A recent study has unveiled the most anticipated films of 2024 in the UK, with Ridley Scott’s highly awaited “Gladiator 2” leading the list. The sequel to the 2000 Academy Award-winning epic has garnered significant interest, reflecting the excitement among British film enthusiasts.
The study, conducted by NoDepositDaily, analysed the average monthly search volumes for upcoming films over a 12-month period. It focused on key search terms such as ‘release date,’ ‘trailer,’ and ‘showtimes’ to determine which films the UK public is most eager to see.
Gladiator 2 emerged as the most anticipated film, with an impressive 123,293 average monthly searches. The film marks Ridley Scott’s return to the director’s chair, with a cast featuring Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn. Set to release on 22nd November, the film has fans eagerly awaiting its return to the grandeur and drama of ancient Rome, a testament to the enduring legacy of the original “Gladiator” film.
In second place is Inside Out 2, which has attracted 115,153 average monthly searches. This Pixar sequel, scheduled for release on 14th June, brings back the imaginative world of Riley’s emotions, a concept that captivated audiences in the original 2015 film. The sequel introduces new characters, including Riley’s anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke. The first “Inside Out” was a significant box office success, grossing $858.8 million globally, and the sequel is expected to continue its predecessor’s legacy.
Taking third place is Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which garnered 113,607 monthly searches. The film is a follow-up to the cult classic 1988 comedy horror, “Beetlejuice,” and is set to release on 6th September. Fans are eager to see the return of Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, who reprise their roles alongside new cast members like Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux. The film’s mix of dark humour and nostalgic appeal has made it a highly anticipated release.
Despicable Me 4 ranks fourth, with 54,411 average monthly searches. The beloved animated franchise continues with Steve Carell returning as the voice of Gru. Scheduled for release on 5th July, the latest instalment introduces Gru Jr., adding a new dimension to the family dynamic that has charmed audiences for over a decade.
In fifth place is Borderlands, based on the popular video game, which has amassed 32,568 average monthly searches. This non-sequel entry, set to release on 9th August, has generated excitement among fans of the game series and filmgoers alike.
Other films in the top ten include Kraven the Hunter in sixth place, with 30,908 searches. The Marvel Comics-based film follows Sergei Kravinoff’s quest to prove himself as the world’s greatest hunter and is set for release on 30th August. The Garfield Movie comes in seventh, with 28,495 searches, featuring Chris Pratt as the voice of the iconic cat, with a release date of 24th May.
Rounding out the list are Paddington in Peru (eighth, 25,166 searches), Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (ninth, 20,411 searches), and IF (tenth, 19,121 searches). “Paddington in Peru,” featuring Olivia Coleman and Antonio Banderas, is set to release on 8th November, while “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is scheduled for 20th December. “IF,” directed by John Krasinski and starring Ryan Reynolds, will hit cinemas on 17th May.
| Rank | Film | Average Monthly Search Volume |
| 1 | Gladiator 2 | 123,293 |
| 2 | Inside Out 2 | 115,153 |
| 3 | Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | 113,607 |
| 4 | Despicable Me 4 | 54,411 |
| 5 | Borderlands | 32,568 |
| 6 | Kraven the Hunter | 30,908 |
| 7 | The Garfield Movie | 28,495 |
| 8 | Paddington in Peru | 25,166 |
| 9 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | 20,411 |
| 10 | IF | 19,121 |
Commenting on the findings, Mervyn Davids of NoDepositDaily said, “It’s great to see so many brilliant movies due to come out this year, and it’s interesting to see which ones the UK is looking forward to seeing the most. Due to the 2023 Writers’ strike, several films had to be delayed in production, pushing back their release dates. Luckily, for film enthusiasts, this means there is a plethora of titles to tick off their lists in 2024.”
With such a diverse range of films on the horizon, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for cinemagoers in the UK.
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