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An Optimistic Look at 2014's Comic Book Movies

There's going to be something for everyone in theaters this year. We go over the major releases and tell you why they're worth looking forward to.

Look, there's no denying we all have our preferences, but it's so painful to see comic fans fighting day in and day out over which upcoming movie looks better than the other. Instead of bickering over the fact everyone has different opinions on subjective material, let's take a minute to simply appreciate the fact there's an absurd amount of good looking comic book movies coming out. Don't waste your energy being upset that someone is excited for something you're not or vice versa. Instead, be happy that there's literally something for everybody this year and embrace your fellow comic fans.

We obviously don't have every single comic bookish movie listed here, but we did our best to cover a majority of them. No matter which one earns your "most anticipated" award, it's definitely looking like it'll be a good year at the movies.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

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Why it looks awesome: We know Sony has massive plans for Spidey's future and it's clear this film is going to be all about two things: bringing the fun and expanding Spider-Man's cinematic universe. Sure, it's easy for people to pull the "TOO MANY CHARACTERS, SPIDER-MAN 3 ALL OVER AGAIN" card, but it seems obvious each of these characters are being introduced with the future in mind. We know the foes will get their own spinoff, we know there's more Spider-Man movies on the way and we know the Sinister Six will be constructed. This isn't a case of a character being forced into the movie against the director's will, people. If they survive this one, odds are it's because Marc Webb and company have plans for them down the road, too. Just because a character is confirmed to appear doesn't mean they're going to play a big part, after all. Oh, and then there's the fact this is probably going to hit us with a huge moment from the comics. You know, that thing with Gwen Stacy? Yeah, you know what we're talking about.

When you can see it: May 2

Latest trailer: Click this link to watch it. Feel free to pretend you're web-slinging over to the other article or something.

RoboCop

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Why it looks awesome: If RoboCop's changes from the original legitimately upset you (PG-13, one human hand, black, etc), then rewatch the original and just don't see this one. For everyone else, this reboot is looking like it could be a solid action movie. Sporting a strong cast (Samuel L. Jackson and Gary Oldman!) and applying the concept to a modern world which is so focused on security and corruption, José Padilha's remake definitely looks like it has the potential to be a highly enjoyable serving of popcorn entertainment.

When you can see it: February 12

Latest trailer: Click here to check out a pretty detailed featurette.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

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Why it looks awesome: Bryan Singer returns to the X-Men franchise and the director is setting an absolutely ginormous stage. As if tackling the classic Days of Future Past story wasn't ambitious enough, we know the film will also pave the way for an Apocalypse movie and even an X-Force one. Sure, putting this many major characters into the mix means some individuals are bound to get less screen time, but come on, Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Ellen Page, Peter Dinkalge and Ian McKellen (just to name a few) all in the same film? Yeah, you can bet there's a ridiculous amount of potential there and this one has our attention. Additionally, we're finally going to see Sentinels! No, the one scene in X-Men: The Last Stand doesn't count.

When you can see it: May 23

Latest trailer: Get a glimpse of the future here.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

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Why it looks awesome: Ladies and gentlemen, Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting's The Winter Soldier storyline is going to hit the big screen this year. If you don't know why that's awesome, then we strongly recommend reading the story arc before the movie opens. With Captain America working for S.H.I.E.L.D., it's clear this one's going to be loaded with conspiracy, action and jump straight into the moral issues Rogers has with the organization. Plus, the trailer is simply epic. Go watch it. Seriously, don't skip it.

When you can see it: April 4

Latest trailer: Do yourself a favor and click here to watch the latest video.

Transformers: Age of Extinction

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Why it looks awesome: Optimus Prime is riding Grimlock. There's about a 99.9% chance that is making your inner child freak out right about now. It's safe to say opinions were mixed on Michael Bay's Transformers trilogy. However, while talking with Yahoo! Movies, the director said Age of Extinction will be "a much more cinematic one." Bay also says he's aiming to keep this fourth film "slick" and "there won't be any goofiness in this one." So yeah, it seems fair to assume this latest Transformers movie is going to be full of massive action scenes and a whole lot of CGI craziness. If you dug the first and third, then odds are you should keep an eye on this.

When you can see it: June 27

Latest trailer: Gaze at the explosions here.

300: Rise of an Empire

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Why it looks awesome: Zack Snyder may not be directing this sequel (though he is writing and producing), but it's more than transparent Noam Murro is aiming to duplicate the guy's signature style. With a big focus on naval combat and hitting us with slow motion during some ginormous battles and key cinematic moments, 300: Rise of the Empire seems almost guaranteed to be a visual delight. If interested, this is totally a movie that'll warrant the big screen experience.

When you can see it: March 7

Latest trailer: Click here to observe all of the slow motion madness.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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Why it looks awesome: Welcome to the most polarizing movie on the list, readers. There's been so much negative buzz floating around the internet (e.g. early ideas which are now allegedly scrapped, anger over names attached to the project, leaked promo poster with an unflattering amount of accessories on some characters), but you know what? We still haven't seen a single official still or even a second of footage. It's obvious the studio has faith in the movie (been confirmed actors have signed a deal for sequels), so let's not be too surprised if the first teaser actually looks like it could be a good time. Sure, the story probably won't be nearly as compelling as the one over in the IDW comics, but if it's a chance to see a new take on the turtles and deliver some solid escapism, then it could be enjoyable way to spend an hour and a half or so.

When you can see it: August 8

Latest trailer: No footage yet and Paramount asked us to take down the leaked images, but click here to listen to the classic theme song.

Guardians of the Galaxy

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Why it looks awesome: This is without question a risk for Marvel Studios. Ask any casual Marvel movies fan who these characters are and odds are they'll have no idea whatsoever. That said, this is something the studio's most certainly aware of and that's why they've brought in a couple of big names (Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper) and there's no doubt they'll do a huge marketing push as we get closer to the release date. Once viewers are reeled into the the seats, we're pretty hopefully that they're going to experience a hilarious and exciting sci-fi adventure. James Gunn brings a very unique style to the table (Super, Slither) and because of that, this cosmic movie has the potential to be wildly entertaining. Moreover, how rad will it be to see this team on the big screen and witness Marvel Studios continue to expand their cosmic universe? Fingers crossed this'll be every bit as ridiculously fun as we want it to be.

When you can see it: August 1

Latest trailer: They didn't air one during the Superbowl :(

Godzilla

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Why it looks awesome: When it was first announced Godzilla would get the reboot treatment, the common reaction we saw online was basically "oh, hell no!" After the trailer came out, though? The common reaction was a bunch of jaws hitting the ground of a whole lot of praise. The scope of the movie seems to be every bit as big as the monster itself. From the sheer spectacle of seeing Godzilla through a soldier's perspective to the staggering amount of destruction and the bleak tone, this is definitely a movie you'll want to keep on your radar. Also worth noting: Bryan Cranston is in it!

When you can see it: May 16

Latest trailer: Click here and prepare to be amazed.

Son of Batman

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Why it looks awesome: Okay, so this one technically isn't going into theaters, but a new DC animated movie is always something worth celebrating, right? Taking place in the same continuity as Justice League: War, Batman will finally meet his son, Damian Wayne. If you've read Grant Morrison's run, then you know this is some hugely promising material. To make matters even more exciting, Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke has taken over the League of Assassins. Yeah, count us in.

When you can see it: May 6

Latest trailer: Click here to watch the first look or Damian will punch you in the face.

122 Comments

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MrMazz

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Optomisim! what is this you speak of KAtzman? This the internet where everything must be serious and cynical to be taken as serious. CBMs can't take a deviation from the source material even though they are adaptations and require such changes because this is the interent nothing is ever good and everything is bad.

That said if I were to rank my anticitpated CBMs this year it'd be like DoFP, GotG, Godzilla, Winter Soldier, Son of Batman and than yea the rest.

Man I desperatly want to see some non-SDCC footage of Guardians.

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AWeekInGeekdom

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ASM2: My most anticipated film, I've been a Spider-Man fan all my life :P

Robocop: I think I"ll pass and watch it on dvd… February's a lousy month for big action films.

DoFP: I'm thinking this will be half and half, it looks solid but I can't help but feel nervous about FOX's x-movies.

Winter Solider: Calling it right now, Cap 2 will be the best Marvel movie out of Phase 2.

Transformers: I'm not really excited, it looks exactly the same as the previous three with the inclusion of Dinobots, plus humans… I'll watch it with no expectations.

300: Same as Robocop, i'll probably pass.

TMNT: I'm excited to see if it works or not but yeah I'll pass.

GotG: After Spidey this is on my radar for awesomeness, hopefully it works!

Godzilla: Looks amazing, could be the dark horse in this list.

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Daring_Doodads

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I'm feeling positive and am pretty excited for the new X-Men film but maybe that's because I never got around to watching X-Men 3 or any of those Wolverine movies.

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Wolverine008

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akbogert

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The only ones I'm positive I'm seeing in theaters are Captain America and ASM.

GotG and DoFP are maybes.

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CommanderShiro

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Plan on seeing most of these. Excited for Guardians of the Galaxy, Winter Soldier, and Godzilla the most.

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Lykida

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Although Winter Soldier looks totally rad so far, I'm completely pumped for Guardians of the Galaxy. I love this team so much and I believe the movie's gonna be awesome. At least it will feature a talking raccoon.

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dernman

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Edited By dernman

Optomistic? This is comics/movies. You can't be optimistic. Now go back to your room and flog yourself until you come out sufficiently, disgruntled, cynical, and pessimistic.

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TommyJones1945

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Edited By TommyJones1945

ASM2: Meh

Robocop: Who give's a f*** about Robocop

DoFP: Can't wait to be disappointed

Winter Solider: HELL YES!!

Transformers: Yeah........because that's how Grimlock always looked....lIke the skeleton of a dragon

300: I'm down for some Greek slow-mo action

TMNT: Nope

GotG: Need to see more

Godzilla: GODJIRA

Son of Batman: Totally down for some Batman and Son adventure. Deadpool's cool too

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gmanfromheck

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frozenedge2

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I'm definitely gonna attempt to at least see all of this if not most of them

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Admiral_IronBeast

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never thought I would have to make up a pull list for comic book movies lol

too much awesomeness, gonna need to wait for dvd on some of these

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dondave

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It's a great time to be a comic book fan! These are all great movies to look forward to!

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the_stegman

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the_stegman  Moderator

There will be something for everyone...unless you like live action DC characters.

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Barkley

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will watch all of these....not hating things before I see them

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kidchipotle

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I think you covered all of them except Big Hero 6 which gets released on November 7th.

Regardless, it's a good year to be a comic book fan.

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inferiorego

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inferiorego  Staff

I'M FULL OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT EVERYTHING!

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Fallschirmjager

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Edited By Fallschirmjager

ASM2: Hell Yes

Robocop: meh

DoFP: cautiously optimistic

Winter Solider: Hell yes

Transformers: OPTIMUS IS RIDING GRIMLOCK

300: Eva Green!

TMNT: TBD

GotG: TBD

Godzilla: yes

Son of Batman: pass

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GrimoireMyst

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I just hope I get to see all of these. lol (I too am still trying to be hopeful for TMNT.lol)

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fables87

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Edited By fables87

X-MEN! Other then that the only other movies I want to see this year so far are the LEGO Movie and Maleficent.

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mak13131313

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It's a great time to be a comic book fan! These are all great movies to look forward to!

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RulerOfThisUniverse

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The only ones I'm excited about are Captain America 2 and Son of Batman. Godzilla might be good, might not.