The Most Anticipated Films Of 2019
All throughout 2018, we either heard rumors about or saw previews for countless upcoming films. Whether they were original movies, sequels, or remakes, many of them have been the talk of the town since they were first announced. However, to our dismay, we learned that many of these movies weren't expected to come out until 2019. Well, 2019 is finally here, which means that those movies we've been so desperate to see will finally be released at some point in the next 365 days. There are more than enough to keep us busy all year, so check out the most highly anticipated movies of 2019.
It: Chapter 2
It: Chapter 2 is the sequel to the 2017 film It, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name as well as the miniseries released in 1990. According to Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, "Twenty-seven years after the horrific events of the summer of 1989, It returns. The Losers' Club fulfill their promises and return to Derry to put an end to the shape-shifting beast once and for all."
While the film includes all of the original cast, James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Jay Ryan, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, James Ransone, and Andy Bean portray adult versions of The Losers Club. The film is expected to be released on September 6, 2019.
The Lion King
One of the most talked about film among millennials and even their parents is the remake of The Lion King. The film is a photorealistic computer animated remake of Disney's traditionally animated 1994 film, expected to be released on July 19, 2019. The trailer for the film was released on Thanksgiving day and was viewed 224.6 million times in the first 24 hours, making in the 2nd most viewed trailer in that amount of time.
Directed by Jon Favreau after his success with the remake of The Jungle Book in 2016, the film also has a knockout cast including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogan, and James Earl Jones to name a few.
Rocketman
Expected to be released in the UK on June 21 and in the US on May 31, Rocketman is a 2019 British musical biopic based on the life of Elton John. While the film was announced in 2012, it went through numerous actors and directors until it settled on Dexter Fletcher as director and Taron Egerton as John.
The film follows John's life beginning as an excelling musician at the the Royal Academy of Music through his legendary and trying musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
Toy Story 4
2019 is going to be a busy year for Disney, as they're also releasing Toy Story 4, yet another movie that is appealing to both older and younger generations. The film picks up where Toy Story 3 left off with the characters in the care of the little girl Bonnie after Andy gave them to her before going off to college.
Set to be released on June 21, 2019, it will feature the original cast members of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, as well as Annie Potts and John Cusack as Bo Peep and Jessie. New characters will be voiced by Tony Hal, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, and Keanu Reeves.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Director Quentin Tarantino is back with his ninth film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Featuring a star-studded cast of Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie, the film is set in Los Angeles in 1969, around the time of the infamous Charles Manson murders.
It follows a struggling television actor (DiCaprio) along with his good friend and stunt double (Pitt) as the two attempt to make it big in the Hollywood film industry. The film is scheduled to be released on July 26, 2019.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
Based on the 2016 video game of the same name, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu tells the story of a missing detective's son working with his father's former Pokémon to help solve the case of his disappearance.
The film stars Ryan Reynolds as the voice and facial motion capture of Pikachu with Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, and Ken Watanabe in live-action roles. With Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures working with The Pokémon Company, they have been able to create the first American live-action Pokémon. The film is set to be released on May 10, 2019.
Glass
Directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Glass is a superhero thriller that is scheduled to come to theatres on January 18, 2019. The film will complete what is known as the Eastrail 177 trilogy, following the previous films Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016).
Shamyalan originally wanted to do a sequel to Unbreakable, yet after writing Split, realized the capability to make a trilogy all within the Unbreakable Universe. Prominent characters from both preceding movies will reprise their roles and come together in this anticipated final film.
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame, is based on the Marvel Comics superhero team known as the Avengers. It is part of the Avengers series which includes The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and Avengers: Infinity War.
Although the film was announced in 2014, it was originally titled Infinity War - Part 2, yet the title was removed in 2016 and announced to be Endgame in 2018. The film set to be released on April 26, 2019, and in 2018 was named the second-most anticipated film of 2019 and the most anticipated superhero movie of all time.
Pet Sematary
Pet Sematary is yet another one of Stephen King's novels to come to the big screen in 2019. Set to be released on April 5, 2019, it's the second adaptation of King's book as there was a first in 1989.
The film follows a doctor that moves the family from a big city to the rural countryside where he discovers they live near a pet cemetery. However, the cemetery lies on top of an ancient burial ground. So, when his son dies tragically, he takes his body to the pet cemetery where it is resurrected in a demonic form.
Joker
Based on the DC Comics character the Joker, the film of the same name stars Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and is expected to be released October 4, 2019. It is intended to be the first film in a series that are based on DC characters although are not connected to the DC Extended Universe.
The film is set in 1981 and follows a failed stand-up comedian who turns sour because of society and is driven into madness, becoming a psychopathic criminal mastermind. The script from the film is said to have been inspired from The King of Comedy, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and the graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke.
Dumbo
Yet another highly anticipated Disney remake we can expect in 2019 is the beloved Dumbo. Directed by Tim Burton, the film is loosely based on Disney's animated 1951 version, which was adapted from the novel by Helen Aberson and Harold Pearl.
The film is set to be released on March 29, 2019, and stars Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, and Alan Arkin. With Burton calling the shots, there's no doubt that this film will be incredibly unique, and provide a whole new look into the story of Dumbo.
Godzilla: King Of The Monsters
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is expected to come out on May 31, 2019, making it the 35th Godzilla movie in the franchise and third to be made in a Hollywood studio. It is a sequel to the 2014 Godzilla and stars Stranger Thing's Millie Bobby Brown among other notable actors.
The film follows the cryptic-zoological agency Monarch as they witness Godzilla face off with ancient super-species that were thought to be only myth. However, the creature's battle for dominance puts the fate of the human race at risk. The film will be followed up Godzilla vs. Kong which is estimated to be released in 2020.
Aladdin
Disney is on roll in 2019 with their remakes, as they're also doing a live-action remake of Aladdin. The film will be an adaptation of their 1992 animated film, which, in turn, is loosely based on the Arabic folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights.
Aladdin is played by Mena Massoud who is joined by other actors including Will Smith, Naomi Scott, Navid Negahban, among others. The film is anticipated to be released on May 24, 2019, replacing Star Wars Episode IX's original release date.
John Wick 3: Parabellum
John Wick 3: Parabellum, otherwise known as John Wick: Chapter 3, is the third film in the John Wick series after John Wick and John Wick: Chapter 2. The film is directed by Chad Stahelski and stars Keanu Reeves, who had been the series' protagonist from the start.
According to Collider, John Wick is still on the run following his assassination of a member of the High Table in The Continental, and with a $14 million global contract on him. Banned from every Continental service, John's objective is to fight his way out of New York City. The film is supposed to be released May 17, 2019.
The Upside
The Upside is a remake of the 2011 French film The Intouchables, which was based on the life of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo. The film stars Bryan Cranston who is a paralyzed billionaire and his unlikely caretaker played by Kevin Hart, who is a paroled convict. It is the third remake of The Intouchables after the Argentinian and Indian versions.
Since 2011, the film went through numerous potential directors and actors until finally landing Cranston, Hart, and Director Neil Burger. After being sold to STX and Lantern Entertainment, the film is planned to be released on January 11, 2019.
Men In Black: International
Estimated to be released on June 4, 2019, Men in Black: International is a spin-off from the previous Men in Black films. The movie stars Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, and Liam Neeson, with numerous notable actors playing supporting roles. Discussion of a fourth film began not long after the completion of the third Men in Black in the franchise.
The plot of the film involves London-based Men in Black secret agents that end up traveling the globe in order to solve a murder mystery. From the looks of it, fans of the franchise will be pleased with film's premise and execution.
Frozen 2
After the incredible success of Frozen in 2013, Disney couldn't pass up the chance to bring audiences back to Arendelle. So, in 2015, it was announced that Frozen 2 was in the works with Chris Buck and Jenniffer Lee returning as directors.
They claim that they wouldn't have returned for a sequel unless they had an idea that would really move the story forward and that the sequel wouldn't be created for the sole purpose of making money. While work on the film began as far back as 2015, the film is said to be released on November 22, 2019.
Captain Marvel
Set to be released on March 8, 2019, Captain Marvel will be the 21st film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first Marvel Studio's film to have a female lead character played by Brie Larson.
The film is set in 1995, where former US Air For fighter pilot Carol Danvers becomes Captain Marvel after the world is thrown into the middle of a galactic conflict between two warring alien worlds. The movie also borrows elements from Roy Thomas' 1971 "Kree-Skull War" comic book storyline
Star Wars: Episode IX
Directed by JJ Abrams, Star Wars IX will be the third and last film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy following The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. It was also announced that it will be the last film in the Skywalker Saga and will take place one year after the events of The Last Jedi.
After Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, all three movies in the trilogy were announced that same year. Filming then began in 2018, and the expected release date of the film is December 20, 2019.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, is a direct sequel to the computer-animated film The Lego Movie from 2014. Although it is the fourth film in the Lego Movie franchise, it will also follow the spin-offs The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie, both which were released in 2017.
Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day, and Alison Brie will be reprising their roles, along with the addition of new actors. The movie will be released on February 8, 2019.
Five Feet Apart
Riverdale fans can hardly wait to see Cole Sprouse in Five Feet Apart. In this romantic drama set to debut on March 15, 2019, Haley Lu Richardson stars as Stella, a teen cystic fibrosis patient who meets and falls in love with a boy with the same disease (played by Sprouse).
Because of their precarious condition, they must maintain a safe distance from each other but as their affections grow stronger, so does their willingness to throw caution to the wind. It is Richardson's second lead role after starring in 2017's Columbus, for which she was nominated for an Gotham Independent Film Award.
What Men Want
If you've ever wondered what life would be like if you could hear other people's thoughts, then you might want to catch Taraji P. Henson in What Men Want. Henson plays a sports agent who struggles to get a word in in her male-dominated field. But after she gains the ability to hear others' thoughts, she certainly gains a leg up at her job – but at the cost of her personal relationships.
What Men Want is set to come out on February 8, 2019 and also stars Tracy Morgan and Shaquille O'Neal.
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Set to release in the United States on February 22, 2019, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is the third and final installment in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. Fans will get to see Hiccup and his dragon Toothless for the third time as they embark on a new adventure to find the mythical "Hidden World," a safe haven for dragons.
The film has already been released in Australia, grossing $1.5 million on its opening day. Rotten Tomatoes already has an approval rating of 100%, so this movie is sure to please the kids.
The Rhythm Section
Hot off the heels of 2018's A Simple Favor, Blake Lively is returning to the big screen with The Rhythm Section. Lively plays Stephanie Patrick, a woman who assumes the identity of an assassin to uncover the truth behind a plane crash that killed her entire family.
Production of this international spy thriller was temporarily halted when Lively suffered a hand injury early in 2018 while filming on location at the set in Dublin, Ireland. The Rhythm Section will now debut on February 22, 2019 and also stars Jude Law and Max Casella.
Isn't It Romantic
Australia's own Rebel Wilson is slated to star in Isn't It Romantic just in time for Valentine's Day on February 13, 2019. Wilson plays an architect who, after suffering a head injury, reawakens to find that everything in her life plays out like a romantic comedy movie.
This 2019 rom-com also stars heartthrob Liam Hemsworth, funnyman Adam DeVine, and the ravishing Priyanka Chopra. Isn't It Romantic is sure to be a laugh-packed riot, especially with a comedic mainstay like Wilson at its helm. We wouldn't be surprised if its one of the most quotable movies of the year.
Wonder Park
A young girl named June used to spend her days dreaming up a wild and wonderful amusement park with talking animals called Wonderland. After growing up and losing her sense of imagination, June returns home to discover that Wonderland has manifested into a real place in the woods. She then makes it her mission to bring the park back to life.
This 3D-animated film features Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, Ken Jeong, Mila Kunis, and Brianna Denski as June. Nickelodeon will debut a television series based on the film, which is set to premiere on March 15, 2019.
Hellboy
After 2008's Hellboy II: The Golden Army, people expected to see the release of a third film, Hellboy III: Dark Worlds. In 2017, however, it was announced that the entire movie was canceled and instead, producers decided to reboot the entire series. The change came after Guillermo del Toro wasn't given full writer-director capacity and he decided to leave the project. Ron Perlman, who starred as the original Hellboy left with del Toro.
As a result, 2019's Hellboy will now star David Harbour of Stranger Things. The film is directed by Neil Marshall and will come out on April 12, 2019.
Ad Astra
You can't have a year packed with incredible new movies without having a space-oriented film in the mix. Enter Ad Astra, which will come out on May 24, 2019. Brad Pitt stars as Roy McBride, an Army Corps engineer who embarks out on the solar system to find his father, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who left on a one-way mission to Neptune twenty years ago.
This epic sci-fi thriller is directed by James Gray, who wrote the film alongside Ethan Gross. Ad Astra also stars Donald Sutherland, Ruth Negga, and Jamie Kennedy.
The Secret Life Of Pets 2
The Secret Life of Pets 2 sees the return of Jack Russell Terrier named Max and the whereabouts of him and his pet friends as their owners leave for work and school during the day. Louis C.K. was the voice of Max in the first movie, but ostensibly due to the allegations against the disgraced comedian, Patton Oswalt is now the voice of Max.
Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, and much of the original cast will reprise their voice roles from the original film. The Secret Life of Pets 2 comes out on June 7, 2019.
Dark Phoenix
Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner makes her debut in the X-Men universe in Dark Phoenix, the 12th installment in the X-Men film series. Dark Phoenix happens nearly a decade after the events of X-Men: Apocalypse and sees a mutant named Jean Grey whose powers are in full force during a rescue mission in space.
Dark Phoenix comes out on June 7, 2019 and stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicholas Hoult reprising their roles from the previous films. Within 24 hours of the trailer's release, it was viewed eight million times on Fox's YouTube channel.
The New Mutants
X-men fans will be getting a double-treat in 2019 as they will also see the release of The New Mutants. Based on the X-Men series, this horror superhero film sees a new group of young mutants who are held in a top-secret facility against their will as they discover their new abilities.
The New Mutants was originally conceived as the first in a trilogy, but it is also considered the 13th installment of the entire X-Men film series. It stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, Charlie Heaton, Henry Zaga, Blu Hunt, and Alice Braga.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 2
Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas will be reprising their roles as the five high-school-students-turned-jungle-explorers from 2017's Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Made as a sequel to the original 1995 film, the 2017 re-imagining grossed over $962 million worldwide and was surprisingly a success among critics.
It's no surprise that Sony is banking off that success by having a third installment in the works. Filming reportedly began in January 2019 and the film has a release date set for December 13, 2019. Awkwafina, Danny DeVito, and Danny Glover will join the cast.
Serenity
Moviegoers looking for something a little more intense might be interested in Steven Knight's neo-noir thriller Serenity. The film stars Matthew McConaughey as Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain who is approached by his ex-wife, played by Anne Hathaway, to murder her new husband, played by Jason Clarke. Diane Lane, Djimon Hounsou, and Jeremy Strong also star.
Serenity has a release date scheduled for January 25, 2019. After Ocean's 8, Serenity is another film on the way to Hathaway's return to the screen after a two-year absence following the birth of her son.
Alita: Battle Angel
Manga fans across the United States had to wait over ten years for Alita: Battle Angel to come out. With the film first announced in 2003, it spent many years stuck in development as producer James Cameron was focusing on other projects. Finally, on February 14, 2019, Alita: Battle Angel will make her debut on the big screen.
Based on the original manga comic Gunnm by Yukito Kishiro, this film will wow viewers who can't decide if its live-action or CGI. Rosa Salazar stars as the titular Alita, a cyborg who navigates life in a post-apocalyptic world.
Chaos Walking
Chaos Walking is a sci-fi film based on the young-adult novel The Knife of Never Letting Go, the first part of the Chaos Walking trilogy written by Patrick Ness. In Chaos Walking, a boy name Todd is brought up to believe that all women were ousted by a virus that also gave people the ability to read the minds of other living things.
Todd then finds a "silent patch" caused by a mysterious woman named Viola who doesn't have the special powers. Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley co-star in this film that is set to be released on March 1, 2019.
Us
On March 22, 2019, fans will get to see the next psychological thriller out of the mind of comedian Jordan Peele. Peele's next project sees a family whose vacation at their beach house turns awry when they're visited by an unexpected group of strangers.
Us stars Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Evan Alex, and Shahadi Wright-Joseph as the Wilson family. Considering the groundbreaking success of Get Out, Peele's Us is one of the most highly-anticipated films of 2019 and is likely to be a phenomenal success like its predecessor.
Child's Play
In 2019, Chucky fans will get to decide if the upcoming reboot about the demonic doll was worth making. According to MGM Studios, Child's Play sees "a mother named Karen who gives her son Andy a toy doll for his birthday, unaware of its sinister nature.
Lars Klevberg is the drector behind this slasher film set to come out on June 21, 2019. Aubrey Plazw and Gabriel Bateman will star in this modern-day version of the original 1988 film of the same name. In promotional material for the film, it was revealed that Chucky has also gotten an updated look.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
In early 2019, Sony Pictures released the teaser trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home. The trailer garnered 130 million views within 24 hours of its release, likely because of Marvel fans who were looking for spoilers or clues as to what happens in Avengers: Endgame. Aside from the knowledge that this "Spidey" sequel allegedly takes place after Endgame, fans weren't clued in to much besides the introduction of Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio.
Aside from Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Marisa Tomei reprising their roles, Samuel L. Jackson and Cobie Smulders also appear as S.H.I.E.L.D. This movie comes out on July 5, 2019.
Artemis Fowl
Folks who grew up reading the Artemis Fowl fantasy fiction book series will get to see the story come to life in a film of the same name in 2019. Based on the novel by Irish author Eoin Colfer, the film Artemis Fowl follows Artemis Fowl II as he seeks to find and rob fairies in an effort to rescue his criminal father.
Young actor Ferdia Shaw will star as the titular character alongside Lara McDonnell, Nonso Anozie, Judi Dench, and Josh Gad. Artemis Fowl will debut in theaters on August 9, 2019.
The Addams Family
The Addams Family will be re-imagined in a 3D computer-animated comedy film based on the original comics by Charles Addams. Set to release during Halloween season on October 18, 2019, the movie will feature Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Finn Wolfhard as the voices of the titular family. Nick Kroll, Bette Midler, and Allison Janney are also in the film.
This fun, animated version sees everyone's favorite macabre family as they prepare their home for extended family, all the while facing off against a greedy reality host voiced by Janney.
