Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2017

2012’s “Prometheus” generally split audiences down the middle. This is partially because the film left many things unresolved. Director Ridley Scott will hopefully answer some of these burning questions in “Alien: Covenant.” This second entry to the “Alien” prequel series will see the return of Noomi Rapace’s Dr. Elizabeth Shaw. In addition to reprising his role as the android David, Michael Fassbender will also play a more advanced model named Walter. Primarily focusing on the crew of the colony ship Covenant, the film promises to further explain the origins of the Xenomorphs while bringing us one step closer to Ellen Ripley’s first adventure. You can run, but in space no one can hear you scream.

From “The Dark Knight” to “Inception” to “Interstellar,” Christopher Nolan has given us some of the best movies of the past decade. However, “Dunkirk” is somewhat new territory for the acclaimed director; the film isn’t a science fiction epic or a crime thriller, but an American war drama. Depicting the Dunkirk evacuation, the story follows Allied soldiers during World War II. With Nolan behind the camera, “Dunkirk” has the potential to be one of the most intense, emotional, and exquisitely shot war pictures since “Saving Private Ryan.” Will this be the film that finally wins Nolan an Oscar? More importantly, will the Academy finally nominate him for Best Director?

Just when it seemed like audiences were done with of those damn dirty apes, 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” breathed new life into the franchise. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” was a rare follow-up that improved upon its predecessor, upping the action, drama, and character development. With any luck, “War for the Planet of the Apes” will continue to raise the stakes. In this third installment of the reboot series, Andy Serkis’ Caesar will clash with Woody Harrelson’s Colonel. It’s ape versus man in the ultimate showdown for Earth’s future and only one species can come out on top. Whatever happens, we have a feeling that those maniacs are gonna blow it up.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” might’ve looked silly on the surface, but Marvel’s sci-fi adventure took audiences by surprise with its stellar action, refreshing comedy, and genuine heart. Our favorite characters are all back for the second volume, which takes place two months after the initial film. This sequel delves deeper into Peter Quill’s family history, revealing the identity of his father. Kurt Russell will reportedly play Star-Lord’s daddy, a mysterious being known as Ego. The journey is sure to entail rousing space battles, fun cameos, and another Awesome Mix. As long as there’s more than enough Baby Groot to go around, we’re all on board!

1991’s “Beauty and the Beast” became the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. So, it won’t be easy for Disney to top their original classic with this live-action interpretation. That being said, the Mouse House delivered with their recent remakes of “Cinderella” and “The Jungle Book.” Thus, we’re confident that director Bill Condon will put a unique spin on the tale as old as time. The film’s teaser trailer and first theatrical trailer both set records, accumulating a tidal wave of views. And based on those trailers, it appears we’re in store for a visually stunning experience with classic songs and a few new tunes as well. Plus, how can you go wrong with Hermione Granger as Belle?

A movie about Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman sounds pretty awesome. You know what sounds even more awesome, though? A movie with Batman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, and Wonder Woman! This is a team up that comic book fans have been waiting decades to see on the big screen, pitting DC’s most beloved superheroes against the sinister Steppenwolf. Granted, the DC Cinematic Universe has gotten off to a rocky start, especially after “Batman v Superman” fell short of box office and critical expectations. Skepticism aside, however, a crossover event of this magnitude is simply too tempting to pass up. With Geoff Johns of the Arrowverse acting as a producer, “Justice League” just might get this cinematic universe on track.

The original “Blade Runner” hit theaters in 1982. After spending eons in development hell, the film’s long-awaited follow-up will finally see the light of day 35 years later. Harrison Ford reprises his role as Rick Deckard, a Blade Runner who could very well be a replicant. The film additionally includes an all-star supporting cast, featuring the likes of Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto. Ridley Scott is also returning as a producer, but he won’t be directing this outing. The sequel is still in capable hands, however, as director Denis Villeneuve recently brought us a modern sci-fi classic with 2016’s “Arrival.” It’ll be interesting to see how Villeneuve handles the ambiguity of whether Deckard is more man or machine.

We’ll be the first to admit that another “Spider-Man” reboot sounded like overkill at first. Audiences started to sing a different tune, though, after they saw actor Tom Holland in action in “Captain America: Civil War.” Appropriately titled “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” this reboot marks Spidey’s first solo outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film naturally follows Peter Parker as he balances the trials of high school with the tribulations of fighting crime. As for the big bad, Michael Keaton will star as the villainous Vulture, and of course this isn’t the first time Keaton has played a birdman. Between this web-slinging adventure and “Thor: Ragnarok,” 2017 should be another exciting year for the MCU.

Wolverine’s previous standalone films have ranged from decent to deeply disappointing. Based on the emotional trailer, though, “Logan” looks like it might be the Wolverine movie we’ve been waiting for. Taking place in the future, the story centers on an older, frailer Logan and Charles Xavier, who are sworn to protect a little girl named Laura. Back in the role of Wolverine is Hugh Jackman, who’s been the face of this film franchise from the beginning. After playing the character for 17 years, Jackman is reportedly ready to hang up the retractable claws. If this is indeed the case, here’s hoping that “Logan” will be a gripping, poignant, and badass swan song for the iconic mutant.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Kong: Skull Island” (2017)
- “Ghost in the Shell” (2017)
- “The Dark Tower” (2017)

“The Force Awakens” not only became the highest-grossing film of all time domestically; it also returned the “Star Wars” franchise to its former glory. What’s more, it left audiences with a laundry list of questions that still keep us up at night. Who are Rey’s parents? Will there be any redemption for Kylo Ren? What exactly has Luke Skywalker been up to these past several years? All we know for certain is that “Star Wars: Episode VIII” can’t come soon enough. “Looper” director Rian Johnson helms the second installment in this sequel trilogy. The plot has been largely shrouded in mystery, although the screenplay is apparently so strong that J.J. Abrams wishes he were coming back to direct. That’s definitely a good sign.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your most anticipated movie of 2017? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.