Finally, there are lots of new movies to look forward to this year. After the chaos that was 2020, where productions were being put on hold and moved around like nobody’s business, major movies are now being released again. In case you missed the delays because of the pandemic (Black Widow and No Time To Die, we’re looking at you), 2021’s crop of fresh new films looks even more special than the average new year.
Musicals? Comedies? Armrest-clutching horror? We’ve got it all covered in our round-up of the best new films out over the next few months. Make ours a large salty and sweet popcorn and some nachos? Thanks.
[1]
Off the Rails
A warming watch that follows three best friends as they reunite at the request of their late friend Anna to recreate the same European train adventure they all embarked on 30 years earlier. Before her unexpected death, Anna left the trio tickets on one condition: that her teenage daughter also joins them on their journey to their final destination – Mallorca. But with fallouts, lost passports and train strikes, will they make it in time to honour Anna’s memory? Sally Phillips, Jenny Seagrove, Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips and the late Kelly Preston all-star.
Release date: 23 July 2021.
[2]
The Duke
Academy Award winners Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren make a marvellous duo in this uplifting comedy based on the true story of Goya’s stolen Duke of Wellington portrait. Set in 1961, it follows a 60-year-old taxi driver – and culprit – Kempton Bunton (Broadbent) who subsequently sent ransom notes stating that he would only return the painting on the condition that the government provide more care to the elderly. Dunkirk actor Fionn Whitehead and Line of Duty’s Anna Maxwell Martin also star.
Release date: 3 September 2021.
[3]
The Surrogate
When a 29-year-old web designer agrees to be the surrogate and egg-donor for her best friend Josh and his husband Aaron, she isn’t expecting the moral dilemma that unfolds. A prenatal test reveals her unborn child has Down syndrome, and relationships are put to the test when the trio must consider the best course of action.
Release date: 9 July 2021.
[4]
Dear Evan Hansen
An adaptation of the Broadway play, the film is a heart-wrenching exploration of loss, grief and loneliness. It follows a high school kid who suffers with social anxiety and at the request of his therapist starts writing letters to himself.
Release date: 22nd October 2021.
[5]
Respect
If anyone’s up to the job of portraying the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, on screen, it’s Jennifer Hudson. This biopic comes after the legend’s death in 2018 and we’re predicting spine-tingling performances and awards aplenty for J-Hud. Start prepping your Spotify playlist now.
Release date: 13 August 2021.
[6]
Cinderella
We never met a version of Cinderella we weren’t excited about (shout out to Hilary Duff for A Cinderella Story, forever in our hearts) and this is no exception. Camila Cabello steps into the glass slippers for 2021’s fresh, more feminist, musical take, with Billie Porter as her Fairy Godmother and Frozen’s Idina Menzel as her stepmother. Dream. Casting. Right. There.
Release date: On Amazon Prime in summer 2021.
[7]
Fear Street Triology
Netflix revealed a three-part film adaptation of the popular Fear Street books would be dropping during the summer of 2021, spread over three weeks. Time to hide behind the sofa and prepare your best wincing face.
Release date: Part One: 1994 airs on July 2nd, followed by Part Two: 1978 on July 9th and Part Three: 1666 16th.