As if 2020 and the pandemic weren’t tumultuous enough, last year was a cause for further exasperation for people worldwide as the releases of highly anticipated movies were delayed. A total of 329 movies were released in the pandemic-inflicted year, a whopping 60% drop from the year before. Multiple films, such as Dune, a sci-fi epic led by Timothée Chalamet, and No Time to Die, featuring the fan-favorite Daniel Craig, scheduled to be released in 2020, were shelved.
As the world is slowly recovering from the adversities of Covid-19, cinemas around the world are opening their doors to the public. As things aren’t as expedited as one would have hoped for, many production casts are moving towards a hybrid release wherein films will be released online and in theatres to maximize viewership.
The years 2021 and 2022 are going to be good for movie-watchers. With the much-awaited slew of movies, including Marvel movies, such as Thor: Love and Thunder, and the fourth installment to the globally loved The Matrix Saga coming out, one can be expected to be glued to their screen, enjoying the needed break from the mundanities of life.
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Our Methodology
In this article, Insider Monkey has gathered reviews and comments of the audiences through sites such as Reddit.com, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDB to curate the list of the most anticipated movies of 2021 and 2022. Movies have been ranked based on the comments and engagements they have garnered on the aforementioned websites.
Without further ado, here is the list of the 15 most anticipated movies of 2021 and 2022.
15. Spiderman 3: No Way Home
Release Date: December 17, 2021
Directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, Marvel Studios’ Spiderman 3: No Way Home is the trilogy’s final movie. Co-produced by Marvel Studios and Columbia Pictures, the movie is based on the comic series by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, first published in 1962. The action film features Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, as Spiderman, or Peter Parker, navigates his private and superhero life after his real identity has been revealed to the world. The movie is set to be released in theatres directly at the end of 2021.
14. The French Dispatch
Release Date: October 21, 2021
The star-studded, comedy-drama film, The French Dispatch, is directed by the esteemed Wes Anderson and casts an ensemble featuring Timothée Chalamet, Léa Seydoux, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Edward Norton. Produced by Indian Paintbrush and American Empirical Pictures, the movie is set in a fictional French city in the 20th century and has been described by Anderson as a ‘love letter to journalists.’ The movie follows three tales that have been submitted to the eponymous newspaper, the French Dispatch, and brings them to life. The film is scheduled to be released in theatres this year.
13. Halloween Kills
Release Date: October 15, 2021
This American horror thriller is the twelfth installment of the Halloween franchise and the sequel to 2018’s Halloween, directed by David Gordon Green. Featuring Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle, who reprise their roles as Laurie Strode and Michael Myers respectively, the movie begins right where Halloween ends. The film is produced by Blumhouse Productions and has already been premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival last year. However, due to the pandemic, the theatre release has been delayed to later this year.
12. The Flash
Release Date: November 4, 2022
The Flash, an American superhero movie, is the twelfth addition to the DC Extended Universe. Produced by DC Films, the Disco Factory, and the Dream Factory, and directed by Andy Muschietti, the film stars revered actors such as Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, and Michael Keaton. The film is based on the comic, The Flash, written by Gardener Fox and Harry Lampert in 1940. The movie follows the superhero as he travels back in time to prevent his mother’s murder but in doing so, incurs unexpected and dangerous consequences. The Flash is set to be released in the United States in late 2022.
11. John Wick: Chapter 4
Release Date: May 27, 2022
Directed by Chad Stahelski and produced by Thunder Road Pictures and 87North Productions, who has directed the entire John Wick film series, Chapter 4 is a direct sequel to John Wick 3: Parabellum. Starring the lead actor, Keanu Reeves, amongst Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburn, and Donnie Yen, the film is hotly anticipated by the series fans. The film follows John Wick, a hailed hitman with legendary skills, and the hunt for his life by the High Table. The movie is set to be released directly in theatres in 2022.
10. Thor: Love and Thunder
Release Date: May 6, 2022
Thor: Love and Thunder is the fourth installment in Marvel Studios’ Thor series and the 29th edition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Taika Waititi and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and produced by Marvel Studios, the film features Chris Hemsworth as the title character with Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale. The film will adapt Jason Aaron’s Mighty Thor comic wherein Jane Foster, played by Portman, will become the mighty Thor. The movie is predicted to be the final Thor movie and is set to be released next year after the coronavirus delayed its production.
9. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Release Date: March 25, 2022
Directed by Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the second edition to the franchise, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange. In addition to Cumberbatch, the film features Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen. The movie is set after The Avengers: Endgame and follows the title character in his search to learn more about the Time Stone, leading him to unfriendly and dire circumstances wherein he unleashes an unspeakable evil. Produced by Marvel Studios, the movie is highly awaited by all members of the Marvel fandom. The movie is set to be released in 2022.
8. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Release Date: July 8, 2022
Following 2018’s Black Panther’s success, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the sequel, based on the Black Panther comic series by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, wherein T’Challa navigates his nation and its problems after his father’s death. Starring the late Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther and Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Michael B. Jordan, this action movie is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Marvel Studios. The film holds a special place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is much awaited by fans worldwide as it’s the last movie with the lead actor, Boseman, who passed away from cancer in 2020. The movie is going to be released in the theatre next year.
7. The Batman
Release Date: March 4, 2022
The Batman, played by Robert Pattinson, is produced by the DC Films and 6th & Idaho and directed by Matt Reeves. The film is based on a comic series created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and stars Zoe Kravitz, Andy Serkis, and Jeffery Wright. While there have been many Batman movies, there is a constant buzz amongst DC fans about this edition, mainly due to the new cast and the amazing cinematography as seen in the trailer. The film revolves around Batman and Commissioner Gordon trying to take down the Riddler in Gotham City. The movie is set to be released in early 2022.
6. Venom: Let there be Carnage
Release Date: October 15, 2021
Starring Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Stephen Graham, and Michelle Williams, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is the sequel to the 2018 action movie, Venom, which grossed millions of views worldwide. Directed by Andy Serkis and produced by Marvel Entertainment, the company follows Venom, played by Hardy, trying to defeat the serial killer Cletus Kassady after he turns into the evil Carnage. Set to be released later in the fall of 2021, Venom 2 has Marvel fans buzzing worldwide due to Venom’s unlikely character and brilliant cinematography. Due to the pandemic, the movie witnessed release setbacks which have since been overcome.
5. Mission: Impossible 7
Release Date: September 30, 2022
Tom Cruise’s trademark franchise, the Mission: Impossible series, has another edition coming in the fall of 2022. Mission: Impossible 7 is heavily anticipated by the Mission: Impossible fanbase worldwide as the series has become a household name. Starring the obvious Cruise with Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and Vanessa Kirby, the film is directed by Christopher McQuarrie and produced by Skydance Media and Bad Robot Productions. The movie follows the lead character, Ethan Hunt, in his dangerous adventure to save the world. The movie is said to include exciting stunts and a thrilling plotline for the viewers.
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