15 films we can’t wait to see in 2021
1. One Night in Miami (Jan. 15)
What imagines sitting around a table with four legendary figures, and watching them joke about their shared history, discuss old arguments about politics, careers, and even their religions, and propose a plan for a brighter future. Here-One Night in Miami….. Though thought-provoking, the results are also wildly entertaining. Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, Eli Goree as Muhammad Ali, Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke, and Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown all deliver exceptional performances, making this an evening not to be missed. A.H.
The film will be released in select theaters on Jan-8-2021 Amazon Prime 2021-01-15
2. MLK/FBI (Jan. 15)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. need not be introduced – he remains one of the greatest Americans of all time. Samuel D. Pollard’s critically acclaimed documentary, however, reminds us that he wasn’t always regarded in such a way. Investigating the FBI’s long-term campaign to discredit the civil rights activist, Carole Parker explores the FBI’s thorough surveillance of him. MLK-FBI In a story of dark history and legacy, the film explores this ugly collision. Deputy Entertainment Editor Angele Han writes for The Hollywood Movies.
The film will be released in select theaters on Jan-15-2021
3. Minari (Feb. 12)
Family of Korean-Americans move to Arkansas in search of the American dream Minari is a The story centers around a patriarch determined to start his own farm, played by Steven Yeun. As complications arise predictably and unpredictably (and Youn Yuh-Jung’s grandma is particularly memorable), what remains constant between the family is their love and the writer-directors tenderness toward them. When you want to laugh and cry at the same time, save this one for when you feel both. — A.H.
The film will be released in select theaters on Feb-12-2021
4. Nobody (Feb. 26)
Is it a bit reductive to summarize Nobody? What would happen if John WickHowever, Bob Odenkirk. Perhaps. But if we said we didn’t want an answer, we’d be lying. Dunkirk remains a surprise time and again – most recently with the work he did on Better Call Saul After a traumatic incident, he transforms into a bonafide action hero, playing a seemingly mild-mannered dad whose turbulent past bubbles to the surface. — A.H.
The film will be released in select theaters on Feb-26-2021
5. Coming 2 America (March 5)
Prince Akeem and his BFF Semmi are returning to America 30 years after their first trip. However, this time they’re searching for a prince, not a queen – one who might be buried somewhere in Queens. Coming 2 America Arsenio Hall joins Eddie Murphy for yet another potentially hilarious string of roles, and if that wasn’t enough, Jermaine Fowler, Tracy Morgan, and Leslie Jones also appear.- A.H.
The film will be released on Amazon Prime 2021-March-5
6. A Quiet Place Part II (April 23)
In the sequel to 2018’s A Quiet Place, newly widowed Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and her children are in the market for a new home away from the sound-sensitive creatures that have wiped out most of humanity. Emmett (Cillian Murphy) claims that Evelyn cannot survive if she attempts to save the survivors – and she may not even want to.
As one of the first casualties of 2020 movie theater closures, A Quiet Place Part II has yet to be released. This statement was released by director John Krasinski earlier this month. I’m going to wait for everyone to see this movie together, as much as I’m looking forward to you all seeing it. I hope it will happen as planned. Proma Khosla is an entertainment reporter.
The film will be released in select theaters on April-23-2021
7. Last Night in Soho (April 23)
The cast of ‘Last Night in Soho’. Credit: Parisa Taghizadeh / Focus Features
As of now, we don’t know a lot about Last Night in Soho. We do know enough to get psyched, though. In Mr. Turner, Edgar Wright, director of Scott Pilgrim and Cornetto Trilogy, has assembled a truly stellar cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie, and Matt Smith. We can’t wait to find out how all of that ties together. — A.H.
The film will be released in select theaters on April-23-2021
8. F9 (May 28)
The Fast and FurioThe Fast and Furious movies have always been about family, but ties of blood can be complicated. Dom (Vin Diesel) fights his brother Jakob (John Cena), a talented thief, assassin, and driver. We know that Cipher (Charlize Theron) has plans to use Jakob against Dom, but we also know that our family will not give up easily. If you saw the trailer alone, you’d crave to see the movie in a theater, just so you can join everyone in screaming when Han (Sung Kang) drives off a cliff and shout for his return. — P.K.
The film will be released in select theaters on May-28-2021
9. In the Heights (June 18)
Originally scheduled for summer 2020, Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Miranda and Alegria’s stage show in 2007 is now arriving one year later. In Usnavi de la Vega, Anthony Ramos portrays a bodega owner in Washington Heights with big (and little) dreams for his family and friends. A new musical experience promises with Chu’s visual style and Miranda’s soundtrack in the trailer. — P.K.
The film will be released on HBO Max June-18-2021
10. Luca (June 18)
Disney and Pixar’s “Luca” takes place in a peaceful seaside town near the Italian Riviera as an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta, and endless scooter rides takes place. However, they need to guard a secret: they’re sea monsters from another world. Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) directed “Luca”, while Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”) produced it. This Disney/Pixar contest is in 2020. Unless otherwise noted, all rights reserved. PIXAR / Disney
A child meets a new friend, grows unexpectedly close with him, all set during a summer spent under the Italian sun in Disney and Pixar’s Luca. Yet, here’s the crucial difference in the film from director Enrico Casarosa: the boys are sea monsters. Let’s hope to Call Me By Your Name will fix the problem Call Me By Your Name had. — P.K.
The film will be released in select theaters on June-18-2021
11. Zola (June 30)
Taylour Paige and Ryley Keough in Zola. Photo by Anna Kooris.
Around 2015, you might recall the viral Twitter thread that told a story about two strippers who had gone on a road trip gone wrong. Perhaps you recalled back in early 2020 that a Twitter thread turned into a film that was well-received at Sundance. I guess if your curiosity was whetted, you will be pleased to learn Zola is finally about to be released at long last. There’s nothing like this kind of ride—with a celebrity cast like Riley Keough, Taylour Paige, Colman Domingo, and Nicholas Braun—and its crazy hook, you won’t want to miss it. — A.H.
The film will be released in select theaters on June-30-2021
12. Top Gun: Maverick (July 2)
He was in the danger zone before he nearly killed himself for the entertainment of his fans in Mission: Impossible movies. And now he is getting ready to do the same thing. He also introduces a whole new generation of pilot trainees – Miles Teller and Glen Powell – to Top Gun: Maverick, including his old co-star Val Kilmer. As well as wild stunts and hotshots, there’s a lot of nostalgia to look forward to. But do we really expect another shirtless beach volleyball scene? — A.H.
The film will be released in select theaters on July-2-2021
13. The Green Knight (July 30)
The A24 film Green Knight, by director David Lowery, stars Dev Patel as a god and a king. Sir Gawain is one of King Arthur’s closest confidantes and strongest warriors, but he is neither: He is the Arthurian knight known as Sir Gawain. Additionally, the film stars Game of Thrones’ Kate Dickie, Joel Edgerton, and Sean Harris.— P.K.
The film will be released in select theaters on July-30-2021
14. Dune (Oct. 1)
An explainer has been created because Dune is so complex. The story of Paul (Timothée Chalamet) is based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, and the universe that it birthed. He must traverse the universe to save his family, planet, and galaxy. Even the bravest of individuals have failed in their quest for Melange, a precious substance found on the treacherous planet Arrakis.
The first Dune novel will be adapted into two films by Denis Villeneuve, starring Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, and many others. — P.K.
The film will be released on HBO Max on Oct. 1
15. Eternals (Nov. 5)
MCU will return in 2021 to introduce a brand new franchise within the MCU – the Eternals. Basically, the Eternals are a bunch of immortals (get it) who have lived on Earth forever and played a critical role in influencing its history… so we have some questions for them.
Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, and more are portrayed by these 10 Eternals (and Kit Harington as Dane who is a guy in the film). With Chloé Zhao at the helm, Marvel has its first female director of color in its MCU. — P.K.
* Denotes films that had awards-qualifying limited runs in 2020.
The film will be released in select theaters on Nov-5-2021