2018 proved to be one of the best years in recent memory for genre films as a whole, but it also managed to have some massively disappointing stinkers. Although some of our picks for the most anticipated films of 2019 will surely end up falling into the latter category, the movies that we have seen trailers for look wonderfully promising for the coming year in genre film. In terms of genre properties coming in 2019, we have an exciting year of movies ahead of us. Not only are we getting a great blend of superhero, comic book, fantasy and science fiction films coming our way throughout the next year, but some really high-profile sequels for some iconic franchises as well. While Marvel also looks to have another defining year for the MCU coming ahead, the DCEU also looks to be course correcting with two exciting releases this year as well. It’s also important to note that while we’ve done our best to represent all sides of the genre spectrum, there will surely be unknown smaller releases throughout they year that are as equally deserving.
In terms of honorable mentions, there are several notable releases that just barely missed this list for one reason or another. Detective Pikachu looks to be bringing a great live-action interpretation of the Pokémon world to life. Gemini Man also looks to have a boatload of sci-fi promise, along with Jumanji 3. In terms of animated faire, both The Lion King and Toy Story 4 look to be massive for Disney, with Missing Link being a potential standout as well. Finally, Captain Marvel is surely one of the most exciting superhero releases in it’s own right, but it also carries no sense expectation since it’s the first film in that potential series of films.
So without further adieu, you can check out the countdown of our top 10 most anticipated films of 2019 in the gallery below! What is your most anticipated movie of 2019? Make sure to let us know in the comment section!
Top 10 Most Anticipated Films Of 2019
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10. Glass
Night Shyamalan’s career has very much been defined by a series of peaks and valleys. While the writer/director’s career has been on the upswing in the past few years with The Visit and Split, Glass finally has the potential to return Shyamalan to his former glory as one of Hollywood’s most interesting auteurs. Even though it’s weird to think that one of 2019’s most anticipated movies is only a couple of weeks from hitting theaters, Glass has the promise to be one of the year’s most original superhero movies.
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9. Spider-Man: Far From Home
We haven’t seen a trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home yet, so it’s quite hard to tell how good the movie will be at this point. With that said, the sequel looks to be one of the year’s most promising – at least on paper. Aside from the fact that we’ll learn more about Peter’s fate after “the decimation” in Infinity War, Far From Home also looks to shake the formula up by sending Spidey overseas to team up with Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio. Especially considering the latter, it will certainly be interesting to see how Marvel brings such a silly looking character to life.
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8. The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
Although The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part will hit theaters nearly four years to the day after it’s predecessor, the trailer for the film looks to fulfill the promise of the original in a convincing way. While most of the original’s stellar ensemble cast makes a return, we’ll also get some already-confirmed cameos that are sure to make DC fans very, very happy. Although it’s still unclear if the magic of the original will be retained without Lord and Miller in the director’s chair(s), The Second Part looks to be just as fun and inventive as the 2014 original.
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7. Joker
As of now, it’s kind of hard to tell what exactly Joker will end up being, simply because we haven’t seen a trailer yet. There’s been a lot of speculation as to what Joaquin Phoenix’s interpretation of the character will end up being. One thing that’s for sure is that Joker will absolutely be an inspired take on the character from one of our generation’s best actors. More so than this, the film will also provide our first good look at the direction of the DCEU after the most recent regime change – ultimately putting a lot of expectation on Joker to be a hit with audiences.
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6. Terminator 6
In many ways, Terminator 6 serves as the breaking point for the sustainability of a franchise that has gotten exponentially worse with each movie. With Tim Miller directing, as well as James Cameron and Linda Hamilton making their triumphant returns, there’s a lot to be excited about with the sequel. Even more exciting is the fact that the film will take cues from the events of Terminator 2, one of the greatest action films ever made. If the film ends up being a hit, it could very well pass the baton to a new set of characters, while also taking the franchise in a different direction. If it ends up being a dud however, Terminator 6 might very well be the final nail in the coffin a franchise that’s nearly thirty-five years old.
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5. Shazam!
Shazam! is perhaps the only one of DC’s golden-age characters that has yet to make it to the big screen, so it’s honestly about time that we’re finally getting around to seeing the character’s origin brought to life. After decades of development, the film’s pitch perfect casting of Zachary Levi as the eponymous character seems to be worth the wait – at least according to the trailers. With a style and tone that is reminiscent of something like Big, Shazam! also looks like it’s just trying to tell a simple self-contained story, without trying to things connect to the larger DCEU.
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4. Men In Black: International
Although the Men In Back franchise has seen it’s day in terms of pop culture relevance, MIB: International looks to bring fresh blood to a property that – in many ways – is a relic of the 90’s. It’s true that the first film still holds up pretty well, and MIB: International looks to have the same feeling and propulsive energy that made the first a success. Aside form re-uniting Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth, it’s also exciting to see F. Gary return to his comedy roots with this soft reboot/continuation of the MIB story.
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3. Godzilla: King of the Monsters
If it weren’t for the two massive, epic movies that follow this selection, Godzilla: King of the Monsters would easily be the most anticipated movie of the year. Although it’s taken nearly five years to get the sequel to Godzilla made, the trailers have certainly sold this movie as a spectacle that must be witnessed on the big screen. The trailers so far have been phenomenal, but Mike Dougherty’s seemingly graceful slide into the director’s char is honestly the most exciting thing about King of the Monsters. There’s a certain sense of awe to these creatures that Dougherty brings to the table, making the writer/director’s first foray into big-budget spectacle a must see in 2019.
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2. Star Wars: Episode IX
As of right now, Star Wars: Episode XI is a big, giant enigma. We know essentially nothing about the movie, and that’s honestly the reason this isn’t our most anticipated film of 2019. Despite having perhaps the largest question mark surrounding it, Episode XI also has to atone for the divisiveness of The Last Jedi. Considering that J.J. Abrams has never really finished any franchise that he’s started, the film also has the nearly incomprehensible task of tying up three generations of films in a neat little bow that can unite fans once again. Even though Episode XI has a massive amount of pressure steeped in its critical performance after The Last Jedi, there’s no doubt that it will be one of our most anticipated films of 2019 if it weren’t Disney competing with itself.
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1. Avengers: Endgame
In terms of sheer hype and anticipation, it would be silly to think that Avengers: Endgame wouldn’t be our most anticipated movie of the year. Aside from having the massive pressure of wrapping up the events of Infinity War, Endgame also has to conclude twenty-one installments of build-up to this moment. Joe and Anthony Russo have certainly proved that they have the ability handle the pressure of such a massive movie, so it’s really just a matter of sticking the landing when it comes to saying goodbye to certain characters. Considering that we’ve probably seen only a small fraction of what Endgame has in store for audiences, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who isn’t excited to see how things eventually play out on April 26th.
