10 Most Anticipated Films of 2016

As always, there are far too many sequels, spin-offs, remakes and reboots clogging the cinemas, but surely some will be worth the effort. (Release dates are subject to change.)

10. The Hateful Eight
Tarantino kicks off the year with an epic Western starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell (Jan). And there's more manly action with Charlie Hunnam in Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur (Jul), Jack Huston in Ben-Hur (Aug), Chris Pratt in The Magnificent Seven (Sep). 

9. Hail, Caesar!
George Clooney reteams with the Coen Brothers for a madcap Hollywood comedy (Feb). Other higher-brow offerings include Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey in Elvis & Nixon (Apr) and Emily Blunt in The Girl on the Train (Oct). 

8. Bourne 5
Matt Damon is back for more fast-paced action as the intrepid, forgetful spy (Jul). Also back for some sequel action: Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher 2 (Oct) and Shailene Woodley in Allegiant (Mar).

7. Finding Dory
The year's most-anticipated animation is this long-awaited underwater Pixar sequel (Jul). More animated treats: Zootropolis (Mar), Angry Birds (May), Ice Age: Collision Course (Jul) and Moana (Dec). 

6. The BFG
Steven Spielberg's fantasy extravaganza promises to bring Roald Dahl's classic tale to life (Jul). More effects-heavy thrills: Gods of Egypt (Feb), The Jungle Book (Apr), Warcraft (Jun), Tarzan (Jul) and Assassin's Creed (Dec). 

5. Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie
Jennifer Saunders' iconic comedy hits the big screen this year (Jul). More big screen Brit-coms: Dad's Army (Feb), Grimsby (Mar), Eddie the Eagle (Apr) and The Office movie David Brent: Life on the Road (Aug).

4. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
This year's most anticipated superhero adventure is this epic face-off between Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill (Mar). Also flexing their powers: Deadpool (Feb), Captain America: Civil War (Apr), X-Men: Apocalypse (May), Suicide Squad (Aug), Gambit (Oct) and Doctor Strange (Oct). 

3. Zoolander No 2
Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson will be back with more supermodel antics (Feb). More comedy sequels: Zac Efron and Seth Rogen return for Bad Neighbours 2 (May), Renee Zellweger has Bridget Jones's Baby (Sep), and Billy Bob Thornton is back in Bad Santa 2 (Nov). 

2. Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them
Speaking of revived franchises, Eddie Redmayne stars in this Harry Potter prequel that's also gained a rabid following (Nov). Also back this year: Independence Day: Resurgence (Jun). 

1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The first spin-off adventure in the saga, a contained thriller starring Felicity Jones (Dec). And J.J. Abrams' other revived big sci-fi franchise will be back with Star Trek Beyond (Jul).

And as happens every year, 2016's release schedule is packed with sequels we never asked for, including My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, The Huntsman: Winter's War, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Now You See Me 2, The Conjuring 2, Ouija 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 and The Purge 3.