Warner Bros/A24/Universal
What fresh heaven is this? Winter, as it turns out, will be quite warm this year, considering how much time you'll be spending inside a toasty movie theater.
It's no longer inevitable that cinematic rubble is relegated to the first few months of the year, right as the prestige of Oscar season fades and before the gargantuan summer blockbusters monopolize multiplexes. In recent years, more and more event films have opened during winter and early spring, and in 2016, we'll see "Deadpool," "Batman v Superman" and "The Jungle Book" (among others) before the dog days begin. If you'd rather bypass visual effects, the Coen brothers' Hollywood lark "Hail, Caesar!," the incredible horror flick "The Witch," a new Terrence Malick meditation and the jarring dystopia of "The Lobster" will usher in the 2017 Oscar race before this year's winners have time to select a spot for their new trophies.
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All of this is to say that 2016 is off to a fine start, movie-wise. So go see some! Here are 22 to choose from, spanning January to April.
"13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi" (Jan. 15)
Paramount
Written by Chuck Hogan • Directed by Michael Bay
Starring John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreider, Max Martini and Freddie Stroma
What to expect: Hillary Clinton can finally take a nap because this Benghazi investigation doesn't involve her. "Armageddon" and "Transformers" honcho Michael Bay will bring Mitchell Zuckoff's 2014 book to the big screen, chronicling the militant attack on an American diplomatic compound in Libya. [Trailer]
Starring John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreider, Max Martini and Freddie Stroma
What to expect: Hillary Clinton can finally take a nap because this Benghazi investigation doesn't involve her. "Armageddon" and "Transformers" honcho Michael Bay will bring Mitchell Zuckoff's 2014 book to the big screen, chronicling the militant attack on an American diplomatic compound in Libya. [Trailer]
"Dirty Grandpa" (Jan. 22)
Lionsgate
Written by John Philips • Directed by Dan Mazer
Starring Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Zoey Deutch, Aubrey Plaza, Dermot Mulroney and Julianne Hough
What to expect: In this May-December buddy comedy directed by one of the "Borat" co-writers, a crude former Army general tricks his uptight grandson into driving him cross-country for spring break, right before said grandson is set to get married. Robert De Niro pretending he's up for anything + Zac Efron shirtless in Florida = the ultimate January movie. [Trailer]
Starring Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Zoey Deutch, Aubrey Plaza, Dermot Mulroney and Julianne Hough
What to expect: In this May-December buddy comedy directed by one of the "Borat" co-writers, a crude former Army general tricks his uptight grandson into driving him cross-country for spring break, right before said grandson is set to get married. Robert De Niro pretending he's up for anything + Zac Efron shirtless in Florida = the ultimate January movie. [Trailer]
"Hail, Caesar!" (Feb. 5)
Universal
Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin, Channing Tatum, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand
What to expect: Forget winter -- this is one of the most exciting movies to hit 2016, period. The Coen brothers' 1950s-set Hollywood romp goes behind the scenes of a tumultuous "Ben Hur"-type epic as an A-list star is kidnapped. More importantly, Channing Tatum dances! [Trailer]
Starring George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin, Channing Tatum, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill and Frances McDormand
What to expect: Forget winter -- this is one of the most exciting movies to hit 2016, period. The Coen brothers' 1950s-set Hollywood romp goes behind the scenes of a tumultuous "Ben Hur"-type epic as an A-list star is kidnapped. More importantly, Channing Tatum dances! [Trailer]
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"Deadpool" (Feb. 12)
Fox
Written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese • Directed by Tim Miller
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller and Ed Skrein
What to expect: This movie has been gestating since 2000, with Ryan Reynolds attached since 2004. More than a decade later, a sequel is already in development. No matter how this take on healing guru Wade Wilson lives up to Marvel fans' expectations, it has to be better than Reynolds' "Green Lantern" misfire. [Trailer]
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller and Ed Skrein
What to expect: This movie has been gestating since 2000, with Ryan Reynolds attached since 2004. More than a decade later, a sequel is already in development. No matter how this take on healing guru Wade Wilson lives up to Marvel fans' expectations, it has to be better than Reynolds' "Green Lantern" misfire. [Trailer]
"Zoolander No. 2" (Feb. 12)
Paramount
Written by Justin Theroux, Ben Stiller, Nicholas Stoller and John Hamburg • Directed by Ben Stiller
Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Penélope Cruz, Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen
What to expect: Come for Kristen Wiig looking unrecognizable as some sort of Zsa Zsa Gabor clone, stay for rumored cameos from Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Macaulay Culkin, Usher, Lenny Kravitz and Joe Jonas. We're out of breath just typing this. [Trailer]
Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Penélope Cruz, Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen
What to expect: Come for Kristen Wiig looking unrecognizable as some sort of Zsa Zsa Gabor clone, stay for rumored cameos from Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Macaulay Culkin, Usher, Lenny Kravitz and Joe Jonas. We're out of breath just typing this. [Trailer]
"How To Be Single" (Feb. 12)
Warner Bros.
Written by Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein and Dana Fox • Directed by Christian Ditter
Starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie, Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Lacy
What to expect: Drew Barrymore was at one point slated to direct this adaptation of Liz Tuccillo's debut novel, which follows a group of 30-something pals navigating romance -- and its absence -- in New York City. [Trailer]
Starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie, Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Lacy
What to expect: Drew Barrymore was at one point slated to direct this adaptation of Liz Tuccillo's debut novel, which follows a group of 30-something pals navigating romance -- and its absence -- in New York City. [Trailer]
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"The Witch" (Feb. 19)
A24
Written and directed by Robert Eggers
Starring Anna Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie
What to expect: The most chilling horror film in years, "The Witch" was one of the buzziest titles to emerge from last year's Sundance. The story of a cast-off Puritan family living in 17th-century New England, it's a slow-burning inspection of terrors both real and imagined. [Trailer]
Starring Anna Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie
What to expect: The most chilling horror film in years, "The Witch" was one of the buzziest titles to emerge from last year's Sundance. The story of a cast-off Puritan family living in 17th-century New England, it's a slow-burning inspection of terrors both real and imagined. [Trailer]
"Rolling Papers" (Feb. 19)
Alchemy
Directed by Mitch Dickman
What to expect: This documentary surveys the burgeoning world of cannabis journalism, chronicling the Denver Post's inaugural marijuana editor as he explores the new frontier for legalized weed. [Trailer]
What to expect: This documentary surveys the burgeoning world of cannabis journalism, chronicling the Denver Post's inaugural marijuana editor as he explores the new frontier for legalized weed. [Trailer]
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny" (Feb. 26)
Netflix
Written by John Fusco • Directed by Yuen Woo-Ping
Starring Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum Jr., Jason Scott Lee and JuJu Chan
What to expect: Fifteen years after "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" raked in mega-dough and 10 Oscar nominations, the sequel will see a simultaneous release in theaters and on Netflix. Yuen Woo-Ping, who choreographed fight sequences for "The Matrix" and "Kill Bill," takes over for Ang Lee in the director's chair. [Trailer]
Starring Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum Jr., Jason Scott Lee and JuJu Chan
What to expect: Fifteen years after "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" raked in mega-dough and 10 Oscar nominations, the sequel will see a simultaneous release in theaters and on Netflix. Yuen Woo-Ping, who choreographed fight sequences for "The Matrix" and "Kill Bill," takes over for Ang Lee in the director's chair. [Trailer]
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"Knight of Cups" (March 4)
Broad Green
Written and directed by Terrence Malick
Starring Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Wes Bentley and Teresa Palmer
What to expect: Based on the divided reviews at last year's Berlin Film Festival, expect Terrence Malick at his most abstract. The surreal romantic drama centers on a Los Angeles screenwriter (Christian Bale) wading through Hollywood's hedonism. We're hoping shades of "Mulholland Drive" will buoy "Knight of Cups" beyond the existential languor of Malick's previous film, "To the Wonder." [Trailer]
Starring Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Antonio Banderas, Freida Pinto, Wes Bentley and Teresa Palmer
What to expect: Based on the divided reviews at last year's Berlin Film Festival, expect Terrence Malick at his most abstract. The surreal romantic drama centers on a Los Angeles screenwriter (Christian Bale) wading through Hollywood's hedonism. We're hoping shades of "Mulholland Drive" will buoy "Knight of Cups" beyond the existential languor of Malick's previous film, "To the Wonder." [Trailer]
"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (March 4)
Paramount
Written by Robert Carlock • Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Starring Tina Fey, Billy Bob Thornton, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman and Christopher Abbott
What to expect: This movie's personnel are like a who's-who of comedy dignitaries: "30 Rock" maestro Robert Carlock wrote the script, "SNL" honcho Lorne Michael produced the film with Tina Fey, and the guys who directed "Crazy, Stupid, Love" and "I Love You Philip Morris" steered the ship. In front of the camera, Fey plays a war correspondent working in Afghanistan and Pakistan who sparks a romance with a fellow journalist (Martin Freeman). [Trailer]
Starring Tina Fey, Billy Bob Thornton, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman and Christopher Abbott
What to expect: This movie's personnel are like a who's-who of comedy dignitaries: "30 Rock" maestro Robert Carlock wrote the script, "SNL" honcho Lorne Michael produced the film with Tina Fey, and the guys who directed "Crazy, Stupid, Love" and "I Love You Philip Morris" steered the ship. In front of the camera, Fey plays a war correspondent working in Afghanistan and Pakistan who sparks a romance with a fellow journalist (Martin Freeman). [Trailer]
"The Lobster" (March 11)
Alchemy
Written by Efthimis Filippou and Yorgos Lanthimos • Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux and Olivia Colman
What to expect: From the director of "Dogtooth" and "Alps" comes this Greek oddity about a near-future dystopia where anyone not coupled off is turned into an animal. We saw this dark comedy at last year's New York Film Festival, and you do not want to miss it. [Trailer]
Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux and Olivia Colman
What to expect: From the director of "Dogtooth" and "Alps" comes this Greek oddity about a near-future dystopia where anyone not coupled off is turned into an animal. We saw this dark comedy at last year's New York Film Festival, and you do not want to miss it. [Trailer]
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"Hello, My Name Is Doris" (March 11)
Roadside Attractions
Written by Michael Showalter and Laura Terruso • Directed by Michael Showalter
Starring Sally Field, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Tyne Daly and Peter Gallagher
What to expect: Can you believe Sally Field hasn't toplined a movie since 2007, when "Two Weeks" made all of $50,000 at the box office? Here's to a better fate for "Hello, My Name Is Doris," for which Field won raves at last year's South by Southwest Film Festival. She plays a 60-something hoarder who tidies her life and works up the courage to attempt a relationship with a far younger co-worker. [Trailer]
Starring Sally Field, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Tyne Daly and Peter Gallagher
What to expect: Can you believe Sally Field hasn't toplined a movie since 2007, when "Two Weeks" made all of $50,000 at the box office? Here's to a better fate for "Hello, My Name Is Doris," for which Field won raves at last year's South by Southwest Film Festival. She plays a 60-something hoarder who tidies her life and works up the courage to attempt a relationship with a far younger co-worker. [Trailer]
"Midnight Special" (March 18)
Warner Bros.
Written and directed by Jeff Nichols
Starring Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Jaeden Lieberher and Joel Edgerton
What to expect: Jeff Nichols cemented his reputation as a stylish visionary with "Take Shelter" and "Mud." Here, he shifts his lens to science fiction with the story of a father racing to protect his supernaturally gifted 8-year-old son from the government and a religious sect. [Trailer]
Starring Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Jaeden Lieberher and Joel Edgerton
What to expect: Jeff Nichols cemented his reputation as a stylish visionary with "Take Shelter" and "Mud." Here, he shifts his lens to science fiction with the story of a father racing to protect his supernaturally gifted 8-year-old son from the government and a religious sect. [Trailer]
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" (March 25)
Universal
Written by Nia Vardalos • Directed by Kirk Jones
Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin, Joey Fatone and John Stamos
What to expect: It's time to meet the new Portokalos generation, as Toula and Ian's teenage daughter now takes center stage in their lives. But riddle us this: Who resisted titling this movie "My Bigger, Fatter, Greeker Wedding"? [Trailer]
Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin, Joey Fatone and John Stamos
What to expect: It's time to meet the new Portokalos generation, as Toula and Ian's teenage daughter now takes center stage in their lives. But riddle us this: Who resisted titling this movie "My Bigger, Fatter, Greeker Wedding"? [Trailer]
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"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (March 25)
Warner Bros.
Written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer • Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Holly Hunter and Laurence Fishburne
What to expect: C'mon, by this point, you know what to expect: Sad Batman, Mad Batman and Under Pressure Ben Affleck. [Trailer]
Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Holly Hunter and Laurence Fishburne
What to expect: C'mon, by this point, you know what to expect: Sad Batman, Mad Batman and Under Pressure Ben Affleck. [Trailer]
"Miles Ahead" (April 1)
Sony Classics
Written by Steven Baigelman, Don Cheadle, Stephen J. Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson • Directed by Don Cheadle
Starring Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Keith Stanfield and Michael Stuhlbarg
What to expect: Don Cheadle makes his big-screen directorial debut with this biopic about jazz wunderkind Miles Davis. [No trailer available]
Starring Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Keith Stanfield and Michael Stuhlbarg
What to expect: Don Cheadle makes his big-screen directorial debut with this biopic about jazz wunderkind Miles Davis. [No trailer available]
"The Jungle Book" (April 15)
Walt Disney Studios
Written by Justin Marks • Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong'o, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken
What to expect: Not to be confused with Warner Bros.' "Jungle Book: Origins," which is slated for 2017, Disney's "The Jungle Book" is a live action-CGI hybrid that reboots the 1967 animated classic. We're still disappointed that Lupita Nyong'o hasn't found a starring role since winning an Oscar for "12 Years a Slave," but after seeing "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," we'll gladly take her smooth voice talents as a substitute. [Trailer]
Starring Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong'o, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken
What to expect: Not to be confused with Warner Bros.' "Jungle Book: Origins," which is slated for 2017, Disney's "The Jungle Book" is a live action-CGI hybrid that reboots the 1967 animated classic. We're still disappointed that Lupita Nyong'o hasn't found a starring role since winning an Oscar for "12 Years a Slave," but after seeing "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," we'll gladly take her smooth voice talents as a substitute. [Trailer]
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"Barbershop: The Next Cut" (April 15)
Warner Bros.
Written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver • Directed by Malcolm D. Lee
Starring Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Anthony Anderson, Regina Hall, Eve, Common, Nicki Minaj and Sean Patrick Thomas
What to expect: The "Barbershop" series is back in business for the first time since 2005, and the ladies -- namely Nicki Minaj -- are taking over this male-dominated beauty kingdom. [Trailer]
Starring Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Anthony Anderson, Regina Hall, Eve, Common, Nicki Minaj and Sean Patrick Thomas
What to expect: The "Barbershop" series is back in business for the first time since 2005, and the ladies -- namely Nicki Minaj -- are taking over this male-dominated beauty kingdom. [Trailer]
"Everybody Wants Some" (April 15)
Paramount
Written and directed by Richard Linklater
Starring Blake Jenner, Ryan Guzman, Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Tyler Hoechlin and Wyatt Russell
What to expect: Richard Linklater has called this movie a "spiritual sequel" to both "Dazed and Confused" and "Boyhood," which means we need no further credentials to pique our interest. [Trailer]
Starring Blake Jenner, Ryan Guzman, Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Tyler Hoechlin and Wyatt Russell
What to expect: Richard Linklater has called this movie a "spiritual sequel" to both "Dazed and Confused" and "Boyhood," which means we need no further credentials to pique our interest. [Trailer]
"Keanu" (April 22)
Taylor Hill via Getty Images
Written by Jordan Peele and Alex Rubens • Directed by Peter Atencio
Starring Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Gabrielle Union, Method Man, Will Forte, Luis Guzmán and Nia Long
What to expect: Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele's first collaboration since "Key & Peele" ended in September, "Keanu" is about a cat whom we can only presume is named after Mr. Reeves. The two pals pose as drug dealers in an attempt to retrieve their cherished stolen pet from a street gang. [No trailer available]
Starring Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Gabrielle Union, Method Man, Will Forte, Luis Guzmán and Nia Long
What to expect: Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele's first collaboration since "Key & Peele" ended in September, "Keanu" is about a cat whom we can only presume is named after Mr. Reeves. The two pals pose as drug dealers in an attempt to retrieve their cherished stolen pet from a street gang. [No trailer available]
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"The Meddler" (April 22)
Sony Classics
Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria
Starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne, J.K. Simmons, Jason Ritter, Michael McKean, Cecily Strong and Randall Park
What to expect: "The Meddler" won raves at last year's Toronto Film Festival, where the bittersweet comedy about a New York widow who follows her daughter to Los Angeles was called "sneakily effective," "inspired" and "heartfelt." [No trailer available]
Starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne, J.K. Simmons, Jason Ritter, Michael McKean, Cecily Strong and Randall Park
What to expect: "The Meddler" won raves at last year's Toronto Film Festival, where the bittersweet comedy about a New York widow who follows her daughter to Los Angeles was called "sneakily effective," "inspired" and "heartfelt." [No trailer available]
(All release dates are subject to change.)
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