Winter 2018 Movie Preview: 23 Blockbusters and Oscar Contenders You Need to See Before the End of the Year

Winter 2018 Movie Preview

Winter is a great time to stay inside. Or leave your house to run to the car, drive to the theaters, run inside and watch a movie! These are the movies worth making the trip for.

'Creed II' (Nov. 21)

Michael B. Jordan is back as Adonis Creed, and if you thought it was going to be good-time boxing fun, well you are in for... not that. Tensions are high, and we are genuinely concerned for this fictional character's life. Stallone is back as Rocky and Tessa Thompson returns as Bianca ??.

'Ralph Breaks the Internet' (Nov. 21)

In the sequel to "Wreck It Ralph," Vanellope and Ralph go from games to the internet. Worth a viewing even if just to see all the Princesses on screen together.

'The Front Runner' (Nov. 21)

Jason Reitman's follow up to "Tully" is this fact-based political drama starring PT Barnum... er, Hugh Jackman as American Senator Gary Hart whose DC aspirations were derailed by a sex scandal.

'Green Book' (Nov. 21)

From the director of "There's Something About Mary," comes a tale about an unlikely duo taking on a tour of the Deep South.

'Robin Hood' (Nov. 21)

After being pushed multiple times, "Robin Hood" is finally hitting theaters. We all know the story. At this point, you're either in or you're out.

'The Favourite' (Nov. 23)

What looks like your usual, run-of-the-mill Victorian film actually has a twist -- it's funny! Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, and Olivia Colman star in Yorgos Lanthimos' follow-up to "The Killing of a Sacred Deer."

'If Beale Street Could Talk' (Nov. 30)

Barry Jenkins follow-up to "Moonlight" is looking like another Oscar contender. "If Beale Street Could Talk" follows a couple in love as they are about to get married, only to have everything ruined when one gets arrested for a crime they didn't commit. Thanks to TIFF reviews, we already know this is a good one.

'Schindler's List' (Dec. 7)

Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning Holocaust drama returns to theaters for its 25th anniversary. It's been remastered in both 4K and Dolby Atmos.

'Mary Queen of Scots' (Dec. 7)

Bet you didn't even realize this movie was coming out! But, here it is. Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie battle it out in this historical film.

'Ben Is Back' (Dec. 7 - Limited)

Julia Roberts returns to the big screen in a very awards-buzzy title. Roberts plays the wary mother of Ben (Lucas Hedges) as she struggles with her drug-addicted boy's return home. Expect some great performances from this standout on the festival circuit.

'Anna and the Apocalypse' (Dec. 7)

Three words: Zombie Christmas musical. Just take all our money.

'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (Dec. 14)

In a world full of Spider-Man movies, it's still easy to get excited about "Into the Spider-Verse." Seeing Miles Morales finally hit the big screen, even though animated, is a nice break from Peter Parker.

'The Mule' (Dec. 14)

Clint Eastwood brings a true story to life in his latest film. He stars as Leo Sharp, a war veteran who becomes a drug mule for a cartel. It's the first time Eastwood has starred in a film he also directed since 2008's "Gran Torino."

'Roma' (Dec. 14)

You don't even have to leave the house to watch Alfonso Cuaron's black-and-white that captures life in 1970s Mexico City for a mom of four.

'Second Act' (Dec. 14)

If you've seen and loved any other Jennifer Lopez movie, you will see and love "Second Act."

'Mortal Engines' (Dec. 14)

At this point, cities that roll around and eat each other doesn't seem that far off. Might as well watch in preparation. And also if you were a big fan of the book series!

'Mary Poppins Returns' (Dec. 19)

We all had our doubts about a Julie Andrews-less movie about Mary Poppins. But, Emily Blunt and Disney are here to prove us wrong.

Steve Carrell in 'Welcome to Marwen'

'Bumblebee' (Dec. 21)

From the trailers, "Bumblebee" looks like the Transformers movie fans of the original have been waiting for. HELLO, Gen One Optimus Prime.

'Holmes and Watson' (Dec. 21)

Will Ferrell and John C. Reily are shaking and baking once more in this comedic take on the classic sleuth, Sherlock Holmes.

'Aquaman' (Dec. 21)

"MY MAN!" Jason "Aquabro" Mamoa's DC hero gets his post-"Justice League" standalone film. Here's hoping the rumored reshoots (there were a lot) doesn't derail another DCEU effort, this one from director James Wan.

'Destroyer' (Dec. 25)

Nicole Kidman delivers arguably one of her all-timer best performances in this gritty police drama that was a big deal at Telluride Film Festival earlier this year. Kidman plays Detective Erin Bell, a cop struggling with many demons following a traumatic undercover stint with a California gang. When the gang leader re-emerges several years later, Bell must face her past, and the gang's other members, if she ever plans to have a future. In short: Put Kidman on your list for potential Best Actress nominees come Oscar time.

'Vice' (Dec. 25)

If you've ever wanted to learn more about Dick Cheney on Christmas, well, now is your chance! Christian Bale is terrifyingly unrecognizable as the former Vice President in Adam McKay's follow up to the Oscar-winning Big Short.