Between the record-shattering Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pixar’s beloved animated features, and their own catalogue of classics, Disney has no shortage of flicks in store for the big screen.
This year we’re being treated to over 20 movies from the Mickey Mouse company, so whether you want bonkers superhero action, nail-biting thrills, or hilarious fantasy adventures, there’s bound to be something for you.
Here are the ten Disney movies we’re most excited to see this year.
Mulan
Release date: March 26
The latest animated classic to get the live-action treatment, Mulan is shaping up to be a wild ride.
The story of a brave but caring girl masquerading as a boy to fight against the invading Huns has resonated with fans for years. Now, we’re finally getting the chance to revisit the character that inspired millions (not counting the direct-to-DVD sequel, which we don’t talk about).
From the looks of the trailer, this retelling will be a darker and grittier affair than the original, but will pack just as much punch. The introduction of martial arts action scenes reminiscent of Asian cinema is a fresh touch, although noticeably absent from the trailer is Mushu, the beloved dragon sidekick originally voiced by Eddie Murphy.
Recommended for: Fans of the original Mulan (1998), or anyone who enjoyed Disney live-action remakes like Maleficent, Beauty and the Beast, or The Jungle Book.
Onward
Release date - April 2
Arguably one of the most consistently brilliant movie studios of all time, it’s hard not get excited whenever the time comes for Pixar to reveal their newest wholesome adventure. This holds especially true for Onward, which is sure to be packed with the classic Pixar combination of breathtaking animation, lovable characters, and a heartwarming story.
Set in a modernized fantasy world, Onward stars Marvel fan-favorites Chris Pratt and Tom Holland as elf brothers on a quest to find the magic they need to spend one last day with their father, who passed away before they got the chance to know him. Take a peek at the colorful trailer here.
Recommended for: Anyone who loves Pixar movies like Toy Story or Inside Out (or anyone who has a heart)
New Mutants
Release date – April 2
Horror fans rejoice. After a string of delays, New Mutants is finally hitting the big screen.
Set within the X-men universe, New Mutants follows five teenage mutants (Magik, Wolfsbane, Sunsport, Mirage, and Cannonball) who are discovering their powers while being held captive in a secret facility.
What’s really interesting about New Mutants is that it’s a both a horror and a superhero movie, a mix we’ve never really seen before. Whether that combination is a recipe for greatness or a formula for disaster is yet to be seen. Luckily, there's something we don't have to see—the trailer.
Recommended for: People who enjoy nerve-wracking horror movies and edge-of-your-seat superhero flicks.
Black Widow
Release date – April 30
Marvel isn’t messing around when it comes to kicking off phase 4 of the MCU. The first film in almost a year from the record-smashing franchise will follow Avenger/spy/all-round badass Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) as she is forced to confront her dark past. Anyone who remembers Black Widow’s major role in Avengers: Endgame will know that this movie is a must-see.
Check out the trailer here, which is chock-full of all the awesome action and snappy humor you’d expect from a Marvel outing.
Recommended for: Anyone who’s been waiting impatiently to return to the action-packed world of Marvel.
The Woman in the Window
Release date – May 14
An adaption of the hit novel by A.J Finn, The Woman in the Window will be the last movie Disney releases under the Fox brand. So, what’s it about?
The Woman in the Window is a psychological thriller that tells the story of an agoraphobic child psychologist who spies on her picture-perfect neighbours, only to witness a violent and horrifying act. You can watch the trailer for the Joe Wright directed film here.
Recommended for: People who enjoy psychological thrillers like Gone Girl.
Artemis Fowl
Release date – May 29
Based on the beloved YA fantasy series by Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl is sure to be an out of this world adventure.
The movie will follow 12-year-old genius/criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl as he takes on a race of technologically-advanced underground fairies (with the help of his warrior-butler). Watch as Artemis unravels the mystery of his fathers disappearance and discovers an amazing world hiding just below the surface.
Will Artemis Fowl's success encourage Disney to adapt more modern children's novels into live-action blockbusters, or will a poor showing at the box office squash any chance of an Artemis Fowl franchise?
Recommended for: Any and all ages—the perfect flick for the whole family.
The King’s Man
Release date – September 18
The surprising prequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service is almost here, and oh boy are we ready.
After 2014’s hit spy movie Kingsman: The Secret Service scored a sequel in 2017’s Kingsman: The Golden Circle, you’d be forgiven for thinking the next step would be to finish off the trilogy with a third Kingsman movie. But no, instead we’re getting a prequel set a hundred years before the original. Because… why not?
The King’s Man will take place around the time of World War 1, and will show how the Kingsman intelligence service came to be. Other than some hints in the trailer, we have absolutely no idea what to expect from this period/action film, but it’s safe to say The King’s Man will contain the utterly wild mayhem that fans of the series have loved from the start.
Recommended for: Folks who yearn for the good ol’ days of spy movies with ridiculous gadgets and comically evil baddies.
Death on the Nile
Release date – October 9
Death on the Nile is a sequel to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express and is based on one of Agatha Christie’s most well-known mysteries. The film follows magnificently mustached detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) as he investigates the murder of a young woman while vacationing aboard a cruise on the Nile River.
Anyone who’s read one of Dame Agatha Christie’s 66 novels will tell you that she writes a mystery like no-one else, and this film is sure to be a head-scratcher to the very last moment. Take a look at the trailer for a taste of what’s to come.
Recommended for: People who love trying to find the killer before the on-screen sleuth can.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Release date – October 23
Everybody’s talking about Jamie is an adaption of the hit musical about a Sheffield teenager who dreams of becoming a drag queen. To do that, he’ll have to overcome a mountain of prejudice, and face off against ever small-minded bully that stands in his way.
Details about the film are scarce, without so much as a trailer to give us a hint of what’s to come. However, if the rave reviews earned by the original musical are anything to go by, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a touching and unmissable story.
Recommended for: People who love to sing-along to a catchy tune.
The Eternals
Release date – November 6
Marvel’s second movie of the year won’t just introduce a new superhero, but a whole team of them. The Eternals are an immortal alien race who were created to protect earth from the evil Deviants. They’ve lived secretly on Earth for over 7000 years, and now, an unexpected disaster will reunite them.
Since Marvel likes to keep story details under wraps, we don’t know much about the plot of The Eternals. What we do know is that the cast is absolutely stacked. Angelina Jolie, Kit Harington, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, and more will star, showing us just how important Marvel considers this movie.
Recommended for: Fans of Marvel, sci-fi, superheroes, action, adventure, or all of the above.
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