Happy New Year, everyone. It’s that time of year again, not only the one time a year when we joyously ring in a new year welcoming it with promise but also, a time of year to look ahead at what’s coming next to the box office with 2016 movie releases. This is particularly appealing to those of us who enjoy keeping an eye on what’s new and interesting in the entertainment world. The calendar isn’t the only telltale sign of the holidays being over. During the Christmas season, many family-oriented, or at the very least those of the happier variety type movies, are historically widely released and marketed at the box office (to say nothing of the blockbusters that dominated between Thanksgiving and Christmas).
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Over the next few months, one inclusion I consistently noticed was the inundation of R-rated flicks about to populate the charts. Weeding many of those out (because if I’m being honest they really don’t sound all that great), I’ve come up with a few that may be of interest to some of you. There are comedies and dramas, period films (with a twist), and more of the popular and growing genre, YA literature adaptations.
If you enjoy reading about what’s coming to your local Cineplex, scroll on for a preview of the winter titles.
12 Upcoming 2016 Movie Releases
January – March 2016
(listed by release date)
#1 The 5th Wave
Stars Chloe Grace Moretz | Opens January 22nd | Rated PG-13
Based on the best-selling YA novel by Rick Yancey, this is another end-of-the-world dystopian. This film doesn’t personally look appealing but is sure to be something I’ll eventually see. The effects and cast do look amazing and may interest those of you who love the genre.
#2 The Finest Hours
Stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck and Holliday Grainger | Opens January 29th | Rated PG-13
I’ve never heard of the event on which this factual drama is based, but it does look compelling. The trailer totes it as being one of the greatest Navy rescues in history. Coupled with that and the fact that Chris Pine stars and this film may be worth a watch (albeit likely once it appears on home entertainment for me).
#3 Jane Got a Gun
Stars Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor | Opens January 29th | Rated R
This one has an interesting premise (a woman enlists the help of her ex-lover to rescue her outlaw husband), but its rating (particularly for a western) has me a bit leery. Still, it might wind up being worth a look.
#4 The Choice
Stars Teresa Palmer, Benjamin Walker and Tom Welling | Opens February 5th | Rated PG-13
Another Nicholas Sparks film is sure to earn an eye roll or two from some moviegoers, but as someone who enjoys the mindless romantic nature of Sparks’ adaptations, I’m anticipating this one. The story looks to be an opposites-attract scenario with a pesky boyfriend thrown in, all of which I’m guessing works to keep our meant-to-be lovers apart. I’ve got my copy of the book in hand and am prepared to enjoy yet another of this best-selling authors’ stories – clichés and all.
#5 Dad’s Army
Stars Bill Nighy, Mark Gatiss, Michael Gambon and Catherine Zeta-Jones | Opens February 5th | Rated PG-13
The British Empire Strikes Back
This looks like an entertaining winter comedy in the tradition of Monuments Men. A remake (of sorts) inspired by the ’60s TV show (of the same name), with the all-star cast, WWII setting and cute promotional material, it might be a rollicking good time.
#6 Hail, Caeser!
Stars George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin and Channing Tatum | Opens February 5th | Rated PG-13
Joel and Ethan Coen are well known for their unique brand of film (and comedy). This film is a recent find for me and while I’m wavering on it being a good fit, it does look entertaining (and given the recent reinvention of musicals to the big and small screens like, Into the Woods or Gallivant, the Coen brothers could pull this off) nonetheless. The plot involves ’50s Hollywood, a popular (albeit wacky) actor being kidnapped, and so much more. Plus, that cast list is impressive if nothing else.
#7 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Stars Lily James, Matt Smith and Douglas Booth | Opens February 5th | Rated PG-13
Bloody Lovely
I can still remember seeing this book at the bookstore and being like, “nope.” I wasn’t in the least bit curious. This was long before talks of a film adaptation were in the works. Since then, I’ve seen Warm Bodies and inspired by this adaptation, bought the book (a story which is self-explanatory; this follows Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, only with zombies). The cast list also blew me away (especially up and comer Lily James) and the trailer actually looks – dare I say this – entertaining as all get out.
#8 Me Before You
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Jenna Coleman, Brendan Coyle and Charles Dance | Opens March 4th | Rated PG-13
Yet another adaptation, this contemporary romance is adapted from a popular best-selling author, Jojo Moyes. The plot revolves around a young woman who begins to care for a handicapped man during which time, presumably some type of romance blossoms. The film sounds good and as someone who hasn’t read the book, interest has been piqued. The lack of promotional material does surprise.
#9 The Divergent Series: Allegiant
Stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Miles Teller | Opens March 18th | Rated PG-13
Another installment to the Divergent series takes us up to the next-to-last of the four-film franchise. If the other two films are any indication, I have a feeling Allegiant will be a strong offering.
#10 Miracles from Heaven
Stars Jennifer Garner, Martin Henderson and Queen Latifah | Opens March 18th | Rated PG-13
Based on a true story, this inspirational film tells the story of a young girl with a rare disorder who is miraculously healed after a near-fatal accident. With its familiar cast list and feel-good premise, this is one film that looks like it might have some promise.
#11 Batman V. Superman
Stars Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck | Opens March 25th | Rated PG-13
Given its title, I’m a little bit saddened by the direction this superhero film is headed. Still, this is a film that promises to live up to its blockbuster potential, Plus, for an eventual spin-off in the DC Comics universe, Wonder Woman is to be introduced.
#12 My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
Stars Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and Rita Wilson | Opens March 25th | Rating TBA
Returning with much of its original cast, the crazy familial world of this Greek Portokalos family is about to again invade our theater screens. This time around, Nia and John are raising a teenage daughter, who, presumably, finds herself saddled with some of the same crazy troubles her parents did – only in a different way.
Other Upcoming 2016 Movie Releases
(click on the title to watch the trailer)
Besides the 12 mentioned above, here are a few more promising titles to put on your Watchlist!
Race (PG-13) – Opens February 19
The true story of athlete Jesse Owens and how he overcame adversity to win gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Risen (PG-13) – Opens February 19
An unofficial sequel to The Passion of the Christ, Risen tells the story of a Roman Centurion (Joseph Fiennes) who is assigned by Pontius Pilate (Peter Firth) to investigate the rumors of a risen messiah when the body of Jesus goes missing.
The Young Messiah (PG-13) – Opens March 11
A young Jesus (7-years-old) discovers the truth about who he is. The film stars Sean Bean.
Midnight Special (PG-13) – Opens March 18
In a unique looking sci-fi film, Midnight Special tells the story of a gifted eight-year-old boy. A father works with people he trusts to get his son to a safe, secret location while an extremist group hunts him. The film stars Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Sam Shepard and Adam Driver.
That’s a look ahead at what’s to come in winter for new 2016 movie releases. Which of these films are you anticipating? Are there others you’re watching out for we didn’t include? Let me know down below which upcoming box office releases you’re most curious about. I’d love to read about them.
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I’m definitely going to watch Pride, Prejudice and Zombies (despite all the bickering that has been happening between Janeites), The Choice, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and Batman vs Superman. I’m thinking about giving a try to Jane has a gun and Me before you… Skipping Allegiant, although I do think it will be an awesome film, the book ending disappointed me and I read that the ending was going to remain unaltered in the movie, so… I prefer not to watch it. 🙁
I’m leaning more and more towards P+P+Zombies being awesome, Ana. I’ve got high hopes for it (and am planning to read the book soon). As for the others you mention, I’m excited about them as well! Including wondering how the Divergent movies will end up. It’s curious to me that they renamed the fourth film installment though I’ve little doubt the films will end in the same way as the book.
Thanks so much for sharing your anticipated favorites. 🙂
Nice list. I only heard about Jane Got A Gun recently. I’m not always moved to watch Westerns, but I find the premise of this intriguing. If I hear good things about it later, I’ll probably give it a try. I didn’t even know the 5th Wave was a book, so now I feel like reading it rather than watching the movie. 🙂 I feel apprehensive like you about Batman vs Superman, but I’ll be seeing it. Same about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but I am willing to give it a try. I pray that My Big Fat Greek Wedding is as good as the first one though that seems to be asking too much of a sequel.. Dad’s Army and Hail Ceasar both look quirky and interesting. I have to keep an eye out for them.
Thanks, Dixie-Ann! Westerns aren’t always my ideal genre either, but sometimes I will sit down to watch one and I am a bit interested in this one.
Hope you enjoy the new DC Comics adaptation (even though Batman and Superman might be dueling in some way – like what!?) and P+P+Z. I’m definitely going to see that one… at some point. But first I’d best read the book!
…and I agree about ‘Dad’s Army’ and ‘Hail, Ceaser!’ Sometimes I enjoy those quirky movies. Hope we both like them!