Within the last year, the experience of watching a new movie has been completely transformed. With the current uncertainty of the movie theater industry due to the pandemic, viewers across the world have adapted to online streaming services. While it is a strange time for cinema, there is still a lot to be excited about.
Film production companies like the Warner Brothers have partnered with streaming services to release new movies, while others have created their own streaming services like Disney+.
The Warner Brothers’ decision to release movies straight to streaming on HBO Max is a big deal for the landscape of the media. While some of the movies on this list will be a part of this deal, it is safe to assume most will have their own streaming dedication.
With that in mind, read on to see the anticipated films of 2021.
Minari
(Available on YouTube and Amazon Prime Video for $19.99)
“Minari” is an immigrant story, following a Korean family chasing the American dream in an Arkansas farm. Starring Steven Yuen as Jacob and Korean actress Han Ye-Ri as Monica, the film encapsulates the challenges the immigrant family overcomes. Although a select few have been fortunate enough to see “Minari” at special screenings, so far, the film is only available through platforms including YouTube and Amazon Prime Video for $19.99. This is expected to have the signature indie, an artisanal stamp of being a personal story, especially for the representation and family ties.
Godzilla vs. Kong
(March 25)
Legendary Entertainment continues the monster verse with the long-awaited crossover of Godzilla and King Kong. As the two monsters brawl, the world’s destiny is in their hands. While the title is self-explanatory, many fans come together in conflict of the age-old argument: who will win?
Last Night in Soho
(April 23)
Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Sandy, a fashion designer, in Edgar Wright’s next horror film. The film follows Sandy as she enters London in the 1960s and mysterious events unfold. Although details are sparse, Edgar Wright has been continually delivering hilarious films such as “Shaun of the Dead” worth watching for the past two decades.
Black Widow
(May 7)
The long-awaited and long-delayed solo film for the MCU’s first female hero will follow her origins before the Avengers came together. The film more specifically takes place in the events following “Captain America: Civil War” (2016), as her past soon comes to haunt her.
Space Jam: A New Legacy
(July 16)
Basketball fans and Looney Tunes fans come together for this reboot. The original “Space Jam” was a 90s classic starring basketball all-star Michael Jordan. This continuation will follow on the legacy of the modern-day legend, Lebron James as he teams up with Bugs Bunny and the Tunes Squad.
The Green Knight
(July 30)
Director David Lowery amazed audiences with his surreal modern-day classic “A Ghost Story” (2017). His follow-up is this fantasy epic adaptation of the classic tale, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” “The Green Knight” follows King Arthur’s nephew as he sets out to uncover the Green Knight to prove his strengths to his family and kingdom.
The French Dispatch
(July)
Legendary director Wes Anderson, who directed popular films including “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” returns with a gigantic ensemble of some of the most prolific actors today, including Timothée Chalamet and Bill Murray. This comedy-drama follows three storylines set in different periods, all of which are about fictional journalists in Kansas.
The Suicide Squad
(August 6)
Although it has only been five years since DC’s universally disliked attempt at telling the story of the Suicide Squad, many fans still have hope in this soft reboot. The film will follow the adventures Harley Quinn and Rick Flag embark on. James Gunn (director of Guardians of the Galaxy) is set to direct with an all-star cast including Idris Elba, John Cena and Dwayne Johnson.
Dune
(October 1)
The futuristic science fiction film follows the journey of Paul Atreidas, the son of a noble family, as he attempts to protect the remaining, most vital substance in the universe, “the spice,” that extends human life and bestows superpowers onto them. “Dune” was one of the most anticipated movies of 2020. Despite the many delays, fans are still excited for this epic retelling of one of the greatest sci-fi novels. Director Denis Villenueve has proved himself as one of the best directors of the last decade, as he teams up with Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Jason Momoa.
Matrix 4
(December 22)
Although the plot has not been revealed, the sequel will continue the adventures of Neo and Trinity. Lana Wachowski, writer and director of the previous three films, reprises her directorial along with Keanu Reeves, the face of the franchise. Although it has been 18 years since the last film, “The Matrix” trilogy is one of the most beloved franchises of all time so it is no surprise millions are looking forward to this.
