Pray for rain because 2018 is a great year for movies.
Guided by the Golden Globe and Oscar nominations, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 25 for your consideration. So charge your laptop, prep the popcorn and recline your sofa because watching all of the trailers to discern your personal list is practically a trip to the theatre on its own.
Scroll to view FQ’s definitive guide of films worth watching in 2018:
Borg Vs McEnroe
Genre: Biography/Drama/Sport
Release date: September 2017
Starring: Sverrir Gudnason, Shia LaBeouf, Stellan Skarsgård
Borg Vs. McEnroe depicts the story of the 1980s tennis rivalry between the placid and calculated Björn Borg and the volatile John McEnroe. If you’ve ever found yourself bewildered by the history of Wimbledon or enjoy an insight into what goes into the making of champions, then don’t hesitate to pick this one up on DVD when it becomes available.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone who enjoys a good rivalry will love this film, which has been likened to other biographical sports movies like Senna (2010) or Rush (2013). It would also appeal to someone who needs to choose a film the man in their life will equally enjoy too.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Genre: Crime/Drama
Release date: November 2017
Starring: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell
Taking out four awards at the 75th annual Golden Globes, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri follows one mother’s quest in challenging the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone who’s seeking a quality film with strong casting, complex characters and the odd comic release.
The Florida Project
Genre: Drama
Release date: November 2017
Starring: Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World.
Who would enjoy it: Someone who enjoys a classic drama with a good measure of relatable, everyday humour.
November Criminals
Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery
Release date: November 2017
Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Ansel Elgort
November Criminals is a book adaption about teenager Addison Schacht, played by Ansel Elgort, who takes out his own investigation of the senseless shooting of his classmate Kevin Broadus in Washington D.C.
Who would enjoy it: People who are familiar with the book by the same name written by Sam Munson or someone looking for a crime drama, but not in the mood to think too hard.
Call Me By Your Name
Genre: Drama/Romance
Release date: November 2017
Starring: Armie Hammer, Timothee Calamet
In Northern Italy in 1983, seventeen year-old Elio begins a relationship with visiting Oliver, his father’s research assistant, with whom he bonds over his emerging sexuality, their Jewish heritage, and the beguiling Italian landscape.
Who would enjoy it: Everyone who’s ever been partial to romance or young summer love.
Lady Bird
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Release date: December 2017
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts,
In 2002, an artistically inclined 17-year-old girl Christine “Ladybird” MacPherson, played by Saorise Ronan, comes of age in Sacramento, California. The Golden Globe-winning film follows MacPherson through her senior year as she longs for adventure, sophistication and opportunity – qualities she feels are absent in her Catholic high school.
Who would enjoy it: People who like to revisit the complexities of teenage life, defying the norms and relate to that age-old mother-daughter conflict. Will also be enjoyed by those seeking something serious portrayed in an often funny way, because, life.
The Shape of Water
Genre: Adventure/Drama/Fantasy
Release date: December 2017
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon
At a top secret research facility in the 1950s, Elise, a lonely mute janitor, forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.
Who would enjoy it: People who like to reflect on life through charming and sometimes odd observations – or those who enjoyed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008).
Darkest Hour
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Release date: December 2017
Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas
During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds.
Who would enjoy it: If you enjoyed Dunkirk (2017), Atonement (2007), or any other historical war movie, chances are you’ll want to be across the Oscar nominated Darkest Hour.
The Greatest Showman
Genre: Biography/Drama/Musical
Release date: December 2017
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron,
This biography turned upbeat historical musical celebrates the birth of show business, and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.
Who would enjoy it: People that tolerate musicals, Zac Efron’s incredible physique and who like getting swept up in vibrant cinematography.
I, Tonya
Genre: Biography/Comedy/Drama
Release date: January 2018
Starring: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Alison Janney
Based on a true story, I, Tonya follows competitive ice skater Tonya Harding’s rise up the ranks at the US Figure Skating Championships, and how her future in the sport is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone with a wicked sense of humour, opinions about Tonya Harding based on media coverage from 1994 or anyone seeking a knockout film in general.
The Post
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Release date: January 2018
Starring: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks
Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, The Post depicts the true story of a cover-up that spanned four US presidents which pushed the country’s first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between the press and the government. Did someone say scandalous?
Who would enjoy it: People who appreciate brilliant acting, direction and uncovering the chaos that shaped a pivotal moment in US history.
Winchester
Genre: Biography/Fantasy/Horror
Release date: February 2018
Starring: Helen Mirren
Inspired by true events, this chilling horror is about an eccentric firearm heiress (played by Helen Mirren) who believes she is haunted by the souls of people killed by the Winchester repeating rifle. The supposed most haunted mansion in the world, which sits 50 miles outside San Francisco, is forever under construction, with expansions posing as an asylum for the vengeful souls.
Who would enjoy it: Those among us who are not fainthearted – ie people who enjoy a bit of disturbing cinema or are simply seeking an excuse to nestle in with a significant other.
Nostalgia
Genre: Drama
Release date: February 2018
Starring: Jon Hamm, Hugo Armstrong, Shinelle Azoroh
Pinned to be one of the greats, Nostalgia is a mosaic of stories about love and loss, exploring our relationships to the objects, artifacts, and memories that shape our lives.
Who would enjoy it: People who are moved by life and all of its facets in general. Bound to be a thought-provoker, this movie might be the catalyst for someone at a crossroads to keep things in perspective.
Game Night
Genre: Action/Comedy/Crime
Release date: February 2018
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman
Rom-coms are out, action-coms are in as a group of friends who meet regularly for game night find themselves trying to solve a murder mystery. Literally.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone whose situation sounds a little bit like this: It’s Friday night, you’ve had a stressful week and you want to kick back, not have to concentrate and are seeking a laugh.
Annihilation
Genre: Adventure/Drama/Fantasy
Release date: February 2018
Starring: Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac
When a biologist’s husband disappears, she signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into an environmental disaster zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.
Who would enjoy it: If science fiction or fantasy isn’t lost on you, or you’re generally an open-minded person, then hop on the train and get Annihilation rolling to observe the test of human nature in uncertainty.
Red Sparrow
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release date: March 2018
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton
The book adaptation by the same name follows ballerina Dominika Egorova who is recruited to ‘Sparrow School’ – a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon. But her first mission, targeting a CIA agent, threatens to unravel the security of both nations.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone that loves a spy-thriller, J-Law and films that leave you shocked. Also if you’re the type of person whose brain enjoys ticking over, spotting details trying to predict the ending from the outset.
Journeyman
Genre: Drama/Sport
Release date: March 2018
Starring: Paddy Considine, Jodie Whittaker
Written, directed and performed by Paddy Considine, Journeyman explores the life of boxer Matty Burton (Considine) who suffers a serious head injury during a fight. It is about the impact this has on his marriage, his life and and his family.
Who would enjoy it: People who thrive on powerful, heart-wrenching and triumphant stories about loss and perseverance. People who like films that inspire you to be more grateful, if not a better person after watching them.
Gringo
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Release date: March 2018
Starring: Charlize Theron, David Oyelowo, Joel Edgerton
Gringo, a dark comedy mixed with white-knuckle action and dramatic intrigue, explores the battle of survival for businessman Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo) when he finds himself crossing the line from law-abiding citizen to wanted criminal.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone that loves a chase. People that are known to use the expression “Don’t hate the player, hate the game”. Perfect for a first date.
Blockers
Genre: Comedy
Release date: April 2018
Starring: John Cena, Leslie Mann
While the trailer leaves little to the imagination, essentially the film is about three parents and their quest to try and stop their daughters from having sex on Prom night.
Who would enjoy it: Young parents, twentysomethings and simple folk who just want to laugh hard on a Sunday night. If you enjoyed This is 40 (2012) or Neighbors (2014), chances are, you’ll enjoy this too.
Chappaquiddick
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Release date: April 2018
Starring: Kate Mara, Clancy Brown, Olivia Thirlby
As a result of the the US Senator’s negligence, Ted Kennedy’s life and political career becomes derailed after he is involved in a fatal 1969 car accident that claims the life of a young campaign strategist Mary Jo Kopechne.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone who finds films that add complex layers to well known figures of history fascinating. Not to mention anyone that loves to mull over the details of scandal.
You Were Never Really Here
Genre: Drama/Mystery/Thriller
Release date: April 2018
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix
A tormented but brutal hired gun sets out to rescue a young girl from a sex ring, only to find himself weathering a storm of violent vengeance when matters go awry.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone with a strong stomach for brutal violence – or can overlook it, rather – to appreciate a world-class film. Also people who enjoyed the likes of Man on Fire (2004).
A Quiet Place
Genre: Drama/Horror/Thriller
Release date: April 2018
Starring: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski
A family lives an isolated existence in utter silence, for fear of an unknown threat that follows and attacks at any sound.
Who would enjoy it: We weren’t lying when we said horror films were making a comeback. A great option to witness the married IRL couple perform together in this bizarre, yet-so-bizarre-you-have-to-see-it, concept. Or anyone seeking and excuse to nestle into their SO when it gets scary. You know who you are.
Tully
Genre: Comedy
Release date: April 2018
Starring: Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis
The film is about Marlo, a mother of three including a newborn, who is gifted a night nanny by her brother. Hesitant to the extravagance at first, Marlo comes to form a unique bond with the thoughtful, surprising, and sometimes challenging young nanny named Tully.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone who has ever had to look after a newborn, more than two children under five, or a combination of the two for more than half an hour. The struggle is real, let’s at least have a laugh about it.
Beirut
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Release date: April 2018
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Jon Hamm
A US diplomat (Jon Hamm) flees Lebanon in 1972 after a tragic incident at his home. Ten years later, he is called back to war-torn Beirut by a CIA operative (Rosamund Pike) to negotiate for the life of a friend he left behind.
Who would enjoy it: Those who are big fans of the cast and are willing to overlook the misrepresentation of Lebanese history. Or if you’re after a drama that’s enjoyable enough but not hung up on the details.
Ocean’s Eight
Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller
Release date: June 2018
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter
Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.
Who would enjoy it: Anyone who loves a classic American heist comedy, Sandra Bullock, seeing multiple celebs in a film and an all female cast. Perfect for a girls’ night.
