2018 is going to be a crazy year for geeks, nerds, dorks, and pretty much anyone else who loves fantasy, science fiction, and comic book movies. If you haven't already, go and watch the most anticipated geeky films of 2017, many of which were pretty darn good. And then prepare to gorge on the geeky goodness coming out in 2018.
A word of warning: if you're burned out on the superhero film trend, 2018 may not be your favorite year in film. Yet while half of the films in this article take place in the Marvel universe, the good news is that the other half doesn't -- and those films look pretty compelling.
1. Black Panther (Feb 16)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Taking place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther follows the story of its titular character as he returns to Wakanda and takes his place as the nation's rightful king after the death of his father, the King. But he isn't the only one who wants to sit on the throne.
2. Annihilation (Feb 23)
Sci-Fi, Action, Horror
Based on a book of the same name, Annihilation is the story of a biologist who must save her husband's life by embarking on a dangerous expedition through an environmental disaster zone to learn what exactly happened there.
Test audiences have said it's "too intellectual," which bodes well if you like science fiction movies that make you think. For more like this while you wait for Annihilation to release, check out these awesome science fiction films in the meantime.
3. Tomb Raider (Mar 16)
Action, Adventure
Based on the video game of the same name, Tomb Raider is a complete reboot of the film series. It tells the story of Lara Croft's first expedition to the uncharted island where her father disappeared and her attempt to find out what happened there. Learn more about the enduring legacy of Lara Croft and why Tomb Raider is so iconic.
4. Pacific Rim: Uprising (Mar 23)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
10 years after the events of Pacific Rim, the Jaeger program has evolved and flourished to become a global defense force. But when a new Kaiju threat appears, a new generation of Jaeger pilots must step up and face the threat to save all of humanity.
According to the film's writer and director, depending on the success of this film, we may see a third Pacific Rim film that caps the main story while opening the universe to be expanded in many directions a la Star Wars. Like its predecessor, Uprising seems poised to join the list of excellent movies involving giant robots.
5. Ready Player One (Mar 30)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Based on the book of the same name, Ready Player One takes place in a dystopian future where a shared virtual space called the OASIS has taken over as the main activity for most of the population. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a massive scavenger hunt/puzzle whose winner becomes the new owner of the OASIS.
6. The New Mutants (Apr 13)
Sci-Fi, Action, Horror
Taking place in the X-Men universe, The New Mutants is the story of five young mutants who are trapped in a secret research facility and must overcome both their captors and their inner demons if they are to escape to freedom. It won't be your typical superhero film, that's for sure.
7. Cloverfield 3 (Apr 20)
Sci-Fi, Mystery, Horror
Previously known as God Particle, Cloverfield 3 is the working title for the next film in the Cloverfield series. Like its prequel 10 Cloverfield Lane, Cloverfield 3 was conceived as a separate film and was only brought into the franchise after the fact. Originally slated for February 2018, it has since been pushed back to April.
As is fitting for the Cloverfield series, this film is shrouded in mystery so we don't know too much about it other than this: scientists aboard a space station find themselves stranded and fighting for survival after an experiment goes awry.
8. Rampage (Apr 20)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Based on the video game of the same name, Rampage explores the aftermath of an experiment gone wrong which transforms a gorilla, a wolf, and a crocodile into enormous monsters that can't contain their rage and wreak havoc on cities across the country. Will the scientist be able to form an antidote and save the ape that was once his friend?
It's a silly premise based on a silly game, but Rampage has the makings of a fun popcorn flick. Co-written by Carlton Cuse and starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, this one will be worth a watch if you have any nostalgia for the 1980s arcade game that inspired this film.
9. Avengers: Infinity War (May 4)
Action, Adventure
Taking place four years after the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Infinity War has the Avengers teaming up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to stop Thanos from collecting the precious Infinity Stones that would allow him to control all of reality. This is a two-part film with a direct sequel coming out exactly one year from this film's release.
10. Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 25)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Also known as just Solo, this film is a prequel spin-off that depicts the adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca before all of their action in the central Star Wars films, all wrapped up in a genre-hopping space western package.
Sadly Harrison Ford won't play a role, as expected of a prequel, but Solo features many big stars, including Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, and Alden Ehrenreich.
11. Deadpool 2 (Jun 1)
Action, Adventure, Comedy
Everyone's favorite fourth-wall-breaking superhero is back in Deadpool 2, in which Wade Wilson aims to find a passion for life while struggling to achieve his dream (of breeding French Bulldogs) and dealing with the ups and downs of an open relationship. This sequel brings more of the same that made the first film famous: high-stakes action and raunchy humor.
12. Ant-Man and the Wasp (Jul 6)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
In this sequel to Ant-Man, which takes place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang struggles to juggle his life as a father and as Ant-Man. And to make matters worse, he's given a new mission where he needs to team up with Hope van Dyne, the new Wasp. It continues the smaller-scale superhero action with Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly at the helm.
13. The Predator (Aug 3)
Action, Adventure, Horror
Contrary to what you might think, The Predator is not a remake of the original Predator. Not much is known about it yet except that it's actually a sequel that takes place between the events of Predator 2 and Predators and may explore why Predators come to Earth.
The cast consists of several well-known stars including Yvonne Strahovski, Thomas Jane, Keegan-Michael Key, and Sterling K. Brown.
14. Venom (Oct 5)
Sci-Fi, Action, Horror
Venom is a spin-off of the Spider-Man franchise and will be the first film in Sony's new Marvel Universe series, which is separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Hardy will star as Eddie Brock, a violent anti-hero who bonds with an alien Symbiote to become Venom.
The plot of this film is still unknown, but its intended R rating and distance from the Marvel Cinematic Universe will surely distinguish it from all the other mainstream superhero films.
15. First Man (Oct 12)
Drama, History, Biography
As the only historical/biographical drama on this list, First Man stands out as a real treat for true geeks. It explores the life and endeavors of Neil Armstrong, who was the first man to ever walk on the moon, and the Apollo 11 space mission. It stars powerhouse actors Ryan Gosling (as Neil Armstrong) and Kyle Chandler.
16. X-Men: Dark Phoenix (Nov 2)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
X-Men: Dark Phoenix is aimed to be a more accurate adaptation of the Dark Phoenix extended storyline in the X-Men universe. It will be a sequel to X-Men: Apocalyse, with Sophie Turner reprising her role as Jean Grey, who is corrupted by power and turns from Phoenix into Dark Phoenix, putting the fate of the world at stake.
17. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (Nov 16)
Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Many were surprised (and not in a good way) when Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them ended up being more like Newt Scamander and the Voldemort Precursor, but the second film in the series appears to be doubling down on that. Directed by David Yates, The Crimes of Grindelwald will follow Newt and Albus Dumbledore as they attempt to defeat the dark wizard. Even if you found the first film a bit "meh," if you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll have to see this.
18. Mortal Engines (Dec 14)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Mortal Engines looks like being a breath of fresh air in the fantasy and sci-fi landscape. Based on the book of the same name, Mortal Engines takes place in a desolate post-apocalyptic world where entire cities move across countries and consume smaller cities for resources and survival. It's set to be one of the more imaginative fantasy films we'll ever see, guaranteed.
19. Aquaman (Dec 21)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
While Jason Momoa has previously appeared as Aquaman in both Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, he steps forward to center stage in Aquaman when the character learns that he is the heir to Atlantis.
Whereas all the other superhero films on this list are Marvel-based, this one's in the DC Extended Universe. Whether that's a point against or in favor of this film is up to you to decide. And be sure to gen up on the characters by reading comics online for free!
20. Bumblebee (Dec 21)
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Bumblebee is a spin-off of the Transformers live-action franchise, taking place 20 years before the events of Transformers and focusing on the character of Bumblebee as he hides out in a California junkyard. Directed by Travis Knight, who also directed Kubo and the Two Strings (one of the best films on Netflix), this entry in the series may actually bring something new and fresh.
Which of these films are you most excited to see? Are you tired of comic book movies yet? Are there any other geeky films coming out in 2018 that we missed off the list? Please let us know in the comments below!
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