Updated: February 18, 2021
Here are the movie releases we're most looking forward to in 2021. This time last year, film fans were eagerly and innocently discussing the forthcoming movie releases that had everyone excited for 2020. From smart sci-fi and 1980s revivals to the usual smattering of superhero escapades, there was certainly plenty to enjoy in the roaring '20s. With reshoots becoming increasingly common practice and studios constantly adapting to the streaming market, most would've anticipated some of those movies being subjected to delays. What no one saw coming was a fatal virus sweeping across the entire globe and slamming the brakes on normal life from March onward.
Many haven't seen a movie in an actual theater for months, and the industry continues to struggle with closures and blockbuster delays. Production remains impacted also, causing a bottleneck at the front of the process, as well as at the distribution end. Few would dare guess what 2021 has in store, but as far as the cinematic landscape is concerned, we've got a lot of films to get through, as studios combine their delayed 2020 slates with what remains of their planned 2021 output. Warner Bros. has already confirmed all of this year's movies will premiere on HBO Max, and despite hopes of a vaccine restoring normality in the latter half of 2021, uncertainty is the only certainty.
If everything goes to plan, however, film fans can look forward to one of the best movie years in recent memory. Inevitable cult classics, multiverse mayhem, and a return to the Matrix lie ahead over the next 12 months, whether you're watching at your local socially-distant multiplex or on the screen of your iPad. These are the movies that could make 2021 a much better year.
24. The French Dispatch (July 2021)
Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch may not be 2021's most accessible release, but with gorgeous visuals and a natural air of curiosity, is almost certain to find itself in Oscar contention.
23. The Beatles: Get Back (August 27)
With Peter Jackson's Middle-earth days firmly behind him (for now), the box-office smashing New Zealander's next project will star four humble young men who set out from home and achieve worldwide renown with their great and unprecedented deeds. Having already scored major success with Beatles and the relatives of those no longer alive, and trawled through hours of previously unseen footage and audio to present an authentic insight into the world's most famous band, without focusing on the tensions that led to their breakup.
22. Luca (June 18)
No one in the movie industry experienced a great 2020, but Pixar really has endured a tough 12 months. Pixar mold, albeit with a supernatural twist.
21. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (June 25)
2018's Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Slipping back from its original October 2020 slot due to studio flooding (we're joking, it was COVID), post-production has continued as Serkis and co. work from home.
20. Space Jam: A New Legacy (July 16)
For those who felt 2020 was a little short on iconic cartoon characters playing basketball, 2021 has a treat in store. A sequel (of sorts) to the 1990s original, Space Jam's sequel is a much-needed slice of fun, or a retro movie nostalgia trip too far.
19. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (November 11)
Who ya gonna Zoom call">Ghostbusters: Afterlife must navigate the tricky balance between nostalgia and progression, and also needs to prove that gray jumpsuits and proton packs have life after the 1980s.
18. Raya & The Last Dragon (March 5)
Now confirmed for a simultaneous release on Disney+ and theaters where available, Star Wars' Kelly Marie Tran as Raya (hopefully for more than a few seconds), this visually stunning tale revolves around a warrior on a mission to protect her people from the evil Druun monsters. In order to fight back, Raya must track down the world's last dragon, coming across Sisu (Awkwafena) and embarking on a magical journey of self-discovery mixed with South-East Asian influences. Raya & The Last Dragon looks to be a unique adventure that should appeal to young and old alike.
17. In The Heights (June 18)
Lin-Minuel Miranda's musical broadening its audience exponentially during lockdown. This is good news for In The Heights, another musical movie masterpiece from the mind of Miranda. Directed by John M. Chu and starring a host of Latino talent, In The Heights depicts a small, tight-knit neighborhood where the residents dream (and sing) about a better life. Coming to HBO Max on June 18th, Warner Bros. will be hoping to replicate the runaway success of Hamilton.
16. Top Gun: Maverick (July 2)
After movie theaters became Danger Zones in 2020, the long-awaited Tom Cruise back as the titular ace pilot, but without the sunny, volleyball-playing joviality of the original. Maverick is clinging onto his past, refusing promotions and retirement in favor of chasing the need for speed as long as he physically can. ing Cruise are Ed Harris, Miles Teller (as Goose's son), Jennifer Connelly and Val Kilmer reprising his iconic Iceman role. Always one to push the envelope, Tom Cruise promises Top Gun: Maverick's plane sequences will be unlike anything ever seen on the big screen.
15. Nomadland (February 19)
Directed and written by Chloé Zhao, Chloé Zhao's most celebrated directorial effort yet. Nomadland premiered at Venice Film Festival and was afforded limited screenings in the latter half of 2020, but a full theatrical release is currently scheduled for February 2021.
