The 2015 year is coming to a close, and everyone is looking forward to what 2016 has in store—whether it be sports, technology, politics, music, or movies! Before we can get on with the new year, though, we need to reflect on the gifts of the past year. Specifically, we need to appreciate the amazing films released in 2015. The following is a list of the biggest, most influential movies of the past year!
1. "Cinderella"
When Disney began making live-action remakes, Cinderella fans everywhere were fantasizing that their favorite princess would get the chance to shine on the big screen in a live-action film. And just as everyone had hoped, 2015's "Cinderella" followed the traditional plot, while also bringing in some new dimensions. "A dream is a wish your heart makes" and wishes were granted with the live-action remake of this Disney classic!
2. "Furious 7"
Movie-goers swarmed to see the seventh and final "Fast and Furious" film in theaters. The film was significant for several reasons, and had good and bad ties that drew audiences in. Not only had the film been reviewed highly by critics and audiences, but the much-loved actor, Paul Walker, died tragically in a car accident while the movie was still being filmed. As the last "Fast and Furious" film, and Walker's final film, the movie had a huge impact on audiences in 2015.
3. "Avengers: Age of Ultron"
As of right now in the film industry, superheroes are taking over, and Marvel is king. Whether the second Avengers movie had as much substance as the first goes largely unnoticed, because the truth of the matter is, we just want to see our favorite superheroes on the big screen. So long as we have a new Avengers movie to look forward to, we aren't complaining!
4. "Pitch Perfect 2 "
"Pitch Perfect" took over the masses and got into our heads with "the cup song." Its sequel did no less. With the cup song revamped from a solo to a group song, Rebel Wilson continuing to be lovable and hilarious, and Anna Kendrick winning us over again, "Pitch Perfect 2" had fans flooding to see it in theaters, and left its tunes in people's heads for weeks to come.
5. "Jurassic World"
With the last "Jurassic Park" film released in 2001, fans of the franchise were overjoyed to hear that a fourth movie would be released in 2015. Filled with danger, excitement, and (you guessed it!) dinosaurs, "Jurassic World" was a huge hit this year. The popular new release revitalized the Jurassic series for old and new audiences! Everyone who watched "Jurassic World" this year left the theater thinking, "I'm sure glad I live in a world without dinosaurs!"
6. "Inside Out"
Definitely one of the most interesting animated films to be released in the last few years, "Inside Out" was a hit for children and adults alike! The movie was entertaining, as well as thought-provoking in its personification of human emotions. Many common phrases, such as "train of thought" or "abstract thought" were creatively included into the plot in fun and surprising ways! Overall, the movie was both entertaining and held important lessons about growing up and accepting change.
7. "The Martian"
Based on the popular novel of the same name, "The Martian" did not aim as high as other recent astronaut themed movies, such as "Gravity" and "Interstellar," yet it blew us away, nonetheless. Both funny and inspiring, "The Martian," enthralled audiences with the survival story of a NASA botanist stranded on Mars. While Matt Damon did an amazing job keeping our spirits up in this film, the movie was skillfully done and is a wonderful celebration of the human ability to survive and strive in nearly impossible conditions.
8. "Spectre"
Agent 007 is back in this latest Bond film! As usual, James Bond's spy skills are mesmerizing, while the action is heart-stopping. James Bond movies have evolved over time, yet this most recent addition beautifully and hauntingly tied in plots and characters of past 007 films. The action was thrilling, the plot was alluringly mysterious, and the soundtrack was one of the best so far in Bond films. Audiences and critics lapped it up, making this film the spy movie of the year!
9. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2"
This movie brought an end to the cultural obsession that is "The Hunger Games." Starting with the bestselling book series, which expanded into cinema and became a wildly popular film franchise, "The Hunger Games" captured the minds and hearts of audiences worldwide. With the first film released in 2012, a new Hunger Games movie was released each year, making 2015 the final year of "The Hunger Games" ruling the box office. Fans excitedly swarmed theaters to view the final installment, and left the theaters mourning the end of the beloved series. It is sad to see such an exciting series end, but then again, there have been rumors of prequel films coming soon!
10. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
Last, but not least, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has truly defined cinema in 2015. Arguably one of the most, if not the most, beloved film series of all time, "Star Wars" is near and dear to many. Though the newest addition could have been a let down in innumerable ways, Disney came through for loyal "Star Wars" fans. "Star Wars," the film franchise that defined a generation, returned in December of 2015 with a crash...literally. The new film shattered box office records, ranking in as the largest opening weekend in North America. Just as with "Cinderella," "Jurassic World," and "Spectre," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has proven that 2015 is the year of throwbacks and remakes!
