July 1 marks the halfway point of 2014, and so far, so meh, at least at the multiplex. Which isn't to say that 2014 has been a washout -- "The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Edge of Tomorrow," "The Fault in Our Stars," "Obvious Child," "Neighbors" and "22 Jump Street" all provided some exceptional highs thus far -- just that we're really looking forward to the next six months. Maybe some of these releases will elevate 2014 beyond its middling status. What fun will the future hold? Ahead, the 22 movies HuffPost Entertainment expects to see dominate headlines for the remainder of 2014.
"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (July 11)
Why We're Excited: We've seen it! "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" combines Spielbergian wonder with vintage "Planet of the Apes" social commentary. The result is one of 2014's best blockbusters -- a thought-provoking thriller with a beating, wounded heart. All hail Andy Serkis as Caesar, a motion-capture performance for the ages.
"Boyhood" (July 11)
Why We're Excited: Because we've seen this one, too. Richard Linklater's epic coming-of-age story was 12 years in the making, and it's a remarkable achievement. "Boyhood" isn't just the best movie of 2014, it might be one of the best in a decade.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" (Aug. 1)
Why We're Excited: As superhero movies become more and more homogenized, James Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy" looks like a true anomaly: an expensive, wild, goofy risk. At least that's what the expert marketing campaign put forward by Marvel is selling. Let's hope they can deliver on that promise.
"What If" (Aug. 1)
Why We're Excited: Because Hollywood doesn't make romantic comedies anymore, and it's about time someone realized Daniel Radcliffe could be our new Hugh Grant.
"The Giver" (Aug. 15)
Why We're Excited: Meryl Streep's wig, for one thing.
"This Is Where I Leave You" (Sept. 19)
Why We're Excited: Jonathan Tropper adapted his own popular novel for Shawn Levy's film, but what has us upbeat is the cast: Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Jason Bateman, Kathryn Hahn, Connie Britton, Jane Fonda, Corey Stoll, Rose Byrne and Timothy Olyphant.
"The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" (Sept. 26)
Why We're Excited: Ned Benson's epic drama debuted in two parts ("Her" and "Him") at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013, and that concept alone is original enough to put "Eleanor Rigby" on any 2014 preview list. Having Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy in the lead roles doesn't hurt either.
"Gone Girl" (Oct. 3)
Why We're Excited: David Fincher. Ben Affleck. Gillian Flynn. That trailer. Why aren't you excited?
"The Interview" (Oct. 10)
Why We're Excited: This is a comedy about Seth Rogen and James Franco playing journalists who attempt to assassinate Kim Jong Un. Yes, of course we're excited.
"The Judge" (Oct. 10)
Why We're Excited: The trailer contains a lot of schmaltz, but the idea of Robert Downey Jr. playing a regular person instead of a superhero is very intriguing.
"Birdman" (Oct. 17)
Why We're Excited: If Alejandro González Iñárritu's "Birdman" was only filmed with one continuous shot ... dayenu.
"Interstellar" (Nov. 7)
Why We're Excited: Hi, Christopher Nolan made a new movie.
"Big Hero 6" (Nov. 7)
Why We're Excited: Because lost in all the deserved mania about "Frozen" is the fact that Walt Disney Animation scored big with "Wreck-It Ralph" in 2012, and this film looks like its second cousin.
"Foxcatcher" (Nov. 14)
Why We're Excited: Because "Foxcatcher" might give us the phrase, "Channing Tatum, Oscar nominee."
"Fury" (Nov. 14)
Why We're Excited: Shia LaBeouf appears in this movie, and might have to do press?
"Dumb and Dumber To" (Nov. 14)
Why We're Excited: We're not, but we can understand why a lot of people are. If only "Dumb and Dumber To" had a better trailer.
"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" (Nov. 21)
Why We're Excited: The rise of Bad Peeta.
"Inherent Vice" (Dec. 12)
Why We're Excited: Hi, Paul Thomas Anderson made a new movie.
"Annie" (Dec. 19)
Why We're Excited: "Annie" looks like the kind of thrown-together musical that could be really fun ... or really bad.
Cameron Crowe's New Movie (Dec. 25)
Why We're Excited: Cameron Crowe made a movie with Emma Stone.
"Into the Woods" (Dec. 25)
Why We're Excited: Meryl Streep's wig, for one thing.
"Unbroken" (Dec. 25)
Why We're Excited: Because the teaser for Angelina Jolie's "Unbroken" that played during the Winter Olympics was better than most movies.