While ticket sales were down in 2014 in the box office, a lot of great films were released and 2015 looks to be no different. I really struggled to narrow down my excitement for films for 2015.
This admittedly started as a top 10 list. Luckily, given that it’s the 15th year of the millennium, I think a top 15 is just as appropriate. Below are 15 (okay 16 – In no particular order) films coming up in 2015 worth getting excited for.
- Terminator Genisys: This is an optimistic choice. I wasn’t thrilled about the trailer, but I’m a fan of the franchise and think it’s going to be fun to watch Arnold Schwarzenegger reprise his role, despite how convoluted it will make everything. He said he’d be back, so we can’t fault him for coming back. Release: July 1st
- The Jungle Book: Based on the original Rudyard Kipling story and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, The Jungle Book is being directed by Jon Favreau, who did big action like the original Iron Man film, as well as Elf and last year’s feel good film Chef. It is being released by Disney, but is going to be in live action, using of course CGI animals much like Life Of Pi or Rise of the Planet of the Apes. I feel like the technology is finally here to make this a magical retelling. Release: Oct. 9th
- Silence: This is Martin Scorsese’s latest film that has been on his docket as a passion project for years. The true story follows two Jesuit ministers (Andrew Garfield and Liam Neeson) who travel to 17th century Japan to investigate the apostasy of a mentor and find Christianity driven underground. Adam Driver and Ken Wantanabe also star. I’ll watch anything Scorsese directs, but his previous passion project Hugo is a favorite of mine and in many ways, this is a similar departure from his norm. Scorsese says he’s only got a couple more films left in his career and I’m looking forward to what he has in store. Release: Nov. 2015
- The Martian: The latest film from Ridley Scott, who’s had a bad couple years, returns again to sci-fi in this film about an astronaut trapped on Mars and his crew’s struggle to save him. The astronaut is played by Matt Damon and the star studded cast includes Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean, and even more notable names. My interest is piqued by the writer, Drew Goddard, whose work includes The Cabin in the Woods, World War Z, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer (TV.) Here’s hoping this is a return to form for Ridley Scott. Release: Nov. 25th
- Chappie/ExMachina: I told you this list was difficult to narrow down, so here’s a twofer. Both of these deal with emerging artificial intelligence from great sci-fi minds. Chappie comes to us from Neill Blomkamp from District 9 and Elysium fame. Starring Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver, this lovable Wall-E-esque robot just wants to learn and make friends despite his lack of acceptance in a world that fears him. Release: Mar. 6th. Ex Machina comes to us as the directorial debut of the writer behind Danny Boyle films like 28 Days Later and Sunshine, the latter being a vastly under-seen sci-fi masterpiece. This takes a more psychological look into artificial intelligence and promises hard philosophical sci-fi. It’s basically the reason we would fear a robot like Chappie. Release: April 10th
- Jurassic World: We are going back to Jurassic Park, errr, World. Chris Pratt is going to be a badass, and dinosaurs are going to run rampant. Frankly, it looks like a retread of the original. That is not a complaint. Release: June 12th
- Pixar’s Inside Out: Pixar makes great films, and good sequels (with the exception of Toy Story 3 which is great too.) Inside Out is another original film that takes place almost completely inside the mind of a little girl wherein her personified emotions dictate her behavior. Think Winnie-The-Pooh, with Piglet being Fear, Tigger being Excitement, Eeyore being Sad, etc, in a person’s head determining whether or not to go out and play. The trailers look funny, insightful, and unique, and I can’t imagine Pixar doing wrong by the original premise. Release: June 19th
- Spectre: The next James Bond film. I personally think Skyfall was the best bond film I’ve ever seen. It had a large scale premise, a colorful villain, solid humor, an emotional center, and still had the seriousness that Casino Royale tried to bring. Sam Mendes brings sophistication to the franchise while still having fun. Christoph Waltz is going to be the villain. Put me down for two tickets opening night. Release: Nov. 6th
- Mad Max Fury Road: If you haven’t seen the incredible cluster of mayhem that is the trailer for this film, do it now. From the original creator of Mad Max, George Miller, comes the most insane looking post-apocalyptic movie I’ve ever seen. I’m not even a colossal fan of the original franchise but there’s no way I’m missing this. It looks like hell’s version of Mario Kart dreamt up by a drug addled Burning Man focus group. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron star. Release: May 15th
- Tomorrowland: Yes, as in the area of Disneyland and Disneyworld. Brad Bird, who directed Ratatoullie and The Incredibles returns to Disney to direct George Clooney as he and a young girl transport to the world of Tomorrowland, a future-esque world of science where everything is possible. Not much is known other than it’s a scientific action adventure story. With Bird at the helm and the full force of Disney’s commitment to turning their theme parks into quality franchises, I’d say this is probably going to be great. Release: May 22nd
- The Hateful Eight: Every time Quentin Tarantino makes a movie, I’m going to be massively excited about it. Starring his usual loyal band of actors and adding Channing Tatum, The Hateful Eight, is another western to follow Django Unchained. The script was leaked and was the film was nearly not made, but it’s coming in November in time for Oscar season. Simply enough, the story takes place in post-Civil War Wyoming when some bounty hunters try and find shelter in a blizzard. I’ll bet a lot of people are shot too. Release: Nov. 13th
- Jupiter Ascending: This was one of my most anticipated movies for 2014, too. This film, despite being pushed back to February which is never a good sign, still has me incredibly excited because it’s being directed by the Wachowski’s. The directors, responsible for the Matrix Trilogy and Cloud Atlas, are returning with an original sci-fi film that puts humanity at the center of a galactic turf war. Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum star in the action adventure story. I’m a huge fan of The Matrix Trilogy. What can I say? Release: Feb 6th
- Trainwreck: Amy Schumer is effing hilarious. Her show Inside Amy Schumer is my favorite of many sketch comedy shows currently on TV. She writes and stars in this film directed by Judd Apatow of Knocked Up, 40 Year Old Virgin and Funny People fame. These heartfelt comedies almost always cause crying whether from laughter or otherwise and I think Schumer will bring a much needed woman’s voice. Release: July 17th
- Avengers: Age of Ultron: If you didn’t love The Avengers we probably don’t have much in common. Great action is one thing but for a movie to have as much heart and laughter as the first installment is almost unfair to other superhero movies. Joss Whedon can do no wrong, and I don’t believe he’s going to change that here. The trailer gives me chills, and it’s basically one robot talking through the entire thing. About two months ago, I would have bet anything it would be my most anticipated movie of the year. Release: May 1st
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens: As far as I’m concerned, there are people who don’t really care about Star Wars and there are those who would mark this as their most anticipated film of any year. I’m obviously in the latter category. The Force is strong with this one. Release: Dec. 18th
In conclusion, there seems to be a lot of good sci-fi coming this year. Sci-fi films generally cost a lot of money to make and they start promoting them early. It’s worth noting that many of my favorite films of 2014 weren’t on my radar at the beginning of 2014. It’ll no doubt be the same this year. Most comedies and smaller dramas aren’t being promoted yet so we’ll have to wait and see what actually sticks. Either way, even with these on the horizon I think 2015 is going to be a great year for film!