The Best Movies To See In Theaters
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The weather is finally starting to warm up, the flowers slowly beginning to bloom. As everyone anxiously awaits the official start of spring, movie-goers can also look forward to the numerous new movies arriving in theaters this coming weekend.
In particular, this Friday marks the theatrical debut of several highly acclaimed new movies, from mainstream releases like the Mark Wahlberg-led Arthur the King to the A24 romantic thriller, Love Lies Bleeding. Additionally, audiences can expect to see the limited release of multiple new indie films as well, including Anthony Hopkins’ upcoming drama, One Life, and Michael Keaton’s thriller, Knox Goes Away.
Along with those titles, you’ll also have time to catch up on some of the best releases from the previous few months, like DreamWorks’ fan-favorite Kung Fu Panda 4, the sci-fi epic, Dune: Part Two, the all-star superhero movie, Madame Web.
Here are all the movies you can find playing at your local movie theaters starting this weekend.
Updated: March 14.
Popular New Releases
All the movies that have audiences buzzing or that fans have been eagerly awaiting for months.
Kung Fu Panda 4
It’s been eight long years since the release of Kung Fu Panda 3 – one of the best DreamWorks movies in the company’s animated history. Now, everyone’s favorite fun-loving martial artist panda returns with the latest installment in the series: Kung Fu Panda 4.
As he prepares to leave his status as the Dragon Warrior behind, Po (Jack Black) searches for his potential successor, all the while battling a powerful wizard (Viola Davis) able to take the form of any martial artist she chooses.
Though Kung Fu Panda 4 may not rise to the same heights as the previous three chapters that preceded it, the film has nevertheless earned mostly positive reviews. Along with its characteristically strong vocal performances, critics highlighted the movie’s polished visuals and immersive action sequences as particularly enjoyable high points as well.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%
IMDb score: 7.1
Dune: Part Two
After three long years of waiting, sci-fi fans can finally rest easy knowing that the highly-anticipated sequel to Dune, Dune: Part Two, has arrived in theaters nationwide. Yet another satisfying addition to director Denis Villeneuve’s filmography, it’s also been hailed as a more than satisfactory follow-up to the earlier Dune film.
Rallying the Fremen of the desert planet of Arrakis to his cause, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) prepares for a fateful final battle between his people and the corrupt armies of House Harkonnen.
Like the initial installment in Villeneuve’s two-part series, Dune has earned universally high acclaim from critics, with audience members praising the film’s special effects, the performances of its cast, and its strict adherence to Frank Hebert’s original novel.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
IMDb score: 9.1
Arthur the King
Based on a heartwarming true story, Arthur the King traces the incredible bond formed between an Ecuadorian stray dog and a Swedish athlete amidst an epic race through the jungles of South America.
As they journey across the Dominican Republic in a competitive adventure race, a team of athletes (including Mark Wahlberg) discover that a kindly stray dog has been following them for hundreds of miles.
While Arthur the King takes some creative liberties in its central story (swapping out Ecuador for the Dominican Republic), critics have managed to look past these discrepancies, crediting the movie for its judicious portrayal of Arthur and his human handlers.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%
IMDb score: 6.5
Love Lies Bleeding
The latest film from A24, Love Lies Bleeding offers up a radically different kind of romantic drama, focusing on a unique ‘80s-set crime story involving gangsters, steroids, and female bodybuilders (what a combo).
In the late 1980s, an introverted gym manager (Kristen Stewart) falls head over heels for a competitive bodybuilder (Katy O’Brian) preparing for an upcoming competition in Las Vegas. As she trains for the event, the bodybuilder soon finds steady work for the gym’s shady owner (Ed Harris).
In true A24 fashion, Love Lies Bleeding has consistently earned rave reviews. In addition to the lauded performances of the main cast (most especially Stewart, O’Brian, and Harris), the film has won acclaim for its hard-boiled aesthetic, with some critics favorably comparing it to the work of Quentin Tarantino or the Coen brothers.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
IMDb score: 6.7
Imaginary
Almost everyone had an imaginary friend growing up–a faithful companion who stayed by your side throughout your childhood. Such a nostalgic, heartwarming concept forms the basis for Imaginary, Blumhouse’s very latest supernatural horror movie.
After her young stepdaughter (Pyper Braun) forms a close attachment to her childhood teddy bear, a suburban mother (DeWanda Wise) begins to suspect something is very wrong with the seemingly ordinary stuffed animal.
While Imaginary earns credit for taking an otherwise simple concept and turning it on its head, the finished film has earned mostly mixed to negative reviews. Among the many criticisms the film has endured, critics believed Imaginary to feature too little scares, as well as featuring little in the way of an engaging story.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: N/A
IMDb score: 7.0
One Life
A film destined to earn all kinds of nominations come the next awards’ season, One Life casts Anthony Hopkins in one of his absolute best performances yet, this time portraying the real-life humanitarian, Sir Nicholas Winton.
In the late 1980s, elderly British stockbroker (Hopkins) reflects on his valiant efforts to save over 600 predominantly Jewish children in the earliest days of World War II 40 years prior.
Like Schindler’s List before it, One Life shows the remarkable difference one man can make when attempting to do the right thing in the face of unspeakable evil. Earning incredibly favorable reviews from critics, it’s been lauded for its emotional subject matter and Hopkins’ commanding lead performance.
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%
IMDb score: 7.6
Problemista
Who says A24 can only do horror or drama? Following in the footsteps of the company’s Oscar-winning absurdist comedy, Everything Everywhere All at Once, comes the similarly-veined surrealist adventure film, Problemista.
Struggling to implement his unusual new designs in New York City, an aspiring artist from El Salvador (Julio Torres) begins working for an unusual figure from the artistic world (Tilda Swinton) who could be the key to his success.
As with most of A24’s more bizarre films, Problemista has been met with glowing reviews thus far from critics. Above all else, the movie has been praised for its light-hearted blend between fantasy, surrealism, and adventure, balanced by its more grounded narrative rooted in perseverance and self-reliance.
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%
IMDb score: 7.1
Other Movies of Note
Notable films that will likely continue playing for only a few more weeks.
Cabrini
Arriving just in time for Women’s History Month, Cabrini focuses on an unsung hero in women’s liberation and Italian-American advocacy in the form of the Catholic missionary, Francesca Cabrini.
Arriving in New York City at the tail end of the 19th century, kind-hearted Italian missionary Francesca Cabrini (Cristiana Dell’Anna) attempts to protect and support the immigrants from her native country trying to build a new life for themselves in America.
Drawing overwhelmingly positive reviews, critics have praised Cabrini for its sentimentality, timely subject matter, and meticulous adherence to its historical figure’s life and legacy. A first-class biographical drama, it’s also destined to live on as one of the most crowd-pleasing movies of 2024.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
IMDb score: N/A
Bob Marley: One Love
At the height of his career, Bob Marley brought international attention to the reggae genre, entrancing listeners with his free-flowing songs and pacifistic messages of love, peace, and enjoying life’s simple moments. More recently, a biographical drama centered around Marley’s life and career has seen a release in the form of Bob Marley: One Love.
Breaking into the music industry in the early 1960s, reggae singer Bob Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir) becomes an international sensation through his music, although his career is cut tragically short upon Marley’s death in 1981 at just 36-years-old.
While the film’s performances alone are worthy of attention (especially in the case of Ben-Adir), critics have handed Bob Marley: One Love mostly mixed reviews, believing the film fell into the same familiar territory as most other biopics before it.
Where to watch: In theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 42%
IMDb score: 6.6
Madame Web
The fourth film in the Sony Spider-Man Universe, Madame Web delivers an action-packed superhero spinoff to Venom and Morbius. Unfortunately, the finished results also bear plenty of similarities to the lesser quality of each SSU movie before it.
Learning that she has the power to predict the future, a New York paramedic (Dakota Johnson) uses her superhuman abilities to try and save three young women (Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, and Isabela Merced) from a shadowy figure (Tahar Rahim).
Though it possesses a great cast of incredible actors, Madame Web has grossed universally negative reviews thus far, with some critics going so far as to call it one of the worst superhero movies ever made.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 15%
IMDb score: 3.9
Drive-Away Dolls
While the Coen brothers have traditionally worked together on each of their films, Drive-Away Dolls marks the second time the siblings have produced a solo film. As with Joel Coen’s previous work on The Tragedy of Macbeth, Drive-Away Dolls ushers in Ethan Coen’s first film as a single director.
Disappointed by their current lot in life, two best friends (Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan) decide to set off for the greener pastures of Tallahassee. Along the way, however, they end up getting involved in a major criminal conspiracy rooted around a valuable briefcase.
Bearing plenty of similarities to the Coens’ most well-known films (Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and Burn After Reading), critics have awarded Drive-Away Dolls mostly positive reviews, with particular praise aimed at the film’s humor and zany performances.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%
IMDb score: 6.5
Ordinary Angels
Loosely inspired by a true story, Ordinary Angels illustrates the inspirational difference a community can make when they come together to support one of their own, overcoming the most tremendous odds imaginable for the sake of the greater good.
In Louisville, Kentucky, a well-meaning hairdresser (Hilary Swank) encourages the residents of her town to help the ailing daughter of a struggling widower (Alan Ritchson) after a major snowstorm sweeps across the state.
Though some critics admitted that some aspects of the movie leaned towards the melodramatic, most reviewers have handed Ordinary Angels overarchingly positive reviews, mainly owing to its feel-good themes and the performances of its cast.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%
IMDb score: 7.9
Argylle
A loose spin-off of the popular Kingsman series, Argylle offers a humorous spin on the traditional spy story, infusing it with a meta-fictional story that’s equal parts Romancing the Stone as it is James Bond.
As she prepares to finish her latest book, a shy spy novelist (Bryce Dallas Howard) is roped into a legitimate conspiracy theory when a covert agent (Sam Rockwell) reveals her books have been predicting future events.
While its massive cast list is nothing short of impressive, Argylle has been met with mostly mixed to negative reviews from critics. Like the latest installments of the Kingsman series, many critics felt the movie valued action and poor CGI over a strong story or memorable characters, accounting for its lack of critical success.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 36%
IMDb score: 6.2
Wonka
As one of the most beloved characters ever created by Roald Dahl, anticipation for Wonka was high from the get-go. Fortunately, the producers of the film managed to stick the landing, providing a fascinating backstory for Dahl’s enigmatic chocolatier.
Carrying out his lifelong ambition of becoming a candy maker, the young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) attempts to open his very own chocolate shop, only to meet with merciless competition from rival chocolatiers in his neighborhood.
Drawing a mostly positive reception in early screenings, Wonka has been deemed a suitably flavorful addition to Dahl’s list of adaptations, with many praising the film for its originality, creativity, and numerous musical numbers.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
IMDb score: 7.5
Anatomy of a Fall
After making its premiere at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, the French mystery thriller, Anatomy of a Fall, finally makes its way across seas to American theaters. An impeccable whodunit with aspects of a psychological legal thriller, Anatomy of a Fall has been a leading contender at most prestigious awards ceremonies (the Golden Globes, the Oscars, etc.)
After her husband (Samuel Theis) is killed from a seemingly ordinary fall outside their home, the local police attempt to determine whether the man’s wife (Sandra Hüller) was somehow involved in the incident.
Having already taken home the Palme d’Or at Cannes, Anatomy of a Fall seems a legitimate contender for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. On top of the film’s Oscar nominations–including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Director–Anatomy of a Fall has earned extraordinarily rave reviews from critics.
Where to watch: In theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
IMDb score: 7.8
Poor Things
Like most notable directors, Yorgos Lanthimos always receives respectable fanfare whenever he releases a new film, thanks in large part to the filmmaker’s skillful penchant for crafting hilarious absurdist films. Following in the footsteps of The Lobster and The Favourite, Lanthimos once again serves up a fascinating surrealist epic with his most recent film, Poor Things.
Having been resurrected by a kindly doctor (Willem Dafoe), a naïve young woman (Emma Stone) runs away with an immoral lawyer (Mark Ruffalo), experiencing the wonders of the world through a wholly new perspective.
Having won the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival upon its premiere earlier this year, Poor Things has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. In addition to Stone’s powerhouse performance, critics celebrated the film for its luminous set design and quirky script.
Where to watch: In limited theaters/On Hulu and VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
IMDb score: 8.5
Anyone But You
A romantic comedy showcasing two young stars of tomorrow, Anyone But You casts Euphoria alum Sydney Sweeney opposite burgeoning leading man Glen Powell. A contemporary take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, it’s a humorous film that coasts on the abilities of its lead cast members.
Attending her sister’s wedding in Australia, a young woman (Sweeney) reluctantly poses as the girlfriend of a former lover she personally despises (Powell). Over time, however, the two set aside their mutual animosity, reigniting the dormant feelings they previously held for each other.
Thus far, Anyone But You has met with mixed to positive reviews, with ample praise dished out to Sweeney and Powell’s performances and chemistry. On the flip side, the film has been criticized for its predictable plot line and more mean-spirited humor.
Where to watch: In theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%
IMDb score: N/A
Night Swim
Next to A24 or Neon, Blumhouse Production currently ranks as one of the main film studios cranking out palpable horror films on a regular basis. Following in the footsteps of their recent releases in M3GAN and Five Nights At Freddy’s comes the company’s latest effort, the mysterious supernatural horror movie, Night Swim.
Moving into a new home in the suburbs, an ordinary family begins to suspect that their seemingly average backyard swimming pool is haunted by a paranormal entity.
Like most of Blumhouse’s recent outpouring of films, Night Swim has earned mostly mixed reviews from critics. Though many were quick to praise the movie’s originality, many also felt the film spent far too much time on exposition and not enough on building towards actual scares.
Where to watch: In theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 25%
IMDb score: 5.5
The Beekeeper
Like most action stars, Jason Statham tends to appear in either very good movies–or incredibly bad ones. Fresh off the disappointing sequel that was The Expendables 4, Statham returns in the far better action movie, The Beekeeper.
When his elderly best friend (Phylicia Rashad) takes her own life as a result of a phishing scheme, a retired secret agent now working as a beekeeper (Statham) sets out to destroy the company that ruined her life.
While a bit overly reliant on earlier action movies (such as John Wick), critics have singled out The Beekeeper as one of Statham’s best outings in some time. With sharp action and an A-list cast, it’s a film that continues to demonstrate why Statham has maintained his favored status among diehard action fans.
Where to watch: In theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 73%
IMDb score: 6.8
Migration
While Illumination has yet to achieve the same grand-standing reputation as their competitors at Disney or DreamWorks, the studio has done a fantastic job releasing their own unique family-friendly movies, as seen from their latest release, Migration.
Hoping to expand her family’s horizons, a female mallard (Elizabeth Banks) convinces her neurotic husband (Kumail Nanjiani) and their children to migrate from New England to Jamaica, passing through New York City along their route.
Earning mixed to positive reviews from critics, Migration has been applauded for its humor and overarching theme of broadening one’s perspective–a thematic issue most younger audiences will likely find endearing.
Where to watch: In theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%
IMDb score: 7.1
The Zone of Interest
One of the most sobering films of the past year, The Zone of Interest has already been acclaimed as one of the best movies of 2023. A harrowing historical drama based on one of the most infamous members of the Nazi Regime, it’s been acclaimed for its writing, direction, performances, and timely themes.
Near the beginning of World War II, German officer Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) accepts a position as commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp, with both he and his wife trying to build the perfect life for themselves in spite of their horrific war crimes.
Delving deeply into Höss and his wife’s complacency in Nazi war crimes, The Zone of Interest also probes deeply into the disconnect between one’s inhuman actions and their own idyllic desires for the future (a beautiful home, a healthy garden, a stable family life, etc.). Having been named one of the best international films of the year by the National Board of Review, it’s also been submitted for consideration at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Where to watch: In limited theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
IMDb score: 8.0
The Boy and the Heron
It’s been 10 years since Hayao Miyazaki last directed a movie, the filmmaker having won widespread renown for his 2013 anime biopic, The Wind Rises. A decade later, the founding father of Studio Ghibli returns with his most recent masterpiece, the brilliant The Boy and the Heron.
As World War II wages around him, a young boy whose mother recently passed away follows a mysterious gray heron into a magical world populated by fantastical creatures and benevolent spirits.
Like every Miyazaki film before it, The Boy and the Heron has earned incredibly warm reviews from critics, nearly all of whom have praised the film for its poignant themes, vivid animation, and wondrous depiction of grief, trauma, and healing.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%
IMDb score: 7.6
Action
For movie fans who like a rush.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training
Like its original manga counterpart, Demon Slayer has garnered a dedicated following of fans over the years since its release, as evidenced by the popularity of its anime adaptation and respective film continuations (such as the latest Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training).
As Tanjiro Kamado subjects himself to a grueling training regimen with the Stone Hashira, the reigning demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji, searches for Nezuko and the remaining members of the Ubuyashiki family.
The third film in the multimedia Demon Slayer franchise, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training has earned an assortment of positive reviews. While critics voiced skepticism over whether the movie will entice casual anime fans, they contested that longtime viewers of the series will be more than satisfied with this Demon Slayer film.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
IMDb score: 8.0
Thriller
For audience members who want to be on the edge of their seats throughout.
Knox Goes Away
Along with proving himself a formidable actor, Michael Keaton has also occasionally tried his hand at directing, doing so first with his 2009 debut, The Merry Gentleman, and continuing with his latest venture, Knox Goes Away.
Suffering from an acute form of dementia, a seasoned hitman (Keaton) attempts to right some past wrongs by reconnecting with the estranged son (James Marsden), who happens to be facing some serious troubles of his own.
Earning a divisive response from critics, Knox Goes Away has been criticized for its somewhat formulaic action sequences. Despite this, most critics have agreed in their favorable assessment of Keaton’s creative contributions, both from an acting and directorial standpoint.
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 50%
IMDb score: 6.9
Comedy
For movie fans who love to laugh.
American Dreamer
If there’s a comedic pairing most people never expected to see, it’s Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage and Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine. Coming together to star in the indie dark comedy American Dreamer, Dinklage and MacLaine make for a surprisingly enjoyable duo in the context of the film.
Unable to afford a house of his own, a financially struggling adjunct professor (Dinklage) accepts a strange proposal to live with an eccentric elderly woman (MacLaine) in her opulent mansion.
While Dinklage and MacLaine have earned mostly positive reception for their performances here, most critics took issue with American Dreamer’s contrasting tones, with the movie neither funny nor emotional enough to fundamentally gauge with viewers.
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 22%
IMDb score: 7.2
American Fiction
If The Zone of Interest is an attack on the dehumanizing effects of fascism, American Fiction can be seen as an attack on the gradual dumbing-down of today’s mass culture (albeit drawing on a more humorous and satirical tone than The Zone of Interest).
Frustrated by his lack of popularity among mainstream readers, an intelligent novelist (Jeffrey Wright) writes the worst book he can think of as a joke, only for the novel to become a massive best-seller.
Earning rave reviews from critics, American Fiction has been universally well-received for its humor and satirical subject matter. With particular praise heaped on Wright for his career-defining performance here, American Fiction has already garnered numerous accolades, in addition to its several nominations at the 81st Golden Globe Awards ceremony.
Where to watch: In limited theaters/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
IMDb score: 7.8
Popular Re-Releases
Iconic movies that are headed for the big screen for a limited time.
Labyrinth
What do you get when you mix a young Jennifer Connelly with the special effects of Jim Henson, a screenplay by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, and the musical performances of David Bowie? You get the predictably odd yet imminently lovable 1986 fantasy musical, Labyrinth.
Making a wish that she instantly regrets, a teenage girl with a vivid imagination (Connelly) must journey to the center of a magical labyrinth to save her baby brother from the alluring Goblin King (David Bowie).
Returning to theaters for a limited time at the start of March, Labyrinth has achieved a strong cult following in the decades since its release, thanks in large part to Bowie’s charismatic performance as the Goblin King, Jareth, and Henson’s characteristically great practical effects.
Where to watch: In theaters for limited time/On VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%
IMDb score: 7.3
Those are the movies out now.
Grab your tickets ahead of time and skip the lines at the theater.
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