With this year's Oscar nominations recently released, people have been talking about movies and the ones that are going to be released in 2016. 2015 was a pretty good year for movies overall, and maybe Leonardo DeCaprio will finally win that Oscar. But I've been looking ahead at movies coming out this year, and I'm very excited for many of them. Here's a list of the ones I will definitely be seeing in theaters.
1. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"
Normally I'm not one to get excited about classic spin-offs, especially when they throw zombies into the mix. However, this movie is also based on a book, and the book is actually pretty good. The movie seems very action-packed yet still keeps the feeling of a Jane Austen novel.
2. "Deadpool"
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Marvel movie fan, and I absolutely can't wait to see "Deadpool." Plus Ryan Reynolds as a sarcastic, inappropriate superhero just sounds fantastic. This movie is going to be a little different than other previous Marvel films, but that's what is going to make it really standout.
3. "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"
"Allegiant" is the third installment of the "Divergent" series. Just like "Harry Potter" and "The Hunger Games," the filmmakers are splitting the third book into two films so this will be part one. I read this series over the summer, and I enjoyed it. It might actually be one series where I like the movies a little better. If you haven't read the books, I recommend them—especially if you're looking for a quick read filled with action.
4. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2"
When I heard they were finally making a sequel to this film, I couldn't contain my excitement. I grew up watching "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" with my mom and sister, and it's one of our favorite movies to watch together. The story is really heartwarming, and the entire cast is hilarious. I'm excited to see where they take this sequel.
5. "I Saw the Light"
One of the main reasons this is on my list is because of a brilliant actor named Tom Hiddleston. If you don't know who he is, look him up. You won't be disappointed. This film tells the story of Hank Williams and his growing music career. The film has gotten a lot of press so far and has been at some independent music festivals. It will soon be released to theaters so everyone can enjoy it.
6. "Captain America: Civil War"
I almost don't want to see this movie because of the fact that Iron Man and Captain America are going against each other. It's so sad! At least for a fan of the films like me. If you've seen the trailer for this film and are interested, I suggest watching at least the first two Captain America films to get a better understanding of the plot. One reason I like Marvel films so much is that they are all connected in some way or another.
7. "The Conjuring 2"
This one is for all of you horror fans out there. The original "Conjuring" was one of the scariest movies I've ever seen, and I watch a lot of horror films. Much of it is based on true events, which gives it the feel that it could happen to you in real life. Along with the original, the sequel follows Lorraine and Ed Warren, two psychic investigators who take on extreme cases of spiritual and demonic activity. The first film was amazing, so I'm hoping the second one will be just as good if not better!
8. "Finding Dory"
This movie has me returning to my childhood a little bit. "Finding Nemo" was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid and one that I distinctly remember seeing in theaters because it was so funny. How can you go wrong with Ellen DeGeneres voicing a fish with short term memory loss? If "Finding Dory" is anything like "Finding Nemo," it will be a huge hit.
9. "Inferno"
"Inferno" is the third book in "The Da Vinci Code" series by Dan Brown. I didn't think they were going to continue the series as films, but I found this out and was thrilled. The series is one of my favorites, and the films so far have been really good. Tom Hanks plays Robert Langdon, a professor specializing in the knowledge of ancient symbols and history. He travels all over the world solving different cases that involve groups like the Illuminati, the Catholic Church, Leonardo da Vinci, etc. I'm hoping this film will be just as fascinating as the others!
10. "Doctor Strange"
Here's another Marvel film I couldn't help adding to the list. This one stars Benedict Cumberbatch, another excellent actor. In the story, a doctor with a tarnished reputation and career meets a sorcerer who trains him to be a superhero of sorts and defend the world. I don't know much about the story besides that, but if Cumberbatch is in the film, I know it's going to be good!
11. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"
We are finally getting a little dose of the Harry Potter world in film again! This story follows Newt Scamander, a wizard in 1920s New York City. I love that J.K. Rowling made this story because of its historical elements, but also because it expands the wizarding world for us. It will have all kinds of Potter fans rushing to the theaters.
There are going to be plenty of more great movies released in 2016, and some of these might not even be my favorites once I see them. However, they are some of the films I'm most excited for, as many of you are I'm sure!