If Hollywood plays its cards right, there’s no way 2015 shouldn’t break every single yearly box office record on the books. The calendar is simply jam packed with huge movies. They may end up being good, or maybe they won’t, but either way they’re going to put asses in seats. These are films audiences are excited for. Films they demanded. In some case, films we’ve been waiting years to see or never thought we’d actually see.
All that said, there’s an embarrassment of potentially awesome movies coming out during 2015. I considered at least 50 before cutting back down to a top ten that really speak to my personal tastes. Then I threw in ten more for good measure. Either way, there’s no doubt that, as great a year as 2014 has been for film, 2015 undoubtedly has it beat in the “potential” column. Especially when it comes to those big time Hollywood blockbusters I tend to get really excited about.
So, without further ado, here are my most anticipated films of 2015.
[For additional looks forward to movies in 2015, see our additional staff lists from Peter Sciretta, Russ Fischer, and Angie Han.]
One quick note before getting to the main list. Two of my top 10 most anticipated films of 2014 were bumped into 2015: the Wachowskis’ Jupiter Ascending (on February 6), and Cameron Crowe’s Untitled Hawaii Film (on May 29). Both are still films I’m anticipating, but neither would make this year’s top 10. Plus I’ve already written about them. Now, I’m just mentioning them here because they deserve it.
Here are the 10 runners up, aka movie numbers 20-11. Films that I’m very much looking forward to, but which are slightly eclipsed by the primary ten.
20. Bond 24
Sam Mendes and Daniel Craig return for to follow-up what’s arguably the best Bond to date. We’ll know a lot more about this one shortly Release Date: November 6
19. Mission: Impossible 5
Jack Reacher guys Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie reteam with a bigger budget and bigger expectations, especially after the amazing fourth film. Release Date: December 25
18. Fantastic Four
In Josh Trank we trust for this highly secretive superhero film that’ll hopefully be the birth of a new franchise. Release Date: August 7
17. Straight Outta Compton
The rise of west coast rap will be chronic’led in this officially licensed biopic. Release Date: August 14
16. Mad Max Fury Road
After years and years of waiting, George Miller‘s epic looking return to the Mad Max franchise is almost here. Release Date: May 15
15. Pixels
Classic video game characters attempt to destroy the Earth and only the nerds can save us. Chris Columbus directs. Release Date: July 14
14. Furious 7
The seventh film in the Fast franchise had a terrible tragedy but looks even bigger than the previous films. Release Date: April 3
13. Ant-Man
If Edgar Wright was still directing, this would be #2. Either way, Marvel’s biggest gamble to date still should be exciting with Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas. Release Date: July 17
12. That’s What I’m Talking About
Richard Linklater directs a spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused set in the ’80s about baseball. Um, yes? Release Date: TBA
11. Crimson Peak
Guillermo del Toro does big budget, IMAX horror with an all-star cast. Release Date: October 16
Now onto the top ten. Again, this is my personal list. I can’t stress this enough. There are films that I, personally, am very much looking forward to this year which I’m sure many of you aren’t. And I’ll explain below. But don’t forget, this is Germain’s list. Feel free to put yours in the comments.
