directed. Struggling actress Cheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick), unable to land a big break, takes a gig as a contestant onThe Dating Game, a cheesetastic precursor to The Bachelorette.One of her suitors turns out to be Rodney Alcala(Daniel Zovatto), a serial killer and rapist who’d yet to be caught for his crimes.Streaming on Netflix Oct. 18

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Woman of the Hour

Tony Hale, Anna Kendrick and Daniel Zovatto in ‘Woman of the Hour.'.Leah Gallo/Netflix

Leah Gallo/Netflix

Anna Kendrickis pitch perfect in this 1970s-set true crime drama she also directed. Struggling actress Cheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick), unable to land a big break, takes a gig as a contestant onThe Dating Game, a cheesetastic precursor to The Bachelorette.One of her suitors turns out to be Rodney Alcala(Daniel Zovatto), a serial killer and rapist who’d yet to be caught for his crimes.Streaming on Netflix Oct. 18

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Conclave

Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci in ‘Conclave.'.Courtesy of Focus Features

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Here

Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in ‘Here.'.SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC

SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC

16of 20Red OneDwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in ‘Red One.'.Karen Neal/PrimeSt. Nick’s disappearance leads to a Yuletide adventure as security officer Cal (Dwayne Johnson) and bounty hunter Jack (Chris Evans) race to rescue Kris Kringle (J.K. Simmons). “What kind of monster would want to kidnap Santa Claus — and why? Those are the big questions that Cal and Jack are trying to answer here,” explains director Jake Kasdan. “And the clock is ticking! They’ve only got 24 hours to solve this mystery and save Christmas.”In theaters Nov. 15

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Red One

Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in ‘Red One.'.Karen Neal/Prime

Karen Neal/Prime

St. Nick’s disappearance leads to a Yuletide adventure as security officer Cal (Dwayne Johnson) and bounty hunter Jack (Chris Evans) race to rescue Kris Kringle (J.K. Simmons). “What kind of monster would want to kidnap Santa Claus — and why? Those are the big questions that Cal and Jack are trying to answer here,” explains director Jake Kasdan. “And the clock is ticking! They’ve only got 24 hours to solve this mystery and save Christmas.”In theaters Nov. 15

17of 20Gladiator IIPaul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in ‘Gladiator II.'.Aidan Monaghan/Paramount PicturesNearly a quarter of a century afterGladiator —the epic drama about Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general who is forced into slavery — set a new bar for historical epics, filmmaker Ridley Scott returns with this ambitious follow-up. Lucius (Paul Mescal), the nephew of late Roman emperor Commodus, returns to the Roman Empire after years away, and finds authoritarian forces have taken over. Swords up!Denzel WashingtonandPedro Pascalalso star.In theaters Nov. 22

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Gladiator II

Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in ‘Gladiator II.'.Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

Nearly a quarter of a century afterGladiator —the epic drama about Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general who is forced into slavery — set a new bar for historical epics, filmmaker Ridley Scott returns with this ambitious follow-up. Lucius (Paul Mescal), the nephew of late Roman emperor Commodus, returns to the Roman Empire after years away, and finds authoritarian forces have taken over. Swords up!Denzel WashingtonandPedro Pascalalso star.In theaters Nov. 22

18of 20The Piano LessonJohn David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Potts and Ray Fisher in ‘The Piano Lesson.'.David Lee/NetflixBased on the 1987 August Wilson play of the same name, this drama set in 1930s Pittsburgh shows how a family heirloom threatens to tear the Charles family apart. Boy Willie (John David Washington) wants to sell their valuable piano, while his sister Berniece is dead set on preserving it. Their clash lays bare ghosts from the past.Streaming on Netflix Nov. 22

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The Piano Lesson

John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Potts and Ray Fisher in ‘The Piano Lesson.'.David Lee/Netflix

David Lee/Netflix

Based on the 1987 August Wilson play of the same name, this drama set in 1930s Pittsburgh shows how a family heirloom threatens to tear the Charles family apart. Boy Willie (John David Washington) wants to sell their valuable piano, while his sister Berniece is dead set on preserving it. Their clash lays bare ghosts from the past.Streaming on Netflix Nov. 22

19of 20WickedAriana Granda and Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked.'.Universal PicturesOscar-nominated actressCynthia Erivoand pop powerhouseAriana Grandeheadline the film adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical that serves as the origin story forThe Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Before they had those respective monikers, Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) were friends!Michelle Yeoh,Jonathan BaileyandBowen Yangcostar.In theaters Nov. 22

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Wicked

Ariana Granda and Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked.'.Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

Oscar-nominated actressCynthia Erivoand pop powerhouseAriana Grandeheadline the film adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical that serves as the origin story forThe Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Before they had those respective monikers, Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) were friends!Michelle Yeoh,Jonathan BaileyandBowen Yangcostar.In theaters Nov. 22

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Moana 2

Auli’i Cravalho voices Moana in ‘Moana 2.'.Disney

Disney

source: people.com