TobIn early 2020, movie theaters were unsafe to keep open during the Covid-19 pandemic. In some places, movie theaters still have yet to re-open. Although viewing movies in cinemas may not be possible for some time to come, movie studios have not stopped releasing new films through streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video. Here are some of the most anticipated new releases of 2021.

1. Coming 2 America

After over 30 years, a sequel to the original comedy “Coming To America” is set to release in early 2021. This release stars the same two actors from the original, Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. In the sequel, Murphy’s character returns to America in search of his long-lost son. The 1988 comedy performed extremely well in theaters and proved to be one of Murphy’s most popular films, so the sequel will have high expectations from viewers. “Coming 2 America” releases March 5, 2021, on Prime Video.

2. No Time To Die

This year, the 25th James Bond movie will premiere as the fifth straight one starring Daniel Craig as 007. In this film, Bond is enlisted to search for a missing scientist. While attempting to rescue the scientist, Bond comes in contact with a villain armed with dangerous new technology.  Many actors are returning from the previous Bond movie; however, new star actors are filling roles in this film. Oscar-winner Rami Malek is featured in the movie, presumably to play the villain. The last Bond film received a somewhat positive reception from viewers, meeting expectations but not exceeding them, leaving audiences hopeful that the next installment will be a success. “No Time To Die” releases April 2, 2021.

3. Top Gun: Maverick

The original “Top Gun” movie from 1986 is a classic action movie starring Tom Cruise playing an Air Force Pilot, and a sequel is finally planned to release in 2021. With a star-studded cast featuring Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm and Val Kilmer, it seems that this sequel is set up for success. Maverick, Tom Cruise’s character, now trains graduate air force pilots for a mission more dangerous than any before. “Top Gun: Maverick” releases on July 2, 2021.

4. The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run

The hugely popular cartoon series is releasing its third movie in early 2021, with the first two being massive hits for younger audiences. “Sponge on the Run” features the voice actors from the show and the animation resembles that of the second movie in the series. In “Sponge on the Run”, Spongebob’s pet snail Gary goes missing. Spongebob and his friend Patrick find that he was taken by King Poseidon, and the two must travel to Atlantic City to save Gary.  The film is directed by Tim Hill, who has directed every Spongebob movie to date. Sponge on the Run releases February 2021 on CBS All Access and multiple other streaming services.

5. A Quiet Place Part II

John Krasinsky directs and writes the sequel to the original movie released in 2018. In this upcoming film, the Abbott family continues to survive in silence as the world is still inhabited by the blind monsters from the first film. The family discovers that these monsters that hunt with sound are not the only kind of monsters that are around. The original thriller was received very positively and was praised for its uniqueness. Emily Blunt, Krasinsky’s wife, returns and plays the main role in the movie alongside other returning actors such as Cillian Murphy and Noah Jupe. “A Quiet Place Part II” releases April 23, 2021.

Through all of the hardships that the film industry has endured due to the pandemic, movie studios have continued to make their movies and release them in different ways. This year, many highly anticipated movies are being released, and audiences can’t wait to watch them.