This year has been packed full of incredible cinematic releases. We've seen Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper shine in A Star Is Born, half of the Avengers turn to dust as part of Infinity War, and a family in dire turmoil in the intense horror Hereditary.
Now though we look ahead to 2019, and delve into some of the biggest and highly-anticipated movies that are set to drop over the next 12 months.
Glass - January 18, 2019
M. Night Shyamalan returns to the director's chair for his new comic book thriller Glass, which ties together the narratives we first saw explored in 2000's Unbreakable and 2016's Split.
Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn, as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price aka Mr. Glass, and James McAvoy as Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities that live within him. Anya Taylor-Joy also makes a comeback as Casey Cooke; the only captive who survived her encounter with McAvoy's 'The Beast' personality.
Golden Globe Award winner Sarah Paulson joins the cast in this third instalment as Dr. Ellie Staple; a woman who isn't convinced by the proclamations of Price in that he, Dunn and Crumb are the superheroes and villains of the real world.
Described as the "culmination" of Shyamalan's comic book outings, this should prove a must-see. He produces alongside Blumhouse Production's Jason Blum, as well as Ashwin Rajan and Marc Bienstock, with Steven Schenider as executive producer.
Captain Marvel - March 8, 2019
The Marvel Cinematic Universe finally gets with the time and plays host to its first female solo superhero movie, with Brie Larson debuting as Carol Danvers, aka the titular Captain Marvel.
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the film takes us back to 1995 and introduces us to former US Air Force fighter pilot Danvers, who transforms into one of the galaxy's fiercest heroes upon joining Starforce.
This will be very much an origins story for the character, set with the backdrop of Earth being caught in the midst of a galactic conflict between two alien worlds.
Let's hope Marvel doesn't stick too closely to its MCU formula, and there are a few surprises up their sleeves with this release!
Dumbo - March 29, 2019
The live-action Disney classic reboots continue in 2019, first with Dumbo, from Tim Burton! The film does of course look dark and a little grisly, but we imagine all the heart of the original will remain intact. Burton is an incredibly skilled director, and it's hard to think of anybody better suited to take on such a strange story.
Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green and Alan Arkin are amongst the all-star cast with a screenplay from Ehren Kruger, who also serves as producer alongside Justin Springer, Katterli Frauenfelder and Derek Frey.
It's going to be very interesting to see just how closely this one sticks to the animated film of 1941; Burton may choose to go in an almost completely different direction altogether!
Avengers: Endgame - April 26, 2019
On April 26, 2019, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will finally be able to see just how the story that has been being told for years now all ties together before a new 'Phase' dawns. Will the heroes be able to come together and take down Thanos without casualties, or will there have to be some huge sacrifices made for the greater good?
Anthony and Joe Russo return to the director's chair to finish up their story, with a screenplay from Stephen McFeely.
The film kicks off with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) adrift in space without food or water, whilst the remaining Avengers battle on Earth to bring back their allies who were destroyed by Thanos' simple click of his fingers. Where it goes from there remains to be seen!
Pokémon Detective Pikachu - May 10, 2019
The first time you watch the Pokémon Detective Pikachu trailer, you may be a little distracted by just how realistic, fluffy and furry all of the featuring creatures appear to be! We haven't had the chance to see Pokémon in such a true-to-life light before, so it's jarring to say the very least!
Ryan Reynolds voices the titular character, who helps out private eye Harry Goodman's 21-year-old son (Justice Smith) in a case where his father has gone missing.
Kathryn Newton, Bill Nighy, Suki Waterhouse, Ken Watanabe, Rita Ora and Chris Geere all also star in what is sure to be a major blockbuster hit.
John Wick 3: Parabellum - May 17, 2019
Keanu Reeves returns as the titular hitman John Wick in the series' third instalment, Parabellum. This time round he's joined by the likes of Halle Berry, Mark Dacascos, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne and Anjelica Huston amongst other huge names, in what looks to be one of the most action-packed releases of 2019.
Still on the run following his assassination of one of the members of the High Table in The Continental, Wick is dodging bullets from all sides due to the $14 million global contract on his head. Banned from every Continental service, his goal is to fight his way out of New York City, but that will of course prove more difficult than any of his former tasks.
Following his writing of the first two films, Derek Kolstad has returned to write the screenplay for the movie, whilst director Chad Stahelski also makes his comeback to the director's chair.
Aladdin - May 24, 2019
Another entry from Disney here, as they reboot their classic animated film Aladdin, with Guy Ritchie serving as director and working on a screenplay he co-wrote with John August and Vanessa Taylor.
Will Smith will be playing the Genie of the Lamp in the film, with Mena Massoud as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, Marwan Kenzari as Jafar and Navid Negahban as The Sultan.
The movie has already caused some major controversies; first due to the casting of white actor Billy Magnussen as all-new character Prince Anders which was deemed unnecessary and simply a way to whitewash the film; and secondly after reports that white extras were being applied with brown make-up during filming so that they could "blend in" with the rest of the actors in their scenes.
Disney responded to the latter reports, saying: "Diversity of our cast and background performers was a requirement and only in a handful of instances when it was a matter of specialty skills, safety and control (special effects rigs, stunt performers and handling of animals) were crew made up to blend in."
Rocketman - May 31, 2019
Following the brilliance of Bohemian Rhapsody this year (that showcased the brilliance of Queen) comes 2019 biographical musical film Rocketman, focusing on the life of musician Elton John.
Directed by Dexter Fletcher and written by Lee Hall, the movie is to focus on the legend's years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music before his enduring and iconic musical partnership with Bernie Taupin (played by Jamie Bell) which still lasts to this day.
Taron Egerton will take on the central role of Elton John, with Richard Madden as John Reid and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton's mother, Sheila Eileen.
Lee Hall has written the movie's screenplay, whilst Lawrence Bender, Adam Bohling, David Reid and Matthew Vaughn all serve as producers alongside Elton John himself, and his husband David Furnish.
Toy Story 4 - June 21, 2019
Originally set to be a romance telling the story of love between Woody (Tom Hanks) and Bo Peep (Annie Potts), Toy Story 4 will instead go down another route; one of self-discovery and acceptance for a spork called Forky who isn't willing to believe he's a toy.
The gang come together for a road trip in the fourth film, which will open the eyes of all involved as to how big the world really can be, even for a toy.
Josh Cooley directs from a screenplay written by Stephany Folsom in what we expect will be one of the biggest box office hits of 2019.
The Lion King - July 19, 2019
Original Mufasa voice actor James Earl Jones makes his return next year in the same role, as a live-action version of Disney classic The Lion King comes to cinemas across the globe.
He's joined by the likes of Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé as Nala, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Billy Eichner as Timon, John Kani as Rafiki and John Oliver as Zazu.
The film will be heavy with the use of CGI as is seen in the first official trailer, and already looks to be one of the most stunning and impressive Disney flicks we've ever seen. Hearing the opening moments of The Circle of Life is enough to raise the hairs on anybody's arms!
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood - July 26, 2019
Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood centres on the Manson Family murders as well as a TV actor and his stunt double who are doing their all to make a name for themselves in the film industry.
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as actor Rick Dalton who starred in Western TV series Bounty Law between 1958 and 1963, with Brad Pitt as Rick's longtime stunt double and close friend Cliff Booth. Margot Robbie is Sharon Tate; an actress who was pregnant when she was murdered in her home by Manson's followers, whilst Damian Lewis is Steve MCQueen, and Luke Perry is Wayne Maunder.
Emile Hirsch, Dakota Fanning, Clifton Collins Jr., Nicholas Hammond, Al Pacino and Scoot McNairy all also star.
IT: Chapter 2 - September 6, 2019
The Losers Club may think they've escaped the evil entity Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), but IT: Chapter 2 will see them all brought together in Derry once more, 27 years after the devastating events of the first film.
Andy Muschietti will return to direct the sequel with Gary Dauberman writing the screenplay, whilst an all-new cast of actors come together to play the members of the Losers Club now that they're all grown up.
They include Jessica Chastain as Beverly Marsh, James McAvoy as Bill Denbrough, Bill Hader as Richie Tozier, Xavier Dolan as Adrian Mellon, Jay Ryan as Ben Hanscom, and James Ransone as Eddie Kaspbrak.
Joker - October 4, 2019
DC's most recognisable villain the Joker is given an origins story next year, with Joaquin Phoenix stepping into the titular role of the man once known as Arthur Fleck. Todd Phillips directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Scott Silver, whilst Robert De Niro, Zazi Beetz, Frances Conroy, Douglas Hodge and Brett Cullen all take on some pivotal roles.
Working as a stand-up comedian but failing in his bid to make a name for himself, Fleck is driven to utter insanity and begins to commits psychotic acts of terror including murder on the streets of Gotham City.
Early glimpses of Phoenix in the role show him to be a very rusty Joker as far as his costume goes, but the chaos going on around him looks as menacing as we've ever seen from the villain in the past.
Frozen 2 - November 22, 2019
Just as we were all learning to Let It Go, the Frozen franchise will be given new life with its official sequel in November 2019.
Disney is sure to enjoy a mighty hit towards the end of 2019 with this release, as the original cast return for what could be an incredible moment for the Frozen series.
Of course, when bringing out a film of this kind there's always the chance that it could be a stain on the brilliance of the first movie, rather than one that adds to it. Let's hope it's less of a cash cow and more of an endearing and infectious story!
Star Wars: Episode IX - December 20, 2019
Set one year after The Last Jedi, the new trilogy of Star Wars movies will conclude with Episode IX, which brings back Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o and Mark Hamill, as well as a posthumous appearance by the late, great Carrie Fisher.
Not much is known about how the story will be wrapped up this time, but Disney and Lucasfilm will be working hard to ensure fans enjoy the narrative rather than slating it at every opportunity, as a chunk of the fanbase seemed to do with The Last Jedi.
MORE: The biggest TV shows coming in 2019
Tagged in Movies