It's no secret that 2016 will be an incredible year for the film industry. Between the remake of "Ghostbusters," the next installment of the "Divergent" series and the much anticipated sequel "Zoolander 2," fans are eagerly waiting several releases. However, no fans are as excited as the millions of nerds who control (that's right, I said control!) this planet because 2016 is the year of superhero movies. Marvel and DC have really rolled up their sleeves to deliver some of the best superhero flicks of the last 100 years.
Here are some of the most highly anticipated superhero films coming out in 2016.
1. "X-Men: Apocalypse"
The third installment of the new age "X-Men" films, the story picks up where "X-Men: Days of Future Past" left off. As the mutant Apocalypse, the original and most powerful mutant in history, awakens from a millennium-long sleep, he decides it is time to "cleanse" humanity, creating a new world order where mutants rule. This forces Mystique and Professor X to lead a ragtag group of young mutants to save humanity. With another all-star cast, including James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult and new member Olivia Munn, "Apocalypse" is looking to be the most successful X-men film yet.
2. "Doctor Strange"
The timeless story of a brilliant surgeon who succumbs to his own ignorance and ruins his own life. Luckily, he is trained by a successful sorcerer who teaches him to defend the world against evil. Fans have already seen the savvy Benedict Cumberbatch portray an arrogant and self-obsessed genius, the captivating Sherlock Holmes, for years; now they'll see Cumberbatch in a new way. With a fan favorite as the lead, Strange should be a great addition to the Marvel Universe.
3. "Suicide Squad"
This highly anticipated, villain-driven DC creation has been a subject of obsession for fans over the last year and a half. Straight out of the "Batman" universe, the story follows the path of Gotham's most notorious villains as they are forced onto a team designed to save the city. Most exciting for fans is the introduction of Harley Quinn, the beautiful and crazy right-hand girl to the Joker himself. It's no secret that Harley is important to me—I mean, I stole her name—but I am a little worried that she is being reduced to a ditzy bit of eye candy for the rest of the team. Only time will tell!
4. "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice"
The sequel to 2013's "Man of Steel," this is the beginning of the war between Marvel and DC, a fight nerds think of as old as time. Following the events of "Man of Steel," the Batman travels to challenge Superman as a preemptive strike to keep humanity safe. The film is set to introduce Wonder Woman and Lex Luther into the mix, setting up a future "Justice League" film. More importantly, this film introduces Ben Affleck as billionaire Bruce Wayne, Affleck's first superhero role since butchering "Daredevil" back in 2003. Who knows? Maybe Batfleck will live up to expectations.
5. "Captain America: Civil War"
May cannot come soon enough for Marvel fans, as the third installment of the "Captain America" series is finally released! Picking up where "Winter Solider" left off, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark are pitted against each other as Steve attempts to aid his long lost friend, Bucky Barnes. The 11th installment in Marvel's massive "Avengers" series, the film stars heartthrobs Robert Downey, Jr. and Chris Evans, the leaders of earth's mightiest heroes, and promises to be the most successful film the franchise has released thus far.
6. "Deadpool"
Last, but in absolutely no way least, there is "Deadpool." The lovechild between Marvel Studios and Ryan Reynolds, it has taken 12 long years for this glorious film to be made. Reynolds refused to take no for an answer when New Line Cinema turned him down, finding a beautiful partnership with Fox, eventually leading to the almost X-rated perfection to be made. The story of Wade Wilson, a former mercenary turned super soldier seeking revenge and vengeance is hilariously told by Reynolds, including some amazing jabs at his failed attempt at superhero fame in "Green Lantern." With only three weeks left until its release, fans are less than patiently waiting for "Deadpool" to hit theaters.
Between the big explosion, naughty language, intense standoffs and general amazing nature behind superheroes, 2016 is going to be a highlight year for nerds. We vicariously live through the world's crafted by Marvel and DC, so getting to watch those worlds come alive in film is often an altering experience. Mark your calendars and get your best cosplay outfits together, because the year of superhero movies has begun!
