Let’s face it, after a long day, there’s nothing quite like unwinding with a good action movie. The adrenaline rush, the pulse-pounding fight scenes, and the larger-than-life characters all combine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. And with 2024 already halfway through, there’s still a treasure trove of action films waiting to be discovered.
So, put down your phone, take a break from the never-ending scroll (maybe even try a few rounds of casino games at FanDuel for a quick thrill!), and get ready to dive into our list of the 15 most anticipated action movies of the remaining half of 2024!
High-Octane Espionage and International Thrills
- Six Underground 2: No Escape (July 12th): After the explosive success of the first film, Netflix is bringing back Ryan Reynolds and his crew of elite, untraceable operatives for another globe-trotting adventure. Expect over-the-top action sequences, witty banter, and plenty of surprises.
- Havoc (August 1st): This gritty action thriller boasts an all-star cast including Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker, and Timothy Olyphant. Set in a future ravaged by climate change, the film follows a bruised and battered detective tasked with retrieving a kidnapped child from a lawless underworld.
- Renegades (September 20th): This international co-production brings together Hollywood action hero Chris Hemsworth with Indian superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran. The plot remains shrouded in secrecy, but whispers suggest a high-stakes heist with international consequences.
Back for More: Sequels and Franchise Fare
- John Wick: Chapter 5 – Excommunicado (October 25th): Keanu Reeves returns as the legendary hitman in this highly-anticipated sequel. With the Continental out for his blood and the assassin underworld closing in, John Wick will have to unleash his full arsenal of skills to survive.
- Mad Max: Furiosa (November 15th): This prequel to the critically acclaimed “Mad Max: Fury Road” focuses on the origin story of the enigmatic Imperator Furiosa, played by the talented Anya Taylor-Joy. Expect a high-octane desert chase film with a strong feminist message.
- The Expendables 4: A Christmas Slaughter (December 20th): The aging action heroes are back for another testosterone-fueled adventure. This time, the Expendables team up with a group of younger recruits to take down a ruthless arms dealer who threatens global security.
Genre-Bending Action with a Twist
- Bullet Train (July 19th): Brad Pitt stars in this action-comedy based on the popular Japanese novel “Maria Beetle.” The film follows five assassins with interconnected missions who find themselves on a high-speed train hurtling towards a deadly confrontation.
- Beast (August 10th): Idris Elba goes mano-a-mano with a ferocious lion in this action-thriller. Elba plays a disgraced doctor on a safari in South Africa who must protect his daughters from a relentless predator.
- Project Hail Mary (September 7th): This sci-fi action film is based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir (“The Martian”). Ryan Gosling wakes up on a spaceship with no memory and a dangerous mission: to save humanity from an unknown threat.
Martial Arts Mayhem and International Flair
- Fist of Fury: Legacy (October 4th): This Chinese martial arts film serves as a continuation of the legendary Bruce Lee’s “Fist of Fury” franchise. Donnie Yen takes on the mantle of a new hero who must defend his family’s martial arts school from a powerful villain.
- The Raid 3 (November 8th): After years of anticipation, the highly-anticipated sequel to the Indonesian action masterpiece “The Raid” finally arrives. Expect bone-crunching fight scenes, innovative action choreography, and a gripping story set in the criminal underworld.
- Wu Assassins 2: Fist of Five (December 6th): The Netflix series “Wu Assassins” gets the big-screen treatment with this action-packed sequel. Iko Uwais reprises his role as the reluctant warrior who must harness the power of the Five Wu Xing elements to defeat a new and even deadlier threat.
Animation Gets Its Action Fix
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) (October 12th): Miles Morales swings back into action in this highly-anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” The film will see Miles team up with Spider-Gwen and travel across different dimensions, encountering new foes and allies.
- The Incredibles 3 (November 22nd): Pixar’s beloved superhero family returns for another heartwarming, action-packed adventure. With Jack-Jack’s powers developing and a new villain on the rise, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their kids must once again save the day.
- How to Train Your Dragon 4: Rise of the Titans (December 27th): Dreamworks’ popular animated franchise concludes with this epic final installment. Hiccup and Toothless return to face their biggest threat yet – a powerful dragon bent on destroying the world. Expect breathtaking action and emotional moments in this highly-anticipated finale.
With such a diverse range of action movies set to hit theaters over the next few months, it’s clear that 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for action enthusiasts. From high-octane espionage thrillers to genre-bending martial arts mayhem, there’s something for everyone on this list.
But what makes these action films stand out from the rest? Is it just the adrenaline-pumping fight scenes and explosions, or is there something deeper at play? Many of these upcoming releases tackle timely themes like climate change, feminism, and global security, adding layers of depth to the typical action movie formula.
Furthermore, the cast and crew behind these films are some of the most talented and diverse in the industry, showcasing a range of voices and perspectives. This not only makes for a more inclusive viewing experience but also adds fresh ideas and storytelling techniques to the genre.
So whether you’re a die-hard action fan or just looking for an exciting night at the movies, be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming releases. 2024 is bound to be a year filled with thrills, twists, and epic battles on the big screen. Get ready to buckle up and enjoy the ride!
