Several amazing movies brought us to the cinema in 2018, including Marvel’s Black Panther, Gaga’s A Star is Born, and Disney’s The Incredibles 2.
Heading into a new year at the movies, there are a few things we can be sure about. We can be sure that Avengers: Endgame is going to be a box-office hit like no other. We can be sure of the nostalgia that will be inspired by the remakes of Disney classics Dumbo, Aladdin, and The Lion King. We can also be sure that there’ll be something for everyone! Not to leave you out of anything, here is a list of the best 10 movies (in a Media Arts and Cultures student’s opinion) coming out in 2019.
1) Captain Marvel
Set in the mid-1990s, this movie follows Captain Marvel on her journey from fighter pilot to intergalactic hero. Captain Marvel stars Brie Larson who has reinvented herself repeatedly throughout her career, from indie darling (Short Term 12) to Oscar-certified serious actress (Room) to director (Unicorn Store). Now, she adds being a superhero to her growing resume.
Release date: March 8, 2019
2) Avengers EndGame
Even if you are not a Marvel fan, you have to admit that Avengers: Endgame is one of the most anticipated films of 2019. The movie is Marvel’s 22nd film and will end the current Marvel narrative. What exactly is Black Widow and Captain America’s plan? Where’s Nebula? Why is Tony Stark about to die on the Guardian’s ship? All of these questions will be answered this coming April when Avengers: Endgame premieres in North America.
Release date: April 26, 2019.
3) The Lion King
Perhaps the most anticipated of Disney’s remakes of its animated classics, The Lion King will bring together an amazing cast of voice actors. Donald Glover and Beyoncé (!) voice Simba and Nala; Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen are Timon and Pumbaa; Chiwetel Ejiofor voices Scar; and James Earl Jones reprises his role as Mufasa. Simba’s adventures in the jungles of Africa will hit North American cinemas this summer.
Release date: July 19, 2019.
4) Rocketman
Are you an Elton John fan? This is a movie you can’t miss. This British musical drama directed by Dexter Fletcher portrays the early years of Elton John’s singer-songwriter career. The actor Otto Bathurst, who recently played Robin Hood in Robin Hood (2018), stars as Sir Elton. The film Rocketman receives the title from John’s 1972 song of the same name.
Release date: May 31, 2019.
5) Men In Black: International
One of the most famous franchises in the movie industry is back in 2019. The fourth movie in the franchise is based on the early 90s comic book series. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are swapped out for Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth, costars of Thor: Ragnarok.
Release date: June 14, 2019.
6) Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Even though Quentin Tarantino announced his retirement after his 2015 film The Hateful Eight, he’s back with another potential masterpiece! Tarantino is perhaps one of the most famous American directors of all times, so a movie directed by him had to be on this list. The film stars American movie stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie.
Release date: July 26, 2019.
7) Joker
Did you think I was only going to list Marvel superhero movies? Joker is an upcoming American crime film distributed by Warner Bros. that, as the name suggests, is based on the DC Comics character the Joker. It takes a courageous performer to embody a character who has become so thoroughly intertwined with Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Night (2009). The film, however, is meant to be a standalone entry in the DC universe with no connection to the Leto or Ledger films. We will be able to see Joaquin Phoenix’s performance of the DC villain later on in 2019.
Release date: Oct. 4, 2019.
8) Star Wars: Episode XI
Star Wars fans are itching to see the final film in the sequel trilogy. The major cast of Star Wars: Episode XI includes several big names returning to the franchise, such as Billy Dee Williams playing the iconic Lando Calrissian. Episode XI is scheduled to hit theaters in the winter, more specifically in December 2019.
Release date: Dec. 20, 2019.