With the return of franchises like Star Wars, Terminator, Bond, Jurassic Park and Mad Max, not one but TWO Pixar films (a first for the studio), the next Avengers, the end of the Hunger Games saga, that Fifty Shades of Grey adaptation and more sequels than you can possibly imagine (some of which are totally unnecessary… Paul Blart? Really? But I digress…), the list of films set to be released in 2015 is set to make this one of the biggest years in history for cinema. So what are the films we should be excited about? Here are 24 films that have us looking forward to the 12 months ahead… presented in no particular order.
Inside Out (Pixar)
Release Date: 19th June
Come meet the little voices inside every teenage girls head – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. Voiced by Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Kyle MacLachlan, Lewis Black and Phyllis Smith (amongst many others), these emotions live in a headquarters inside Riley’s (Kaitlyn Dias) mind where they advise her through everyday life. If this casting is anything to go by, then this film is going to be just as hilarious, witty, and thought-provoking as its voice actors (and knowing Pixar, we may shed a tear or seventeen). Charming, relatable, and completely on point, this film is surely something that will be appreciated by teenage girls, just as much as your middle aged man.
The Hateful Eight (The Weinstein Company)
Release Date: TBC November
Tarantino has taken the reigns of another American Western Style film – however it is expected that in true Tarantino style, there will no doubt be blood, guts, and another amazing music score. In a post-Civil War Wyoming, a group of bounty hunters search for shelter to escape a blizzard, but somehow get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7kM5XJKDcQ
The Divergent Series: Insurgent (Entertainment One)
Release Date: 19th March
The next instalment of The Divergent Series is out in Australia March 19. Fans of The Hunger Games and young girls in dystopic worlds will be a fan of this film. Though it’s not likely to be anything breathtaking, it does look like a bit of an entertaining action film that teenage girls will gobble up gleefully. Releasing March 19.
Tomorrowland (Disney)
Release Date: 21st May
Two-time Oscar winning director Brad Bird’s new film Tomorrowland explores the idea of a badge that can transport its holder to an enigmatic and unknown world, only know as ‘Tomorrowland’. Starring George Clooney and Britt Robertson, this looks like it’s going to be one of the major sci-fi films of this year. Featuring the writer from Lost (Damon Lindelof), it’s anticipated that this is going to be one hell of a mind boggler. Releasing May 21.
Ricki and the Flash (Sony)
Release Date: 3rd September
We don’t know too much about this film, however what IS confirmed is that it entails Meryl Streep disguised as a rockstar, with Rick Springfield also featuring. If that’s not enough motivation to see it, I don’t know what is.
Ant-Man (Marvel)
Release Date: 16th July
The next major Marvel franchise film reveals the glamourising of potentially, one of the oddest superheroes in the comic-book world. Starring Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, it will be really great to see the rejuvenation of this superhero.
Frankenstein (20th Century Fox)
Release Date: 1st October
As a bit of an English nerd, I am insanely excited for another screen adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, Frankenstein. Directed by Paul McGuigan and starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy, Frankenstein is told from the perspective of the young assistant Igor, we’re going to see the way in which Frankenstein became the legend that we all know today.
Joy (20th Century Fox)
Release Date: 26th December
Starring the lethal combination of Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, Joy tells the tale of a struggling single mother who goes on to become one of the worlds most successful entrepreneurs.
The Theory of Everything (Universal)
Release Date: 29th January
There’s been a crazy amount of Oscar buzz about this film, and with Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones as Stephen and Jane Hawking, something tells me that this film will be incredibly well acted and will pack a serious emotional punch. – Amy Nancarrow
How could one not get excited about the chance to celebrate a life such as Stephen Hawking’s? This biopic looks like it’ll be a well-rounded take between the research and contributions to science Hawking made, whilst tying in the struggles he’s endured with his health, I expect to feel uplifted whilst reaching for the tissues. – Nazia Hafiz
Cinderella (Disney)
Release Date: 19th March
It’s a live action version of Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Cate Blanchett and Richard Madden – what’s not to be excited about? Branagh did a great job of Marvel’s first Thor film, and I’m excited to see how he directs this remake of the classic fairytale. – Amy Nancarrow
The Avengers: Age of Ultron (Marvel)
Release Date: 23rd April
The first Avengers film was completely exciting and action-packed, and with some new Avengers on board (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen), this one’s sure to be bigger than the first. – Amy Nancarrow
Can Marvel do it again? Expectations are sky high & there’s a lot riding on this film. Will Earth’s mightiest heroes be able to bring another blockbuster of epic proportions to our screens? Director Joss Whedon already has the credentials, what will be the challenge is bringing the surrounding Phase 2 film story threads in to the film and ensuring our established characters get some development to not feel overused. – Carina Nilma
An all star cast including David Spader as the bag guy. It just keeps getting better and better for the Marvel franchise, DC have got a lot to live up to. – Nena Serafim
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (Roadshow)
Release Date: 19th November
As someone who wasn’t a huge fan of the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy, I was pleasantly surprised by the action-packed “Mockingjay: Part One”. With so much to wrap up, and Jennifer Lawrence as it’s lead, “Mockingjay: Part 2” promises to be a great final chapter in the series that made Lawrence a star. – Amy Nancarrow
Chappie (Sony)
Release Date: 12th March
Director Neill Blomkamp returns with a look at the morally grey area surrounding the notion of Artificial Intelligence with his sentient robot Chappie. Like his earlier films District 9 & Elysium the theme of “us vs them” is the focal point. If this is anything like his earlier films then we’re in for a visually stimulating and thought provoking film. Also Hugh Jackman with a mini mullet, because of reasons. – Carina Nilma
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (LucasFilm)
Release Date: 17th December
For those of us who grew up repeatedly watching the original Star Wars films we are finally being given the sequels we’ve long waited to see. Admittedly the prequels did leave a bit of an undesirable taste so there’s a bit of expectation but a lot of hope riding on these films. Yes we will get to see some of our original heroes but what’s more exciting is the new stories and characters we will be introduced to as well as cool new futuristic tech and spaceships. Guaranteed to at least get some goosebumps when we hear that iconic score and the rolling text intro start that’s for sure. – Carina Nilma
Birdman (20th Century Fox)
Release Date: In Cinemas Now
Films about the stark realities of being a superhero if real superheroes (ones with super powers anyway) were to exist, are definitely a trend that should continue, if Birdman is anywhere near as refreshingly dark and emotive as Watchmen and Hancock it should be met with great anticipation. Judging by the trailers and interviews Micheal Keaton really stretched himself in this role, which will be interesting to see unfold . It doesn’t hurt that he’s backed by the talented likes of Emma Stone and Edward Norton either. – Nazia Hafiz
Pan (Warner Bros.)
Release Date: 10th September
Director Joe Wright has a pretty good track record with adaptations like “Atonement and Pride & Prejudice, so the classic Peter Pan story seems to be in safe hands for its 2015 re-imagining. And with a cast that boasts Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried and Rooney Mara, all signs are pointing to a pretty enjoyable, magical (and nostalgic) adventure. – Larry Heath
Pitch Perfect 2 (Universal)
Release Date: 7th May
Fat Amy is back in da the house! If the sequel is anything like the original it’ll be even more hilarious, heartwarming and over the top, with hopefully infinitely more insane vocal mash-ups and riff-offs……the sheer thought of it is giving me a Toner. – Nazia Hafiz
The comedic and musical talents of the likes of Rebel Wilson and Anna Kendrick completely won me over in Pitch Perfect, so I can’t wait to see if the sequel lives up to the hype. Even if it doesn’t quite hit the same heights as the original, you know it’s going to be a fun ride. – Kimberley Veart
Mad Max: Fury Road (Warner Bros.)
Release Date: 14th May
The special effects and lighting looks phenomenal, not to mention superb casting of Tom Hardy as Max.- Nena Serafim
Minions (Universal)
Release Date: 18th June
Despicable Me’s most charismatic characters finally have a film all to themselves. Can’t wait to see the merchandise this generates, hopefully some Lego releases too. – Nena Serafim
By The Sea (TBC)
Release Date: Q4 2015
The lure of real-life power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt sharing the screen will no doubt draw many to the cinema. However, under the careful direction of Jolie, By The Sea promises to be an eloquent exploration of a marriage in trouble in an idyllic French setting. – Kimberley Veart
That’s What I’m Talking About (TBC)
Release Date: TBC 2015
It seems appropriate with the Oscar buzz around Richard Linklater at the moment that his next film is one I’m looking forward to this year. That’s What I’m Talking About is meant to be the ‘spiritual sequel’ to Dazed and Confused and centres around university basketball players in the 1980s. Linklater’s films are always worth watching, for they are consistently thought provoking and original. – Kimberley Veart
The Good Dinosaur (Pixar)
Release Date: 26th December
We’re pretty lucky to be getting not one but TWO Pixar full length feature films this year; a first for the company. Though the earlier release of the year – Inside Out – definitely looks like the more innovative of the two, The Good Dinosaur, under the direction of Peter Sohn (Partly Cloudy) looks like it will be a classic Pixar story in its own right, and we’re excited for it… – Larry Heath
Jurassic World 3D (Universal)
Release Date: 11th June
The work of Jurassic Park is returning, with Guardians of the Galaxy’s Chris Pratt in the lead role. The only thing that’s for sure about the film is that it’s going to be epic. And there’ll be dinosaurs. So many dinosaurs. – Larry Heath
Bond 24: Spectre (Sony)
Release Date: 19th November
And finally, we have the latest bond film, the 24th in the series. We don’t know much about it yet, but with both Daniel Craig and Director Sam Mendes returning (for their fourth and second times, respectively), we have to say that we have very high expectations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIqcMtlVovs
All film release dates were correct at the time of printing and are for Australian audiences and cinemas only. To check the latest, head to our release dates page.
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