2015 brought us Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mockingjay Part 2, and Inside Out. This week, The Bark staff discusses the releases we are most excited for in 2016.

After seeing how great the revamping of the Star Wars series was only a month ago, I cannot wait to see what Disney has in store with the rest of the new trilogy. In contrast, while this year will not hold the new movie inside the third trilogy, it will contain a Star Wars anthology film that will take place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Limited information has been released about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; however, many see it as a movie much darker than the other movies apart of the franchise. In addition, the plot has been confirmed to be a story revolving around rebels trying to steal the plans for the first Death Star. The pictures and short teaser trailer shows Yavin 4, and many think that the movie will largely take place there. With only more news excitement to come, I cannot wait for Dec. 16 to show itself on the calendar. [Tyler Hotz]

Dr. Strange was not a character I was familiar with; unlike Spiderman and Batman, he hadn’t been a part of my superhero education as a child. Yet as the release date for Marvel’s Dr. Strange draws nearer, I realize that it’s probably the movie I’m most looking forward to seeing in 2016 (besides Finding Dory). Personally, I’m enjoying the fact that I have no preexisting expectations for the movie to address. I don’t know what the story should be, so I can enjoy whatever the director created. And then there’s the small detail that Dr. Strange will be played by the talented Benedict Cumberbatch, who has proven himself to be skilled in an immense variety of roles, including Sherlock Holmes in BBC’s Sherlock. As a Sherlock fan and a Marvel fan, this is a perfect combo. All in all, looking forward to Nov. 4. [Madison Chan]

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is an obvious choice for someone like myself that loves Star Wars, but until Dec. 16 rolls around, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 25) should help in tiding us over. Batman being played by someone other than Christian Bale will be difficult to adjust to at first, but that shouldn’t stop this movie from being one of the best superhero movies to come out in the recent years. [Wyeth Wilson]

Disney has gifted us with another princess. Moana should undoubtedly be the most anticipated movie of 2016, not only because Disney movies are always flawless, but also because this Pacific-inspired story will encompass both adventure and beautiful (animated) scenery. Not to mention she reminds me of Lilo from Lilo and Stitch, and who doesn’t love that movie? When Nov. 23 comes around, you can expect to find me in a local theater, even though I will probably be the oldest one in there. [Danielle Fannon]

The fact that most of these franchises are owned by Disney is beginning to scare me, but it’s hard to avoid the excitement. This summer, (move aside kids) I’m seeing Finding Dory. Ever since 2003, I’ve wanted the backstory of my favorite blue tang fish with short-term memory loss. It’s been 13 years, and I just have to know: where did a fish learn how to read? [Allie Gruszkiewicz]

Marvel is the best movie industry, and don’t argue with me because I have the Avengers on my side, and 2016 will premiere more than one marvel adventure. Marvel’s X-Men Apocalypse will hit theaters May 27. When I say I’m body numbingly excited, I’m not exaggerating. Ever since I watched Marvel’s Hulk in 2008 (the one with Edward Norton) with my Dad, I’ve been hooked; and yes, I know that that movie wasn’t the best, but I’m still a supporter. I will promise this; I will be freaking out in anticipation for this amazing day. [Madison Tenney]

Watching a movie about a textbook would normally be torturous for me, but when J.K. Rowling writes the textbook, I feel obligated to watch the movie. When I found out that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was actually going to have a plot in it, I was even more excited. The movie will be about textbook author Newt Scamander and his adventures several years before Harry reads his textbook at Hogwarts. Obviously this movie will be amazing because when J.K. Rowling is involved, the end product is actual art. [Katie Matthews]

This year, two of my favorite things are combining to make one epic film – SNL and Ghostbusters. It won’t just be a typical remake of the 1984 classic; instead of a team of four men, women will star as the ghostbusting scientists. Everything about this movie sounds amazing, not to mention it will feature SNL’s Kate McKinnon; I am excited. [Maggie Kimber]

I have always been into horror movies, and I have to say I am super pumped for The Forest. A pair of twin sisters (Sara and Jess) have been close since birth, when something happens to one, the other will know. The Japanese police call Sara to inform her that Jess may have  ventured into Aokigahara Forest, a forest at the northwest base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Aokigahara Forest is also known as Suicide Forest. Many who venture in are there to commit suicide and once dead, their souls are unable to leave. Will Sara find Jess in time? I will definitely be watching to find out. [Cassidy Bailey]

I don’t think I have ever been more excited for a fairytale movie in my entire life. Alice in Wonderland 2: Through the Looking Glass comes out on May 27, and I already have the alarm in my calendar on my phone. The first movie was absolutely amazing, although Mia Wasikowska being my favorite actress definitely does help. The trailer seems to have a lot of interesting new twists, and there is a good mixture of contemporary outfit choices for Alice (Wasikowska) that I noticed as well. [Kira Suerth]