Top Picked Movies and Shows Trending - What movies/shows should you watch next?

What are the top movies and shows that are either coming soon or are coming back? You may find a movie that you are dying to watch or your new obsession!

Polygon

By Phoebe Aseoche
Published November 25, 2021

Top Picks Globally
We all have our favorite movies or shows that we can watch constantly. Or those films that we just can’t get out of our heads; I know when I see a good love story, it's hard not to ship or talk about anything else. Movies/shows are great conversation starters and go-to hangout plans. Globally, the best movies in the world according to the Editorial Rotten Tomatoes are Judas and The Black Messiah, To all the Boys I Loved Before: Always and Forever, Nomadland, The Father, Tom and Jerry, Raya and the Last Dragon, Zack Snyder's Justice League and more! These films have been known to be Oscar Nominated as well as honorary mentioned by viewers. But what movies and shows were the most recommended by TYWLS fellow students? Earlier last week, a survey was sent out through TYWLS News asking students what their favorite genres, movies, shows, and recommendations are. Here are some of your responses!

Most Recommended Movie - Marvel Saving Us Again!

Parade

Something exciting is in the works and not just summer, but Marvel announced on May 3rd of 2021 how Marvel Studios is celebrating The Movies over the years and ones to come! Introducing: Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fantastic Four, and Blade. For more in-depth reviews and release dates, keep reading!

Black Widow

Release Date: July 9, 2021

Preview: This spinoff is long-awaited and is finally in production! Context on the production: Scarlett Johanson definitely had a say in the director and reviewing different candidates until reaching Cate Shortland. The film takes place before the Avengers: Infinity Awards wherein SPOILER ALERT Black Widow sacrifices herself on Vomir in order to retrieve the Soul Stone. The Soul Stone needed a sacrifice in order for it to appear and The Avengers needed to use the stone to defeat Thanos. Most of the details are being kept secret however, at first glance into the trailer, the Black widow will be telling her full story and how she became Black Widow. Through reminiscing with the past, she encounters people she once called family (sister, father) who fight alongside her in yet another crisis the world faces. Black Widow leaves us with “One thing is for sure, I am done running from my past.”

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle and David Harbour

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Release Date: September 3, 2021

Preview: This film’s goal is to be the first superhero production with an Asian Lead. Similar to avengers, this superhero is inspired by a character created in the 1970s allied Kung Fu. Instead, Marvel was able to acquire the rights to the villain Fu Manchu and created Shang-Chi as a son of Fu Manchu. According to the comics, Shang-Chi was raised and trained by his father in martial arts, but when he learned his father was actually evil, he turned against him. The film will introduce the MCU's real Mandarin, to be played by Tony Leung, following the fake-out of the character in Iron Man 3. Filming was taking place in Australia but was stopped due to COVID concerns. The cast will mostly be filled with Asian cast members.

Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, and Tony Leung

Eternals

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Preview: Eternals is based on a comic series by Jack Kirby and is about a group of superheroes that aren’t immortal. Many details are top secret and haven’t been shared although filming began in the Fall of 2019 and finished in 2020.

Cast: Gemma Chan as Sersi, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh, and Kit Harington as Dane Whitman (aka Black Knight), with Angelina Jolie as Thena and Barry Keoghan.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Release Date: December 17, 2021

Preview: This is what we have all been waiting for! The third and final movie of Spiderman in this thrilling and amazing trilogy. Although Sony Pictures still has ownership of Spider-Man, however, Marvel Studios and its president Kevin Feige are able to serve as lead creative producers to help produce this globally favored superhero film. Spider-Man: No Way Home began production in September of 2020 however, Tom Holland who plays Spider-Man was shooting his new fill Uncharted –An action-adventure film set to be released on February 18, 2022– before the production of Spider-Man 3. At first glance into the trailer, Marvel has gone to extreme lengths in order to keep Tom Holland from spoiling the film which Holland is known for. Based on Spider-Man

Far from home, it is left on the cliffhanger that the whole world now knows that Peter Parker is Spider-Man because of Mysterio, a billionaire that created villains to gain Peter's trust and gain control of Gideon, the last piece of tech given to Peter from Tony Stark. When revealing Spider-Man's identity, it was painted negatively causing global confusion on whether or not Spider-Man caused the destruction in London creating tensions for him. We can’t wait to see him take on another crisis!

Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfred Molina, Andrew Garfield, Kirsten Dunst, and Jamie Foxx

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Release Date: March 25, 2022

Preview: Doctor Strange first came out in 2016 with the film Doctor Strange about a wealthy surgeon that survived a car crash that cost him his entire life’s work. Eager to get back into the ER and the last few years of his life, he encounters the challenge of using his hands that were severely damaged. Looking for solutions on the road to recovery, he hears the story of a man that was healed from being paralyzed. This sends him on his way to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and encounters something entirely different. Flashforward into Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Doctor Strange had a key role in predicting all the outcomes of their battle with Thanos. It will co-star Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, with events that tie directly into the Disney+ series WandaVision releasing months before Doctor Strange 2.

At first glance with the teaser, the recap, and old clips of the 2016 film as well as new clips with Wanda Vision and the idea that there are too many sorcerers in the world. How the rules of physics and the supernatural are being broken with many leaders. There needs to be one person protecting the cosmos and preventing further chaos. Many believe that Doctor Strange is that leader they have been looking for, how he has come so far into protecting his family and power. The trailer ended with the phrase “The Bill comes to you.” Tune in next year for an exciting continuation of the famous Doctor Strange!

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

Thor: Love and Thunder

Release Date: May 6, 2022

Preview: The last movie shown was Thor: Ragnarok. Very exciting news: at Comic-Con, Marvel broke the big news: the film will feature the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, who becomes the MCU's first female Thor! It will be filmed in Australia and will start in August of 2020. Christian Bale, an English actor most known in the batman films of 2005-2012, will be joining the cast and playing the role of the Villain Gorr the God Butcher. Not much information was released however the Film was a bit delayed in 2020 but is set for next year. Production began in January of 2021. Tune in to see adventure, superheroes, and relationships as well as the first female Thor!

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, and Christian Bale

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Release Date: July 8, 2022

Cast: TBD

The Marvels

Release Date: November 11, 2022

Preview: The second movie for Captain Marvel 2 is now officially called The Marvels. Captain Marvel was released in 2019 and introduced a new marvel hero that is an extraterrestrial Kree Warrior who finds out about her human life on earth. Living on Earth in 1995, she keeps having recurring memories of another life as U.S. Air Force pilot Carol Danvers. Her connection with Nick Fury explains why at the end of Avengers: Infinity Nick called someone through a secure line called Captain Marvel. She then finds herself in a battle between the Krull and Earth.

At first glance into the trailer, the recap and old clips were displayed of past Marvel movies that have been released over the years including bits of Captain Marvel making deals as well as her life as a regular person. Iman Vellani, who will play Ms. Marvel in her own Disney+ series, will have a supporting role in the film while Teyonah Parris will reprise her role as the adult, Monica Rambeau, first debuting in the Disney+ series WandaVision. The film's villain will be played by Zawe Ashton. Captain Marvel will be coming back with an amazing performance!

Cast: Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris, and Zawe Ashton

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Release Date: February 17, 2023

Preview: In November 2019, Marvel Studios announced that Peyton Reed would return to direct a third Ant-Man movie. The first Ant-Man movie came out in 2015 and the second Ant-Man movie called Ant-Man and the Wasp came out in 2018. Kathryn Newton has joined the cast as an older version of Scott Lang's daughter Cassie while Jonathan Majors will play the villain Kang the Conqueror. She is an American Actress known for her role as Louise Brooks in the CBS comedy series Gary Unmarried. More new cast members will be introduced later on!

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonathan Majors, and Kathryn Newton

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Release Date: May 25, 2023

Cast: TBD

Blade

Release Date: TBA

Cast: Mahershala Ali

TYWLS Recommendations:

Action & Adventure

Children & Family

Anime

Classic

Comedies

Dramas (cultural,K-drama)

Musical/theatre

Romantic

Romantic Comedies

Sci-fi & Fantasy

Thrillers

Most Recommended Show - Shadow and Bone

Trending as #5 on Netflix for about a month, the new hit series globally Shadow And Bone has gotten fans of the books and new viewers captivated in a mythical and adventuristic journey of unfailing friendship and acceptance. The setting is placed in Ravka, a monarchy located between Fjerda and Shu Han, and the three nations have long been at war along with their constantly shifting borders. What separates these nations is the Fold –a barrier of darkness and fatal creatures created by the Black Heretic who is a Grisha–. However, this magical realm isn’t only the home for mortals but Grisha as well. Not everyone is “unfortunate” to be a Grisha who possesses the ability to harness air, water, hearts, emotions, minds, light, or darkness.

IMDB Streaming

The history between mortals and Grisha has been the divide in a society where Grisha were considered outcasts or abominations constantly being attacked by mortals. Grisha wer blamed for creating the Fold foremost and the fear of someone having the power of life and death. Now that Grisha has strengthened their power and has learned to control it inside the walls of the Little Palace, they are feared and used as the line of defense against the Fold. The Fold extends to Ravka's northern and southern borders, and the countries have been fighting the Border Wars with their neighbors for centuries. Fjerda, the country to the north, has Grisha hunters that kill or imprison people with powers who fight in Ravka's Second Army. Shu Han, to the south, guards its borders and is known for experimenting on Grisha. Ravkan people typically aren't welcome in either country.

The protagonist, Alina Starkov is a mapmaker –in charge of making maps and sketching out different territories surrounding the Fold– and a Shu who spent most of her life in an orphanage. Her parents were killed by the Fold which makes the Fold a personal mission for her. At a certain age, Ravka children are tested to identify whether or not they are Grisha. Being a Grisha allowed proper training and education making them highly ranked in a society protected by the royal family. In the orphanage, she met her long-lasting friend Mal and together they were inseparable until Alina discovers she is Grisha. Mal and Alina have a type of friendship that is to survive for one another which together makes them strong and unpredictable. Kaz Brekker on the other hand, who is a criminal running a gambling house called The Crow Club, involves himself in jobs that have big payments. Specifically, a million Kruger was offered in exchange for Kaz surviving the Fold to the other side.

Shadow and Bone's production overall created a mind-blowing experience in animation and kept the viewers entertained with different storylines coming together as one. Although the story follows two separate lives, Alina’s and Kaz Brekker who is a criminal running a gambling house called The Crow Club, It is clear what the main focus is: love, friendship, and controlling your own destiny. Each character has a clear role in guiding the main character and challenging the plot of the story which conveys to the viewer it is a binge-worthy show! Although season 2 may be farther down the line, season one has definitely landed a lasting impression on viewers all around the world! Tune in on Netflix to watch all 9 episodes!

TYWLS Recommendations

Action & AdventureAnime

Historic Film

Anime (cultural,K-drama)

Comedies (Sitcoms)

Dramas

Reality

Romantic Comedies

Sci-fi & Fantasy

Thrillers

Mystery & Crime

Shows/Movies Coming Back - Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls Prime & Wikipedia

If you haven’t already heard of Gilmore Girls, here is all you need to know to get you hooked on amazing characters, funny duos, and a relatable yet desirable mother-daughter relationship. However, Gilmore Girls has been a bit controversial due to the diversity of the cast, given that it is a 2000’s show and can be predictable. But that will be entirely up to you to decide! A bit of context on Gilmore Girls, it first aired on October 5th, 2000 up to the last episode that aired on May 15th, 2007. It is set in a town called Stars Hollow in Connecticut where Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, the main protagonists, have built their life. Filled with dreamers, artists, and everyday neighbors, this multi-generational show displays the hardships and importance of families/friends.

Lorelai’s past has not always been privileged and opulent although she comes from a very wealthy heritage. At the age of 16, Lorelai became a single mother that was self-reliant and independent when raising Rory. This shows captivates a desirable connection of best friends combined in a mother-daughter relationship that is constantly commutative. Compared to the present day, most kids don’t have an open relationship with their parents which can make this show seem unrealistic however it gives the possibility of having a similar relationship with those around you. Rory is a character that not only makes being intelligent look easy but the perfect girl next door. She is insanely smart, funny, and her mother's daughter which makes her seem unbreakable yet her life isn’t always predictable. Both Lorelai and Rory have created a world where parents didn’t have pressuring expectations or strict rules but because of their closeness in age and relationship.

Common Controversies mainly focused on how white-washed the show was made to be. Take Rory’s best friend, Lane, for example. She and her families were the only Asian or non-white girls in stars Hollow hence the lack of diversity in the cast. Due to it being filmed in the 2000s, most shows that aired were white-casted films over the last 20 years. The unrealistic lives of Rory and Loreli were conveyed in several details. In their house, for instance, Lorelai and Rory aren’t wealthy but are able to live in a house that fills half the block compared to her neighbors. This may be because they live in a beloved town that is in the suburbs. But in comparing the lives of her grandparents in Hartford (a wealthy neighborhood) to their lives in Stars Hollow, there is a clear understanding of Lorelai being independent and wanting to make off of what she earned, not handouts.

Although this comedic duo wouldn’t be as hilarious with their known punch lines such as “Come on Jack” or “Boy’s don’t like funny girls.” And in some instances, these quotes can be seen as offensive in the present day. Most words that are used to identify a person negatively today were used as comedy bits and weren't considered a big deal. Many references come from history and may come off as opinionated but true which is what gets a good laugh every time. Aside from comedic lines, Gilmore Girls may also normalize fat shaming and eating habits that shouldn’t be judged by maybe mocking causing the audience to feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless, Gilmore Girls is the perfect show to binge with family and friends for movies night! The drama, relationships, sarcastic quotes, and essence of a 2000’s show hold viewers attention making it addicting.

Gilmore Girls had also announced in 2016 a revival of the show only a year later called Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life which is a flash-forward of where each of the characters is in the future. Many fans waited for the opportunity of their favorite cast to share their futures and wondered if it would have been a series similar to the original. Unfortunately, the show was canceled in 2016 just in time for a cliffhanger on a life-altering event leaving fans in despair of the possible outcomes. Still, today, although it is a 2000’s show many generations including teens are binging Gilmore Girls! Definitely, a must-watch and tune in on Netflix if you are looking for a rom-com/mother-daughter film with feministic thinking!

TYWLS Recommendations

Anime

Classic

Comedies

Dramas

Musical/theatre

Romantic

Romantic Comedies

Sci-fi & Fantasy

Thrillers

“The 96 Most Anticipated Movies of 2021.” Rotten Tomatoes Movie and TV News The 96 Most Anticipated Movies of 2021 Comments, editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/most-anticipated-movies-of-2021/.

Chitwood, Adam, and Adam Chitwood (15776 Articles Published) . “Upcoming Marvel Movies: Here's What's Next in Phase Four and Beyond.” Collider, 6 May 2021, collider.com/upcoming-marvel-movies/.

Davies, Georgia. “All the Very Real Issues with 'Gilmore Girls'.” Film Daily, 17 Nov. 2020,

filmdaily.co/obsessions/real-issues-with-gilmore-girls/.

LeGardye, Quinci. “The Shadow Fold in 'Shadow and Bone,' Explained.” Marie Claire, Marie Claire, 29 Apr. 2021,

www.marieclaire.com/culture/a36290228/what-is-the-fold-in-shadow-and-bone/#:~:text=Spoilers%20for%20the%20plot%20of%20season%20one.&text=In%20the%20big%20twist%20of,save%20the%20Grisha%20with%20him.

What are the top movies and shows that are either coming soon or are coming back? You may find a movie that you are dying to watch or your new obsession!

Polygon

By Phoebe Aseoche​ Published November 25, 2021

Parade

Black Widow

Release Date: July 9, 2021

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh, O-T Fagbenle and David Harbour

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Release Date: September 3, 2021

Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, and Tony Leung

Eternals

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Preview: Eternals is based on a comic series by Jack Kirby and is about a group of superheroes that aren’t immortal. Many details are top secret and haven’t been shared although filming began in the Fall of 2019 and finished in 2020.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Release Date: December 17, 2021

Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfred Molina, Andrew Garfield, Kirsten Dunst, and Jamie Foxx

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Release Date: March 25, 2022

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

Thor: Love and Thunder

Release Date: May 6, 2022

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, and Christian Bale

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Release Date: July 8, 2022

Cast: TBD

The Marvels

Release Date: November 11, 2022

Cast: Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris, and Zawe Ashton

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Release Date: February 17, 2023

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonathan Majors, and Kathryn Newton

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Release Date: May 25, 2023

Cast: TBD

Blade

Release Date: TBA

Cast: Mahershala Ali

TYWLS Recommendations:

Action & Adventure

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Black Panther

Endgame

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Children & Family

Wonder

Anime

Silent Voice

Perfectly Blue (Thriller)

Classic

Legally Blonde

Mean Girls

Clueless

Comedies

The Nice Guys

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Dramas (cultural,K-drama)

Spotlight

Musical/theatre

Step up Revolution

The Greatest Showman

Romantic

Pride and Prejudice

The Notebook

All the Bright Places

Fault In Our Stars

Romantic Comedies

Someone Great

50 First Dates

Wild Child

Sci-fi & Fantasy

Rise of Guardians

Avatar

Maze Runner (Hulu)

Divergent

Thrillers

Leon The Professional

The Call

Hush

Most Recommended Show - Shadow and Bone

IMDB Streaming

By Phoebe Aseoche
Published November 25, 2021