First off, congrats on taking time out from your hectic schedule to catch up on
Ocean’s 8, A Star Is Born and
RBG. All worth it, right? Now take a minibreather and start lining up babysitters: The cinematic slate for 2019 is bursting with tantalizing options — and we’re not just talking about the obvious ones. (As if you really need to be sold on
Frozen 2 and a live-action version of
The Lion King starring Beyoncé.) Here’s your first look at nine must-sees.
Isn’t It Romantic — This is the rom-com for people that love rom-coms. Rebel Wilson stars as a cynical, down-on-her-luck New Yorker who hits her head … and then magically ends up in a gleaming metropolis where a modern-day prince charming (Liam Hemsworth) falls for her. All that’s missing is Matthew McConaughey on a motorcycle!
(In theaters Thursday, Feb. 14)
Captain Marvel — Iron Man, Captain America and Thor are good. A kick-ass female — played by Brie Larson — saving the world is better. In her first outing, the heroine gets caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. She’ll also be a key player in May’s
Avengers extravaganza.
(In theaters Friday, March 8)
Us — Less than two years ago, Jordan Peele wrote and directed the sublime, highly watchable thriller
Get Out. His much-anticipated follow-up is, of course, shrouded in mystery. But its cast includes Lupita Nyong’o, Elisabeth Moss, Winston Duke and Tim Heidecker.
(In theaters Friday, March 15)
Where’d You Go Bernadette — Cate Blanchett is perfectly cast as the titular character in this mystery based on the best-selling novel. Her Bernadette is anxiety ridden and loathes leaving the house. After she disappears, her teen daughter (Emma Nelson) makes it her mission to find her.
(In theaters Friday, March 22)
Rocketman — It turns out that Elton John is not the man you think he is at home. In this musical biopic, he goes from a British loner named Reginald Kenneth Dwight to glam 1970s icon.
Kingsman actor Taron Egerton portrays the rocker and provides his own vocals.
(In theaters Friday, May 31)
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood — Quentin Tarantino’s anti-fairy tale — set in 1969 around the time of the Sharon Tate murders — features the most impressive ensemble of the year. Think Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning and Margot Robbie as the doomed actress. (
In theaters Friday, July 26)
The Woman in the Window — You read the 2018 thriller under a blanket. Now watch the story play out on the big screen. Amy Adams is the agoraphobic living alone in New York City who begins spying on her new neighbors. Then, in true
Rear Window-style, she witnesses an act of violence. (
In theaters Friday, Oct. 4)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood— Hot on the tennis shoes of the wonderful documentary
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? comes this dramatized look at Fred Rogers. Only one man could possibly embody the beloved, warmhearted children’s TV host, and his name is Tom Hanks.
(In theaters Friday, Oct. 18)
Little Women — The 19th
-century Louisa May Alcott classic about the March sisters is getting another adaptation. And this one is extra special: Oscar-nominated
Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig, is behind the camera; Meryl Streep, Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Laura Dern and Timothée Chalamet are in front. Buy your tissues now.
(In theaters Wednesday, Dec. 25)
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