It’s no secret, 2015 is going to be a difficult year to beat for movies. With so many exciting adventures set to hit the big screen in the coming year, it’s very easy to miss something in the mad rush to the theater. Below are some films to be excited for going into the new year.

“Avengers: Age Of Ultron” (May 1)

Why It’s Exciting: Nothing has ever been done like this before. In 2012, Joss Whedon brought four movie franchises together into one colossal supermovie. Now, he’s going to do it all over again. With plans scheduled for Marvel movies through 2019, “Avengers 2” is in a unique position. The first film showed that the concept of a massive crossover is sound, and now he must top himself. Fans will gather in droves to see the next installment in a series that they’ve come to love so much.

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, James Spader, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffallo, Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson

“Jurassic World” (June 12)

Why It’s Exciting: The first trailer for this film really says it all. Capturing the same magic of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film, this fourth installment in the franchise takes place 22 years after the original. The park is open but there’s a genetically enhanced dinosaur on the loose. For anyone who was captivated by the prehistoric mayhem of the first three films, “Jurassic World” looks to be offering more of the same, but better in 2015.

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Greer, Katie McGrath, Jake Johnson, Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson

“Ant-Man” (July 17)

Why It’s Exciting: With Marvel announcing a slew of movies through 2019 that will make up its “Phase 3,” none has been more enigmatic than “Ant-Man.” After switching directorial hands, Marvel’s first film after “Avengers 2” will introduce a new hero that many fans don’t believe will translate well to the big screen. However, if the comic-book giant has shown the public anything, it’s not to underestimate them.

Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll and Patrick Wilson

“Furious 7” (April 3)

Why It’s Exciting: The “Fast and Furious” franchise is one of the most unconventional success stories in action-movie history. After losing steam with the third installment, “Tokyo Drift,” the films brought back the cast of the original film and turned up the heat. Here we are on the verge of a seventh movie and fans of the high-octane street-racing heist movies are excited to see the late Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner take one last ride. This time around, Jason Statham joins the cast as the villain poised for revenge after the events of “Fast 6.”

Cast: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Ronda Rousey, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (Dec. 18)

Why It’s Exciting: Since the original trilogy wrapped in 1983, there has been no direct follow-up to the events in “Return of the Jedi.” Not only is J.J. Abrams walking on hallowed ground by starting a new trilogy, but fans will see Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford back in their career-making roles. George Lucas’ prequel movies were, arguably, a disappointment. Now, devotees to the series could have their faith in “Star Wars” repaid after so many years.

Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, John Boyega, Domhnall Gleeson, Peter Mayhew and Adam Driver

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2” (Nov. 20)

Why It’s Exciting: “Part 1” of Suzanne Collins’ “Mockingjay” is currently in theaters. However, that is only the first part of the story. “Part 2” will be the conclusion to the popular dystopian fantasy franchise. Fans will see Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) finish her fight against the Capitol. It’s hard to discuss the events of the film without giving away anything from “Mockingjay, Part 1,” but the franchise will finish strong with Katniss, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) taking on President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in one final showdown.

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Gwendoline Christie

“Fifty Shades of Grey” (Feb. 13)

Why It’s Exciting: Based on the book that captivated the world, this kinky romance drama is the film that many believed simply couldn’t work as a feature film. Riddled with sex, dark secrets and much more, the story covers a bevy of human emotions and sexuality. When it hits theaters, the subject matter will be brought to even more of a mainstream audience to digest the intricacies of modern relationships.

Cast: Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, Rita Ora, Marcia Gay Harden and Jennifer Ehle

“Terminator: Genisys” (July 1)

Why It’s Exciting: “Terminator” is a beloved franchise that no one has been able to do anything with in the modern age. TV shows, spinoff movies and more projects have all fallen flat. This time around, Arnold Schwarzenegger is back in his most iconic role and the film, for once, looks like it’s back to its original glory from “Terminator 1” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” Taking place in both the past and the present, John Connor will have to battle the machines once again to save the world from their takeover.

Cast: Emilia Clarke, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jai Courtney, Jason Clarke, Matt Smith, J.K. Simmons, Aaron V. Williamson

“Pan” (June 26)

Why It’s Exciting: A bold reimagining of a classic tale. This film will explore the origins of everyone’s favorite Lost Boy and how he became the scourge of Neverland’s most despicable bad guy, Captain Hook. In this prequel, the two will actually team up to vanquish Blackbeard the Pirate. What’s more exciting than a good origin story?

Cast: Levi Miller, Rooney Mara, Garrett Hedlund, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried and Adeel Akhtar

“Peanuts” (Dec. 21)

Why It’s Exciting: The beloved comic is coming to the big screen once again, this time in full 3-D animation. The inner child in everyone should be jumping for joy at the prospect of seeing more of the Charles Schulz “Peanuts" gang and, better yet, introducing it to a new generation.

Cast: Noah Schnapp, Francesca Capaldi, Bill Melendez, Hadley Belle Miller, Venus Schultheis, Alexander Grafin, Mariel Sheets

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