#10: Midnight Special (March 18, Warner Bros.)
The wild card pick of this list. Director Jeff Nichols, based on the trailer, is seemingly trying to bring a 80's Steven Spielberg feel here. From the older cars to some older gadgets, it is definitely looking like this film is trying to be a more old-fashioned sci-fi flick. Plus, its got a great cast including Michael Shannon (Man of Steel), Joel Edgerton (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man trilogy) and Adam Driver (Star Wars: The Force Awakens). This could prove to be a real hidden gem for 2016.
Here is the link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVgxxdu-gJc
#9: The Little Prince (March 18, Paramount)
The trailer for this movie wowed me, boasting some of the most impressive animation I've seen (stop-motion/paper-esque). Also, even though the voice cast is impressive (Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, James Franco, Paul Rudd and Marion Cotillard among the cast), what's really making me excited is the slightly mature sensibility of the feel of the overall film (message on growing up, for example). Pixar could definitely have a major competitor this year for animation.
Here is the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihi491RQo5A
#8: The BFG (July 1, Disney/Amblin)
The first-ever collaboration between the Mouse House and acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, who wouldn't want to miss that? Really? And its an adaptation of a popular children's book. The trailer felt like a mix of Jack the Giant Slayer, Harry Potter and the Disney live-action fairy tales. Also, its the final script written by E.T. scribe Melissa Matheson before her passing. This could be the breakout hit of the summer.
Here is the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG5MtenlP-A
#7: Kung Fu Panda 3 (January 29, Fox/DreamWorks)
An animated sequel I have been waiting 5 years for, as Kung Fu Panda 2 left me hungry for more. I have high hopes that the 5 years were spent on crafting (or building upon) a great story. The entire voice cast is back, and a few additions including Bryan Cranston and J.K. Simmons are strong additions. DreamWorks Animation had a decent film last year in Home, here's to hoping this keeps the animation studio's upward streak going.
Here is the link for the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqN7nHM1YTA
#6: God's Not Dead 2 (April 1, Pure Flix)
God's Not Dead was one of 2014's biggest surprises, and the only movie of that year I saw twice. And its all because of its timely message, that oppression against religious freedom is growing in this nation. God's Not Dead 2 is much more of a different story, taking the case to a place more dear to my heart, the classroom (as I am studying to be an elementary school teacher in college).
Here is the trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxz-Y-c2UUc
#5: Moana (November 23, Disney)
The next musical fairy tale(ish) adventure for the Mouse House, Moana changes tone to the Polynesian islands. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson voices and sings the male lead, Maui, which should definitely be interesting. Another sign of strength for this interesting title is that veteran Disney directors Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin) are behind it. Definitely very excited to see how this one turns out!
Here is a look at who will be voicing Moana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pylCYlsjEK0
#4: Miracles from Heaven (March 18, Sony/Columbia)
Heaven is for Real was one of my favorite movies from 2014. Upon hearing about this movie's story, I was immediately hooked. Plus, Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green) and Queen Latifah (the Ice Age movies) are on board. 2016 has a handful of faith-based films coming in the first few months, and this one, so far, looks the most impressive.
Take a look at the trailer using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CldGTG6iVrU
#3: Alice Through the Looking Glass (May 27, Disney)
Disney's next major live-action fairy tale (well, save for The Jungle Book I guess) looks, as expected, visually exciting and stunning. Alice in Wonderland isn't their strongest live-action fairy tale, but it was certainly their most unique. Tim Burton steps down to being a producer here, as James Bobin (The Muppets) takes over as director. I'm very excited to see how the interesting characters from the first movie will be used in this one.
Here is the trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiEG3Zr_Jxs
#2: Captain America: Civil War (May 6, Marvel/Disney)
The first installment in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe blew me away with its first trailer. Great visual effects, great tension, and by far the most interesting plot in a year where superheroes are battling, well, each other! Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and last year's great Avengers: Age of Ultron all took credit for creatively upping the ante for Marvel's film quality. This is definitely looking like it will do the same (with Black Panther, Ant-Man and Spider-Man all joining in the fight as well!)
Here is the trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVdV-lxRPFo
#1: Finding Dory (June 17, Pixar/Disney)
If anyone knows me well enough, they will not be surprised to see this at #1. In fact, it was locked in for #1 for 2016 ever since it was announced for a June release. Finding Nemo is one of my favorite movies, and the very first one I experienced on the big screen at 8 years old. The first trailer was almost perfect. It was whimsical, sweet, funny, and maybe just a tad bit short. Pixar hit a creative (though somewhat complex) high last year with Inside Out, but hit a bit of a speed bump with The Good Dinosaur. Finding Dory, I have a feeling, will be the one to return them to fantastic, all-ages storytelling.
Here's a look at that trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JNLwlcPBPI
Honorable Mentions:
The Jungle Book
The Secret Life of Pets
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Zootopia
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Pete's Dragon
Risen
The Finest Hours
The Young Messiah
Ice Age: Collision Course
Doctor Strange
Top 10 of 2015 coming later today. More end-of-year reports coming Saturday.
