6 Must-See Comic Book Movies in 2016

If 2016 is any indication, comic book movies are here to stay. From “Batman v Superman” to “Captain America: Civil War,” here are the six superhero movies (in order of release) that we can't wait to see next year.

'Deadpool' (February 12)

Following his less than stellar debut in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Fox is hoping audiences will respond better to the Merc With a Mouth the second time around. Ryan Reynolds reprises the role, but everything else is changing. Between the more comic-accurate costume, the raunchy, fourth wall-bending humor and the fact that Deadpool’s mouth won’t be sewn shut this time, this already looks to be a much more faithful take on the character. (And the rumored Hugh Jackman/Wolverine cameo can't hurt.)

'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' (March 25)

It’s taken decades of solo movies, but we’re finally going to see the Man of Steel battle the Dark Knight on the big screen. “Dawn of Justice” is a follow-up to 2013’s “Man of Steel,” with an older Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) taking up the mantle of Batman once more to go after Superman (Henry Cavill) for the partial destruction of Metropolis. But based on how these things usually play out in the comics, we suspect it’s only a matter of time before the two heroes join forces with Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to take on Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). There is a "Justice League" movie to plan for, after all. 

'Captain America: Civil War' (May 6)

Heroes fighting heroes looks to be the general theme of 2016. Even as Batman and Superman do battle in one movie universe, the Avengers will find themselves split down the middle in a film that’s as much "Avengers 2.5" as it is a Captain America sequel. "Civil War" places Cap (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) at odds over the issue of superhuman registration. The de-brainwashed Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) will also be at the heart of the conflict. Several new superhero players will enter the field, including Black Panther and Spider-Man. 

'X-Men: Apocalypse' (May 27)

“Apocalypse” caps off Fox’s run of X-Men movies. This film, set in the '80s, finds the immortal mutant villain Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) awakening from his long slumber to re-assert his dominance over the world. Look for plenty of familiar faces to return (including James McAvoy’s Professor Xavier, Michael Fassbender’s Magneto and Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique) alongside a new team of junior X-Men -- including Tye Sheridan’s Cyclops, Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey, and Olivia Munn’s Psylocke. But where's Wolverine? No way Bryan Singer's last X-Men movie will be the first not to feature him. 

'Suicide Squad' (August 5)

“Suicide Squad” features a ragtag band of incarcerated villains (headlined by Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Will Smith’s Deadshot) who are recruited to carry out a dangerous mission in exchange for reduced sentences. Look for Jared Leto to have a very memorable take on the Joker, and watch for an appearance from Ben Affleck's Batman. 

'Doctor Strange' (Nov. 4)

We’ve seen Marvel venture into space with “Guardians of the Galaxy” and into the microscopic realm in “Ant-Man.” Now we’re getting our first big glimpse of the supernatural corner of the MCU thanks to “Doctor Strange.” Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the Sorcerer Supreme, with Tilda Swinton playing his mentor, The Ancient One. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays his nemesis, Baron Mordo, and Rachel McAdams is set to play “a female lead” (probably Strange’s pupil/lover Clea). With any luck, this solo debut will set the stage for Strange join the ranks of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in time for the next Avengers sequel.