15 Frenzy-Worthy Films of 2015
By Meriah Doty
When we got going on our monster list of most anticipated movies coming out this year, we found ourselves constantly wanting to turn to the next page. 2015 is sizing up to be the most monstrous movie year of all — with mega-franchises like "The Avengers," "The Hunger Games," and "Star Wars" poised to break all kinds of box office records. (Thankfully "Avatar 2" is slated for 2016, otherwise our heads would explode!)
Forget 2014, here are the year-from-now movies that have us wishing we could travel into the future:
1. "Star Wars: Episode VII"
ZOMG. ZOMG. ZOMG! That's pretty much what we've been saying since Lucasfilm/Disney announced that a continuation of "Star Wars" is in fact happening. Our lightsabers have been out, and we'll wave them frantically until writer-director J.J. Abrams ushers this epic space beast — with definite appearances from classic characters Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) — into theaters. Release Date: Dec. 18, 2015
2. "The Avengers: Age of Ultron"
It's the follow-up to one of the biggest blockbusters of all time. Writer-director Joss Whedon has already alluded to improvements from the first flick about Marvel's superhero super-group (as if it was necessary!). And this time Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) join Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and the rest of the gang. Add James Spader as the villainous Ultron and that all equals: We. Can't. Wait! Release Date: May 1, 2015
3. "Batman vs. Superman"
You know all that "Batfleck" controversy is only going to get your booty into the theater when the follow-up to "Man of Steel" flies onto the scene. Whether you agree that Gal Gadot is right for Wonder Woman or Ben Affleck makes for a perfect grizzled, older Batman, you have to admit it's going to be a pretty awesome thing to see them assembled with Supes in Zack Snyder's moody superhero flick. Release Date: July 17, 2015
4. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2"
It's only the most popular young adult book-to-screen franchise on the planet — even more popular than the "Harry Potter" series, if you can believe that. Sure, we haven't seen Jennifer Lawrence in "Mockingjay, Part 1" yet, but we're already amped for the franchise finale's final half. The only question is, what will we do without Katniss Everdeen after it's all said and done!? Release Date: Nov. 20, 2015
5. "Bond 24"
"Skyfall" director Sam Mendes was yanked out of his purported 007 retirement for this one, still starring our favorite blond Bond, Daniel Craig. Unless you're a Bond girl, you can't put the superspy to bed after nearly doubling its highest earnings (from "Quantum of Solace," which made $168 million domestically, to "Skyfall," which brought in $304 million). Here's to $600 million for the next one! Release Date: Nov. 6, 2015
6. "Fast & Furious 7"
Fans will be able to say a proper goodbye to the late Paul Walker, who is set to star in this seventh "Fast" action film (which was delayed by nearly a year following the actor's untimely death). Vin Diesel and the rest of the crew will be back — and the big curiosity factor is seeing what mind-bending awesomeness newly recruited director James Wan (of the "Saw" horror series) will bring to the mix. Release Date: April 10, 2015
7. "Fantastic Four"
This is not an "X-Men" crossover movie… yet. While the details are still sketchy on whether we'll be seeing Johnny Storm alongside the Wolverine, we are totally enthused to see this comic book movie reboot nonetheless. Release Date: June 19, 2015
8. "Cinderella"
This live action Ella, played by Lily James, is one modern lady. Sure, she finds her prince along the way, but the iconic princess is a lot more independent in this upcoming version, also by Disney, than she was in the animated classic. You go, girl! Release Date: March 13, 2015
9. "Insurgent
Its predecessor "Divergent" still has to prove itself — but we're betting the mind-bending, post-apocalyptic hit book series-turned-movie franchise will make its mark with its legions of fans and then some. Starring Shailene Woodley as Tris and Theo James as Four, these rebels against societal oppression are positioned to keep us hooked through 2016. Release Date: March 20, 2015
10. "Minions"
It makes sense to focus on what made the "Despicable Me" series so popular: those silly, awesomely-annoying minions! They get their very own, well-earned spinoff. And it's sure to proliferate dollars at the box office, just like its predecessors. Release Date: July 3, 2015
11. "Jurassic World"
Counting its 3-D re-release, "Jurassic Park" surpassed the billion-dollar mark last year. Why leave such a thriving franchise to fossilize? Clearly the studio (Universal Pictures) thought the same. And by the time Chris Pratt is all good and super-famous from his upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy," he'll be more than ready to draw crowds to this one. Release Date: June 12, 2015
12. "Fifty Shades of Grey"
If you even sneeze news about this kinky-erotic film, based on the bestselling E.L. James book of the same name, it causes a storm of fan-frenzied tweets and Facebook shares. Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele: Whether it's critically acclaimed or deemed a campy disaster, the current groundswell of ravenous fans ensures there will be an audience for this one no matter what. Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
13. "Ant-Man"
With Paul Rudd (of the "Anchorman" series) as the film's comic book action hero and Edgar Wright ("Shaun of the Dead") at the helm, this cinematic creation is a guaranteed quirky spin of a Marvel tale. Three cheers to Marvel and Disney for green-lighting this fun-yet-unusual enterprise. Release Date: July 31, 2015
14. "Tomorrowland"
We saw George Clooney in space in "Gravity"; and in 2015 we're going to see him in another dimension. Clooney stars in the upcoming live-action fantasy film as a gifted inventor who discovers a mysterious box deep within Disney's animation archives. Yes, like "Saving Mr. Banks," "Tomorrowland" is another Disney film that's about, well, itself. What sets it apart: The trippy futuristic mystery, while calling out real, physical Disney relics, is pure fiction. Release Date: May 22, 2015
15. "Inside Out"
This is being billed as Pixar's most innovative creation to date — and wow that's saying A LOT. Amy Poehler leads the voice cast of this presumed comedic animated feature (Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, also appear, after all). The story centers around the emotions inside the mind of a little girl and, you guessed it, each feeling is represented by a distinct character. Release Date: June 19, 2015
If these all weren't thrilling enough, there are even more films in 2015 worth honorable mention: "The Jungle Book," "Mission: Impossible V," "Terminator: Genesis," "Inside Out," "Kung Fu Panda 3," "Peanuts," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Ted 2."
Are you exhausted from all the excitement yet?
If these all weren't thrilling enough, there are even more films in 2015 worth honorable mention:
"The Jungle Book," "Mission: Impossible V," "Terminator: Genesis," "Inside Out," "Kung Fu Panda 3," "Peanuts," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Ted 2."
Are you exhausted from all the excitement yet?
By Meriah Doty
When we got going on our monster list of most anticipated movies coming out this year, we found ourselves constantly wanting to turn to the next page. 2015 is sizing up to be the most monstrous movie year of all — with mega-franchises like "The Avengers," "The Hunger Games," and "Star Wars" poised to break all kinds of box office records. (Thankfully "Avatar 2" is slated for 2016, otherwise our heads would explode!)
Forget 2014, here are the year-from-now movies that have us wishing we could travel into the future:
1. "Star Wars: Episode VII"
ZOMG. ZOMG. ZOMG! That's pretty much what we've been saying since Lucasfilm/Disney announced that a continuation of "Star Wars" is in fact happening. Our lightsabers have been out, and we'll wave them frantically until writer-director J.J. Abrams ushers this epic space beast — with definite appearances from classic characters Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) — into theaters. Release Date: Dec. 18, 2015
2. "The Avengers: Age of Ultron"
It's the follow-up to one of the biggest blockbusters of all time. Writer-director Joss Whedon has already alluded to improvements from the first flick about Marvel's superhero super-group (as if it was necessary!). And this time Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) join Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and the rest of the gang. Add James Spader as the villainous Ultron and that all equals: We. Can't. Wait! Release Date: May 1, 2015
3. "Batman vs. Superman"
You know all that "Batfleck" controversy is only going to get your booty into the theater when the follow-up to "Man of Steel" flies onto the scene. Whether you agree that Gal Gadot is right for Wonder Woman or Ben Affleck makes for a perfect grizzled, older Batman, you have to admit it's going to be a pretty awesome thing to see them assembled with Supes in Zack Snyder's moody superhero flick. Release Date: July 17, 2015
4. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2"
It's only the most popular young adult book-to-screen franchise on the planet — even more popular than the "Harry Potter" series, if you can believe that. Sure, we haven't seen Jennifer Lawrence in "Mockingjay, Part 1" yet, but we're already amped for the franchise finale's final half. The only question is, what will we do without Katniss Everdeen after it's all said and done!? Release Date: Nov. 20, 2015
5. "Bond 24"
"Skyfall" director Sam Mendes was yanked out of his purported 007 retirement for this one, still starring our favorite blond Bond, Daniel Craig. Unless you're a Bond girl, you can't put the superspy to bed after nearly doubling its highest earnings (from "Quantum of Solace," which made $168 million domestically, to "Skyfall," which brought in $304 million). Here's to $600 million for the next one! Release Date: Nov. 6, 2015
6. "Fast & Furious 7"
Fans will be able to say a proper goodbye to the late Paul Walker, who is set to star in this seventh "Fast" action film (which was delayed by nearly a year following the actor's untimely death). Vin Diesel and the rest of the crew will be back — and the big curiosity factor is seeing what mind-bending awesomeness newly recruited director James Wan (of the "Saw" horror series) will bring to the mix. Release Date: April 10, 2015
7. "Fantastic Four"
This is not an "X-Men" crossover movie… yet. While the details are still sketchy on whether we'll be seeing Johnny Storm alongside the Wolverine, we are totally enthused to see this comic book movie reboot nonetheless. Release Date: June 19, 2015
8. "Cinderella"
This live action Ella, played by Lily James, is one modern lady. Sure, she finds her prince along the way, but the iconic princess is a lot more independent in this upcoming version, also by Disney, than she was in the animated classic. You go, girl! Release Date: March 13, 2015
9. "Insurgent
Its predecessor "Divergent" still has to prove itself — but we're betting the mind-bending, post-apocalyptic hit book series-turned-movie franchise will make its mark with its legions of fans and then some. Starring Shailene Woodley as Tris and Theo James as Four, these rebels against societal oppression are positioned to keep us hooked through 2016. Release Date: March 20, 2015
10. "Minions"
It makes sense to focus on what made the "Despicable Me" series so popular: those silly, awesomely-annoying minions! They get their very own, well-earned spinoff. And it's sure to proliferate dollars at the box office, just like its predecessors. Release Date: July 3, 2015
11. "Jurassic World"
Counting its 3-D re-release, "Jurassic Park" surpassed the billion-dollar mark last year. Why leave such a thriving franchise to fossilize? Clearly the studio (Universal Pictures) thought the same. And by the time Chris Pratt is all good and super-famous from his upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy," he'll be more than ready to draw crowds to this one. Release Date: June 12, 2015
12. "Fifty Shades of Grey"
If you even sneeze news about this kinky-erotic film, based on the bestselling E.L. James book of the same name, it causes a storm of fan-frenzied tweets and Facebook shares. Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele: Whether it's critically acclaimed or deemed a campy disaster, the current groundswell of ravenous fans ensures there will be an audience for this one no matter what. Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
13. "Ant-Man"
With Paul Rudd (of the "Anchorman" series) as the film's comic book action hero and Edgar Wright ("Shaun of the Dead") at the helm, this cinematic creation is a guaranteed quirky spin of a Marvel tale. Three cheers to Marvel and Disney for green-lighting this fun-yet-unusual enterprise. Release Date: July 31, 2015
14. "Tomorrowland"
We saw George Clooney in space in "Gravity"; and in 2015 we're going to see him in another dimension. Clooney stars in the upcoming live-action fantasy film as a gifted inventor who discovers a mysterious box deep within Disney's animation archives. Yes, like "Saving Mr. Banks," "Tomorrowland" is another Disney film that's about, well, itself. What sets it apart: The trippy futuristic mystery, while calling out real, physical Disney relics, is pure fiction. Release Date: May 22, 2015
15. "Inside Out"
This is being billed as Pixar's most innovative creation to date — and wow that's saying A LOT. Amy Poehler leads the voice cast of this presumed comedic animated feature (Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, also appear, after all). The story centers around the emotions inside the mind of a little girl and, you guessed it, each feeling is represented by a distinct character. Release Date: June 19, 2015
If these all weren't thrilling enough, there are even more films in 2015 worth honorable mention: "The Jungle Book," "Mission: Impossible V," "Terminator: Genesis," "Inside Out," "Kung Fu Panda 3," "Peanuts," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Ted 2."
Are you exhausted from all the excitement yet?
If these all weren't thrilling enough, there are even more films in 2015 worth honorable mention:
"The Jungle Book," "Mission: Impossible V," "Terminator: Genesis," "Inside Out," "Kung Fu Panda 3," "Peanuts," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Ted 2."
Are you exhausted from all the excitement yet?
