This year is shaping up to be a big one for film.  When all the studios started slating their franchises, sequels, and reboots, it seemed like a fair share of them fell into the 2015 release calendar.  Indeed, a number of high-profile studio releases will hit theaters this year (though 2015’s three superhero movies pales in comparison to 2016’s six), but we’re also poised to get a pleasant variety of dramas and comedies, from the high profile to the small-scale, and—gasp—even a couple of original stories!  And when it comes to talent, this year's crop of films includes new works from Richard Linklater, Guillermo del Toro, Terrence Malick, J.J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Danny Boyle, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, Noah Baumbach, Cameron Crowe, Brad Bird, and many, many more.With so much on tap for 2015, Adam, Matt, Perri, and Haleigh have put together a list of some of their most anticipated movies set for release this year, divided up into handy categories: original films, sequels, dramas, and comedies.  Peruse through the selection after the jump.*Movies are listed in order of release date.

Most Anticipated Original Films

Chappie

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Director: Neill Blomkamp

Cast: Sharlto Copley, Hugh Jackman, Dev Patel, Ninja and Yo-Landi Vi$$er, Jose Pablo Cantillo and Sigourney Weaver

Release Date: March 6th

Why I’m Excited: Chappie’s a self-aware robot who’s afraid of spilt milk, plays with dogs, watches Masters of the Universe and has an insanely sweet look on his face.  How can you not fall for him?  My thing for cute pet-like characters aside, Chappie looks to be powered by the vital thing that Elysium was sorely missing, a genuine, human connection to the main character.  Based on Chappie’s first trailer it seems as though there’s a good shot that the full feature will be much more in line with District 9, exploring a highly imaginative big scenario, but in a heartfelt, character-centric manner. – Perri Nemiroff

Tomorrowland

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Director: Brad Bird

Cast: Britt Robertson, George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Kathryn Hahn, and Tim McGraw

Release Date: May 22nd

Why I’m Excited: Original stories are extremely hard to come by in Hollywood, especially of the big studio blockbuster variety.  But here we are, with an original screenplay co-written by Damon Lindelof and an ambitious, somewhat mysterious premise hinting at some sort of connection to the Disney theme park of the same name.  Bird absolutely knocked his live-action debut out of the park with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, so I’m eager to see what he can do in the sci-fi realm with Tomorrowland.  And as a fan of Lindelof’s work as well, I’m looking forward to a story that’s equally affecting on both a plot and character/emotional level. – Adam Chitwood

Inside Out

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Director: Pete Docter

Voice Cast: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, and Kaitlyn Dias

Release Date: June 19th

Why I’m Excited: Can Pixar return to greatness, or has that time passed?  Toy Story 3 didn't have the lasting impact of the first two, Cars 2 is abysmal, Brave is okay, and Monsters University is fun but doesn't hold up well on repeat viewings.  Up was the last excellent Pixar movie, and the new film from its director Pete Docter, Inside Out, has a tremendous amount of potential.  The latest trailer hinted at the humor and cleverness we came to expect from Pixar movies, and while I don't know if it will begin a new chapter for the studio, it still looks like it could be a terrific movie. – Matt Goldberg

Crimson Peak

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Director: Guillermo del Toro

Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, Mia Wasikowska, Doug Jones, and Javier Botet

Release Date: October 16th

Why I’m Excited: It's been nearly a decade since Guillermo del Toro created mythology all his own and delivered a film aimed squarely at adults, and that has always been where his brilliance shines brightest.  For the first time since Pan's Labyrinth we get to travel into the whimsical and grim mind of Del Toro, and I can't wait.  This time he's taking on the Haunted House and Gothic Romance subgenres, supported by a wonderful cast that includes, most importantly, Doug Jones and Javier Botet as the ghosts and specters of Crimson Peak; two men who are basically the Pacino and De Niro of being creepy on film. – Haleigh Foutch

Midnight Special

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Director: Jeff Nichols

Cast: Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Jaeden Lieberher, Bill Camp, Scott Haze, Paul Sparks, and Sam Shepard

Release Date: November 25th

Why I’m Excited: Look, I'll watch anything Jeff Nichols and Michael Shannon do together.  Mud and Take Shelter are among my favorite films of their respective years, and like all the best director/actor duos, there's something in each man that brings out the best in the other.  That said, Midnight Special has the makings to be my favorite of their collaborations yet.  Backed by a supporting cast that includes Joel Edgerton, Sam Shepard, and Kirsten Dunst, Midnight Special is Nichols’ first studio film and sounds like it's shaping up to be his most accessible film to date.  Nichols has described it as a modern day sci-fi chase film inspired by the works of John Carpenter (particularly Starman).  That sounds amazing. – Haleigh Foutch

That’s What I’m Talking About

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Director: Richard Linklater

Cast: Wyatt Russell, Blake Jenner, Zoey Deutch, Will Brittain, and Glen Powell

Release Date: TBA

Why I’m Excited: If ever a filmmaker were on a roll, it would be Richard Linklater.  The guy has made three genuinely great films in a row, and to follow-up one of the most groundbreaking features ever made, Linklater is tapping into the movie that helped launch his career.  Described as a “spiritual sequel” to Dazed and Confused, That's What I'm Talking About follows a college freshman over the course of a single weekend in the 1980s, and Linklater recently said the movie picks up directly where Boyhood leaves off, exploring the experience of entering college life in the filmmaker’s own unique way.  What isn’t there to be excited about? – Adam Chitwood

Continue Reading Collider's Most Anticipated Films of 2015

Most Anticipated Sequels

Furious 7

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Director: James Wan 

Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Kurt Russell, Ludacris, Nathalie Emmanuel, Djimon Hounsou, Lucas Black, and John Brotherton

Release Date: April 10th

Why I’m Excited: I love the Fast and Furious franchise through and through without irony.  Sure, some of the films aren't great, but they've been a reliable, entertaining blockbuster staple from early in my movie-going days.  I loved them when they were street racing dramas, but I love them even more now that they're ensemble heist actioners - and some of the best in the biz at that.  Furious 7 is under the exceptionally dark cloud of Paul Walker's death, but the filmmakers have been respectful of his loss in every way, and if the trailer is any indication, Furious 7 will rise to the challenge mightily.  With Jams Wan taking over at the helm, this has the potential to be the most nail-biting entry yet, as Wan has a great talent for ratcheting up the tension, not to mention Jason Statham is coming in hot as a particularly nefarious villain after that Furious 6 ending.  Still not excited? I've got two words for you: Kurt Russell.  Plus, everybody knows the odd F&F movies are the good ones. – Haleigh Foutch

Avengers: Age of Ultron

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Director: Joss Whedon

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Spader, Stellan Skarsgard, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Paul Bettany and Don Cheadle.

Release Date: May 1st

Why I’m Excited: So how do you top one of the most ambitious feats in cinema history?  How do you surpass a movie that changed how studios approach blockbusters?  Throw in a fast guy, a woman who can manipulate probability, and an army of killer robots, and you're on your way.  The Avengers met incredibly high expectations, and now Avengers: Age of Ultron has to be even better.  Phase Two was a success, but now we're going to see if director Joss Whedon can reassemble this team of superheroes to create something even bigger and bolder than everything that came before. – Matt Goldberg

Mad Max: Fury Road

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Director: George Miller

Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Natahn Jones, Josh Helman, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Riley Keough, and Zoe Kravitz

Release Date: May 15th

Why I’m Excited: Talk about anticipation! Nearly thirty years after Beyond the Thunderdome fans are finally getting a Mad Max sequel (Reboot? Rebootquel?). And, fitting to the film, it's been no easy road.  Mad Max: Fury Road was first set to film in 2011, got delayed by weather, had to recast and relocate due to delays, saw major re-shoots in 2013, but now, finally, it's almost here.  The trailers have been exceptional (the teaser trailer Matt picked as his best trailer of 2014 gives me chills every time I watch it), and reviews out of test screenings have been encouraging, to say the least.  Tom Hardy is the perfect chioce, the only choice, to step into the iconic role.  What's most exciting is thinking about how technology has changed in the last 30 years and what that will allow George Miller to do as a filmmaker (just think of all the places he can put a camera now), and yet Miller has decided to rely primarily on practical effects, which makes me want to leap through space and time just to see this damn thing already.  This is peak anticipation. – Haleigh Foutch

Pitch Perfect 2

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Director: Elizabeth Banks

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Skylar Astin, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Adam Devine, Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, John Michael Higgins, and Katey Segal

Release Date: May 15th

Why I’m Excited:  It’s pretty much impossible to watch Pitch Perfect without a giant smile on your face, so the return of the Barden Bellas in Pitch Perfect 2 is very much welcomed.  The original was incredibly funny and wildly entertaining, and with writer Kay Cannon and the entire cast back for the follow-up we can rest assured that the chemistry and tone will remain intact.  Moreover, since female directors are rarely given the opportunity to helm high profile studio projects, the fact that Elizabeth Banks is directing is kind of a big deal. – Adam Chitwood

Jurassic World 

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Director: Colin Trevorrow

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins, Vincent D’Onofrio, Irrfan Khan, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy and Judy Greer

Release Date: June 12th

Why I’m Excited: Jurassic Park is my favorite movie of all time.  I can vividly remember seeing it in the theater with my family back in 1993, I’ve watched it countless times since and still quote it on a regular basis.  Thanks to my rather intense obsession, if anything falls within the Jurassic Park franchise - books, posters, memorabilia, a new movie, etc. - I want it.  I’ve willingly sat through The Lost World and Jurassic Park III more times than I care to admit so I’ve got my fingers crossed that Colin Trevorrow will go above and beyond with Jurassic World while keeping the concept of a fully operational park well rooted in John Hammond’s original intentions. - Perri Nemiroff

Spectre

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Director: Sam Mendes

Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Lea Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Andrew Scott, and Monica Bellucci

Release Date: November 6th

Why I’m Excited: Skyfall wasn't just one of the best Bond movies; it was a great movie by any standard.  It took the franchise back to its roots, but did so in a way that took us to a new phase of the James Bond franchise even though Daniel Craig was still 007 (the death of Judi Dench's M closed the previous chapter).  Even though we're still in the dark about many of the film's details (shooting just began), Spectre and the implication we might see Bond's arch-nemesis Blofeld feels like an organic next step forward. – Matt Goldberg 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

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Director: J.J. Abrams

Cast: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker

Release Date: December 18th

Why I’m Excited: I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a superfan of the Star Wars franchise, but I’m really looking forward to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  Abrams is an undeniably talented visual storyteller and with this sequel, he gets the opportunity to kick off a new era of a franchise about which he is intensely passionate.  On top of that, the cast here is kind of phenomenal, full of eclectic, talented, and exciting choices.  Lucasfilm appears to have its act together in putting together this new series of films, but nothing in the new era will match the anticipation we have for this long-awaited sequel to Return of the Jedi. – Adam Chitwood

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

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Director: Francis Lawrence

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Jena Malone and Julianne Moore

Release Date: November 20th

Why I’m Excited: I was the only writer who had read Suzanne Collins’ trilogy at a particular outlet back when The Hunger Games film franchise started gaining momentum.  I published my very first article back in 2010, it immediately become “my thing,” I haven’t stopped writing about the films since and I’m quite proud of it.  Every single Hunger Games installment is a quality blockbuster showcasing unforgettable characters in riveting and meaningful scenarios.  There’s absolutely no way Lionsgate will wrap up this franchise without going big, and knowing what’s to come from the remainder of the third book, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 is bound to be one incredibly explosive grand finale. – Perri Nemiroff

Continue Reading Collider's Most Anticipated Films of 2015 

Most Anticipated Dramas

In the Heart of the Sea

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Director: Ron Howard

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Brendan Gleeson, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland and Ben Whishaw

Release Date: March 13th

Why I’m Excited: Have you read the book this film is based on?  If Ron Howard manages to dive into even a fraction of the big personalities and insanely horrific situations Nathaniel Philbrick covers in In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, this movie is bound to be one of the richest and most disturbing disaster movies out there.  With such riveting source material, Anthony Dod Mantle back behind the lens and top talent like Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy and Tom Holland leading the cast, In the Heart of the Sea just has to be an epic rendition of this especially horrific true story. – Perri Nemiroff

The Hateful Eight

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Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth, Demian Bichir, Walton Goggins, and Channing Tatum

Release Date: Fall TBA

Why I’m Excited: I have loved every Quentin Tarantino movie.  I could happily re-watch any of them.  We almost didn't get The Hateful Eight, but after Tarantino cooled off, he decided to restart the project, and now it's moving forward with a fantastic cast and a clever premise that turns Stagecoach on its head, and that head will probably be shot in the face at some point.  The question for Tarantino is if he can keep his streak alive, especially since he's decided to do back-to-back westerns, which will likely invite comparisons to Django Unchained. – Matt Goldberg 

Knight of Cups

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Director: Terrence Malick

Cast: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Antonio Banderas, Brian Denehhey, Isabel Lucas, Imogen Poots, Wes Bentley, Freida Pinto, Teresa Palmer, Armin Mueller-Stahl, and the voice of Ben Kingsley

Release Date: TBA

Why I’m Excited: As late as December we had no idea we’d be getting a new Terrence Malick film in 2015, but a surprise trailer for Knight of Cups dropped just a few weeks ago touting the film’s release.  The Hollywood-set drama follows a disillusioned man, and one thing was certain from the trailer: this is Malick like we’ve never seen him before.  Together with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, he looks to have put together a trippy, hypnotic, downward spiral story, albeit with the director’s signature poetic touch.  Malick doing rave scenes?  Count me in. – Adam Chitwood 

Macbeth

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Director: Justin Kurzel

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine, David Thewlis, Sean Harris, Jack Reynor, and Elizabeth Debicki

Release Date: TBA

Why I’m Excited: The moment I heard Michael Fassbender was cast as the lead, Macbeth became one of my most anticipated films of 2015.  The Scottish Play ranks alongside King Lear and Titus Andronicus as one of Shakespeare's darkest tragedies, and too often adaptations seeks to demonize Macbeth and his Lady outright.  Fortunately, director Justin Kurzel, who proved his aptitude for bleak material with his harrowing film The Snowtown Murders, seems intent on humanizing Macbeth as a traumatized soldier in war-torn 11th century Scotland (I'm utterly delighted that they're sticking to the original setting and most of the original text).  As a fearless actor willing to go as deep and dark as the material requires, Fassbender is exactly the man to take on the challenge this film offers. Marion Cotillard, who always seems so perfectly poised to unravel, is a dream pick for Lady Macbeth (though it will be interesting to hear how she handles Shakespearean verse).  And hiring the ever-intense Sean Harris to play Macduff is a cherry-on-top piece of casting brilliance.  It seems we'll all have to screw our courage to the sticking place for this one. – Haleigh Foutch

Steve Jobs

Director: Danny Boyle

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Seth Rogen, Katherine Waterston, and Michael Stuhlbarg

Release Date: TBA

Why I’m Excited: Of course the Social Network reunion of this project (with David Fincher directing) was perhaps the most enticing possibility of 2015, but the version of the film that is (finally) moving forward isn’t too shabby.  Aaron Sorkin’s script remains, which covers the life of Apple innovator Steve Jobs in three lengthy scenes set around the launches of three major Apple products.  It’s ambitious as hell, but Danny Boyle isn’t one to back down from a challenge and Fassbender is an immensely talented actor, so despite a bit of a rocky road to production, this unique biopic remains one of the most exciting films of 2015. – Adam Chitwood 

Continue Reading Collider's Most Anticipated Films of 2015

Most Anticipated Comedies

Hot Tub Time Machine 2

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Director: Steve Pink

Cast: Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry, Clark Duke, and Chevy Chase, Adam Scott and Gillian Jacobs

Release Date: February 20th

Why I’m Excited: This just looks like a lot of fun.  Rob Corddry, Clark Duke, and Craig Robinson had killer chemistry in the first film, and while I was initially worried how that chemistry would read without John Cusack playing straight man, the first two trailers for Hot Tub Time Machine 2 have dispatched all my doubts handily.  Director Steve Pink and writer Josh Heald are taking full advantage of the concept of a hot tub time machine this time, bouncing through time periods and alternate realities, and with Adam Scott and Gillian Jacobs they've added two of today's most delightful comedic actors to the mix. – Haleigh Foutch

Spy

Director: Paul Feig

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Jason Statham, Bobby Cannavale, Peter Serafinowicz, and Allison Janney

Release Date: May 22nd

Why I’m Excited: I don't know if I'd qualify Spy as my most-anticipated comedy of 2015, but it's not a sequel and Bridesmaids director Paul Feig is 2-for-3 when it comes to his feature comedies (we shall forget Unaccompanied Minors exists).  His last two films also featured hilarious female leads, and this one follows the trend by having Melissa McCarthy (who has done her best work with Feig) playing “a CIA analyst who goes into the field to find the person responsible for the death of her lover.”  Spy has the added bonus of putting Jason Statham in a comedy where he'll play an "over-confident but clumsy spy."  Watching Statham bumble around is a rare treat we might only see once in our lifetimes. – Matt Goldberg

Minions

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Directors: Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda

Voice Cast: Sandra Bullock and Jon Hamm

Release Date: July 10th

Why I’m Excited: The Despicable Me movies are fine films, but I only really love them for one reason - the Minions.  I can watch them shuffle around and babble on for hours, but it’ll be interesting to see if the little yellow guys can sustain their own full feature, aptly titled Minions.  They will have an evil boss to serve, Scarlet Overkill voiced by Sandra Bullock, but if the film is all about Kevin, Stuart and Bob’s mission to track her down, they’re going to have to be Minions with some serious layers to them and I can’t wait to see the filmmakers dig into the amusing absurdity of Minion character development. – Perri Nemiroff

Trainwreck

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Director: Judd Apatow

Cast: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Ezra Miller, LeBron James, Mike Birbiglia, Daniel Radcliffe, Katy Mixon, Bar Paly, Marisa Tomei, Randall Park, and Tilda Swinton

Release Date: July 17th

Why I’m Excited: 2015 is apparently the year of the female-driven comedy, and that’s something to cheer about.  While Judd Apatow’s past two directorial efforts have been a tad off, this time he’s directing from a screenplay he didn’t write, as incredibly funny comedian Amy Schumer pens and stars in the story of a woman trying to get control of her life.  As with most Apatow films, the ensemble for Trainwreck is filled out by a number of interesting cameos, but I’m mostly dying to see what Tilda Swinton’s doing in the film. – Adam Chitwood

Sisters

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Director: Jason Moore

Cast: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Ike Barinholtz, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Dan Byrd, Dianne Wiest, James Brolin, John Leguizamo, and John Cena

Release Date: December 18th

Why I’m Excited: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are, quite simply, a dynamic duo.  They’re two of the funniest people on the planet, so the prospect of them working together in any regard is promising, but Sisters provides the opportunity for them to also reunite with old friends.  SNL alum Paula Pell wrote the screenplay and plenty of SNL vets are in the ensemble cast, with the story revolving around two sisters who opt to throw one last blow out party at their family home before their parents sell it.  And in a brilliant piece of counter-programming, this is the movie that will be opening the same weekend as Star Wars.  I’ll certainly be seeing both. – Adam Chitwood