Top Ten Most Anticipated Films of 2021
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Top Ten Most Anticipated Films of 2021
Because of the pandemic, 2021 is probably going to be an overstuffed year as we are going to see both movies originally planned for this year, but also those that were delayed in 2020. Thus, for this list I will repeat those big films that I had been expecting before while also adding some new ones in this odd, but interesting variety.
10. The King’s Man
I loved the first ‘Kingsman’ movie. Although the second one was not even close to the quality of the first, it was still wildly entertaining. This one is supposed to be a prequel to the entire franchise. It sounds very interesting and it has a strong potential to breathe new life into this fun spy franchise.
9. In the Heights
In the Heights follows a Dominican neighborhood in Washington, and it is being directed by John Chu. It is based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s eponymous Broadway musical, so I do expect at least great music from it. Judging by the trailer, it is off to a great, very entertaining start. Let’s hope that it reignites this flailing genre.
8. Shang-Chi
This is going to be the first Marvel movie with an Asian superhero. Yes, many are against a stereotypical martial arts approach for this flick, but I personally love martial arts action, so I really think that this one has genuine potential for some badass action scenes and a really fun time to be had in the theater.
7. The Last Duel
Starring Adam Driver and Matt Damon, The Last Duel is hopefully going to be this epic historical movie that is set in 14th century France and it sees two friends having to fight each other to the death. Ridley Scott previously directed an epic in ‘Kingdom of Heaven’, so color me intrigued for this one as well.
6. Encanto
We do not know a lot about this movie, but the premise alone sounds a lot of fun. It is going to be a Latin-heavy musical and I am all for it. Lin-Manuel Miranda previously did the soundtrack for ‘Moana’, which to me was excellent, so I cannot wait to hear this one too. If it is released during 2021, it will be the first year after 2016 where we got two Disney animated films.
5. A Quiet Place Part II
‘A Quiet Place’ was undeniably one of the best films of 2018. Coming two years afterward, this sequel is less likely to be as great as the original, but I would be happy for it to at least be good. The trailer came out (now a long time ago) and it was actually excellent. So yes, though at first skeptical, I am now quite hopeful for this sequel.
4. The Eternals
Yes, an MCU film actually got a high placement from me, and it is not difficult to understand why. The Eternals is first and foremost a new, original IP for the studio, but it also sounds so much like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, which I adore, and it is set to feature a whole new, fun cast of characters, plus it is set in space. What is not to love here? Let’s hope Zhao doesn’t ruin it.
3. Luca
Luca is going to be this incredibly charming, beautiful animated movie about two brothers having an adventure in Italy. It looks and sounds like pure magic. Yes, it does seem like Pixar is copying Studio Ghibli this time, but because I just adore that studio’s output, I am undoubtedly looking forward to this one as well. Having in mind that both ‘Soul’ and ‘Onward’ were excellent, Pixar is truly turning a new leaf and I am happy for them.
2. Raya and the Last Dragon
Raya and the Last Dragon is the first original Disney project since 2016’s ‘Moana’. Needless to say, I am pumped for it. The concept art came out last year and it looked absolutely stunning. If done right, this may turn out to be another blockbuster hit for them, and another original epic fantasy feature that I’m probably gonna eat up.
1. Dune
Undoubtedly my most anticipated film of 2020 and now 2021 is the new Dune. Dennis Villeneuve is the director, and that alone gets my hopes dangerously high. He is an amazing SF director, and this book is a genre classic that needs to be adapted properly into cinematic form. The cast is great, and everything looks super promising for now. Let’s hope they don’t mess it up, and that we get a new great franchise out of this.
Honorable Mentions:
Woman in the Window – This one sounds like another amazing thriller similar to ‘Gone Girl’ and I am all up for it for now.
The Conjuring 3 – The first movie is a classic by now and the second one was quite good too, so obviously I cannot wait for the third chapter in this venerable horror franchise.
Death on the Nile – I liked the new ‘Orient Express’, so I am looking forward to the next chapter in the Kenneth Branagh-Agatha Christie cinematic universe. Yes, that’s a thing now.
