The Most Anticipated Movies of 2016
Which Upcoming Movies This Year Are You Excited For?
2016 is a very promising year for movie fans. There’s something for everyone whether you are a die-hard fan of Martin Scorsese, looking forward to Disney/Pixar’s sequel to Finding Nemo or salivating over all the comic book movies that are about to drop. To get you pumped and primed, here’s a top ten list which includes a concise blurb on each pick for the most anticipated movies this year.
Hail, Caesar!
Release date: February 5th
Starring: George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Josh Brolin
Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Sidekick Reviews: Not all of the Coen brothers’ films work for me. But their most recent film, Inside Llewyn Davis was one of my favorites from 2014. If anything, Cohen brothers and the star-studded cast in Hail, Caesar!, a comedy /musical set in 1950’s Hollywood, are going to have a blast making fun of the movie industry with a razor-sharp satirical edge.
Silence
Release date: February 5th
Starring: Liam Neeson, Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Ciaran Hinds
Director: Martin Scorsese
Sidekick Reviews: The vibe I get from Silence is that it’s going to be harrowing and poignant. A number of actors have previously been attached to this historical based drama including Daniel Day-Lewis. Tapped for the lead role is Andrew Garfield as a persecuted missionary in seventeenth century Japan. But what gets me most intrigued is that Scorsese is behind the camera and tackling a heavy, thought-provoking subject matter.
Everybody Wants Some
Release date: April 15th
Starring: Blake Jenner, Zoey Deutch, Ryan Guzman, Tyler Hoechlin
Director: Richard Linklater
Sidekick Reviews: Everybody Wants Some has me sold with the tag line “the spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused”. The early 80’s were time of carefree adolescence into adulthood, listening to cassettes, roller skating and lots and lots of hairspray. 🙂 I’m sure director Richard Linklater will have something much more insightful and funny to say about this era.
Story Of Your Life
Release date: TBD 2016
Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Sidekick Reviews: You wouldn’t know it from the title but Story Of Your Life is a science fiction drama about a superior alien race arriving on earth and it’s up to a communications expert (Amy Adams) to unravel the mystery of what these aliens really want. Villeneuve is a talented director who is on a roll right now, this is his next movie before taking on the Blade Runner sequel.
A Monster Calls
Release date: October 14th
Starring: Felicity Jones, Lewis MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver, Liam Neeson
Director: J.A. Bayona
Sidekick Reviews: J.A. Bayona is a versatile director. 2007’s The Orphanage is hauntingly creepy and 2012’s The Impossible is a heartwarming story amidst a natural disaster. A common thread, if there is one, are families torn apart. If there’s a director who can successfully adapt a story about a boy, his terminally ill mother (Felicity Jones) and a tree monster who can help them, it might just be Bayona. The next film he’s set to direct is World War Z 2.
Deadpool
Release date: February 12th
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Gina Carano, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein
Director: Tim Miller
Sidekick Reviews: I’ve barely read any Deadpool comics but knowing that hardcore fans are loving what they are seeing from the marketing campaign is a very positive sign. This isn’t going to be a kid friendly movie. The R rating is going to allow Deadpool to push the limits. I’m hoping for a lot of laugh-out loud sarcastic one-liners and it should be interesting to see how comic book movie conventions will be broken.
Passengers
Release date: December 21st
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Sheen
Director: Morten Tyldum
Sidekick Reviews: The premise about a man who wakes up 60 years early from sleep hibernation on a spacecraft and decides to wake up another passenger (Jennifer Lawrence) to live out his life with only to discover everyone on board is in peril, reminds me a little of Snowpiercer in that it’s a sci-fi thriller which might be as much about the ideas conveyed as it is entertaining.
Doctor Strange
Release date: November 4th
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Director: Scott Derrickson
Sidekick Reviews: According to reports, Marvel wanted to cast the highly in-demand actor Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange so much that they shifted production schedules to accommodate him. Cumberbatch should be a stellar choice to take Marvel movie fans into the mystical and magical realm.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Release date: December 16th
Starring: Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Ben Mendelsohn, Diego Luna
Director: Gareth Edwards
Sidekick Reviews: Star Wars fever is still going on strong. Not many specific details are known about this spin-off prequel, other than it takes place before A New Hope and involves a rag-tag team of rebels whose objective is to steal plans for the Death Star. This is a busy year for Felicity Jones, Rogue One will be her fourth movie released in 2016.
Captain America: Civil War
Release date: May 6th
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Sidekick Reviews: The cast has reassured fans that this is a Captain America story which is great news for those worried that Civil War will lose its focus due to all the Marvel superheroes making an appearance. This includes our first look at the Black Panther and the new Spider-man. For me, the friendship between Steve Rogers and Bucky has been a strong thread to watch throughout the Captain America movies and could be very important to this movie working.
This is a personal list and will probably change as more details about 2016 movie lineup becomes available. Which movies are you most excited for?
Posted on January 4, 2016, in Comics, Movies, Preview and tagged Captain America, Deadpool, Disney, Doctor Strange, entertainment, Martin Scorsese, Marvel, Movie Reviews, Rogue One, Star Wars. Bookmark the permalink. 48 Comments.
Sidekick Reviews 
Oh man, I totally forgot about Silence. I think looking at this list right now, that’s my priority. Scorsese directing, and a lead from Garfield and the cast has Liam Neeson, Adam Driver and Ciaran Hinds? Wow. That’s a must-see
Hey Tom, I’m excited for Silence, I heard it was in development for a while. Loving the cast and anything Scorese directs has my attention. I’m also liking Garfield’s movie choices post Spider-man.
yeah, me too. especially after seeing how good he was in 99 Homes this year
I still have to see 99 Homes, but I’ve heard good things. 😀
I’m highly looking forward to “Silence” and “Hail, Caesar”. I’m glad that these are February films. Surely we can spread out the love and have solid films restricted for late fall/holiday season.
Hello Cindy, I’m loving the February release dates for Silence and Hail, Caesar! I was actually a little surprised when I saw those dates because the studios like to put these quality movies later in the year especially if they believe they are Oscar contenders.
Can’t wait to see Hail, Caesar!! That looks like a lot of fun! Not much of a Deadpool nor Ryan Reynolds fan, so I probably just rent it. I didn’t know Silence is out in Feb, nice to see some quality films out early in the year. I might do a similar list but in two parts.
I’m excited for Hail, Caesar! and the cast looks pretty good!
I’m not RR fan either and I don’t know much about Deadpool, but I have a good vibe about this movie. Of course good marketing (from what I’ve heard) doesn’t mean the film will be good.
Look forward to your list! Quite a lot of promising films this year I could have done another 10. 😀
This year looks like it’s going to be a PHENOMENAL one at the mulitplex!
Should be a great year, quite a few movies I’m excited for!
So so excited for Civil War as was disappointed with Age of Ultron and think that one is going to more than make up for it!
Looking forward to the two new films from Julia Roberts this year too, she doesn’t make many films now!
Hello Caz! I’m pumped for Civil War and the trailer was cool. Yeah Ultron didn’t recapture that magic from the first Avengers, but it had some cool moments.
You know, I haven’t heard much from Julia Roberts in recent years, nice that’s she’s coming out with a couple of films this year.
Yeah she’s always been one of my favourites and one of her films is also with Nicole Kidman in it, initial reviews haven’t been fantastic but I am sure I will still enjoy it 🙂
I read the two directors for her upcoming films are Jodie Foster and Garry Marshall, a lot of talent there at least. I didn’t know she did a movie with Nicole Kidman, I’m must be out of the loop. 🙂
Oh she works with Garry Marshall quite a lot 🙂
A great list! Now I’m more eager than ever for 2016 to kick into gear.
Thanks Gareth, lots of stuff to look forward to!
You’ve got some great picks here! I’m most excited for Star Wars Rogue One and Civil War, and I’m also intrigued by Passengers. Sci-fi is my favorite genre and I love Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, so I’m really hoping this one will be good!
Nice picks with Rogue and Civil War. Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence should be make a good on-screen duo, hope this movie turns out to be great, I’m liking the sci-fi story too. Thanks!
Very interesting list man, I do have some of those choices on my list especially when it comes to Civil War, Rogue One and Doctor Strange. Some of your choices I wasn’t aware of but really want to see like Silence and Story of Your Life. I’ve liked the sound of Passangers after it was announced, however, I would like to see a trailer for it. I hope Deadpool will be badass, I pray that it kicks ass because I love the dcharacter a lot, though my fear is that will be something violent but with unnecessary silly humour like a bad episode of Family Guy, but here’s hoping I’m wrong.
I’m surprised there’s now BvS on your list considering that for some its the most anticipated of the comic book films in recent times, but I guess you’ve got different priorities on your list.
Hey man. Civil War trailer looks really great. Even though there’s not much details/trailer on Rogue One and Doctor Strange I feel optimistic and look forward to them. I think the good track record of the directors of Silence and Story of Your Life, plus the premise/cast etc makes me excited for them. That’s a good point, Deadpool’s humor could be silly, be more miss than hit. Let’s hope this movie and characters works on the big screen.
I’m gonna watch BvS, but to be honest I’m not feeling good vibes about it and I didn’t like the most recent trailer. I’m open to it proving me wrong, it still could turn out to be a solid movie. 😀
I wasn’t aware that it was Prisoners and Sciario director behind the upcoming Story of Your Life, now this film has my interest. And Martin Scorsese is behind Silence, damn, that’s cool. Thanks for putting both films on my radar.
I hope Deadpool works because he’s a character that deserves some love on the big screen. I don’t know if you’ve done any recent post about BvS but I’d like to hear your thoughts on it in a detaieled post if you were down for it because I do value your opinion highly. 😀
No problem man, hope these movies turn out well. Both these directors are worth following imo.
I might do a detailed post on BvS after I watch the movie. The thing is that so many people will be writing about it, I’m not sure if I can add anything new to the conversation haha. But who knows. I’ll keep that mind. Appreciate the kind worlds. 😀
Hi, Sidekick:
Excellent list.
Is it just me. Or does the trailer for ‘Deadpool’ look and sound like an up scaled and funnier clip of Cartoon Network’s occasional take on ‘Star Wars’ galactic bounty hunter, Boba Fett?…. And isn’t that a good thing?!
Cumberbatch looks, sounds and feels like a tailored for ‘Doctor Strange’. Hoping that the requisite other worldly and dimensional CGI work is up to the task!
I’m also curious to see if Imperial Storm Troopers can shoot any better than in earlier ‘Star Wars’ films?
Hi jackdeth
Haha, I like the idea of an antihero who doesn’t take himself too seriously. Any nods or send ups of Boba Fett that tickle the funny bone doesn’t hurt either lol
Loving the casting choice of Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, just feels and looks right
Haha, poor aiming is probably a prerequisite to be a storm trooper 😉
My most anticipated are (in order of anticipation): CA: Civil War, BvS, Star Trek, Rogue One, Independence Day 2, Doctor Strange!
Hey Chris, great picks. I’ll be watching all your picks. The Independence Day 2 trailers looks very promising!
Yeah I was pleasantly surprised by the trailer which they wisely attached to Star Wars!
Good marketing movie for sure, plus it’s another fan favorite sci-fi movie from years gone by. 😀
Great list! I’ll add Green Room, The Witch, The Nice Guys, La La Land, Midnight Special, and the new Bourne movie.
Great picks, thanks for putting La La Land on my radar, I’m a huge fan of Whiplash and want to see what the directors does next. I’m also excited for more Bourne movies w/ Matt Damon.
A lot of these look good, but honestly I’m looking forward to Zoolander 2 the most!
I watched Zoolander the other week for the first time to get ready for the sequel. Good pick!
This is a great list, Eddie! I don’t know several of them, so thank you for mentioning them. For me I am looking forward to watch Captain America, Passengers and Star Wars on your list. But what about Finding Dori or X-men Apocalypse? The trailer of the new X-men made me excited to watch the film ha ha 🙂
Hello Mesh! Funny thing is that I never watched Finding Nemo. 😦 So, I can’t say I’m anticipating the sequel. But I know a lot of other people are and it’ll probably be another great Pixar movie. I will definitely watch X-men Apocalypse in theatres, I guess I didn’t want this list to be all comic book movies. 🙂 Thanks!
Wow I hadn’t heard about Silence! That will be a good one, though I just can’t wait for Hail, Ceaser. I’m a Coen Bros fanboy I’ll admit. I’ll have to use your list as a guide, I’m horrible with upcoming news.
Overall a nice looking list, though I’d add ‘The Witch’, one of the best films I saw last year but isn’t out at cinemas yet
Hey Jordan! I have to catch up on my Coen Bros films. I’ve seen a number of them, but so many more for me to watch. Hail, Ceasar looks fun. And Silence … I love the director, cast line up, and premise … so much potential there!
That’s cool to hear about the Witch. I’ve seen the trailer and it looks to be a great film overall, definitely a lot better than the other horror films coming out.
Oh yeah man, The Witch is nothing like today’s horror films. More like It Follows or The Babadook… I like to call it psychological horror. Repulsion is another example. That is what I consider real horror, and The Witch is a mind-bender and certainly fits in nicely with those other movies.
I still need to catch up on a few Coen bros films too. I highly recommend Burn After Reading mate, it is one of the funniest films I have ever seen. Clooney seems to go up a few gears when the Coens direct him, he is amazing in Burn After… and looks like he’ll be great in this one too. I can’t wait!!!
And Scorcese…. hell, he could be directing a bunch of non-professional actors and I’d still be there to see it on opening day ;D
It Follows is pretty cool, I’ve seen it twice already. I haven’t heard of Repulsion, I’m guessing that’s the one from the 60’s. I lean towards Psychological horror myself, blood and gore is not necessarily something scary (but often gross haha).
Oh man, you might think my tastes are really different but I didn’t find Burn After Reading that funny. 🙂 Maybe I’ll have to rewatch when I’m in the mood for a black comedy. But I totally dig Fargo, No Country, True Grit and Inside Davis!
All their films are pretty diverse, Burn After Reading is certainly their most…. absurd movie, especially when it came to the comedy. Plus I love Malkovich 😀
I also saw It Follows twice, loved it and the score. And yeah I meant Polanski’s Repulsion from ’65 or ’66, classic psychological horror IMO. I’d highly recommend it if you like those sorta movies! 🙂
That’s another thing I like about the Coen Bros is the diversity.
I might give Repulsion a try. But I actually didn’t like Rosemary baby that much, which is from the same director. 🙂
It is similar to Rosemary’s Baby but even darker… and the main female character is VERY different… if you’re interested:
http://wp.me/p4P9IW-Ry
Deadpool and Captain America are a must see!
Very excited for those two, especially Civil War!
Civil war looks really good! Can’t wait for that one!
Same here, I can’t wait Civil War! 😀
Great list! From what you haven’t listed, I’m pumped for Triple 9. I love dark, intense crime movies.
Also, if it comes in 2016, put me down as excited for John Wick 2!
Damn the trailer for Triple 9 looks awesome! And the cast looks great. I’m excited for more John Wick, loved the first one. Thanks man.