Movies provide people a way to connect and have fun as a group. Especially during the pandemic, movies have become a great way to kill the time and connect to each other even if you are not together to watch them. From comedy to action-packed Marvel movies, 2021 is kicking off with a list of exciting movies for friends and families to see. Here is a list of my top 7 movies to look out for during 2021.

7. Candyman

   Personally, I’m not a big fan of horror movies but if I were, Candyman would be at the top of this list. It is directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, who also directed and wrote Get Out. This movie is a sequel to the horror film Candyman (1992). It takes place in present day Chicago, where an artist becomes inspired by the mythical character, Candyman, and consequently brings back a new reign of fear and violence in using the stories of Candyman for his paintings. 

6. Uncharted

   Uncharted is an action-packed, adventure film based on the video game series by the same name, known for its cinematic storytelling. It is directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Zombieland 2, and Gangster Squad) with a great cast including Tom Holland set to play Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg set to play Victor Sullivan, Nathan’s older best friend. While not much is known about the plot, we know the two of them will go on some Indiana Jones-styled adventure. The film’s set to be released July 16, 2021. 

5. Free Guy

    Free Guy is a comedy starring Ryan Reynolds who plays the character, Guy. Guy feels that there is more to life than doing the same thing day after day and he wants more but that’s when he finds out his life is not in fact what he thought it was. Guy realizes that he lives in a video game called Free City that will soon go offline. Free Guy has several great cast members, including Joe Keery from Stranger Things and Taika Waititi from Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok. Free Guy is looking to be a great comedy and is set to release on May 21, 2021.

4. Black Widow

   The Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally giving a glimpse into the backstory of the very first female Avenger. Black Widow is a highly anticipated movie where Scarlett Johansson reprises her role, for what might be the last time, as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow. It takes place shortly after Captain America: Civil War when Romanoff is forced to confront her complicated past before she became an Avenger. Not only is Scarlett Johansson reprising her role, but Robert Downey Jr. will appear as Tony Stark. You can also expect to see Florence Pugh, from Little Women and Midsommar, as Yelena Bolova in the wonderful cast of the upcoming movie.

3. In the Heights

   In the Heights is a musical drama that takes place in Washington Heights, New York City. It was written by Lin Manuel Miranda who also wrote the hit musical Hamilton. The film is set to star fellow Hamilton actor, Anthony Ramos, to tell the story of his path towards his dreams. This is a movie for all the dreamers to see and it is expected to have a great soundtrack. In the Heights is set to release June 18, 2021.

2. Cruella

   This film is a twist on the classic Disney movie 101 Dalmatians. It follows the villain, Cruella de Vil, and her evil plans. This crime film gives a backstory on the villain that we love to hate. The dynamic and brilliant actress, Emma Stone, is set to play Cruella in her younger years. As an Emma Stone fan, I am so excited to watch her take on the classic villain. Cruella is set to come out on May 28, 2021

1. The French Dispatch

   The film I’m most excited for, coming out in May of this year, is The French Dispatch. It is directed by the brilliant, Wes Anderson. He has directed several great films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. The French Dispatch is expected to be nothing less than a classic Wes Anderson film. It is set to star a great cast of actors such as Timothee Chalamet, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and many more. The film is described as a “love letter to journalists set at an outpost of an American newspaper in 20th Century Paris.” Whether you like the amazing cast, the stylings of Wes Anderson, or are just a fan of newspapers (I know I am), it’s looking to be a must-see film.