As mentioned in these articles numerous times, every year studios are defying former scheduling expectations and releasing big budget blockbusters in typically non-peak movie seasons. For example, most of the films below could have held their own in the summer, but opted to avoid competition instead. The movie goers end up being the beneficiary in the end because we get to watch summer movies nearly all year long now. Let’s dive in to this year’s impressive “spring” offerings.

 

MARCH 4

Zootopia

While Pixar has been up and down with each new release, Disney animation studios is enjoying a string of hits over the past few years, and now Zootopia has become their biggest animated debut ever. Launching at a time where there is little competition in the genre should make it a lock as their next multi-film franchise.

MARCH 11

10 Cloverfield Lane

Maybe not a sequel, but definitely in the same spirit as the surprise hit about a giant monster attack from the point of view of the victims on the ground and their shaky handycams. The plot of this installment has been kept top secret as with most J.J. Abrams produced films. If this becomes a hit as well, could there eventually be a proper sequel?

MARCH 18

The Divergent Series: Allegiant

Here comes part 3 in the hugely successful Divergent series and I couldn't be more confused by the trailer. Admittedly, I missed the second film but I am at least interested in the Truman Show turn the series has taken. I'll probably catch it on cable just in time for part 4 to hit next year. 

MARCH 25

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

When Man of Steel turned into a big worldwide hit, Warner Bros finally got the ball rolling on the long in development Superman/Batman movie. We've already seen Wonder Woman in the trailer as well, so don't be surprised to catch glimpses of Aquaman, Green Lantern, and others as they try to set up a DC cinematic universe to rival what Disney has done with Marvel.

APRIL 8

Hardcore Henry

I’m actually surprised it took this long to make an action movie shot entirely in first person. With the huge success of videos games like Call of Duty and Halo, it’s a natural progression since so many people have now grown accustomed to the vantage point feeling normal in the genre. 

APRIL 15

The Jungle Book

Out of all the Disney animated classics to get the live action treatment, I really didn't see this one coming. It appears to be a pretty straight forward adaptation, unlike Maleficent, which could be good just because the original movie is so well done, but may also make it fairly predictable. They did an excellent job casting the voices though.

APRIL 22

The Huntsman: Winter’s War

While it was a modest hit 4 years ago, I'm not sure many would have expected another entry in this franchise. I'm not even sure how to refer to its filmic universe. The Huntsman Chronicles? The Snow White cinematic universe? Maybe someone will have a better suggestion in the comments below.

APRIL 29

Keanu

Key and Peele are almost too good because when I first saw this trailer, it seemed like a bit from their show and couldn’t be real. Still, we have movies with heroes being motivated by the kidnapping of a child or a significant other, so why not an adorable kitten.

Ratchet & Clank

Can a movie based on a video game be any good? This question is tossed around every time one comes out, and I'm sure it will be no different this time. Where this film may have a leg up on the competition is the fact that it's not a live action adaptation, so the transition to the screen shouldn’t be as jarring. And what a big year for video game movies it is, with Warcraft Angry Birds, and Assassin's Creed joining the conversation this year as well.



But we'll talk about those movies when their seasons get here. For now, rank this season's crop of films below and participate in the comments section as well. We can discuss these movies and the ones I couldn't get around to writing about.