Cast your mind back to 2014, a year in which US box-office takings fell by 5% compared to the previous year. There were many memorable films, from Oscar winners like Birdman to highly anticipated adventures like Interstellar. 

Interstellar screenInterstellar's $673million tally wasn't out of this world

But what 2014 lacked was a consistent stream of killer blockbuster titles. Sure, there was Transformers: Age of Extinction - 2014's biggest film - and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, the year's next highest-grossing movie. And superhero fans were well-catered for, with Guardians of the Galaxy topping a list that included Captain America, X-Men and Spider-Man. 

But we've come up with five reasons why 2015 is set to be a much bigger year for the blockbuster. So big, in fact, that 2015 has a good chance of becoming the biggest movie year on record.

1. Avengers: Age of Ultron


 

This follow-up to one of the highest-grossing films ever is about to enter the top 5 money makers of all time, overtaking Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

 2. Furious 7


 

Big in America and even bigger around the world, this seventh instalment in the high-octane series far exceeded box-office expectations, largely thanks to China. It currently ranks at number 4 in the all-time global chart, right behind the first Avengers film - and it will soon take it.

3. Jurassic World


 

Starring man-of-the-moment Chris Pratt, this long-rumoured fourth film in the franchise finally gets a release this month, and analysts are predicting a record-breaking opening when it roars (sorry) into cinemas. A total of at least $1billion looks obvious at this point.

4. Spectre


 

Skyfall was loved by critics and performed exceptionally well at the box office, becoming by far the biggest Bond ever in 2012. With Sam Mendes directing once again, and Daniel Craig in his fourth turn as 007, hopes are high that Spectre will repeat the critical and commercial success of its predecessor, and it might even go further.

5. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens


 
Expected on December 18, this one is only just making it out in 2015, but that won't stop it entering the record books. Possibly the most eagerly anticipated film ever made, The Force Awakens could do Avatar levels of business worldwide. A summer blockbuster released at Christmas, Star Wars will round off a magnificent year for blockbuster films.

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