Can you believe it? We’re halfway through August 2021 already. A lot has happened in the last couple of years that has made life harder for everyone in some way. So, why not take the edge off with a good movie? Here are some suggestions of what upcoming flicks to watch during the remainder of this year – our most anticipated movies for the rest of 2021.
10) The Matrix 4 (December 16, 2021)
Before Keanu Reeves played brooding bad boy John Wick in the eponymous action film series, he played another brooding bad boy. He’s set to reprise the role of Neo in the fourth movie alongside fellow Matrix veteran Carrie Ann Moss as Trinity just in time for Christmas – and to make it amongst 2021’s best upcoming movies.
Is the Matrix revival another half-hearted attempt by a Hollywood out of ideas but rich in nostalgia bait? Perhaps. But it’s intriguing to see how Lana Wachowski tackles a fourth movie after Revolution‘s crazy finale. And maybe, just it’ll capture the brilliance of the first? Hardcore fans anxiously await one of their most anticipated movies when it hits the screen in December 2021.
9) Ghostbusters: Afterlife (November 12, 2021)
The female-led Ghostbusters of 2016 wasn’t quite the travesty that the angry virgins of internetdom prophesized it would be post-trailer release, but it hardly matched the iconic status of the 1984 classic. Apparently, the world agreed since the film tanked, with THR reporting losses of over $70 million. Perhaps it’s no surprise that Sony opted to re-reboot the franchise again.
But director Jason Reitman’s take on the Ghostbusters universe looks promising. It follows a recently-evicted family, whose members include siblings played by Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and Mckenna Grace (Gifted), that reluctantly relocate to an old farmhouse in Oklahoma. The pair soon discover their family has ties to the legendary Ghostbusters – which sets them off on a new adventure peppered with cameos from the original cast (and Paul Rudd). A compelling set-up for possibly one of 2021’s best upcoming movies.
8) Top Gun: Maverick (November 19, 2021)
People love to make fun of Tom Cruise (I’m one of them). From his string of awkward interviews to his Scientology beliefs, there’s ample material for people to deride. But there’s no denying the man’s killer work ethic has helped produce some of the biggest blockbusters to grace the silver screen.
Indeed, in this sequel to the 1986 action-drama, Cruise not only has a seat in the cockpit of a navy jet but also a producer’s one alongside the first film’s producer Jerry Bruckheimer. With this partnership at the helm, the film promises to explore the end of dogfighting and the application of drones in modern war. Regardless of whether it successfully tackles its serious subject matter, though, you can be sure it’ll be all Tom Cruise-manner of entertaining.
7) Dune (October 20, 2021)
Dune is exciting in many ways. Firstly, just look at the trailer – the film is a visual science-fiction feast that’ll blow you away in the theater. Secondly, Timothée Chalamet, who blew us all away in Call Me By Your Name, is throwing his acting hat into this epic science-fiction ring.
The epic post-apocalyptic sci-fi epic is also being handled by Denis Villeneuve. If you don’t know who Villeneuve is, acquaint yourself by watching Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 – this guy knows how to direct thought-provoking, atmospheric sci-fi. No wonder this is one of the most anticipated movies of 2021.
6) Halloween Kills (October 14, 2021)
If the horror of the COVID-19 delta variant wasn’t tense enough for you this year, there’s always Halloween Kills. This horror-slasher flick continues to forget the awkward 2007 and 2009 reboot films in favor of the original continuity. So, expect Halloween 2018’s jaded Laurie Strode to re-appear to tackle Mike Myers once more.
Co-starring stunt double James Jude Courtney as Mike Myers (with Nick Castle filling in for some scenes), Halloween Kills is the second in a trilogy of films. You can expect to see the new story conclude in Halloween Ends next year. Until then, enjoy one of the most anticipated horror movies of the year this October.
5) No Time To Die (October 8, 2021)
For many a Bond nut, No Time To Die hasn’t been among their best upcoming movies of 2021. On the contrary, it’s been their most anticipated film of 2019, 2020, and 2021. It’s been has been a long time coming, with many, many a release postponement. But for one of the most anticipated films of 2021, the wait will soon be over.
This 25th Bond adventure is the last to star Daniel Craig as the sweet-talking, gadget-happy spy. Here, he locks horns with Rami Malek’s villainous Lyutsifer Safin. Meanwhile, Lea Seydoux returns as Bond’s love interest, Dr. Madeline Swann. Is this film going to close out Craig’s time as Bond in a satisfying way? You’ll find out in October.
4) The Eternals (November 5, 2021)
Marvel has already exhausted their list of B and C-tier superheroes, which means only one thing. They’ll have to look through their extensive catalog of obscure heroes you haven’t heard of. The Eternals is an example of this in action, but you’ll recognize Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, and Kit Harrington among the film’s impressive cast.
The most exciting thing about The Eternals is that it’s a sign Marvel is willing to take more risks. In the same way that James Gunn brought Guardians of the Galaxy to casual filmgoers’ attention, perhaps Chloé Zhao can with this new hero team. It could certainly shake up the MCU and then some.
3) Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (November 24, 2021)
Many film reboots are greeted by fans with a tired sigh, particularly when the originals are brilliant already. Alas, this cannot be said of the six-film Resident Evil series starring Mila Jovovich as the boringly unstoppable Alice. Thankfully, it said goodbye in 2016, and the franchise is being given a much-needed reboot helmed by British filmmaker Johannes Roberts.
For gamers, it’s even more exciting a prospect than casual filmgoers. For starters, the film actually features the video game characters as the main protagonists. This is a relief, given that they were often relegated to second base in the first six films. Roberts also aims to recapture the atmosphere of the games that was absent in previous Resi Evil films.
2) Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021)
If the rumors surrounding Spider-Man: No Way Home are true, it’s set to become a comic book fan’s wet dream in action. The film allegedly has Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire join forces as their respective Peter Parkers. While that is currently up in the air (Garfield has denied his involvement and Holland has said that neither Spider-Men are present in the film), Alfred Molina and Jamie Foxx have confirmed their reprising of Doc Ock and Electro, respectively.
Still, high expectations are present across the board. Since Mysterio leaks Spider-Man’s identity to the world at the end of Fra From Home, Holland’s Parker is poised to encounter new challenges. Doctor Strange is joining the web-slinger, although not much else is known at this time. Despite this, the mystery surrounding the movie makes me excited for what lies in store for what is undoubtedly one of my most anticipated movies of 2021.
1) Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021)
Having a Marvel release as Number One of a Most Anticipated Movies of 2021 list, perhaps. But in this case, it’s well-deserved. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings are fascinating because Marvel is trying a new tack. And I’m not just talking about the All-Asian cast (which is pretty cool, though in itself).
Set to feature fights containing distinct Chinese martial arts styles supervised by the late Brad Allan, Shang-Chi is set to become Marvel’s most stunt-filled epic yet. Meanwhile, comic book fans can look forward to meeting the real Mandarin, who happens to be Shang-Chi’s father in the film. Abomination is also lined up to appear, his first appearance since debut MCU film The Incredible Hulk. There’s a lot to look forward to in one of the best upcoming movies of 2021.
Do you agree or disagree with this list? What films are you most looking forward to seeing the rest of this year? Share your thoughts below.
