UPDATE: All release dates have been pushed due to the COVID19 virus pandemic.
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Wow. I can’t believe it’s already 2020. And with it comes many films.
While I’ve chosen to highlight only ten films here, that doesn’t mean I am ignoring all the other ones.
So with that said, here’s the films releasing in 2020 that I’m most looking forward to (in order of release date):
1. A Quiet Place Part II
Release Date: March 20
I never expected a sequel to be announced, but I’m excited for it! I enjoyed the first film (you can read my review), but I thought that one felt more like a contained story. A one-off, so to speak. Granted, John Krasinski did include elements that could inform a larger narrative (ie. news clippings of attacks, etc.) so it all works out in the sequel’s favour. It also helps that Krasinski is returning to write and direct.
Check out the trailer:
2. Disney’s Mulan
Release Date: March 27
And the Disney remakes continue, though it seems they are trying to approach this film differently than what audiences have received thus far (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin, among others). With Mulan there is no indication of singing or talking dragons, taking a more grounded and realistic approach (for the most part). They do mention a mystical phoenix, so we’ll see if that scratches the fantastical itch.
View the latest trailer:
3. The New Mutants
Release Date: April 3
A film that began its marketing back in 2017, I’m glad the execs decided to give it a chance in theaters. There had been numerous delays for various reasons, like trying to inject more horror into the film and having to undergo re-shoots. We also can’t forget how the X-Men adjacent film was being developed during Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox (which only made fans assume this movie would never see the light of day). In the end, it’s been mentioned that the release will show director Josh Boone’s original vision, so that’s a plus!
See the latest trailer:
4. No Time To Die
Release Date: April 10
- UPDATE: The release date has been pushed to November 25 due to concerns around the coronavirus.
After the release of Spectre in 2015, many speculated whether Daniel Craig was going to return as James Bond or leave the franchise (remember his controversial statement?). Well, it looks like something inspired Craig to return. Was it the story? Perhaps director Cary Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation, True Detective)? Whatever the case, this last outing for Craig as 007 will balance an amazing cast, an intriguing story and themes that will be somewhat relevant to the world today.
Watch the trailer:
5. Wonder Woman 1984
Release Date: June 5
It’s no surprise how 2017’s Wonder Woman was such a hit with audiences. It presented a strong, independent and capable woman in Diana (played by Gal Gadot). I believe it also paved the way for Warner Bros. to focus more effort on solo films of its DC properties, like Shazam! and Aquaman. This sequel looks super fun. Adding Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal to the cast is a bonus too.
See the trailer:
6. Top Gun: Maverick
Release Date: June 26
For better or worse, we’re in a time where old film franchises are making a comeback. Recently we’ve gotten sequels for Blade Runner and T2: Judgement Day. Now we’re getting a sequel to 1986’s Top Gun, but audience reception to the announcement make it seem like this will be a surefire success. That’s not surprising given how much nostalgia people have for the first film. Plus, Tom Cruise is always a joy to watch on-screen.
Here’s the latest trailer:
7. TENET
Release Date: July 17
Like him or not, director Christopher Nolan makes compelling films. Though his ideas may sometimes be too complex, fans would agree Nolan’s films are carefully and masterfully put together. With TENET we see a sort of aggregation of things Nolan has done in his previous films, but with a slight twist. I’m curious how the film will portray time manipulation, as well as any other surprises we’ll see.
Here’s the trailer:
8. The Eternals
Release Date: November 6
Yes, this is a film based on a comic book. And yes, it’s part of the immensely popular and successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, I believe this will be part of the small list of films in the MCU that sort of stand out, like Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor: Ragnarok, and The Winter Soldier. Additionally, the cast list is impressive and diverse, in more ways than just nationality. Let’s hope this film does well!
Trailer hasn’t been released yet.
9. Godzilla vs. Kong
Release Date: November 20
Who’d ever have thought we would see a film depicting a conflict between Godzilla and King Kong? Audiences caught a glimpse of how this fight could go down in 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters with its own titans, and saw Kong’s new size in 2017’s Kong: Skull Island. I’d say it’s time for the lizard and the ape to meet, wouldn’t you say?
Trailer hasn’t been released yet.
10. Dune
Release Date: December 18
I haven’t watched 1984's Dune nor do I know much about the story from the original novels. So why am I excited for this 2020 film? Mainly because of who’s involved. Director Denis Villeneuve has proven he can create intricate worlds as well as portray excellent character interactions with films like Blader Runner 2049, Sicario, Arrival and Prisoners. And just look at this cast! This will be awesome. I just hope Villeneuve and his team create a cohesive, understandable and entertaining narrative.
Trailer hasn’t been released yet.
As I mentioned at the start, there are many other films I’m also excited for:
- The Gentlemen (Jan. 24)
- Miss Americana (Jan. 31, Netflix)
- Birds of Prey (Feb. 7)
- Black Widow (May 1)
- In The Heights (June 26)
- Venom sequel (Oct. 2)
- West Side Story (Dec. 18)
What films are you looking forward to in 2020?
- A. Shin
