This 2018, cinephiles will be kept busy with a new set of movies to watch all year around. For starters, novel-based movies such as Maze Runner, A Wrinkle in Time, and Ready Player One would both delight and excite those who have read the books as they can see how the stories unfold in the big screen. Meanwhile, Tomb Raider proves that inspiration can be taken anywhere—even from a video game. Lastly, Marvel’s Avengers Infinity War figures as one of the most popular and heavily anticipated movie of the year.
Are you already at the edge of your seat? These are only half of the most awaited movies for 2018. Below is the complete list of films that have been announced so far, along with their synopses and release dates.
1. Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Release date:January 24
Rating:PG-13
Maze Runner: The Death Cure is directed by Wes Ball.
Teen Wolf’s Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Ki Hong Lee, and the rest of the Maze Runner cast will return to the big screen for the third and final installment of the franchise. In the finale of the trilogy, Thomas and his group set out on their quest to find the cure for a deadly disease called “flare.”
The Maze Runner trilogy is based on a series of young adult dystopian science fiction novel by James Dashner. The first movie, Maze Runner, came out in 2014 and was followed a year later by Scorch Trials.
The movie was released last year in other countries.
In this Alexander Payne-directed science fiction film set in the distant future, humans were able to start their whole life anew by downsizing—a process which involves shrinking humans to a height of five inches—and living in “Leisure Land,” a popular e-community for shrunk humans.
Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) decided to give downsizing a try after facing serious financial problems, but soon he regrets his decision. Later on, Safranek begins to reassess his life and the choices he makes as he meets and befriends an outcast activist.
3. The Greatest Showman
Release date:January 31
Rating:Rated PG
The Greatest Showman received three nominations during the 75th Golden Globes Award.
In The Greatest Showman, Hugh Jackman proves his versatility as an actor as he portrays an ambitious showman and entrepreneur who aspires to produce the best show on earth. This musical and historical period film revolves around the establishment of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, one of the most famous and oldest traveling circus company.
The movie features original songs performed by the cast. In addition to Jackman, other members of the cast include Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Zendaya.
4. A Wrinkle in Time
Release date:March 7
Rating:Rated PG
The film is based on the 1962 novel of the same name.
Disney’s adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time features a fantastic cinematography that complements the classic story of Meg Murry, a young girl who travels into a deep planet to rescue his astrophysicist father. Along the way, Meg is accompanied by her brother, her classmate, and Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Who, the three astral travelers.
14-year-old Storm Reid plays Meg Curry, while Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, and Reese Witherspoon play the three astral travelers. The movie’s director, Ava DuVernay, is the first black woman to direct a live-action film with over $100 million budget.
5. Tomb Raider
Release date:March 15
Rating:NR
Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft.
Based on a videogame that was first released in 1996 by British company Core Design, Tomb Raider follows feisty heroine Lara Croft as she encounters adventure after adventure. Since Angelina Jolie’s version came out 16 years ago, fans have been patiently waiting for Lara Croft to grace the big screen once again. The action-adventure film centers on Lara’s first ever expedition to complete her father’s research, where she uncovers a few secrets on her own.
For the 2018 version, Swedish actress Alicia Vikander takes on this major role. She is joined by Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas, Hannah John-Kamen, and Antonio Aakeel.
6. Ready Player One
Release date:March 31
Rating:NR
The movie is directed by Steven Spielberg.
Another movie based on a novel, Ready Player One is based on a 2011 book of the same name by Ernest Cline. The story is set on a dystopian Earth where most of the population is occupied with and connected via a virtual space called “OASIS.” When the creator and owner of OASIS died, it was made known that he hid several treasures all over OASIS, and the person who will solve all the puzzles and discover the treasures will take ownership of OASIS. Wade Watts, a young outcast, takes on the challenge, and soon he finds himself facing against many competing forces.
The movie features Tye Sheridan as Wade Watts, Olivia Cooke as Samantha Cooke, Hannah John-Kamen as F’Nale Zandor, and more.
7. Avengers: Infinity War
Release date:May 4
Rating:NR
The movie is split into two parts, with part one showing on May 4 this year and part two set to be released on May 2019.
Probably the biggest and the most fan-anticipated superhero film of the year, Avengers Infinity War is the most action-packed Marvel movie to date. It features diverse cast as the Avengers will be joined by other Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes such as The Guardians of the Galaxy, Spiderman, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and Ant-Man.
Infinity War is based on a story arc from the Avengers’ comic book which explores the quest of Thanos for the Infinity Stones for his gauntlet, which will help him bend reality to his liking. To combat him, the Avengers agree to team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to stop him.
8. The Nun
Release date:July 13
Rating:NR
Bonnie Aarons returns to reprise her role as Valak. (Image: The Conjuring Universe Facebook Page)
The Conjuring universe expands to a spin-off film featuring Valak, a character that was seen on the previous The Conjuring film. It sets to be the fifth film of the installment. The horror film tackles an investigation of a nun’s mysterious death in Romania in 1952 wherein they encounter the demonic entity taking a form of a nun.
The Nun is based on a story by James Wan and Gary Dauberman and is directed by Corin Hardy.
9. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Release date:March 31
Rating:NR
Adam Sandler voiced Count Dracula.
The year wouldn’t be complete without an animated movie in the mix. Much to the delight of kids everywhere, Dracula, Mavis, Dennis, Johnny, and their friends in Hotel Transylvania will return for the third time on the big screen.
The movie takes place six years after the events in Hotel Transylvania 2, which was released in 2015. Dracula, together with his family and his gang, goes on a cruise ship for summer. There, Dracula falls for the ship’s captain which, unbeknownst to him, is a descendant of notorious monster slayer Abraham Van Helsing. Mavis steps up to lead the “Drac Pack” in order to save her father.
Sandra Bullock plays the estranged sister of George Clooney’s Danny Ocean.
An all-women lead for an action movie is rare in Hollywood, which is why many are waiting for the release of Ocean’s 11 spin-off, Ocean’s 8. The movie features a group of women who attempt to pull off a heist at the Met Gala.
The cast consists of some of the strongest women icons in Hollywood such as Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, and Helena Bonham Carter. It is reported that there will also be several cameos from celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Katie Holmes, Kim Kardashian, Adriana Lima, and much more.
Tips in Ticket Purchasing and Watching
Get tickets in advance. You can check if there are ticket reservations through the cinema’s website.
Check the websites of the malls to see the screening schedule that is convenient for you.
Get to the cinema as early as you can so as not to not miss any part of the show.
To get early, adjust your travel time and consider possible heavy traffic along the way.
Try to buy food and drinks before heading to the cinema.
Go to the bathroom before the movie to avoid missing any part of the show.
Comply with the rules and condition of the cinema to avoid experiencing any inconvenience.
The show would be more enjoyable with friends and family, so invite them for a great bonding time.
However, before bringing younger members of the family, check the ratings of the movie to see if they are allowed to see the movie.
Which of these movies are you most excited to line up for? Let us know in the comments section below!
Unless where stated, all movie posters were taken from their IMDB listings.
About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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