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From space to sea: Rogue One, Finding Dory among most anticipated movies of 2016

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Members of the film industry have their work cut out for them if they want to top 2015’s massive box office year in 2016, but it certainly doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility. There are already a number of films slated for release this year that look destined to be blockbusters, ranging from franchise spin-offs to sequels. Fandango has recently shared the results of a survey revealing the most anticipated movies and stars of the upcoming year, with a variety of familiar names making the cut.

Conducted in late December, the survey polled over 1,000 moviegoers about upcoming movies, actors, and roles, according to Deadline. Fandango’s findings show that franchises that have found recent success look likely to continue to do so. Star Wars spin-off Rogue One, for example, topped the list, with films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeCaptain America: Civil WarStar Trek Beyond, and X-Men: Apocalypse claiming spots as well.

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The list also shows that fans are excited about long-awaited sequels. Finding Dory, which comes over a dozen years after its predecessor, Finding Nemo, was second on the list. Other overdue follow-ups named include the upcoming Jason Bourne movie, the first starring Matt Damon since 2007’s Bourne Ultimatum; Independence Day: Resurgence, a sequel to the 1996 original; and Zoolander No. 2, which follows the 2001 Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson comedy.

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Not surprisingly, the list of actors and actresses that moviegoers are most excited to see onscreen this year star includes some who star in the most anticipated films. Matt Damon, for example, earned the coveted No. 1 spot for his role as Bourne, while Scarlett Johansson (Captain America: Civil War) and Jennifer Lawrence (X-Men: Apocalypse) ranked high too. Melissa McCarthy, however, was the most anticipated actress for her role in the upcoming Ghostbusters remake.

Below is the list of the 10 most anticipated movies of 2016.

1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2. Finding Dory
3. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
4. Untitled Jason Bourne Movie
5. Captain America: Civil War
6. Star Trek Beyond
7. Independence Day: Resurgence
8. X-Men: Apocalypse
9. Zoolander No. 2
10. The Jungle Book

Stephanie Topacio Long
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
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