The Most Anticipated Movie of All Time, Ranked

Choose the movie you think is the most anticipated!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:17
In a world brimming with cinematic adventures, it can be a thrilling challenge to predict which upcoming film will capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Ranking the most anticipated movies provides a fun, engaging way for movie enthusiasts to express their enthusiasm and predictions for future blockbusters. This process not only fuels communal excitement but also offers a snapshot of collective expectations and preferences. Each vote cast on this list shapes the evolving landscape of public anticipation, creating a dynamic reflection of which films have the most buzz and appeal. By participating, voters contribute to a broader conversation about the movies, enhancing the anticipation and community involvement. This ongoing interaction ensures that the rankings remain fresh and representative of current viewer sentiments.

What Is the Most Anticipated Movie of All Time?

  1. 1
    59
    votes
    This movie was the culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and brought together all of the Avengers for an epic battle against Thanos. It was highly anticipated due to the success of previous Marvel movies and the cliffhanger ending of Avengers: Infinity War.
    Avengers: Endgame (2019) is a superhero film produced by Marvel Studios. It is the direct sequel to Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and the culmination of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Infinity Saga. The movie sees the remaining Avengers join forces to reverse the damage caused by Thanos in the previous film and bring back half of all life in the universe.
    • Release Date: April 26, 2019
    • Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
    • Running Time: 181 minutes
    • Budget: $356 million
    • Box Office: $2.798 billion
  2. 2
    40
    votes
    Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
    Wiki · Public domain
    This movie marked the return of the Star Wars franchise after a 10-year hiatus and introduced a new generation of characters. It was highly anticipated due to the popularity of the original trilogy and the mixed reception of the prequels.
    Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) is an epic space opera film and the seventh installment in the Star Wars franchise. Directed by J.J. Abrams, it serves as a continuation of the original Star Wars trilogy, set approximately 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The film follows new characters as well as the beloved characters from the original trilogy, as they face the rise of the sinister First Order and the search for the long-lost Luke Skywalker.
    • Release Date: December 18, 2015
    • Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
    • Runtime: 138 minutes
    • Production Company: Lucasfilm Ltd., Bad Robot Productions
    • Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    This movie was the final installment in the highly acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy and won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It was highly anticipated due to the success of the previous two movies and the epic conclusion to the story.
    The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) in other rankings
  4. 4
    26
    votes
    This movie was the final installment in the Harry Potter franchise and brought the epic battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort to a conclusion. It was highly anticipated due to the popularity of the Harry Potter books and previous movies.
    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the eighth and final installment of the Harry Potter film series. It is based on the second half of J.K. Rowling's novel 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. The movie follows the epic conclusion of the battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.
    • Release Date: July 15, 2011
    • Runtime: 130 minutes
    • Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
    • Language: English
    • Budget: $125 million
  5. 5
    9
    votes

    The Dark Knight (2008)

    Christopher Nolan
    This movie was highly anticipated due to the success of Batman Begins and the casting of Heath Ledger as the Joker. It was highly acclaimed and won several awards, including Heath Ledger's posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
    The Dark Knight (2008) is a superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan. It is the second installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy and follows Batman's struggles against the Joker, a notorious criminal in Gotham City. The film explores themes of chaos, morality, and the nature of heroism.
    • Release Date: July 18, 2008
    • Running Time: 152 minutes
    • Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
    • Box Office: $1.004 billion
    • Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart
    The Dark Knight (2008) in other rankings
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    This movie was highly anticipated due to the groundbreaking special effects and the popularity of the novel by Michael Crichton. It was a box office success and spawned several sequels and a reboot.
    Jurassic Park is a science fiction adventure film released in 1993. It follows the story of a billionaire philanthropist who creates a theme park populated with cloned dinosaurs. When the park's security systems fail, a group of visitors and park staff must survive and escape from the rampaging creatures.
    • Release date: June 11, 1993
    • Runtime: 127 minutes
    • Genre: Science fiction, Adventure
    • Budget: $63 million
    • Box office: $1.029 billion
    Jurassic Park (1993) in other rankings
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    This movie was highly anticipated due to the epic love story and the casting of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. It was a box office success and won several awards, including Best Picture at the Oscars.
    The soundtrack for Titanic (1997) is a highly acclaimed and iconic film score that perfectly complements the epic romance of the movie. It was composed by James Horner.
    • Release Date: November 18, 1997
    • Genre: Film Score
    • Length: 74:07
    • Label: Sony Classical
    • Certification: 2x Diamond (US)
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    The Matrix (1999)
    Jamie Zawinski (program); Church of emacs (screenshot) · Attribution
    This movie was highly anticipated due to the innovative special effects and the unique concept of a simulated reality. It was a box office success and spawned two sequels.
    The Matrix is a science fiction action film released in 1999. It explores the idea that the world as perceived by humans is a simulated reality called the Matrix, created by intelligent machines to distract humanity while they use their bodies as an energy source. The story follows a computer programmer named Neo, who becomes aware of the Matrix and joins a group of rebels called the Morpheus' crew in their fight against the machines.
    • Release Date: March 31, 1999
    • Genre: Science Fiction, Action
    • Director: The Wachowskis
    • Writer(s): The Wachowskis
    • Main Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
    The Matrix (1999) in other rankings
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    The Hunger Games (2012)
    Diseñadores publicitarios · Public domain

    The Hunger Games (2012)

    Director: Gary Ross
    This movie was highly anticipated due to the popularity of the young adult novel by Suzanne Collins. It was a box office success and spawned three sequels.
    The Hunger Games (2012) is a dystopian science fiction action film based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the film follows the story of Katniss Everdeen who volunteers as tribute to compete in the Hunger Games – a televised fight to the death between teenagers from different districts.
    • Release Date: March 23, 2012
    • Runtime: 142 minutes
    • Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
    • Production Company: Color Force
    • Box Office: $694.4 million
  10. 10
    5
    votes

    Black Panther (2018)

    Ryan Coogler
    This movie was highly anticipated due to the representation of a predominantly black cast and crew, as well as the success of previous Marvel movies. It was a box office success and received critical acclaim, winning several awards.
    Black Panther (2018) is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The movie follows T'Challa, who returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king after the death of his father. As the new king, T'Challa must defend his people and the advanced technology of Wakanda from threats both internal and external.
    • Release Date: February 16, 2018
    • Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
    • Director: Ryan Coogler
    • Producer: Kevin Feige
    • Production Company: Marvel Studios

Missing your favorite movie?

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Ranking factors for anticipated movie

  1. Pre-release hype
    The level of excitement and anticipation among fans and the general public leading up to the film's release. This includes teaser trailers, posters, promotional events, and marketing efforts that create a buzz around the film.
  2. Franchise or series popularity
    If the movie is a part of a successful franchise or series, the anticipation can be even higher. Fans often have an emotional attachment to these franchises and eagerly await the next installment.
  3. Cast and director reputation
    The presence of well-known and respected actors or a reputable director can significantly increase anticipation for a film. People are more likely to be excited about a film if they know their favorite actors are a part of it or if they have enjoyed the director's previous work.
  4. Source material popularity
    If the movie is based on a popular book, TV show, or other media, fans of the original source material may be more likely to be eagerly anticipating the movie adaptation.
  5. Genre or theme interest
    Certain genres or movie themes tend to generate more interest and excitement in comparison to other genres. For example, superhero and science fiction movies have large, dedicated fan bases that eagerly await new releases in these genres.
  6. Early reviews and word-of-mouth
    Positive reviews from critics and early viewers can significantly increase anticipation for a movie. If the early buzz surrounding a film is positive, more people are likely to be excited about watching it.
  7. Awards buzz and critical acclaim
    If a movie is receiving early praise and is expected to be a major contender during awards season, anticipation for the film may increase. Films that are critically acclaimed or have Oscar buzz tend to generate more interest from audiences.
  8. Historical context
    The cultural or historical significance of a movie can impact its level of anticipation. Movies that address important themes or events can generate excitement and anticipation due to their relevance and potential impact on society.
  9. The scale of the production
    Large-scale productions, especially those with high budgets and vast visual effects, can generate a higher level of anticipation. Audiences may be excited to see the spectacle and visuals on the big screen.
  10. Box office potential
    The potential for high box office earnings can contribute to a film's anticipation. Movies that are expected to be blockbuster hits often generate more excitement leading up to their release.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most anticipated movie of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Film is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2389 views
  • 173 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Film once every 24 hours. The rank of each Film is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most anticipated movie of all time

Movies have been an integral part of our lives for over a century. From the early days of silent films to the latest blockbusters, movies have always been a source of entertainment, inspiration, and fascination. Over the years, we have seen countless movies that have captured our imagination, made us laugh, cry, and even changed our lives. But among all the movies that have ever been made, there are some that stand out as the most anticipated and eagerly awaited of all time. These are the movies that have generated the most buzz, hype, and excitement among audiences around the world. So, what is the most anticipated movie of all time? Let's take a closer look at some of the contenders and find out.

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