We’re approaching the end of 2024, leaving behind many experiences and memories from the past 12 months. However, movie enthusiasts mostly recall some of the best films released over the year, includingDune: Part Two,Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, andDeadpool & Wolverine. While it’s difficult to bid farewell to another exciting year, some anticipated films are set to hittheatersthis December.
Even though several thrilling films have been released in November 2024,includingRed One,Gladiator II,Wicked, andMoana 2, December is jam-packed with some of the most highly anticipated films from popular franchises, includingThe Lord of the Ringsand Sony’sSpider-Man. So, if you’re searching for a great movie to watch next month, look no further.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’
Watch It in Theaters on December 13
Two decades have passed since the originalLord of the Ringstrilogy was released, and while many may assume that there is nothing else to explore in J. R. R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic, this assumption couldn’t be more wrong.The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrimis a forthcoming animated fantasy film directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the legendary Japanese anime director known for works such asGhost in the Shell,Ultraman, andEden of the East.
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The film, set 183 years before Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringsfilm trilogy, chronicles the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, which is invaded by Wulf, a cruel Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for his father’s death. Faced with an army of might capable of wiping out their entire kingdom, the King of Rohan makes a daring last stand at the ancient stronghold of Hornburg, which came to be known as Helm’s Deep inThe Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrimwill be released in the United States on July 29, 2025.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
‘Kraven the Hunter’
Kraven the Hunteris a highly anticipated film based on the popular Marvel Comics character that serves as the sixth installmentin Sony’sSpider-ManUniverse. Directed by J. C. Chandor, the film tells the action-packed origins of Nikolai Kravinoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a man who has had a complicated relationship with his merciless father, which has led him down a path of vengeance. Later, he would come to be known as not only the world’s greatest hunter but also the most feared.Kraven the Hunter, which also stars Ariana DeBose, Russel Crowe, Christopher Abbott, Fred Hechinger, and Alessandro Nivola,will be released on August 12, 2025.
Kraven the Hunter
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Watch It in Theaters on December 20
Mufasa: The Lion King, serving as a prequel to 2019’sThe Lion King, is one of the most-awaited films of 2024. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this new animation adventure film features some of the most popular actors,including Seth Rogen, Mads Mikkelsen, Donald Glover, and Keith David. Walt Disney’s official synopsis forMufasa: The Lion Kingis as follows:
“Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone, until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka–the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny–their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
Mufasa: The Lion Kingwill be released in theaters on August 22, 2025.
Mufasa: The Lion King
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’
Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name,Sonic the Hedgehogfilms have thus far been fairly successful, with both prior installments individually grossing over $300 million and receiving positive critical reception. As a result,Sonic the Hedgehog 3is expected to deliver the same entertainment, withstars like Jim Carreyand Ben Schwartz reprising their iconic roles of Dr. Robotnik and Sonic, respectively.
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In this chapter, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles face a formidable opponent named Shadow the Hedgehog, who proves to be extremely destructive, capable of destroying the entire planet if left unchecked. To save the planet from this mysterious hedgehog, the trio forms an unlikely alliance with Dr. Robotnik despite the enormous likelihood of failure.Sonic the Hedgehog 3will be available in theaters on July 16, 2025.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
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