2015 proved to be one of the biggest years Hollywood has ever seen. Box office records were broken and theaters were jam-packed with audiences, thanks to the immense anticipation and positive reception for films such as "Furious 7," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Jurassic World" and of course, "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens." This year, Hollywood doesn't seem to be holding back on the countless array of sequels, prequels, reboots and remakes, as well as a few would-be franchise starters. If the hype is to be believed, 2016 looks to be even bigger than 2015, with blockbusters being released as early as February. That being said, here are some of the year's most anticipated films, plus a list of smaller films to watch out for.
"Deadpool"
(February 12)
The Merc with a Mouth finally gets the big-screen treatment he deserves. This eighth entry in the "X-Men" franchise is actually Wade Wilson's second film appearance, the first being "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," but we'll forget that ever happened. Instead of being bestowed with a confusing grab-bag of mutant powers and having his smart mouth literally sewn shut, the indestructible, fourth-wall-breaking anti-hero is as he should be: potty-mouthed, cocky and awesome. Also, the perfect casting of Ryan Reynolds and the film's genius marketing campaign are sure to reel in even non-comic-book-fans.
"Zoolander No. 2"
(February 12)
One of the most memorable characters in the comedy genre returns after 15 long years. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell reprise their respective roles, while stars like Penélope Cruz, Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen, Milla Jovovich and Benedict Cumberbatch join the cast. There will also be quite a few celebrity cameos, including Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Joe Jonas and Ariana Grande (who plays Coco Chanel by the way).
"10 Cloverfield Lane"
(March 11)
Before J.J. Abrams rebooted both "Star Trek" and "Star Wars," he produced one of the best found-footage flicks ever made. The terrifying monster movie, mysteriously titled "Cloverfield," was a wonderful treat from start to finish. Now, eight years later, it's getting a sequel... or is it? "10 Cloverfield Lane" will not have the hand-held craziness of its predecessor, but by the looks of its effective teaser trailer, it promises to be just as intense.
"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"
(March 25)
"Man of Steel" had the potential to be the superhero reboot fans were hoping for. In some ways it was, but the overall effort was sadly underwhelming. However, little did we know what we were going to get next time. What was known simply as "Man of Steel 2" is now one of the most eagerly-awaited superhero movies of all time. Henry Cavill dons the blue tights and red cape once again to face off against Ben Affleck, who dons the black cape and cowl for the first time. If that wasn't enough for you, the movie will also signal the beginning of something even bigger than the two heroes going head to head.
"The Jungle Book"
(April 15)
Jon Favreau ("Elf" and "Iron Man") directs this live-action remake of the 1967 Disney animated classic. The film will feature the voices of Bill Murray as Baloo, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, and Christopher Walken as King Louie. Lupita Nyong'o and Giancarlo Esposito also lend their voices as the wolves who raise young Mowgli.
"Captain America: Civil War"
(May 6)
DC fans will have their hands full with Batman and Superman, while Marvel fans will be up to their eyeballs in anticipation for one of the most monumental entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This time, the Avengers won't just be fighting a new bad guy, they will be fighting each other. Whose side will you be on? Team Rogers or Team Stark?
"Alice Through the Looking Glass"
(May 27)
Tim Burton may not be back in the director's chair for this sequel, but he will stay on as producer with the quirky cast he assembled six years ago. The newest addition to the ensemble is Time (played by Sacha Baron Cohen), who creates all sorts of trouble for the citizens of Wonderland, prompting Alice to help her whimsical friends once again.
"X-Men: Apocalypse"
(May 27)
There doesn't seem to be any end in sight for the "X-Men" franchise. We've gotten a trilogy, two Wolverine spin-offs, a prequel, a prequel-sequel hybrid, and now we're getting both a Deadpool spin-off and a sequel to the prequel-sequel hybrid. If you've been following the series since its inception in 2000, you're likely wondering how "X-Men: Apocalypse" will be any better than "X-Men: Days of Future Past." With Oscar Isaac playing the titular villain and most of the cast from this film's predecessor returning, there is little to suggest that it will let fans down.
"Finding Dory"
(June 17)
The last time Pixar generated so much hype for a sequel was when "Toy Story 3" was announced. More sequels to other popular Pixar titles are being developed, but this one is really going to make waves (pun intended).
"Independence Day: Resurgence"
(June 24)
20 years have passed since aliens famously obliterated American landmarks in the 1996 sci-fi hit. It seems the extra-terrestrials aren't finished with Earth just yet, which means it's time to call Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman back into action. Will Smith won't be back this time, but Liam Hemsworth will be stepping in to assist the "ID4" alumni in destroying the aliens one more time.
"Ghostbusters"
(July 15)
The comedic blockbuster that helped define the 80s is going through the Hollywood reboot machine. However, rather than bring back Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd for another round of ghostbusting, Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy will lead a female-driven cast for the sake of modern-day gender politics. If we're lucky, it will be bigger, funnier, and much better than the original.
"Star Trek Beyond"
(July 22)
The crew of the USS Enterprise returns for its third mission in the "Star Trek" reboot series. Justin Lin ("Fast Five") takes the reigns of the sci-fi franchise this time around, while J.J. Abrams stays on as producer. Captain Kirk, Commander Spock and the rest of the crew are left stranded on an alien planet after their ship is shot down by enemy forces. Now they must race to find a way off the planet before this new enemy destroys them for good.
" Suicide Squad"
(August 5)
Following the "Dawn of Justice" will be the gathering of the most dangerous criminals in the DC Extended Universe. This rag-tag group of bad guys includes Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Enchantress (Cara Delevingne), and Killer Croc. The real highlight, however, is Oscar-winner Jared Leto's maniacal turn as one of the greatest villains ever created, The Joker. Oh and by the way, Batman makes a cameo.
"Doctor Strange"
(November 4)
Benedict Cumberbatch joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe for its fourteenth installment. The series has seen heroes with powers granted by technology, science and genetic mutation, but this film will mark the first time the series has seen a hero use actual magic to defeat his foes.
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"
(November 18)
Harry Potter fans will soon be able to revisit J.K. Rowling's beloved Wizarding World in this spin-off set many decades before The Boy Who Lived was born. In 1926 New York City, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) accidentally releases a number of dangerous creatures from a magically expanded briefcase, threatening the existence of both wizards and muggles.
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
(December 16)
The first in a planned series of spin-offs set in the "Star Wars" universe will take place between the events of "Episode III" and "Episode IV." It is directed by Gareth Edwards ("Godzilla") and will tell the story of how a small band of Rebels stole the plans for the Death Star, the Galatic Empire's powerful battle station.
OTHER NOTABLE FILMS COMING OUT THIS YEAR:
- "Hail, Caesar!"
- "The Witch"
- "Triple 9"
- "Knight of Cups"
- "Zootopia"
- "The Brothers Grimsby"
- "Midnight Special"
- "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2"
- "Everybody Wants Some"
- "Snowden"
- "Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising"
- "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows"
- "The Conjuring 2"
- "Warcraft"
- "The BFG"
- "The Legend of Tarzan"
- "La La Land"
- "Sully"
- "A Cure for Wellness"
- "Inferno"
- "Assassin's Creed"
- "Passengers"
- "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children"
