In the ever-fascinating realm of cinematic prognostication, filmmakers have consistently taken creative liberties in envisioning the future. A prime example is the iconic “Back to the Future Part II,” which envisioned flying cars in 2015. Now, as we approach 2024, several films have dared to predict what lies ahead, with Marvel’s Phase 4 productions like “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” leading the charge.
Among the diverse array of films forecasting 2024, one notable title is “Beyond the Time Barrier” (1960). In this film, Earth’s atmosphere is ravaged by nuclear testing, leading to a cosmic plague that renders humans deaf, mute, and sterile. A stark vision of a post-apocalyptic world.
Similarly, “A Boy and His Dog” (1976) takes us to a desolate America in 2024, marred by nuclear war. The film unfolds the story of Vic, an 18-year-old scavenging the wasteland with his telepathic dog, offering a grim portrayal of a society built around artificial biospheres and enforced reproduction.
Fast-forwarding to the supernatural realm, the “Underworld” film series presents a 2024 where vampires and lycans engage in a full-blown war. The storyline, while filled with fantastical elements, explores the consequences of a government program gone awry.
“Illang: Wolf Brigade” (2018), a South Korean film, envisions a divided Korea attempting reunification, only to face obstacles from global powers, resulting in civil unrest and the emergence of a terrorist group. Drawing inspiration from manga and anime, the film provides a unique geopolitical perspective.
Drawing an eerie parallel to our recent global challenges, “Songbird” (2020) speculates on a world in 2024 where a mutated form of Covid-19, known as Covid-23, has led to a dystopian future. The film explores the ramifications of a society grappling with the virus, resulting in extreme measures and a police state.
In a more fantastical turn of events, “Godzilla Vs Kong” (2021) presents a world where Titans unleashed in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” wreak havoc, culminating in an epic battle between Godzilla and King Kong.
While these cinematic glimpses into 2024 vary in tone and genre, they collectively showcase the enduring fascination with predicting the future through the lens of storytelling and imagination. Only time will tell which, if any, elements of these speculative futures will ring true as we navigate the actual landscape of 2024
