Most anticipated movies coming out in the second half of 2018

Expected release date: Aug. 3, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 103,655

In this female-driven action comedy, two best friends become embroiled in an international conspiracy after one friend gets dumped by a CIA spy. Playing the lead roles are actresses Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon. Expect the bullets and jokes to fly in equal measure.  

Expected release date: Sept. 14, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 105,398

This harrowing drama takes place 15 years after World War II has ended, and follows a group of Israeli spies as they tie up one last loose end. Specifically, they’re on the hunt for Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley), a Nazi officer who played a significant role in orchestrating the Holocaust. Based on a true story, the film stars Oscar Isaac as one of the spies and sees comedian Nick Kroll (FX's "The League") tackling a serious role.

Expected release date: Oct. 26, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 107,997

Representing the first official R-rated movie produced by J.J. Abrams, “Overlord” puts the respective war, sci-fi, and horror genres in a blender and pushes the maximum power button. The action takes place during D-Day, when the Allies invaded the beaches of Normandy in France. Two soldiers are surrounded by manmade violence on all sides, but something far more terrifying is lying in wait. According to Abrams, this film is not part of the “Cloverfield” franchise, nor is it connected to the Japanese novel series of the same name.

Expected release date: Sept. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 111,488

From the popular children’s novel by John Bellairs comes this big screen adaptation, helmed by Eli Roth. It centers on a young orphan and his eccentric uncle (Jack Black), who search for a hidden clock that has the power to destroy the world. Cate Blanchett and Kyle MacLachlan co-star.

Expected release date: Sept. 28, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 120,942

Kevin Hart co-wrote the script for this upcoming comedy, in which he plays an ambitious salesman with the potential to be a financial power player—on the condition that he completes his GED. His newfound objective sends him to night school, where he butts heads with a no-nonsense teacher (Tiffany Haddish).   

Expected release date: Sept. 28, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 121,630

Featuring voice work from Channing Tatum, Zendaya, LeBron James, and Danny Devito—among numerous others, this animated flick from Warner Bros. reverse engineers popular mythology to comedic effect. To that end, the film features an oversized yeti, who’s convinced that there’s actually such a thing as a human being (aka “Smallfoot”), despite all evidence pointing to the contrary. The movie is based on a book by Sergio Pablos.   

Expected release date: Nov. 2, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 123,575

Adapting a classic story for modern audiences, this Disney film sends its young female protagonist (Mackenzie Foy) into a magical world. Once there, she crosses paths with the Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightley), gingerbread soldiers, and other fantastic creatures. In order to get back home, the girl must venture into the hostile Fourth Realm, which is run by an evil tyrant (Helen Mirren).

Expected release date: Dec. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 130,453

From the director of “The Big Short,” comes this harrowing biopic about Dick Cheney, who’s often referred to as the most influential vice president in modern history. Accordingly, the film will track Cheney’s rise to power and explore how his policies have impacted the global order. Playing the lead role is actor Christian Bale. Amy Adams and Steve Carell co-star.

Expected release date: Dec. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 131,180

Directed by Robert Zemeckis of “Forrest Gump” and “Back to the Future” fame, this film stars Steve Carell as Mark Hogancamp, a cross-dressing man who gets brutally attacked outside a bar and wakes up with amnesia. Unable to afford therapy, Hogancamp turns to art and creates a ⅙ scale World War II-era Belgian village in his yard—complete with lifelike doll figurines. As the public begins to take notice, Hogancamp struggles to exist outside of the fantasy world he’s created for himself. The film is based on a 2010 documentary called “Marwencol,” and is likewise based on the true story of its protagonist.   

Expected release date: Aug. 3, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 133,163

Following in the tradition of 2014's "Unfriended," this gripping thriller takes place almost entirely on the internet. In the film, a desperate father searches through his daughter's computer after she goes missing. The movie scored with audiences and distributors at the Sundance Film Festival, where it was screened under the name "Search." Hopefully, it will carry that hot streak into theaters when it debuts in early August.  

Expected release date: Nov. 9, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 137,871

Apparently, enough time has passed to warrant yet another movie based on Dr. Seuss’ wildly popular children’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Unlike the 2000 live-action adaptation from Ron Howard, this version is strictly an animated affair. Providing the voice for mean old Mr. Grinch himself is actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

Expected release date: Aug. 3, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 137,935

Adapted from Alexandra Bracken’s wildly popular book series, this upcoming film takes place in a futuristic society, where a deadly plague has wiped out the majority of Americans under the age of 18. When it turns out that the surviving teenagers and children are in possession of special powers, adults respond by locking those children in prisons and camps. After escaping imprisonment, a particularly powerful 16 year old forms a resistance. 

Expected release date: Oct.19, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 139,002

Exploring contemporary themes of racial injustice, “The Hate U Give” tells the story of Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), who witnesses her best friend get murdered by the police. In the wake of the shooting, Starr experiences harrowing pressure from all sides. Will she forge her own path while standing up for what’s right? Watch in October to find out.

Expected release date: Aug. 24, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 153,459

This upcoming horror film puts a now-famous creepypasta story—and its adjoining meme—up on the big screen. In the film, audiences will meet Slender Man—a lean, terrifying figure with long arms, a featureless face, and a penchant for abducting children. The same urban legend was at the center of an attempted murder case in 2014, which involved two Wisconsin girls stabbing their friend, supposedly on behalf of Slender Man.

Expected release date: July 20, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 156,657

A sequel to 2014's "Unfriended," this film similarly takes place on the internet, and introduces its unwitting victims to an entirely new killer. The action kicks off when a teenage boy scores himself a fresh laptop, only to discover that the computer's previous owner is now watching him. To make matters far worse, the sadistic voyeur is also a sadistic murderer, who will do anything to get his possession back.

Expected release date: Oct. 19, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 166,918

Not to be confused with Joss Whedon’s 2005 cult sci-fi movie, 2018’s “Serenity” is a stylish and sexy thriller, about a fishing boat captain who gets ensnared in a dangerous plot by his ex-wife. Written and directed by Steven Knight, the film hosts a bevy of A-list talent, including Anne Hathaway, Matthew McConaughey, Djimon Hounsou, and Diane Lane.

Expected release date: Oct. 12, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 195,077

The last time writer/director/producer Drew Goddard took on big screen directing duties, it was for 2012’s “Cabin in the Woods,” which cleverly fused the respective horror and comedy genres. This time around, Goddard tackles the mystery/thriller genre and seems to be playing it straight for the most part. In the film, a group of seven strangers with shady pasts convene at a rundown hotel, where they’re each given one last shot at redemption. Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson, Nick Offerman, and Chris Hemsworth star.  

Expected release date: Dec. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 195,263

After spending over 17 years in development, “Alita: Battle Angel” is finally ready for its theatrical debut. Based on the first four books in a popular Japanese manga series, the movie is directed by Robert Rodriguez, and produced by James Cameron, who also co-wrote the script. Set in the distant future, the movie follows a female cyborg as she searches for her true identity, encountering numerous battles along the way.

Expected release date: Nov. 16, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 195,331

Acclaimed director Steve McQueen teamed up with popular writer Gillian Flynn to pen the script for this contemporary drama, which McQueen also helmed. Based on a novel by Lynda La Plante, the movie centers on four women in Chicago, whose deceased criminal husbands leave them each in terrible debt. Rather than succumb to pressure, the women join forces and take matters into their own hands.

Expected release date: Nov. 2, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 198,106

A classic 1977 film from horror legend Dario Argento receives a 21st-century upgrade this November. The film is "Suspiria," and it's getting all sorts of advanced praise. Similar to the original, the remake takes place within a dance company, where supernatural secrets and vicious murder awaits. Luca Guadagnino directs.

Expected release date: July 27, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 205,542

This surreal satire takes place in an alternate version of present-day Oakland and chronicles the misadventures of a black telemarketer named Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield). By impersonating a white man over the phone, Cassius achieves a level of success beyond his wildest dreams. However, as he shoots to the top of his company, Cassius abandons the morals and values he once identified with. Representing the directorial debut from Boots Riley, the zany film is currently playing in select theaters, with plans to go wide in late July.

Expected release date: Oct. 26, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 213,715

While best known for playing the beloved character Mr. Bean, British actor Rowan Atkinson has also cultivated a respectable following out of a goofy spy named Johnny English. This October, Johnny English is back in the franchise’s third installment. The film sees its titular hero coming out of retirement in order to track down a malicious hacker. As one might expect, slapstick hilarity ensues.

Expected release date: Aug. 17, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 215,250

Pairing actor Mark Wahlberg with director Peter Berg for the fourth time, “Mile 22” follows an elite operative as he and his team smuggle an important asset out of the country. This is the first time the two men have collaborated on a story that isn’t based on actual events. They’re hoping it will lead to a new action franchise—complete with a virtual reality series spin-off.

Expected release date: Dec. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 217,249

Speaking of spin-offs, a popular “Transformers” character named Bumblebee is getting a movie all its own. Set to make a big holiday splash, “Bumblebee” finds its titular robot on the run in the year 1987. Taking refuge in a small California town, the Transformer shacks up with a teenage girl named Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld). Soon enough, they’re both being hunted by a deadly government agency.

Expected release date: Dec. 14, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 232,356

Produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, this post-apocalyptic action film takes place years after the "Sixty Minute War," which changed the landscape of humanity forever. Now, big cities roam about on wheels, and swallow smaller cities and towns whole. Living in one of these mammoth, mobile cities are a boy named Tom and a girl named Hester, who end up being cast out and left to survive on their own.

Expected release date: July 27, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 236,616

Leaping from the small screen to big are the Teen Titans—an animated group of superheroes previously found on Cartoon Network from 2003 to 2006 and on the pages of a DC comic book before that. In this movie version, the Teen Titans head to Hollywood in hopes of making it big, but they get sidetracked along the way by an evil villain with big plans of his own.

Expected release date: Oct. 12, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 246,027

Award-winning filmmaker Damien Chazelle follows up 2016’s “La La Land” with this promising biopic. It stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong and depicts his journey into becoming the first man to walk on the moon. The buzz factor is already sky high for this one, which is dropping right in time for Oscar season.  

Expected release date: Nov. 9, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 254,335

In 2015, author David Lagercrantz resurrected Stieg Larsson’s best-selling Millennium Series, picking up where “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” left off. The result was “The Girl in the Spider’s Web,” in which hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy involving cybercriminals and corrupt politicians. A big screen adaptation arrives in November.

Expected release date: Sept. 14, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 280,959

Last seen directing the somewhat disastrous “Ghostbusters” reboot, Paul Feig explores new terrain with this 2018 thriller. It stars Anna Kendrick as a popular blogger investigating the disappearance of her close friend (Blake Lively) and getting trapped in a web of betrayal along the way. Based on a novel by Darcey Bell, the film promises to deliver gripping suspense and, knowing Feig, at least a few laughs.

Expected release date: Aug. 24, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 288,745

In the spirit of films like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" this raunchy action-comedy takes place in a world where puppets and humans coexist. After a murderer starts taking out the cast members from an old children's TV show, an Los Angeles Police Department detective (Melissa McCarthy) reunites with her old partner, a puppet named Phil Phillips, to stop the killer before they strike again. The film is directed by Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson, and producer of various Muppets movies.

Expected release date: July 20, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 289,766

Despite mixed reviews, 2014’s “The Equalizer” made a decent profit at the box office, which meant it was only a matter of time before Hollywood produced a sequel. At long last, that sequel has arrived, and it sees Denzel Washington reprising his role as Robert McCall, a retired CIA operative with a talent for settling vendettas. This time around, McCall is tracking down the people who murdered a close friend and serving vigilante justice to every last one of them. Antoine Fuqua directs.

Expected release date: Nov. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 292,830

Continuing a tradition that’s as old as cinema itself, 2018 will see yet another big screen adaptation of “Robin Hood.” In this action-packed version, Taron Egerton of “Kingsman” fame plays the noble crusader who leads a revolt against the King of England, and helps the poor and downtrodden whenever he can. Jamie Foxx co-stars.

Expected release date: Dec. 25, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 294,353

Cinema’s most beloved nanny makes a long-awaited return with this 2018 Disney film, which stars Emily Blunt in the title role. The movie is set to land on Christmas Day. The movie takes place years after the original, and features Jane and Michael Banks as adults. After Michael Banks suffers a grave personal loss, Mary Poppins descends from the sky to once again provide some much needed guidance and assistance. Singing and dancing presumably follows.

Expected release date: Nov. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 367,514

In Disney’s 57th animated feature, video game character Wreck-It-Ralph is back, as is his good friend Vanellope. Upon discovering a Wi-Fi router inside an arcade game, the two friends embark on a new adventure, crossing paths with Marvel heroes, “Star Wars” characters, and Disney princesses along the way. John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman return to provide their voices for Ralph and Vanellope, respectively. Also lending their voices to the movie are Kristen Bell, Taraji P. Henson, Mandy Moore, and numerous others.

Expected release date: Nov. 16, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 394,392

J.K. Rowling's wonderful world of wizardry continues to rake in massive amounts of box office dollars on the big screen, and this upcoming installment will likely prove to be no exception. The film takes place in New York City and chronicles the ongoing adventures of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). He might not be Harry Potter, but for the most part, the fans don't seem to mind.  

Expected release date: Aug. 3, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 433,348

Blending live action and computer animation to superb effect, “Christopher Robin” provides an interesting take on a timeless children’s story. In the film, the title character (played by Ewan McGregor) is a grown, working-class, family man, who’s lost touch with his sense of childhood innocence. However, that all changes when a lovable bear named Winnie-the-Pooh comes back into his life, along with other classic characters like Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger.  

Expected release date: Dec. 14, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 491,355

As audiences eagerly wait for a sequel to Marvel’s 2017 live-action pic, “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” they’ll happily make do with this animated installment. The film sends its hero into a world of parallel dimensions known as the “Spider-Verse,” where he meets up with alternate versions of himself. It’s all in an effort to prevent the very fabric of reality from being destroyed.  

Expected release date: Oct. 19, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 509,471

Disney’s live-action version of “The Jungle Book” came out just two years ago, but if audience anticipation is any indication, that won’t stop this 2018 variant from scoring big at the box office. Plus, this is hardly the first time that two similar movies have been released within the same general window. Similar to its predecessor, this version centers on a human boy named Mowgli, who is raised in the jungle by wolves and sent down a path of self-discovery.

Expected release date: Aug. 15, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 532,706

Based on a popular novel of the same name, this romantic comedy stars Constance Wu as Rachel Chu, a young Chinese-American woman living in New York. When Rachel goes to visit her boyfriend’s parents in Singapore, she discovers that he belongs to one of the country’s wealthiest families. While that might sound dreamy at first, Rachel uncovers some dark secrets from the family’s past. Meanwhile, she has to fend off every eligible bachelorette in town, as they vie for her boyfriend’s affection. 

Expected release date: Nov. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 542,898

The "Rocky" franchise was given a new lease on life in 2015 when Michael B. Jordan debuted as Adonis Creed, the ambitious son to one of Rocky Balboa's former rivals. The film was a smash hit, both literally and figuratively. Now Jordan and actor Sylvester Stallone are back for a sequel, in which Adonis Creed squares off against Ivan Drago, the son of Viktor Drago from "Rocky IV." Just a reminder: Viktor Drago is the boxer who killed Adonis Creed's father, Apollo Creed, in the ring. Will Ivan do the same with Adonis?

Expected release date: Dec. 21, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 563,150

While “Justice League” was arguably a misfire to critics and viewers alike, that hasn’t stopped fans from getting excited about “Aquaman,” which lands just before Christmas. In the film, the titular hero (Jason Momoa) grapples with his newfound role as leader of Atlantis, an underwater kingdom that’s constantly on the brink of battle with surface dwellers. If his people are going to survive, Aquaman must rightfully assume his position of power—no matter the cost.

Expected release date: Aug. 10, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 572,213

Legend has it that the great white shark in “Jaws” was 20-30 feet long. Meanwhile, in 2018’s “The Meg,” the crew of an underwater vessel does battle against a great white shark that’s reportedly 70 feet long. To put it another way, this upcoming undersea adventure is like “Jaws,” only much, much bigger. Does that mean it’s better? Probably not. Scratch that—definitely not. Nevertheless, audiences are still pumped.

Expected release date: Oct. 5, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 574,973

Bradley Cooper co-wrote, directed, and stars in this 2018 remake of a 1976 Barbra Streisand movie, with pop singer Lady Gaga playing one of the lead roles. In the film, a troubled musician (Cooper) sees star potential in a young singer and actress (Gaga) and helps launch her career. Streisand reportedly wanted a cameo or (at the very least) to help with the production, and was quite peeved when she didn’t get her way on either front.   

Expected release date: Sept. 14, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 606,882

Screenwriter Shane Black was one of the actors in 1987’s “Predator,” and now he’s back as the co-writer and director of this 2018 installment. As one might have guessed, the vicious space hunters are back and deadlier than ever. It is up to a motley crew of ex-soldiers to stop the aliens, with help from a surly teacher. Should the crew fail—it will be game over for the human population.

Expected release date: July 27, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 632,062

Tom Cruise reprises his role as super-spy Ethan Hunt in "Mission Impossible - Fallout," the franchise's sixth installment. After a mission gone awry, Hunt and his team are in a race against time to prevent a global catastrophe. As always, Cruise performed most, if not all, of his own stunts behind the scenes, breaking his ankle in the process. The film comes out in just a few weeks, and early buzz indicates that it's going to be a huge hit.  

Expected release date: Sept. 7, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 692,219

Already jolting millions of viewers with its terrifying online trailer is this 2018 prequel to “The Conjuring” films. It follows a priest and a religious neophyte to Romania, where they look into the death of a young nun. During the course of their investigation, the two protagonists come up against a dark, demonic force in the form of a ghastly nun, who also appeared in “The Conjuring 2.”

Expected release date: Oct. 19, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 738,196

What began four decades ago is finally set to end this October—only to presumably begin again if box office returns are strong enough. The new “Halloween” film is teasing a final confrontation between Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and masked murderer Michael Myers. Not only is original helmer John Carpenter on board as a producer and composer, he’s confirmed that this version will ignore essentially every preceding sequel and remake.

Expected release date: July 20, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 768,575

This hotly anticipated sequel to 2008’s “Mamma Mia!” explores two separate, but similar journeys. Diving into the past, the film depicts Donna’s life as a young woman, when she was impregnated by one of three potential suitors. Jumping into the present, Donna provides mentorship to her own daughter who’s also pregnant at a young age. Included in the star-studded cast are Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Cher, Pierce Brosnan, and Lily James.

Expected release date: Nov. 2, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 785,223

“Mr. Robot” star Rami Malek tackles the role of Freddie Mercury in this biopic, which follows the legendary singer from his early days in Queen all the way up to the band’s iconic 1985 performance at Live Aid. As he rises to fame, Mercury struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality. The project first got underway as early as 2009 and experienced a number of setbacks throughout the course of development and production. According to Queen bandmates Roger Taylor and Brian May, who are on board as producers, the film won’t pull any punches in its depiction of Mercury’s life.  

Expected release date: Oct. 5, 2018

Three-month Wikipedia page views: 1,419,120

With over 1.4 million Wikipedia page views and more than 64 million official trailer views on YouTube, this "Spider-Man" spin-off is the most anticipated movie coming out in the second half of 2018. It stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, a journalist who develops a deadly alter-ego after gaining powers of the symbiote. As he battles against evil forces, Brock must unleash the evil force from within. Michelle Williams and Woody Harrelson co-star.