Top 7 Must-See Films of 2016: A Look Ahead at 'Batman V Superman,' 'Deadpool' & More!
Move over Star Wars! 2016 is shaping up to be a year with a lot of potential big hits. From big-name sequels to larger-than-life superhero films, we break down the top seven films we're looking forward to, which also happen to be the ones most poised to make a big splash in the New Year.
1. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
This follow-up to 2013's Man of Steel pits the two famous superheroes against each other. The much buzzed (and complained) about casting of Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor alone makes this movie worth watching. Will the casting choices ruin or make the film? Find out when this high octane action flick opens March 25.
2. Dr. Strange
Aside from the first look of the film published in Entertainment Weekly earlier this week, not much is known about this adaptation of Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme character, but the fact that jack-of-all-iconic-characters, Benedict Cumberbatch, is playing the titular role of Dr. Stephen Strange is really all anyone needs to know to know this film will be epic. Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mads Mikkelsen also star in the film, which opens Nov. 4.
3. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
2002's My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a surprise critical and commercial success, as well as an instant romantic comedy classic. The sequel, out March 25, follows all of the familiar Portokalos family members as Toula and Ian must deal with their daughter's issues, as well as the impending marriage of Toula's parents, who learn they were never legally married.
4. Suicide Squad
Continuing its tradition of releasing deeper and darker films than its superhero nemesis, Marvel, DC Entertainment Inc. is releasing Suicide Squad, which follows some famous villains (including the Joker, played this time around by Jared Leto, and Harley Quinn, to name a few) as they accept a secret government mission that could ultimately result in their deaths. Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne and Viola Davis also star. The film opens Aug. 5.
5. Finding Dory
It's been almost 13 years since Finding Nemo graced theaters, and now Pixar's beloved characters are back to help lovable, forgetful Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) find her parents, voiced by Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy. Expect the usual tugs on the heart strings and bundles of laughter that are synonymous with Pixar films when the pic opens June 17.
6. Deadpool
Forget the usual Marvel formula of heroes and (mostly) lighthearted fun: Deadpool is a complete departure from that. Deadpool is the story of a classic antihero, mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), who goes in search of the man who almost destroyed his life. Marketing for the film promises a darker story, with much darker and adult humor: the film carries "the first hard-R superhero rating," after all. The film will be released Feb. 12.
7. Captain America: Civil War
Yet another sequel and superhero flick, Captain America: Civil War promises a lot more drama and action for Cap (Chris Evans) as the events of his personal story and that of the Avengers films come to a head. Will Captain America win? Or will Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) win? Find out when the film opens May 6.