2020 was a weird year for all of us movie watchers, but I’m not here to look back on the past. 2021 is looking bright with a lot of anticipated movies that will be released to theaters and several streaming sites. Let’s jump right into it.

“Cruella”

Is it possible for Disney to do another live action remake? Yes, yes it is. “Cruella” goes deeper into the life of the iconic villain who will be played by Emma Stone. Get ready for some incredible Cruella de Vil fashion moments when the film is released on May 28.

“Raya and the Last Dragon”

Walt Disney Animation film follows a new heroine. In order to restore peace among the people who live on her island, Raya sets out on a daring adventure in hopes of finding the Last Dragon. From the studios who created “Moana” and “Frozen,” this Walt Disney Animation film is sure to bring more excitement and adventure than ever before. “Raya and the Last Dragon” will premiere both in theaters and on Disney Plus on March 5.

“Black Widow”

All Marvel fans have long awaited this, and it’s finally here. “Black Widow” will follow Scarlett Johansson’s fan favorite “Avengers” heroine Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow. The time frame is set to take place after “Captain America: Civil War” which premiered in 2016 and features new characters played by David Harbour, Florence Pugh and O-T Fagbenle. Black Widow will be released on May 7.

“In the Heights”

From the director who brought you “Crazy Rich Asians” and produced by “Hamilton” creator Lin Manuel-Miranda, “In the Heights” is based on Lin Manuel Miranda’s 2008 musical. This musical drama explores the lives of people living in a largely Latinx neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York. All of the events of the movie will take place over the course of just three days so it is sure to have a lot of drama and jam packed with exciting musical numbers. “In the Heights” will be released to HBO Max and to theaters on June 18.

“Space Jam: A New Legacy”

 All of the die-hard Michael Jordan fans might have a hard time hearing about this one, but it’s true. LeBron James is continuing the legacy left for him by Jordan and will be teaming up with Bugs Bunny and his crew for another exciting adventure. This long-awaited sequel to the 1996 classic will feature Sonequa Martin-Green, Don Cheadle and NBA players such as Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. “Space Jam: A New Legacy” is set to be released to theaters and HBO Max on July 16.

“Dune”

Coming to theatres and HBO Max, this Timothée Chalamet sci-fi film follows his character Paul Atreides as he sets out on a dangerous journey in order to save his family and people from destruction. This hero’s journey follows Atreides as he discovers the powers he holds and his destiny, that are beyond his own understanding. “Dune” features a star-studded supporting cast starring Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson and many more, and it will be released Oct. 1.

“Coming 2 America”

The sequel to the 1988 Eddie Murphy fan favorite romantic comedy is finally here. Just as Prince Alkeem is set to become the King of Zamunda, he is pulled back to America when word gets out that he has a son there. In addition to Murphy, “Coming 2 America” stars Shari Head, James Earl Jones and Wesley Snipes. The film will be released on March 5.

“Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

Starring Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon and McKenna Grace and featuring a role reprise from the stars of the original films, the new Ghostbusters is said to be one to look out for. When a family moves to a new town, they discover a connection that they have to the ghost hunting business and what follows is sure to be another great addition to the classic movie series. “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is coming to theaters on June 11.

“Minions: The Rise of Gru”

Gru, the antihero from the “Despicable Me” movie trilogy is finally getting a moment of his own. Though teased throughout the previous movies, the childhood of Gru and how he came to be is very mysterious to viewers and this 2021 movie will have all of the answers. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” features the voices of Taraji P. Henson, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Michelle Yeoh and Steve Carell and will be released on July 2. 

“Candyman”

Co-written by  Jordan Peele, the creative mind behind “Get Out” and “Us,” and directed by Nia daCosta, “Candyman” will be one of the biggest thrillers this year. Though it was originally supposed to be released in September of 2020, the creators decided to push it back due to COVID-19. This film was “made to be seen in theaters,” so we already know it is going to be a good one. “Candyman” is a reboot of the 1992 slasher film, but with a few new twists and turns. “Candyman” will be released on Aug. 27, and you don’t want to miss this one.