Cinemas are now starting to reopen after months of closure. If you’re a film fan, many cinemas are showing classic films to enjoy but new blockbusters are coming to the big screen too. Some of the most anticipated releases of 2020 and early 2021 are now scheduled for release in the coming months. Which of these 10 films are on your need-to-watch list?
1. Black Widow
The latest instalment of the huge Marvel franchise, Black Widow, is expected to be released in July. This time the story focuses on former KGB assassin Natasha Romanoff as she deals with her history and confronts a conspiracy. As you’d expect from a Marvel film, there’s plenty of action, a fast-paced story, and a few laughs along the way. For superhero fans, Marvel has a further three films coming out in 2021: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
2. No Time to Die
James Bond fans have had to wait through repeated delays for this film to hit the cinema, but the 25th instalment of the James Bond series will be worth waiting for. Daniel Craig reprises his role as the suave MI6 agent for what is thought to be the last time, with the plot seeing him search for a missing scientist and confront a villain, played by Rami Malek. Expect the usual Bond close calls, cool gadgets, and explosive scenes.
3. A Quiet Place Part II
Fans of the horror genre should add A Quiet Place Part II to their watch list. Picking up where part one left off, we once again follow a family that is trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world filled with blind monsters with a keen sense of hearing. This time, the family departs their home in search of human communities and pick up radio signals from a nearby island – will the family make it there safely?
4. Dune
The rights to produce a Dune film based on the popular novel have been held since the 1970s and fans of Frank Herbert’s science-fiction story will now get to enjoy an update film version with the latest technology, bringing it to life for a new generation of fans. Dune is set in the distant future where noble houses control planetary fiefs with politics, religion, and technology all playing an important role in the story of young Paul Atreides, who accepts the stewardship of the planet Arrakis. There’s already a planned sequel and spin-off series.
5. Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise is a great option for a family-friendly trip to the cinema. It’s based on a ride at the Disney World theme park. Set in the early 20th century, a riverboat captain, played by Dwayne Johnson, takes a scientist on a mission into a jungle to find the tree of life. Along the way, they must battle dangerous animals and try to get to their destination before a rival expedition.
6. The Green Knight
Based on Arthurian legend, The Green Knight is an epic fantasy. It tells the story of reckless Sir Gawain as he embarks on a quest to confront a green-skinned creature. The journey sees the knight contend with an array of mythical creatures and thieves as he’s tested by the Green Knight to prove his worth by facing the ultimate challenge.
7. West Side Story
If you love a musical, the classic West Side Story has had a remake and will be released just in time for the festive period later this year. It follows the Broadway script as teenagers Tony and Marie fall in love in the 1950s in New York City despite being part of rival street gangs. You’ll be able to sing along to all your favourite songs from the stage version, including ‘Somewhere’, ‘Something’s Coming’, and, of course, ‘America’.
8. Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer return to reprise their roles in the sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is still one of the Navy’s top aviators after years of service but will need to confront his past while training a new squad for a dangerous mission. After more than 30 years since the original movie was released, the latest edition offers a bit of nostalgia for fans with high-intensity thrills and drama.
9. The King’s Man
The King’s Man was originally scheduled for release at the end of 2019 but has suffered numerous delays. It serves as a prequel to the 2015 film Kingsman, this time set during World War I and following Conrad, a top-secret operative tasked with protecting the British Empire against some of history’s worst tyrants and masterminds, with Ralph Fiennes taking on the mentor role as the Duke of Oxford.
10. Nomadland
Nomadland is already out in cinemas and has received positive reviews. It follows a woman in her 60s who loses everything during the Great Recession, forcing her to live the life of a nomad as she embarks on a journey across the American West. It’s a slow-paced film but one that’s beautiful and a reminder of the forgotten and downtrodden that were left in the wake of the Great Recession.
