Josh Wilding, @Josh_Wilding:
3. X-Men: Apocalypse
Two words: Oscar Isaac. The actor has been phenomenal in every movie he's starred in, whether it's Inside Llewyn Davis or Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and I can't wait to see what he does as Apocalypse. Yes, it's a shame that the X-Men still don't have their colourful costumes, but I have a lot of faith in Bryan Singer after X-Men: Days of Future Past. This movie looks like the most comic book-y instalment of the franchise to date, and with it introducing younger versions of heroes like Cyclops and Jean Grey, I have a feeling it will set up the future in an exciting way.
2. Captain America: Civil War
Of the two hero versus hero battles coming in 2016, it was tough to choose between this and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but that latest trailer (which spoiled a lot of key moments I was looking forward to seeing on the big screen for the first time, and not my laptop) dulled my excitement somewhat. Captain America: Civil War on the other hand has the long overdue MCU debut of Spider-Man, the introduction of Black Panther, and Steve Rogers kicking the crap out of Iron Man! It's going to be epic, and no doubt a real game changer for Marvel's Phase 3.
1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
After Star Wars: The Force Awakens, what else? I loved what Gareth Edwards did with Monsters and Godzilla, and with a tremendous cast made up of names like Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, and Mads Mikkelson, Rogue One is shaping up to be incredible. As the first Star Wars movie which isn't part of the main Skywalker centric narrative, this release is as historic as The Force Awakens, and it's going to be a lot of fun seeing how these Anthology movies sit alongside the new trilogy. Marvel and DC have some amazing stuff on the way, but they can't top Star Wars!
Mark Cassidy, @RorMachine:
3) X-Men: Apocalypse
I thought DOFP was the best CBM of 2014, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what Singer has in store with his next instalment. A lot of fans don't think much of Fox's X-flicks because of the liberties they take with the source material, but for me they've always (well, a few exceptions aside) done a fantastic job of making us emotionally invested in the characters while also delivering the requisite amount of spectacle. Plus, where are you going to find a better cast?
2) Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
It's a no brainer really - we're getting to see two of the most iconic superheroes in history go toe-to-toe, with Wonder Woman thrown in for good measure. It's true that the last trailer did lessen my anticipation somewhat, but I am a big Zack Snyder fan (while recognizing his failings at the same time) and I believe he's going to deliver with this one.
1) Captain America: Civil War
It was a close call between this and BvS, but Cap V Iron Man just clinched it. I probably would have placed BvS in the number 1 spot if Civil War was directed by anyone else, but after what the Russos were able to do with the Winter Soldier (my favourite Marvel movie along with GOTG) I really think this is going to be something special. Add the introduction of our new Spider-Man and excitement levels are through the roof.
Rohan Patel, @KingPatel7:
3) Deadpool
Deadpool is undoubtedly the biggest wild card of this year, it could either be one of the greatest CBMs ever or one of the worst, but you know what, I could care less. Everything I've seen from the film thus far has been phenomenal and after everything Ryan Reynolds, Tim Miller, and company went through to get this film made, I just can't wait to see them all see their dream realized next month in what is sure-to-be one absolutely wild ride. I'm also holding out hope that Hugh Jackman makes some sort of cameo.
2) Captain America: Civil War
Two words: Spider-Man. Marvel's greatest hero is making his long-awaited debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and I couldn't be more thrilled. I mean sure I would've preferred to see an adult Peter Parker over a high school Spidey for the third time in twelve years, but after seeing Tom Holland in In The Heart To The Sea and hearing James Gunn's reaction to his performance in Civil War, I'm fairly certain Holland will do justice to the role for years to come. As for the rest of the film, I'm excited to see what the Russo brothers have in store for us. They're juggling a ton of big pieces (Black Panther!) and it should be interesting to see how it all plays out, although I'm hoping a recent rumor about Captain America turns out to be fake. Team Cap!
1) X-Men: Apocalypse
Like Mark above me, I also thought X-Men: Days of Future Past was the best CBM of 2014 and I'm expecting X-Men: Apocalypse to be just as good, if not better. I grew up a fan of these films, think I was 9-10 when the first one came out, and I'll always be excited for any new installment. Say what you want about Bryan Singer, but the man knows how to deliver an excellent X-Men film with a meaningful story and great characters portrayed by an impeccable cast. Oh and comic accuracy be damned. Personally, I've never really been too concerned if the X-Men wore their classic costumes or not, I'd much rather just have a good film and Singer has delivered three times before, I'm betting he goes four-for-four this Memorial Day. Plus, Oscar Isaac is playing Apocalypse! Oscar Isaac! It just doesn't get any better than that. The man is one of the best actors working today.
Mark Julian, @_MarkJulian:
3.) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - If you would've asked me this question at the start of 2015, Dawn of Justice would probably have been my most anticipated movie. However, the footage released thus far has been somewhat less than impressive. Unless the marketing team is purposely misleading the public, it appears that we're going to get a generic story that takes a back seat to action and imagery.
2.) Captain America: Civil War - This film is a close second. After the Russo's knocked it out of the park with The Winter Soldier, I'm anxious to see what they can accomplish with a little more of Marvel's trust. This film has to do well, otherwise, everyone will be worried about Avengers: Infinity War. Marvel routinely delivers and I don't expect them to drop the ball with so much on the line.
1.) Suicide Squad - Stellar cast, a talented director and Batman - what's not to love? Where the marketing has me worried about Batman v Superman, it has me increasingly excited for Suicide Squad. When it's all said and done, we may be talking about Suicide Squad as the best 2016 film from the DCEU, not Dawn of Justice.
Minal Herath, @MintyYeah:
3) Rogue One
Hey, we said most anticipated 'movies' right? Not just CBMs! I really enjoyed The Force Awakens, and while it wasn't perfect, it did a wonderful job of bringing Star Wars back from the brink for a new generation. With Rogue One we've got something totally different, a darker, more intriguing tale with a phenomenal cast lead by Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen & Ben Mendelsohn. I liked director Gareth Edwards' last movie, Godzilla, and adored his work on Monsters. He's a real talent, and I can't wait to see what he does here.
2) Captain America: Civil War
After the one-two punch of Age Of Ultron and Ant-Man last year, I began to think the Marvel formula had gone a little... stale? Then I saw that Civil War teaser and was reminded just how much I loved the Russo Bros' work on The Winter Soldier. This is a much harder task, and balancing the sheer number of heroes & villains is going to be tricky - but if anyone can pull it off, it's the Russos. Personally, I can't wait for Black Panther's debut - and I'm also looking forward to seeing Cap & Iron Man's doomed friendship take centre stage.
1) Suicide Squad
Anyone who's known me since my early days of writing editorials on CBM will know how big a fan of Suicide Squad I am - so to see this movie finally hitting theatres is a dream come true. I love the casting of Will Smith as Deadshot, as well as Margot Robbie & Jared Leto as Harley & The Joker. David Ayer's an interesting director (he's been a bit hit-and-miss lately with Sabotage) but I'm hoping he can pull this one off. Could it fail? Of course. But if it works, this movie will be something very special, I promise.
Rochi Morand, @Marvel_Freshman:
3) Deadpool
I've never been a huge fan of the Merc With a Mouth, but Deadpool is definitely one of my most-anticipated movies of the year. I can tell from the trailers that this Marvel adaptation will be something special and quite refreshing for the superhero genre. I'm especially excited to see how the fourth wall-breaking and the R-rating will be hand;ed. I'm also hoping that this movie does well enough, both critically and financially, that it paves the way for more R-rated superhero movies. February can't get here soon enough!
2) Suicide Squad
Even though I am looking forward to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and how it will launch the DC Extended Universe, I'm much more excited for the follow-up DCEU movie, Suicide Squad. Will Smith is one of my all-time favorite actors so his inclusion alone makes this movie a must-see for me. Beyond that, the beautiful Margot Robbie playing Harley Quinn and Jared Leto playing the Joker are huge pluses and I'm super eager to see their portrayals of such rich characters. And much like Deadpool, I expect Suicide Squad to shake up the superhero movie genre and the overused superhero formula), given it's a supervillain ensemble pic.
1) Captain America: Civil War
Many don't know this, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe is what introduced me to ComicBookMovie.com as well as superhero movies in general. It wasn't until I saw Tony Stark show up at the end of The Incredible Hulk that I even gave these movies a second thought. Therefore, any new installment of the MCU is easily my most-anticipated movie. In this case, that's definitely Captain America: Civil War. I'm hyped for Doctor Strange too, but Civil War has a greater ensemble of heroes that includes the Black Panther and Spider-Man, who I'm uncontrollably excited to see interact with the Avengers that we've come to know. Also I believe in the Russos especially after The Winter Soldier. Is it May yet?