2014 is definitely a cinematic year to go down in the books. We’re so excited for what’s coming up in addition to what’s already come out. In anticipation of our favorite films coming out the rest of the year, we’re giving the rundown of the top ten films we’re most excited about for the rest of 2014! Mark your calendars!
What: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
When: 8/8/14
Why: It’s high time our favorite pizza-eating turtles got a new big-screen treatment. The movies and comics were extremely popular in the early 90s, leaving them ripe for a new generation to discover…or an older generation to revisit. What isn’t to like about these fun-loving shelled crime fighters? They love pizza, good times and saving the world…just like us. Also, be on the lookout for your new crushes and breakout stars: Alan Ritchson as Raphael, Noel Fisher as Michelangelo, Jeremy Howard as Donatello and Pete Ploszek as Leonardo. Be sure not to miss these Heroes in a Half-Shell!
What: The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1
When: 11/21/14
Why: We (and the rest of the world) have already fallen hard for the heroes in our fave book series. Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and more have already exceeded expectations in bringing Katniss and her crew to the big screen. We’re especially excited about this installment as the actors are really maturing into themselves, the characters have become larger than life and the rebellion is hitting a furious pace. We’ll be on the lookout for new faces in the film, but in the meanwhile we’re rereading our precious copies.
What: The Giver
When: 8/15/14
Why: The Giver is indisputably one of the most beloved YA books of all time. It’s assigned in schools across the world and has been honored with countless awards. After about 20 years of development, it’s finally hitting the big screen with a cast that is more than worthy of the amazing story. Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, Taylor Swift, Brendon Thwaites, Jeff Bridges and more will tackle the inimitable story in August and we can’t wait. Bring the tissues.
What: The Fault In Our Stars
When: 6/6/14
Why: We were long obsessed with the book, as were many other people in America and around the world given its number one best-selling status. That’s not the only reason we’re beyond stoked for this adaptation, however. The stars of the movie are blowing up in the biggest way, the script has been written by our favorite screenwriting duo also responsible for 500 Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now and more, and the soundtrack is beyond. We’ve already recounted our favorite cry-worthy moments from the trailer, and we’re sure that the movie will be filled with many, many more. Fall in love.
What: The Maze Runner
When: 9/19/14
Why: We’ve long loved this thrilling, dystopian novel about a group of boys trapped in the ultimate maze with no way out. We’re especially excited about this because some of our favorite YA stars are bringing it to life on the big screen. Be sure to look out for Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter and Kaya Scodelario in what’s sure to be a fast-paced and gripping adventure.
What: If I Stay
When: 8/22/14
Why: We’ve long loved this novel, in the vein of Fault In Our Stars, but add Chloe Moretz, RJ Cutler (Nashville) and Shauna Cross (Whip It) as star, director, and screenwriter respectively into the mix and it’s sure to be an emotional winner. Jamie Blackley also has us really excited for this adaptation, and it’s sure to be a tear-jerker.
What: Annie
When: 12/19/14
Why: What is there to say about one of the most beloved musicals of all time? We’re stoked for this updated adaptation, produced by Will Smith and starring his daughter, alongside Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne, Jamie Foxx and many more all-stars. The music is sure to be amazing and from what we’ve seen the performances are beyond entertaining. The new version will literally have audiences breaking out in song. Will Gluck of Easy A fame directed the new treatment, and it looks stellar.
What: Into the Woods
When: 12/25/14
Why: This has all of our favorite elements rolled into one: comedy, fantasy, musical and adventure. Fairy tales continue to inspire and reach audiences the world over and Into The Woods is one of the best musicals that wraps up different and beloved tales and creates a new work of art all it’s own. The all-star cast is literally one of the most exciting combinations we’ve seen in years and includes Anna Kendrick, Jonny Depp, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Lucy Punch, Chris Pine and many more. Rob Marshall is sure to deliver the next beloved classic with his direction. Get ready to sing along.
What: Paddington Bear
When: 12/12/14
Why: This book is beyond just a mere bedtime story; it’s reached canon-like status. It’s getting an amazing animation treatment, which is sure to expand on the mind-bending exploratory properties of the tale of a beloved bear and his yellow coat. Sally Hawkins, Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, and Hugh Bonneville are all at the top of their game, and sure to bring it for this beloved adaptation.
What: Ouija 
When: 10/24/14
Why: This game is undoubtedly scary, fun, and just the right amount of suspenseful and the adaptation is sure to deliver many of the same delights. We’re most excited about this because of the cast, which includes Darren Kagasoff from Secret Life, Olivia Cooke from Bates Motel, Ana Coto, Bianca Santos, Douglas Smith and many, many more. Be careful what you ask the board….you may not like the answer.