2016 had its hits and misses on the big screen, but now its time to look ahead at a new year of exciting films. You never know which movies are going to be the surprises of the year, the award winners, or even the flops, but we can at least try to take a guess. Based on what I've heard so far from the movies below, as well as their trailers, directors, and cast, I've decided on the fifteen movies I'm most excited to see in theaters this year. I might look back and want to kick myself for putting some picks on the list, or maybe they'll solidify me as the Nostradamus of predicting the success of movies (In which case I'll be expecting a call for Hollywood executives), but only time will tell.
15. The Lego Batman Movie
Some people may be surprised to see this movie make the list, but if you saw The Lego Movie you know why its here. The Lego Movie took me by surprise, and ended up being one of the most hilarious kids movies I've seen in a long time. Now Will Arnett's Lego Batman, who was a fan-favorite in the former movie, is getting his own standalone film.
While I'm hoping the movie can replicate the same magic as the last one, I'm worried it might not given that directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller won't be behind the camera. Nonetheless, if this can find the same middle ground between fun characters, self-aware humor, and live action cameos that the first movie did, it will succeed in my book.
This is that one movie on the list that could end up being terrible. Having said that, I'm honestly excited to see Hollywood take a crack at a modern Power Rangers movie. I grew up on the Rangers, specifically Mighty Morphin and Time Force, and as did a lot of kids from my generation.
They seem to be going for a Chronicle feel for this movie, and that hasn't worked out for recent films like Fantastic Four and Project Almanac (Whose director is at the helm of Power Rangers). But a chance to see Megazords on the big screen as well as Rita Repulsa, Alpha 5, and Zordon (Played by Bryan Cranston) is still exciting enough to make me see this movie.
13. Kingsman: The Golden Circle
I think the first Kingsman movie took a lot of movie goers by surprise with how off the walls and unfiltered it was, aside from also being a great action blockbuster. Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) has proven himself as an outstanding director, especially with comic book based action projects.
So the sequel to the film should be no different, and it has already added some very impressive new cast members including Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, and Halle Berry who I can't wait to see interact with Eggsy (Taron Egerton) on the big screen. They will also somehow be bringing back Colin Firth's character Harry Hart, so I'm curious to see how they'll pull that off.
12. Alien: Covenant
I'm not a diehard fan of the Alien franchise or anything like that, but I can still appreciate how innovative and creative those movies were for the future of the sci-fi genre. I enjoyed Prometheus for what it was, but it seems like Covenant is going to make up for the former film's faults.
The trailer for this movie that was released this week definitely raised the hype for me, and gave it a higher spot on this list. The cast of this movie is also both impressive and interesting including the likes of Danny McBride, Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterson, Noomi Rapace, and recently announced addition James Franco.
The trailer for this movie that was released this week definitely raised the hype for me, and gave it a higher spot on this list. The cast of this movie is also both impressive and interesting including the likes of Danny McBride, Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterson, Noomi Rapace, and recently announced addition James Franco.
11. The Fate of the Furious
Like any series that makes it to an eighth film, the Fast and Furious movies feel like they've run their course. After the passing of lead actor Paul Walker just a few years ago, many of us thought this series would be coming to a close. Yet that doesn't seem to be the case, as this year we'll be getting yet another Fast and Furious sequel.
I wasn't initially interested in this movie given the reasons above, but the trailer certainly spiked my curiosity. The idea of having Vin Diesel's character turn against the team is definitely a surprising and interesting twist. The movie also filmed in Cuba and New York, and has talented director F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) at the helm.
Originally I didn't have this movie cracking my top ten, but after re-watching the trailer and looking over the cast list, it has earned its spot. Kong: Skull Island has the potential to be the exciting King Kong movie we've been waiting for, and is setting up a larger and more powerful version of Kong that is going to have to face off against Godzilla in a future film.
I also love how the movie is taking a different approach to the character, by making him less of a villain to audiences while antagonizing the humans who invaded his home. The cast is especially great with the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John Goodman, and Samuel L. Jackson all set to take on Kong next March.
All you have to say is Christopher Nolan is directing, and I'm already sold. The director has proven time and time again that he's one of the most talented and original working men in the business today, and I expect no less from his first war movie.
My excitement in a little dialed down only because this won't be an original story by Nolan (Which I feel is his main strength), and it'll instead be based on true events. But with a cast of Nolan favorites including Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, as well as Mark Rylance, and even Harry Styles, its hard not to get excited for this one.
My excitement in a little dialed down only because this won't be an original story by Nolan (Which I feel is his main strength), and it'll instead be based on true events. But with a cast of Nolan favorites including Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, as well as Mark Rylance, and even Harry Styles, its hard not to get excited for this one.
8. Wonder Woman
Much like another DC movie on this list, Wonder Woman isn't as high as I wish it was simply because of movies like Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad. DC hasn't given me the confidence that they know what they're doing, and its hard to picture this movie being any different.
While what we've seen so far looks pretty cool, I'm still not sure Gal Gadot can carry her own movie (As attractive as she is). The movie does have both an impressive director and supporting cast, and if the visual effects are done right it can be a step in the right direction for the DC universe that we've been waiting for. We can only hope it is.
While what we've seen so far looks pretty cool, I'm still not sure Gal Gadot can carry her own movie (As attractive as she is). The movie does have both an impressive director and supporting cast, and if the visual effects are done right it can be a step in the right direction for the DC universe that we've been waiting for. We can only hope it is.
7. Thor: Ragnarok
Ask any Marvel fanboy like myself which of the solo movie franchises is the weakest in the MCU, and most people will probably agree its Thor. Captain America has gotten two outstanding sequels since his first film, but all Thor has gotten was the mediocre Thor: Dark World. Ragnarok has all the makings to be the best Thor movie yet, with a director who isn't afraid to take it in a weird direction.
The movie is also going to include Mark Ruffalo's Hulk and a bit of the Planet Hulk storyline, which may work for better or worse. The film is hoping to accomplish a lot including introducing Hela, including Dr. Strange and Hulk, and returning Odin to his throne. Hopefully its able to accomplish all those things without becoming a mess.
The movie is also going to include Mark Ruffalo's Hulk and a bit of the Planet Hulk storyline, which may work for better or worse. The film is hoping to accomplish a lot including introducing Hela, including Dr. Strange and Hulk, and returning Odin to his throne. Hopefully its able to accomplish all those things without becoming a mess.
6. Justice League
I really wish I could have this movie higher on my list, but sadly I have to be honest with myself. I'm just not as excited about getting a Justice League movie as I should be. Given DC's recent track record of disappointments, and my personal dislike of Batman v. Superman, its hard to convince myself this movie will be any different.
There's some very questionable casting choices amongst the team that I hope prove me wrong, and I'm not sure bringing back Zack Snyder to direct was such a smart decision. None the less, its still the Justice League, and I'm just pumped we finally get to see them assemble on the big screen.
There's some very questionable casting choices amongst the team that I hope prove me wrong, and I'm not sure bringing back Zack Snyder to direct was such a smart decision. None the less, its still the Justice League, and I'm just pumped we finally get to see them assemble on the big screen.
5. Logan
I would've never expect this movie to be so high on this list, mainly because we had no idea what it was even about, aside from the fact that this will officially be Hugh Jackman's last movie in the role. But after all the mystery, the first trailer for Logan really blew me away.
It seems to be an emotional and personal movie that will show us a weaker side of Wolverine than we've ever seen before, and may be introducing us to a young X-23. The idea for this movie is just amazing, and if executed correctly it could be one of the best X-Men movies we've ever seen.
It seems to be an emotional and personal movie that will show us a weaker side of Wolverine than we've ever seen before, and may be introducing us to a young X-23. The idea for this movie is just amazing, and if executed correctly it could be one of the best X-Men movies we've ever seen.
4. War for the Planet of the Apes
This franchise has more than proven itself over the years as legit, and despite some changes in director and cast, the quality has remained consistent. Andy Serkis' outstanding and emotional performance as Cesar has been the core of this franchise, and it has worked wonders so far.
This movie seems no different, and we'll finally get to see the big war and boiling point we've been waiting for since Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Woody Harrelson as the villain also seems very interesting, and I think he'll make for a great menace and rival to Cesar that can surpass Koba from the last movie.
This movie seems no different, and we'll finally get to see the big war and boiling point we've been waiting for since Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Woody Harrelson as the villain also seems very interesting, and I think he'll make for a great menace and rival to Cesar that can surpass Koba from the last movie.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2
How can anyone not be excited for this movie after seeing the trailers? Guardians 2 is promising another fun time at the movies, with new members joining the team and return of Baby Groot, and might even surpass the first film.
There's some things that have me a little worried about the movie such as the inclusion of Kurt Russell as Ego the Living Planet, but I trust both director James Gunn and the cast of fan favorites to deliver another great adventure. And of course, I'm looking forward to that soundtrack too.
There's some things that have me a little worried about the movie such as the inclusion of Kurt Russell as Ego the Living Planet, but I trust both director James Gunn and the cast of fan favorites to deliver another great adventure. And of course, I'm looking forward to that soundtrack too.
2. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Come on, you knew this was gonna be here. I may talk about a lot of superheroes, but Spider-Man will always have a special place in my heart. As a diehard fan of the character and both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland managed to win me over in his Civil War appearance.
Everything about Homecoming screams "perfect Spider-Man movie" to me. We're getting a cast of young actors and new characters alongside a fifteen year-old Peter Parker, Michael Keaton as the Vulture, and even a Spider-Man/Iron-Man team up. What more can you ask for?
Everything about Homecoming screams "perfect Spider-Man movie" to me. We're getting a cast of young actors and new characters alongside a fifteen year-old Peter Parker, Michael Keaton as the Vulture, and even a Spider-Man/Iron-Man team up. What more can you ask for?
1. Star Wars: Episode 8
After seeing Rogue One this week, I've been reminded about just how lucky we are to have new GOOD Star Wars movies (Unlike certain prequels). After Force Awakens proved itself to audiences by balancing its homage to the original series and introduction of new characters and storylines, how can you not be excited to see where it goes.
Talented Looper director Rian Johnson will be taking over for JJ Abrams and hopefully will reach the same caliber as the last movie. We'll also finally get to hear Luke Skywalker actually speak and hopefully train Rey to become a Jedi. If it meets expectations, this has the potential to be the Empire Strikes Back of the new trilogy.
Honorable Mentions: Beauty and the Beast, The Dark Tower, Baby Driver, Live By Night, Coco, Blade Runner 2029
Talented Looper director Rian Johnson will be taking over for JJ Abrams and hopefully will reach the same caliber as the last movie. We'll also finally get to hear Luke Skywalker actually speak and hopefully train Rey to become a Jedi. If it meets expectations, this has the potential to be the Empire Strikes Back of the new trilogy.
Honorable Mentions: Beauty and the Beast, The Dark Tower, Baby Driver, Live By Night, Coco, Blade Runner 2029
So what do you think of my top 15 most anticipated movies of 2017? Are there any movies you feel shouldn't be on the list? Are there any you think should be? Let me know below!
