Top 20 Most Anticipated Movies of 2016

20. The Legend of Tarzan

Synopsis: Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.
Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: David Yates
Release: July 1

Every generation of filmmakers wants to put its own unique spin on the timeless story of Tarzan the Ape Man. Ever since the early days of Hollywood, Tarzan has been a staple in American cinema. In the summer of 2016, this new generation will take a crack at reinventing the legend once more with The Legend of Tarzan. David Yates, the director of the final four Harry Potter films, certainly is more than capable of breathing new life into this storied franchise thanks to his ability to combine genuine human emotion with great spectacle. The cast he has assembled is also top-notch. Judging by the trailer, Skarsgard looks perfect playing the titular character and with Robbie, Waltz, and Jackson supporting, odds are this movie will be one of the most buzzed about throughout the entire year. Watching a Tarzan adaption is a right of passage for any movie lover, and on July 1, seize this new chance to witness the tale unfold.

19. The Girl on the Train

Synopsis: Follows the story of a woman named Rachel, who goes on a train to London. She witnesses the "perfect" couple, Scott and Megan. But one day, havoc ensues this couple, and Rachel becomes involved in their drama/ murder mystery of Megan Hipwell.
Starring: Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Edgar Ramirez, Justin Theroux
Director: Tate Taylor
Release: October 7

By simply looking at the synopsis for this film, I was actually fairly surprised that this movie made it on this list because it just doesn't sound like something I would be exciting for on the surface. However, upon further investigation, by looking at the cast list, the director, and the acclaim of thousands worldwide who have read the novel, I cannot wait for October 7. The combination of Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson is something to excite any movie fanatic like myself. Blunt is one of the most overlooked actresses of our day, blossoming into one of this generation's best actresses, and Ferguson is coming off the giant success of Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation, a film in which she was the highlight. To see them in the same film will be something to behold. Plus, director Tate Taylor has proven himself to be a dynamite filmmaker with such films as The Help and Get on Up, and this story looks to be one that is right up his ally. The talent on display here alone is something I cannot wait for.

18. Alice Through the Looking Glass

Synopsis: Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter
Director: James Bobin
Release: May 27

In 2010, Disney's live action Alice in Wonderland outperformed even the most lofty expectations from a box office standpoint. While critically it was met with a mixed response, one thing was certain: we would go back to Wonderland once again. Admittedly, I was a fan of the first installment mainly because of my adoration for the 1951 animated classic, but also because these fantastic actors are simply having a blast bringing these outrageous characters to life, none more so than Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. The actors are why I cannot wait for this sequel. Additionally, though, director James Bobin successfully brought The Muppets back to prominence due to his spectacular directing job on their 2011 musical, so who's to say he can't bring Alice and company to brand new heights? I say he can, and that's why I am really pumped for this one.

17. La La Land

Synopsis: A jazz pianist falls for an aspiring actress in Los Angeles.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, JK Simmons, Finn Wittrock
Director: Damien Chazelle
Release: July 15

Not much is known about this film, but what is known is something to be excited about. First of all, it's a musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. I have always had a bit of an obsession with musicals, and to be able to see Gosling and Stone not only act phenomenally as we're accustomed to them doing, but serenade us as well is something I am truly pumped for. Secondly, we have the reunion of JK Simmons and Damien Chazelle, the dynamic duo who brought us one of my personal favorite films of the modern era, Whiplash, which earned Simmons an Academy Award. Chazelle is heralded as the next big thing in Hollywood among directors, and this summer, we'll get to see how he follows his masterful debut. Finally, did I mention that it was a musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone? That alone should get just about anyone excited.

16. Star Trek Beyond

Synopsis: Unknown at the time of this writing.
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana
Director: Justin Lin
Release: July 22

The unbelievable JJ Abrams crafted two superb films chronicling the adventures of the crew of the Enterprise, and now, Justin Lin gets a crack at continuing the legacy. He is more than capable of taking the torch from Abrams from an action point of view as Lin is best known for directing three Fast and Furious installments. Hopefully, that ability will bring a great dynamic to the Star Trek franchise. Other than the cast and crew, we don't really know a whole lot about this new installment, but based off the first trailer, we will be in for quite a ride. I am anxious to see what Lin brings to the table in following Abrams and his films. Maybe we may even boldly go where no man has gone before with Star Trek Beyond.

15. Zootopia

Synopsis: In the animal city of Zootopia, a fast-talking fox who's trying to make it big goes on the run when he's framed for a crime he didn't commit. Zootopia's top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they're forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends.
Starring: Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk
Director: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
Release: March 4

Given the title of this blog page, it shouldn't be that complicated to figure out why I am exciting for the next animated feature from Walt Disney Studios. The animation icon took 2015 off to focus on pushing two Pixar films, but in 2016, Disney is back with not one, but two original animated features, the first of which being Zootopia. The first glimpses we have seen of this fictional animal world have been filled with hilarity and colorful characters, and if the recent success of Disney animated films is any indication, we are in for a real treat on March 4. Plus, Byron Howard and Rich Moore have already proved themselves to be more than capable of creating a classic Disney film since they are best known for giving us Tangled, a modern day Disney masterpiece. Throw in an excellent voice cast and we might be anticipating yet another instant hit for Disney.

14. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Synopsis: The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York's secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, Katherine Waterston
Director: David Yates
Release: November 18

The Harry Potter franchise is a landmark for cinema for a variety of reasons. From the cast literally growing up before our very eyes to the progression of visual effects throughout the series, there will never be another series quite like JK Rowling's tales. In 2016, we will get to once again return to a world full of wizards and witches with this highly anticipated prequel to the worldwide phenomenon. Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne should hit this role out of the park, and as I mentioned when discussing The Legend of Tarzan, director David Yates knows how to make a great Harry Potter film. However, what makes this film even more intriguing is that fact that Harry Potter author JK Rowling is penning the screenplay herself. Clearly, without her, we wouldn't even have this world, yet alone this movie, so for her to be so behind this one is all that I need to be excited for November 18 to come.

13. Untitled Matt Damon/Bourne Sequel

Synopsis: Unknown at the time of this writing.
Starring: Matt Damon, Alicia Vikander, Tommy Lee Jones, Julia Stiles
Director: Paul Greengrass
Release: July 29

It is rather rare for me to put a film that is yet to have a title, plot description, official still, or a trailer so high on a list like this, but I simply cannot wait for Matt Damon to be Jason Bourne again. Who knows if this one will even be released in 2016 or not, but I'm hoping we get it sooner rather than later because the prospect of Damon reteaming with Bourne specialist Paul Greengrass is something to get excited about. Additionally, Alicia Vikander was the unquestioned star of 2015, so to see her take on a high profile franchise role is extremely thrilling. On top of that, Tommy Lee Jones is in this movie, so it's just destined to be great, right? Matt Damon is coming off what was perhaps a career best performance in 2015 with The Martian, and in 2016, he's (hopefully) returning to his career best character. For me, that's all I needed to know for me to be anxiously awaiting July 29 to come around.

12. The Jungle Book

Synopsis: An orphan boy is raised in the jungle with the help of a pack of wolves, a bear, and a black panther.
Starring: Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, Scarlett Johannson
Director: Jon Favreau
Release: April 15

This one was actually on my most anticipated for 2015 as well, but due to some rescheduling, The Jungle Book was pushed back to 2016. Even though Disney has made me wait even longer for this live action twist on the classic tale, that has never dimmed my excitement to see Mowgli and company on the big screen. The talent behind this film is truly first class, led obviously by the extraordinary cast but also by Jon Favreau (best known for directing Iron Man). Favreau's passion for this movie is evident and that alone gets me pumped and ready to go for April 15, but beyond that, the first trailer was superb, showcasing the films diverse characters and stunning visuals while also ensuring the spirit of the Disney animated classic lives on. Plus, who doesn't want to hear Bill Murray sing "The Bare Necessities"?

11. Moana

Synopsis: A young woman uses her navigational talents to set sail for a fabled island. Joining her on the adventure is her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui.
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Alan Tudyk
Director: Ron Clements and John Musker
Release: November 23

Directors Ron Clements and John Musker are legends in the world of Disney animation, having directed The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, and The Princess and the Frog in their illustrious careers. In 2016, Disney wisely brings them back to helm their next princess musical, Moana. That truly is enough for me to be excited, but then, The Rock joined the cast. Johnson playing a demi-god is just about as perfect of a casting choice as one can make. He seems genuinely thrilled to be in this film, which therefore makes me genuinely thrilled to see it. Disney has always had a knack for finding diamonds in the rough, and newcomer Cravalho should be yet another welcomed addition to the legacy of Disney voice talent. Of course, we also remember the last time Disney released a film in late November. We actually still can't let it go.

10. The Circle

Synopsis: A woman lands a job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, where she becomes involved with a mysterious man.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, John Boyega, Karen Gillan
Director: James Ponsoldt
Release: Unknown at the time of this writing

Oftentimes, I am attracted to movies solely based on the star power involved, and with The Circle, three of my favorite actors working today are all in one film ready to bring a very intriguing plot to life. Tom Hanks remains my favorite actor of all-time after turning in classic performance after classic performance year in and year out. Emma Watson is a talent to behold as evidenced by her tremendous work in the Harry Potter franchise, and John Boyega is coming off the immense success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where he (along with the incomparable Daisy Ridley) steal the show from start to finish. Director James Ponsoldt is best known for his ability to infuse solid drama with excellent dialogue in such films as The Spectacular Now and The End of the Tour. He should have no problem directing these fine actors in what should be a great film.

9. Finding Dory

Synopsis: The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish reunites with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way.
Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ty Burrell, Idris Elba
Director: Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane
Release: June 17

As evidenced by some of my previous posts on this blog, I am a humongous fan of Pixar, so anytime a Pixar release is scheduled on the calendar, I don't care what it is, I'm excited. In 2003, Pixar crafted one of their best films to date with the infinitely hilarious and heartfelt Finding Nemo, a film in which Ellen DeGeneres's Dory stole the show. Twelve years later, Pixar is giving the world a sequel to a film that actually deserves a sequel. Dory's family is something I think everyone is intrigued to learn about, and the voice talent on board to bring this deep sea adventure to life is special. In addition to the names listed above, Diane Keaton, Ed O'Neill, Dominic West, and Willem Dafoe lend their talents to Pixar's latest. The first trailer displayed Pixar's signature hilarity while also previewing the films potential emotion payoff as well. I am beyond excited to see what they do next.

8. Suicide Squad

Synopsis: A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency.
Starring: Margot Robbie, Will Smith, Jared Leto, Viola Davis
Director: David Ayer
Release: August 5

Ever since Marvel teamed their greatest heroes together in 2012's The Avengers, DC Comics has been preparing their own cinematic universe featuring their greatest heroes. However, while we will certainly see Superman and company in 2016 and beyond, Suicide Squad provides an interesting and unique perspective to the superhero genre by focusing exclusively on a band of villains. Throughout comic book movie history, villains have always been what makes certain installments stand out (i.e. Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight and Ben Kingsley's Mandarin in Iron Man 3). However, can DC really expect us to cheer to this band of villains? It's a tall task, but they have the cast and crew to pull it off. Margot Robbie is Hollywood's next big superstar, and to see her bring Harley Quinn to life will be something to behold. Will Smith does great in everything, which means he'll be great as Deadshot. Jared Leto has some big shoes to fill as the Joker following Ledger's iconic performance, but he's more than capable of doing this role justice. David Ayer has the chops to direct a film like this too, and if you don't believe me, go check out End of Watch or Fury. This one should be tremendously different as it pertains to superhero movies, and anytime something fresh and bold like this comes along, I'm all in.

7. Passengers

Synopsis: A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in one of its sleep chambers. As a result, a single passenger is awakened 60 years early. Faced with the prospect of growing old and dying alone, he eventually decides to wake up a second passenger.
Starring: Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne
Director: Morten Tyldum
Release: December 21

As I discussed before, movies sometimes make a list like this based solely on the star power involved. Over the past few years, Chris Pratt has quickly become one of my favorite actors in the business today thanks to his hilarious turn in the television hit Parks and Recreation as well as blockbuster turns in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. Jennifer Lawrence is a gem through and through. She may just be the best living actress in Hollywood today. Her work in such films as Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and The Hunger Games franchise is flawless. Therefore, the combination of Pratt and Lawrence alone allows Passengers to skyrocket up this list. The plot is an extremely interesting one as well and director Morten Tyldum is following up his excellent work in The Imitation Game. Science fiction is one of my favorite genres, and to see this talented beyond belief cast and crew bring such a unique and original story to the big screen is something I cannot wait to see.

6. The Magnificent Seven

Synopsis: Seven gun men in the old west gradually come together to help a poor village against savage thieves.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Matt Bomer
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Release: September 23

As I stated rather recently, Chris Pratt is one of my favorite guys on the planet. If there is a possible way to dislike this guy, I'm fairly certain no one has discovered that way yet. Now in The Magnificent Seven, the remake of the classic Western, Pratt is teamed up with another one of my favorite actors, Denzel Washington, a combination that should produce great results on the big screen. Plus, director Antoine Fuqua can surely make a stellar film, helming such projects as Southpaw and Training Day, the latter of which won Denzel Washington an Academy Award. His visceral style of directing should be just what this gritty Western needs. I have always been a fan of Westerns, but in today's Hollywood, it's rare to see one released in the first place, yet alone with such a high profile cast. This is one I am dying to see.

5. X-Men: Apocalypse

Synopsis: With the emergence of the world's first mutant, Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac
Director: Bryan Singer
Release: May 27

I can't say enough about the newest cast of the X-Men films. The original cast featuring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Hugh Jackman, and many others were stellar, but this new group portraying the world famous mutants are stunning. X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past are two spectacular films, which means that my anticipation for Apocalypse is the highest I've ever been for an X-Men movie. One of the primary reasons is the fact that Oscar Isaac is bringing Apocalypse to life. Isaac is a name that if you're not already familiar with him, you should get to know his work because he is absolutely phenomenal in everything he does. To see him portray such an integral villain in one of my favorite franchises is something I cannot wait for whatsoever. Throw in the fact that McAvoy, Fassbender, and Lawrence are back in action alongside him and May 27 can't get here soon enough.

4. Doctor Strange

Synopsis: After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Director: Scott Derrickson
Release: November 4

Anything Marvel Studios churns out, I am on board immediately no questions asked, but anytime they promise to bring something fresh and unique to the big screen (i.e.- Guardians of the Galaxy), my already sky high expectations reach astronomical heights. There is nothing about Doctor Strange that is typical Marvel, and for that reason alone, I beg November 4 to come quickly. In what may be the most perfect casting choice Marvel has ever made, Benedict Cumberbatch looks to have been born to play Doctor Strange. However, in addition to Cumberbatch, Marvel has also rounded out their cast with what very well may be their most talented cast from top to bottom in their history. In addition to the names listed above, Mads Mikkelsen and Michael Stuhlbarg help in bringing this exceptional comic book to life. The passion for this film is remarkable and palpable, from the cast all the way down. Marvel promises something different, but I'm hoping for the same result: greatness.

3. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice

Synopsis: Fearing the actions of Superman left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante Batman takes on Metropolis' most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat Doomsday quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it's ever known before.
Starring: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Jesse Eisenburg, Amy Adams
Director: Zack Snyder
Release: March 25

Talk about an immense amount of pressure being placed on just one film. Operating in the opposite way that its rival Marvel built their cinematic universe, DC looks to build its own universe by introducing everyone at once and then giving each character their own film. The majority of my anticipation comes from the fact that I cannot wait to see if they can actually pull it off. If they can, this one will be wondrous for nerds all over the world just like me. To see arguably the two greatest characters in comic book history on the big screen together for the first time is exciting beyond belief. The first trailers we received have given me chills and have only grown my anticipation. Marvel was able to pull it off with The Avengers, and now, it's DC's turn, and as a self-proclaimed comic book movie nerd, I'll be there with my cape on ready to go.

2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Synopsis: Rebels set out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star.
Starring: Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker
Director: Gareth Edwards
Release: December 16

Coming fresh off the tremendous success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, it would've been quite easy for Disney to rest on its laurels and just wait for episode eight to come out in 2017, but instead, in 2016, we will all be treated to something never before seen within the Star Wars universe: a spinoff. We all love Star Wars as evidenced by the daily growing box office numbers, but in almost forty years, we've never seen a spinoff, and to me, that's something to be greatly excited about. Rogue One will take place in the time between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, and if you're a fellow nerd like myself, you know that a lot takes place in that time period that we never see, so to be able to see how all of  that transpired should be a thrilling experience. Plus, the cast is sublime, led by Jones who is one of the best up and coming actresses in the business today. Here's hoping that Disney gives us something just as amazing as The Force Awakens.

1. Captain America: Civil War

Synopsis: Political interference in the Avenger's activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johansson
Director: Anthony and Joe Russo
Release: May 6

After my praise of Marvel throughout this post and my overall love for comic book movies, did you expect anything else to occupy this spot? Up until this point, the entire Avengers squad has been firmly united against a common enemy. With Civil War, not only are they all divided, but nobody really knows who the enemy actually is. Is it Cap? What about Iron Man? Is it the government attempting to interfere in the heroes's lives? These along with so many other questions are some of the reasons why May 6 is marked on my calendar. Beyond the storyline itself, to witness all of these fantastic heroes we already know and love on the big screen again will undoubtedly be a most thrilling experience, but then you tell me that we will get our first look at the Black Panther and the new Spiderman and my anticipation spikes to a new all-time high. Anytime a new high profile Marvel movie is on the schedule, you can bet that it will always be one of my most anticipated films of the year, and Civil War is absolutely no different.

Here's to a great 2016!

-Cody Fleenor

(Note: Source for all movie information- IMDB)