Special Report

The Most Anticipated Movies Still to Come in 2021

It’s no secret that the recent pandemic impacted the entire film industry, forcing all kinds of delays and paradigm shifts in the process. But the show must go on and go on it will, with a bevy of upcoming tentpole releases to prove it. These include an ample slate of Marvel movies, at least one of which — “Black Widow” — has already arrived on screens both big and small. (These are the highest-grossing movies in the Marvel universe.) 

Viewers can also look forward to the latest Bond film, Denis Villeneuve’s vision of “Dune,” a musical retelling of “Cinderella,” a new “Matrix” movie, a long-awaited sequel to “Top Gun” with Tom Cruise still in the pilot’s seat, and so much more.

To identify the movies most eagerly awaited by filmgoers this year, 24/7 Tempo reviewed a list of the most anticipated releases still to come in 2021 published by IMDb, an online movie database owned by Amazon. 

While the movies themselves will arguably strike a familiar chord, the way in which the public consumes them may be forever changed. For instance, a number of hotly anticipated films will arrive in theaters and on streaming platforms simultaneously, with some titles skipping theatres altogether. On the other hand, there are also exclusive theatre releases, which will be available to stream at a premium only a month or two after release. (While you’re waiting for some of these to arrive, these are the best Netflix shows to watch right now.)

Click here to see the most anticipated movies still coming in 2021

If there’s an ultimate takeaway, it’s that we’re in a new era of American cinema. As TV screens get bigger and streaming services get better, the gap between the theatrical and home viewing experience may only continue to narrow. All this said, at least some of the year’s upcoming films beg to be viewed on the biggest possible screen and with a rapturous fellow audience. Some might even say that’s what movie-going is still all about.  

 

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Old
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, July 23

Director M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller follows a family to a secluded tropical beach, where they begin to age at an exponential rate. It’s based on the graphic novel “Sandcastle” by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters, a copy of which Shyamalan reportedly received as a Father’s Day gift.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Snake Eyes
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, July 23

Not to be confused with the similarly titled 1998 De Palma film, this “G.I. Joe” spin-off centers on a character of the same name (played by Henry Golding). Accepted by a clan of ninja warriors, Snake Eyes’ troubled past threatens to uproot his new life.

 

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Jungle Cruise
> Anticipated: In Theaters and on Disney Plus Premier Access on Friday, July 30

Like “Pirates of the Caribbean” before it, this Disney adventure takes loose inspiration from a popular theme park ride. Follow Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson through the heart of the Amazon, where danger lurks at every turn.

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Courtesy of A24

The Green Knight
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, July 30

Dev Patel stars as Sir Gawain in this epic retelling of a 14th-century chivalric romance. A reckless and stubborn nephew to King Arthur, Gawain puts his honor to the test in his pursuit of the mythical Green Knight.

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Courtesy of Focus Features

Stillwater
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, July 30

From the director of “Spotlight” comes this somber crime drama, which takes loose inspiration from the Amanda Knox saga. An American father (Matt Damon) travels to France to help his estranged daughter (Abigail Breslin), who’s been arrested for murder. It premiered at Cannes to a five-minute standing ovation and somewhat mixed reviews.

Courtesy of HBO Max

The Suicide Squad
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Aug. 6

The world’s most dangerous supervillains are sent on another kamikaze mission in this R-rated sequel. Joined by a shady task force, they penetrate a heavily-guarded remote island. DC fans are hoping director James Gunn can do for this franchise what he did for Marvel with both “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies.

Courtesy of Screen Gems

Don’t Breathe 2
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Aug. 13

Before “A Quiet Place” there was 2016’s “Don’t Breathe,” in which a young woman’s silence similarly meant the difference between life and death. This sequel takes place years later and features the return of Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang), the deadly blind man from the original.

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Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Respect
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Aug. 13

This upcoming biopic stars multi-hyphenate Jennifer Hudson as legendary R&B singer Aretha Franklin. It follows the “Queen of Soul” from her early days in the church choir to her blockbuster success on the international stage.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Free Guy
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Aug. 13

A bank teller named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) discovers that he’s nothing more than a background character in an open world video game. Originally slated for release in July of 2020, this action film was pushed back three times. Pending further delays or disasters, it will arrive this August for an exclusive 45-day theatrical run.

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Courtesy of Apple TV+

CODA
> Anticipated: In Theaters and on Apple TV Plus on Friday, Aug. 13

A remake of the 2014 French film “La Famille Bélier,” this drama tells the story of a girl with hearing abilities (Emilia Jones) who’s born to two deaf parents. After premiering at Sundance, it was picked up by Apple for a record-setting $25 million. It will land in theaters and on the Apple TV+ streaming service at the same time.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Reminiscence
> Anticipated: In Theaters and on HBO Max on Friday, Aug. 20

The feature debut from filmmaker Lisa Joy, this sci-fi thriller takes place in a near-future world that’s been ravaged by climate change. Hugh Jackman plays a lonely veteran turned scientist, who gives customers the chance to relive their most cherished memories. When his newfound love interest (Rebecca Ferguson) implicates herself in a murder, it kicks off a desperate search for the truth.

Courtesy of No Distributor Found

Sweet Girl
> Anticipated: Premieres on Netflix on Friday, Aug. 20

In the spirit of classic revenge sagas comes this Netflix thriller, in which a man (Jason Momoa) tracks down the people responsible for his wife’s death. At the same time, he must protect the one true thing he has left: his daughter (Isabela Merced).

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Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Candyman
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Aug. 27

“Get Out” creator Jordan Peele co-wrote and co-produced this highly anticipated horror flick, a sequel to the 1992 cult classic. It brings viewers back to Chicago’s now-gentrified Cabrini Green neighborhood, where a mythical boogeyman once terrorized the locals. Like its predecessor, the film will layer a macabre premise with important themes of racial injustice.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Sept. 3

Marvel Studios brings another comic book character to the bring screen with this martial arts actioner. After an encounter with the villainous Ten Rings organization, superhero Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) must confront the past he left behind.

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Courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing

Cinderella
> Anticipated: Premieres on Prime Video on Friday, Sept. 3

The second live-action adaptation of “Cinderella” in less than a decade, this musical retelling stars Camila Cabello as the famous fairy tale character. Produced by Sony, it will arrive directly onto the Amazon Prime Video streaming platform.

Courtesy of New Line Cinema

Malignant
> Anticipated: In Theaters and on HBO Max on Friday, Sept. 10

Director James Wan returns to his horror roots with this sure-to-be-gripping thriller, based on an original idea. Details are being kept under wraps, but the story involves two women who are on the run from a deadly monster. Look for it in theaters or on HBO Max.

Courtesy of Focus Features

The Card Counter
> Anticipated: Expected in Theaters on Friday, Sept. 10

The second coming of Hollywood veteran Paul Schrader continues with this American crime drama, which he wrote and directed. It puts a seasoned gambler (Oscar Isaac) on the path to redemption when he takes a vengeful young man (Tye Sheridan) under his wing. Tiffany Haddish and Willem Dafoe co-star and Martin Scorsese was executive producer.

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Courtesy of HBO Max

Cry Macho
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Sept. 17

This Western drama represents the latest film from 91-year-old director Clint Eastwood, who also stars. Based on a novel, it follows a washed-up horse breeder (Eastwood) on a transformational journey through Mexico in 1978.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Dear Evan Hansen
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Sept. 24

Broadway star Ben Platt reprises the role of Evan Hansen for this adaptation of an award-winning musical about a high school senior with severe anxiety. When an unexpected event leads to tragedy, Hansen thrusts himself into the local spotlight. The story is loosely inspired by an actual incident.

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Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Venom: Let There Be Carnage
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Sept. 24

Journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his alien alter-ego return for this big-budget sequel, which pits him against a deadly foe. Hardy was so creatively involved behind the scenes that he ended up receiving his first story credit.

Courtesy of No Distributor Found

tick, tick…Boom!
> Anticipated: Expected in Theaters and on Netflix in Fall 2021

Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his directorial feature debut with this adaptation of an off-Broadway musical. Chronicling the exploits of a struggling theater composer (Andrew Garfield), it doubles as a biopic about real-life icon Jonathan David Larson. It was Larson who created both the original play and also the smash hit “Rent” before passing away at the age of 35.

Courtesy of VVS Films

After We Fell
> Anticipated: Expected In Theaters in October 2021

Based on the popular novel, this romantic drama is the third installment of the “After” film series. It centers on the relationship between Tessa and Hardin, which takes a turn for the worse when a dark secret comes to light.

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Courtesy of Warner Bros.

The Many Saints of Newark
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 1

“The Sopranos” creator David Chase co-wrote this long-gestating prequel, starring James Gandolfini’s son Michael as a young Tony Soprano. Set in Newark, it examines the future crime boss’s most formative years. An initial 2020 release date was pushed back by over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courtesy of United Artists Releasing

The Addams Family 2
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 1

America’s creepiest and kookiest family embarks on an event-filled road trip in this computer-animated sequel. Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Kroll, Snoop Dogg, Bill Hader, and Bette Midler all lend their voices.

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Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 1

The fourth (and supposedly final) installment of the “Hotel Transylvania” franchise replaces Adam Sandler with Brian Hull as the voice of Dracula. Thanks to Van Helsing’s latest invention, Drac and his monster pals suddenly take on human form.

Courtesy of United Artists Releasing

No Time to Die
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 8

The 25th official Bond movie overcame a series of production setbacks and delays before arriving at its current release date. Daniel Craig delivers his final performance as the iconic spy, who comes out of retirement to take on a maniacal villain.

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Halloween Kills
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 15

The recent “Halloween” reboot was a massive success, meaning that this follow-up was more or less inevitable. Director David Gordon Green returns and so too does original scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis, squaring off against serial killer Michael Myers once again. Everything will come to a violent conclusion in the upcoming 2022 film “Halloween Ends.”

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Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

The Last Duel
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 15

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and indie filmmaker Nicole Holofcener co-wrote the screenplay for this historical drama from director Ridley Scott. It takes place in 14th-century France and builds toward a deadly duel between a knight (Damon) and his squire (Adam Driver).

Courtesy of Focus Features

Last Night in Soho
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 22

Expectations are high for director Edgar Wright’s noirish psychological thriller with sci-fi undertones. Two young women (Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy) forge a connection across time and it threatens to unravel their respective realities. Early trailers are dripping in atmosphere.

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Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Dune
> Anticipated: In Theaters and on HBO Max on Friday, Oct. 22

Preceded by a 1984 version directed by David Lynch, widely considered a fiasco, this sci-fi epic hopes to give Frank Herbert’s seminal novel the adaptation it deserves. Shot on a reported budget of $165 million, it takes viewers to a futuristic desert planet. Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) is tasked with protecting the most valuable resource known to humanity at all costs.

Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

The French Dispatch
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 22

The final issue of a fictional newspaper yields three unique stories in this predictably quirky outing from Wes Anderson. It premiered at Cannes to rapturous applause but failed to take home any awards. A press photo of Anderson with three cast members (Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Timothée Chalamet) has already inspired countless memes.

Courtesy of No Distributor Found

Jackass Forever
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 22

After a 10-year hiatus, Johnny Knoxville and his daredevil cohorts will return for one final smorgasbord of uproarious stunts. Both Knoxville and co-star Steve-O were hospitalized with injuries during production, as if anyone expected anything less.

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Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Antlers
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Oct. 29

Based on a short story, this modern monster movie has all the trappings of a gruesome classic. It takes place in a small Oregon town, where a young boy harbors a dark and deadly secret.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Ron’s Gone Wrong
> Anticipated: Expected in Theaters in October 2021

A walking, talking robot named Ron has gone wrong in this computer-animated comedy about the digital age. Adorable in spite of his malfunctions, Ron and his best human friend embark on a coming-of-age adventure.

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Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Eternals
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Nov. 5

Marvel Studios is making up for lost time with their third feature film of the year and their 26th overall. It follows the events of “Avengers: Endgame” and tells the story of a secret alien race, who come out of hiding to protect mankind.

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Ghostbusters: Afterlife
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Thursday, Nov. 11

The original “Ghostbusters” was both a smash hit and a cultural benchmark, making the mediocre movies that followed all the more disappointing. This modern sequel hopes to right the course with a new story featuring appearances by stars of the original version. It follows a single mom (Carrie Coon) and her son to a small town, where a series of supernatural events lead directly back to the ghostbusters.

Courtesy of Netflix

Red Notice
> Anticipated: Premieres on Netflix on Friday, Nov. 12

Arriving on Netflix, this international thriller puts the world’s greatest tracker (Dwayne Johnson) on the trail of the world’s greatest art thief (Gal Gadot). When the world’s greatest con artist (Ryan Reynolds) enters the picture, things get complicated.

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Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Top Gun: Maverick
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Nov. 19

With three decades of fearless flying under his belt, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is still pushing boundaries in this long-awaited sequel. Delayed more than once, it will finally hit theaters on Nov. 19th and then stream on the Paramount+ network 45 days later.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Encanto
> Anticipated: Expected to Premiere on Disney Plus on Wednesday, Nov. 24

Bursting with vibrant color, Disney’s computer-animated fantasy introduces viewers to a magical Colombian family named the Madrigals. Everyone in the family has a special power except Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz), who just might be their only hope in the midst of a dangerous threat.

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Courtesy of United Artists Releasing

House of Gucci
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Wednesday, Nov. 24

Director Ridley Scott’s second release in as many months takes place in 1995 and chronicles the infamous murder of fashion magnate Maurizio Gucci (played by Adam Driver). The star-studded affair will offer a candid glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Some members of the actual Gucci family have criticized the work as an invasion of privacy.

Courtesy of Screen Gems

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
> Anticipated: Expected in Theaters on Wednesday, Nov. 24

Can the “Resident Evil” franchise survive without action star Milla Jovovich? Audiences are about to find out with this upcoming prequel. It sets the action in 1998 and promises to reveal how the whole bloody saga began.

Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Nightmare Alley
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Dec. 3

Director Guillermo del Toro adapts a controversial 1946 novel with his latest psychological thriller, about two expert manipulators (Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper). Long before this version, there was an acclaimed 1947 noir based on the same book. Del Toro’s work is not a remake of the previous film, rather a reimagining of the same source material.

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Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

West Side Story
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Dec. 10

Spielberg’s remake of an award-winning musical explores forbidden love against the culturally charged backdrop of warring gangs. Actress Rita Moreno starred in the original version and she returns here to play a different role.

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Spider-Man: No Way Home
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Friday, Dec. 17

As if there weren’t enough Marvel movies scheduled for release in 2021, Spider-Man (Tom Holland) will kick off his third high-stakes adventure in December. It will presumably pick things up where the mid-credits scene in “Spider-Man: Far From Home” left off. A fourth film is reportedly in development.

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Courtesy of Warner Bros.

The Matrix 4
> Anticipated: In Theaters and on HBO Max on Wednesday, Dec. 22

A game-changing sci-fi franchise continues with this fourth installment, which arrives 18 years after its immediate predecessor. True to form, the cast and crew are keeping mum on story details. Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) will both return.

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The King’s Man
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Wednesday, Dec. 22

Set at the turn of the 20th century, the third “Kingsman” movie shows how the covert agency came into existence. A collective of evildoers are dead set on destroying mankind and it’s up to a man (Ralph Fiennes) and his protégé (Harris Dickinson) to stop them.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Sherlock Holmes 3
> Anticipated: Expected in Theaters and on HBO Max on Wednesday, Dec. 22

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprise their respective roles as Sherlock Holmes and Watson for this upcoming threequel. Stepping into the shoes of Guy Ritchie, director Dexter Fletcher will surely maintain the franchise’s unique blend of mystery and action.

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Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Sing 2
> Anticipated: In Theaters on Wednesday, Dec. 22

A sequel to the 2016 blockbuster “Sing,” this computer-animated musical takes place in a world of anthropomorphic animals. To kick off his new show in spectacular style, koala Buster Moon must lure a reclusive rock musician out of hiding. Matthew McConaughey, Taron Egerton, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Eric André, Bono, and other stars provide voices.

Courtesy of Netflix

Don’t Look Up
> Anticipated: Coming to Netflix in 2021

It’s the end of the world as we know it and (almost) everyone feels a little too fine in this satirical comedy from Adam McKay. Determined to warn mankind of the impending doom, two astronomers (Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) embark on a massive media tour.

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Courtesy of Netflix

The Harder They Fall
> Anticipated: Coming to Netflix in 2021

Jay-Z co-produced this revenge-fueled Western, starring a veritable who’s who of distinguished Black stars. Upon learning that his nemesis has been released from prison, a rugged outlaw (Jonathan Majors) gets the old gang back together for one last job.

Courtesy of 21 Laps Entertainment

There’s Someone Inside Your House
> Anticipated: Premieres on Netflix in 2021

A horror novel from 2017 lays the groundwork for this Netflix slasher, in which a masked killer targets soon-to-be high school grads. As the body count rises, a deeply buried secret inches closer to the surface.

Courtesy of No Distributor Found

Blonde
> Anticipated: Premieres on Netflix in 2021

Ana de Armas plays Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe in this fictionalized biopic, based on a novel by Joyce Carol Oates. The film was in development for over a decade, with at least two high-profile actresses reportedly dropping out of the lead role. It’s been described by director Andrew Dominik as an “avalanche of images and events.”

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Courtesy of Netflix

The Power of the Dog
> Anticipated: Expected in Theaters in 2021

Oscar-winning director Jane Campion’s first feature film in over a decade offers a tale of bitter jealousy and brutal sibling rivalry. Set in Montana in the early 20th century, it finds a callous ranch owner turning against his own brother over a woman. Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Benedict Cumberbatch star.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Mothering Sunday
> Anticipated: Expected in Theaters in 2021

This period drama, which takes inspiration from a novel of the same name, primarily unfolds in post-WWI England. Told largely through flashbacks, it chronicles the love affair between a housemaid and the son of a wealthy family.

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Kevin Winter / Staff / Getty Images

The Tragedy of Macbeth
> Anticipated: Expected 2021

Working without his brother for the first time, filmmaker Joel Coen delivers this retelling of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand star as Lord and Lady Macbeth, who fulfill a prophecy by brutally seizing power. Coen opted to shoot the film in black-and-white and entirely on sound stages so as to reinforce a sense of “unreality.”

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