Here are our picks for the best upcoming movies due for release in 2022 and beyond. The landscape of the movie industry is evolving as we speak. An exponential rise in streaming services - with top-tier actors and directors flocking to the likes of Netflix - already signaled change a-coming, before a global pandemic put Hollywood on shutdown, closing movie theaters and ripping up the established rule book for theatrical releases. Predicting how the movie business will look in 10 years is all but impossible. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the steady stream of thrilling cinematic prospects looking to excite and move us.
Whatever happens on the business side, the next enthralling film release is never far away. 2022's schedule remains packed with motion picture delights, having already delivered the likes of Turning Red and The Batman. But even beyond 2022 alone, glancing further ahead reveals a conveyor of promising productions, from your action-packed Marvel tentpoles to nuclear auteur-driven biopics. Whether you're visiting your local theater or actually watching the movie during "Netflix and chill," something good is on the horizon.
Narrowing down a selection of best upcoming movies is inherently tricky, demanding a little foresight and a lot of subjectivity. Inevitably, the following list is also rather sequel-heavy, since it's easier to get excited about future projects after already enjoying a taste of that world. Without further ado, here are our best upcoming movies currently in development.
25. Don't Worry Darling (September 23, 2022)
Starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, you might've anticipated a movie with the title "Don't Worry Darling" would be a musical love letter to a bygone era of glamour and decadence... or something. In fact, Olivia Wilde's upcoming directorial effort is described as a psychological thriller about a 1950s housewife discovering her husband's unnerving secret. Wilde impressed hugely with her 2019 directorial debut, Booksmart, and while Don't Worry Darling represents something of a genre 180 flip from coming-of-age fare, a cloud of buzz is building - not least because of the names involved. Among those joining Pugh and Styles are Gemma Chan, Chris Pine, and Nick Kroll.
24. The Black Phone (June 24, 2022)
Despite the excitement triggered by Sam Raimi's hiring, Scott Derrickson's departure from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was disappointing for many. Softening the blow somewhat is The Black Phone - Derrickson's grand return to the horror genre, based upon the short story by acclaimed horror author Joe Hill. Set in 1978 Colorado, Ethan Hawke (reuniting with his Sinister director) plays a super-creepy kidnapper, whose latest victim must find a way to escape The Grabber's locked basement. Festival screenings have elicited encouraging responses, and Hawke's character is rapidly becoming a new horror icon.
23. Indiana Jones 5 (June 30, 2023)
Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was, er... not great. So bad, in fact, it yielded an entire new idiom to replace "jump the shark." But while a fifth installment might feel surplus to requirements (especially as Harrison Ford edges toward 80), it's still hard not to feel excited about an Indiana Jones movie release. Stoking those embers of interest further is the addition of James Mangold as director and co-writer, who brings a fresh take to a franchise that desperately needed a facelift. And if you're not tempted by Mangold, how about the supporting cast featuring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen and Antonio Banderas? Indy may not be getting any younger, but he's still digging up new ways to hype us for the next adventure.
22. Blade (TBA)
Though Marvel's MCU slate is always mapped out several years in advance, we're yet to hear an official release date for the upcoming Blade reboot. Made famous by the 1990s/2000s Wesley Snipes trilogy, vampires in the MCU will be shaking in their black PVC boots as the Daywalker draws closer. Mahershala Ali replaces Snipes in the title role (and can be heard chatting to Jon Snow in the Eternals post-credits scene), while Bassam Tariq is confirmed to direct. Although fans perhaps shouldn't expect the levels of violence and bloodshed Snipes indulged in, watching a horror icon assimilate into existing MCU continuity represents a selling point in itself, more than earning Blade's place among the best upcoming movies.
21. Renfield (April 14, 2023)
Directed by The LEGO Batman Movie's Chris McKay and based upon a story from Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead fame, Renfield offers a humorous take on the legend of Dracula. Nicholas Hoult stars as the titular Renfield - a henchman to the famous count, played here by... Nicholas Cage?! Described as an "extremely violent comedy," Renfield makes our selection of best upcoming movies by virtue of its wholly unique blend of styles and tones, meshing classic horror and R-rated comedy into one big casket of fang-tastic fun. Awkwafina heads-up the supporting cast as Hoult's romantic partner, who encourages him to leave behind the dangerous lifestyle that comes with being on Count Dracula's payroll.
20. Rogue Squadron (Dec 22, 2023)
As Star Wars enjoys a run of prosperity on Disney+, George Lucas' galaxy is far, far away from the big screen. The only movie project confirmed by Lucasfilm at present is Rogue Squadron, announced in 2020, and directed by Patty Jenkins. Centered around Luke Skywalker's team of crack X-Wing pilots, Rogue Squadron has the broad outline of "Top Gun in space." Though you might question the weight of that premise, any Star Wars movie brings a degree of expectation. Excitement may have been hampered by Jenkins' disappointing Wonder Woman 1984 and recent reports of creative disagreements, but Rogue Squadron promises a high-octane thrill ride through the Star Wars universe - and that's something no fan could miss.
19. Lightyear (June 17, 2022)
Following the success of Turning Red, Pixar's next release will be Lightyear, which has considerably less to do with Toy Story than the name suggests. Replacing Tim Allen with Chris Evans, Lightyear has been described as the "Buzz Lightyear" movie Toy Story's Andy might've watched before making his mother buy the tie-in action figure. So, whereas Buzz Lightyear was once a toy who believed he was a Space Ranger, Lightyear's version is a Space Ranger who probably wishes kids had his toy. Despite the mind-bending premise, trailers promise a thrilling Pixar take on sci-fi, with Evans immediately confirming why he's the perfect Buzz-who's-not-Buzz. Though undoubtedly among Disney's best upcoming movies, will Lightyear be limited to Disney+?
18. Wonka (Dec 15, 2023)
Following in the footsteps of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp, Timothée Chalamet will portray the next regeneration of infamous Roald Dahl chocolatier, Willy Wonka. Digging into the character's mysterious past, it's easy to write Wonka off as another misguided and unnecessarily dark origin story for a beloved-but-eccentric literary character (see Cruella). But then you notice Paul King writing and directing, and remember his work on Paddington 2, which has a rightful claim as one of the best movies ever made, and suddenly Wonka looks rather exciting. Chalamet is very obviously well-suited to the part, and Wonka wisely retains the musical stylings of prior movie adaptations (and Dahl's original book). Though hurdles must be overcome, Wonka could be a true work of pure imagination.
17. Rebel Moon (TBA)
Back in 2013, Zack Snyder pitched a Star Wars spinoff movie to Lucasfilm, inspired by Akira Kurosawa's iconic Seven Samurai. Evidently, that meeting didn't go to plan, but rather than let his idea rot on a dusty hard drive, Snyder repurposed the story for his forthcoming Rebel Moon. Projected to begin filming later this year ahead of a future release on Netflix, Rebel Moon centers upon a peaceful colony under attack from the evil Balisarius. Echoing (to put it mildly) Kurosawa, the colonists hire a woman who brings together disparate warriors to fight back against these shady invaders. The prospect of a Zack Snyder Star Wars movie is too good to pass up - even if it's not technically a Star Wars movie.
16. The Flash (23 June, 2023)
The DCEU's upcoming slate is packed with superhero excitement, but no entry holds quite as much promise as The Flash. The Scarlet Speedster will smash open the multiverse, bringing forth parallel versions of himself, as well as surprise guests from previously-unrelated DC franchises. Stop us if you've heard this one before... Following the classic "Flashpoint" comic storyline, Barry Allen breaks reality trying to save his mother, and will be joined by Ben Affleck's Batman, Sasha Calle's Supergirl, and most intriguing of all, Michael Keaton's Batman from the 1980s/1990s Tim Burton movies. Keaton's return to DC - some 30 years in the making - gives The Flash an edge other upcoming DCEU releases currently lack. Keaton also does the heavy lifting earning The Flash a place on our best upcoming movies list.
15. Killers Of The Flower Moon (2022)
Based upon the book of the same name by David Gran, Killers of the Flower Moon chronicles the real life murders of Oklahoma's Osage tribe, and the ensuing FBI investigation that followed. Directed by Martin Scorsese, none should be surprised to see both Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro's names on the cast list, but they're joined by Jesse Plemons (who turned down our next entry to make himself available), Lily Gladstone, and Brendan Fraser.
Scorsese has spoken about his commitment to authenticity when putting Killers of the Flower Moon to film, shooting in the genuine locations mentioned by the original book. Oscar-nominated production designer Jack Fisk will be on hand to ensure a visual fidelity to both the 1920s era, and the historic Osage murders case. Due to release on Apple TV+ later in 2022, Killers of the Flower Moon has all the ingredients necessary to rank among Martin Scorsese's best DiCaprio collaborations, and be a true piece of cinema.
14. The Northman (April 15, 2022)
Directed by Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse), The Northman reunites its director with Anya Taylor-Joy. She'll be joined by Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe and Ethan Hawke in a viking-themed tale of vengeance and myth. Trailer footage reveals a cinematic history epic, and provides an eye-popping glimpse at Jarin Blaschke's cinematography that comes at the perfect time, following in the footsteps of a similarly mystical The Green Knight.
Excitingly, The Northman affords Eggers a bigger budget than his past efforts, marrying sleek production values with the director's existing indie mentality. Eggers has promised The Northman will adapt viking history in a manner moviegoers are yet to experience, while Taylor-Joy, Skarsgård and Kidman have all championed the unique challenge of their upcoming project. Audiences needn't wait long to find out whether The Northman delivers upon those cast and director promises.
13. John Wick: Chapter 4 (March 24, 2023)
The amount of movie franchises to reach three entries without any noticeable dip in quality can be counted on one hand, but Keanu Reeves' John Wick series can pride itself on holding membership to that prestigious club. Such astounding consistency makes John Wick: Chapter 4 all the more exciting, as Wick teams up with Laurence Fishburne's Bowery King to wage war against the High Table. The prospect of an unleashed John gunning against the underworld's top dogs carries enough potential to make Chapter 4 the best John Wick entry yet.
Reeves' action franchise has earned a reputation for unrivaled fight sequences, effective storytelling, and a level of world-building you don't generally find in the average action franchise. Key cast additions such as Donnie Yen, Marko Zaror and Clancy Brown complement the existing core of fascinating characters, whilst subtly promising a sharper focus on martial arts that could push the boundaries of action cinema. If past movies are any indication, that'll happen without sacrificing story or character development.
12. James Bond 26 (TBA)
No Time To Die marked Daniel Craig's final mission as 007, and honoring a long-standing James Bond tradition, the end credits promised cinema's most famous spy would return. How he'll return, when he'll return, and what he'll look like once he does return are questions Eon (James Bond producers) are yet to address. The process of replacing Daniel Craig is apparently underway, but no announcements have been made, with Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill among the leading contenders.
James Bond 26 finds itself in an unusual position. Breaking the franchise's typical approach, No Time To Die takes the bold step of killing 007, meaning the next entry will become a hard reboot by necessity. Some have even suggested Bond 26 should revert to a 1960s setting, thereby avoiding direct comparisons to Daniel Craig's distinctly modern era. Whatever approach Eon opts for, the world will be watching with bated breath. Can 007 recreate the critical and commercial success Craig's quintet of films managed?
11. Nope (July 22, 2022)
Jordan Peele carved out his cinematic legacy via 2017's Get Out and 2019's Us, and Nope represents the third entry in that cinematic series of spiritually-linked modern horrors. A cast headed up by Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer and Steven Yeun will embark on some kind of creepy, paranormal mystery at a California ranch, and while the smart money is on weather-altering aliens being responsible, the aura of unknown around Nope's premise recreates the element of surprise that first propelled Get Out to mainstream success.
Nope's trailer is as effective as it is vague, but while the footage gives next to nothing away, its oppressive, doom-laden tone is conveyed perfectly, relying purely on the names involved rather than unveiling any story details. The sheer amount of fan theories developing around weird clouds, floating horses and creepy faces proves the impact Nope's marketing is having. If the finished product lives up to those expectations, Nope will be another Jordan Peele modern horror classic.
10. Knives Out 2 (2022)
Rian Johnson's 2019 Knives Out swept through theaters like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc proved a surprisingly compelling protagonist, while the ensemble cast expertly transcended generations. The star of the show, however, proved to be Rian Johnson's smartly-written script, which took the defunct and tired murder mystery concept and rebuilt it from the ground up. The beauty of that format means Benoit Blanc can solve baffling crimes indefinitely into the future, and Knives Out 2 was officially confirmed in February 2020. Netflix acquired the property in a big-money two-movie deal.
Knives Out 2's ensemble is reason enough for inclusion on any list of best upcoming movies. Daniel Craig is joined by Edward Norton, Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson, Ethan Hawke, Jessica Henwick, and numerous others, with the first film's runaway success obviously enticing more of Hollywood's finest to Johnson's sequel. And since audiences think they know what to expect after 2019's original movie, expect Knives Out 2 to redefine the rules of its own game. We already know the sequel incorporates the Mediterranean climes of Greece as a setting - expect Knives Out 2 to be a completely new game of Clue.
9. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (May 6, 2022)
The MCU's Phase 4 has repeatedly chipped away at the Marvel multiverse, but Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness kicks that door wide open with reckless abandon. Benedict Cumberbatch's Sorcerer Not-So-Supreme is joined by the usual suspects, as well as Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch, Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez, and monsters such as Rintrah and Gargantos (essentially Shuma-Gorath). Desperately attempting to stop a full unraveling of reality, Strange will encounter multiple versions of himself, including Evil Strange, Defender Strange, and Zombie Strange - but that's likely just the tip of a world-breaking iceberg.
In the absence of any Phase 4 Avengers movie, Doctor Strange's sequel brings together all recent MCU history, from WandaVision on Disney+ to Spider-Man: No Way Home on the big screen. That crossover premise contributes massively to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' appeal, and with a teased appearance from Patrick Stewart's Professor X as a member of the Illuminati, Marvel could be preparing to reshape the past 2 decades of superhero movies. If that wasn't exciting enough, Sam Raimi returns to the genre for the first time since Spider-Man 3, promising a darker(ish) tone than MCU fans will be accustomed to.
8. Fantastic Four (TBA)
No one should be excited about another Fantastic Four reboot. The 2005 Fox original (and its 2007 follow-up) found little love from fans or critics, while Josh Trank's 2015 reboot somehow fared even worse. When Disney's acquisition of Fox was finally confirmed in 2019, Marvel's first family reverted back to their original owner and, more importantly, to the trusted hands of Kevin Feige. How the Fantastic Four join the MCU remains a mystery, and none of the quartet has been officially cast - no matter how often fans beg for John Krasinski and Emily Blunt. Yet, somehow, we're still giddy with excitement.
Feige confirmed Fantastic Four during Marvel's SDCC panel in 2019, but one sentence and a logo (that'll inevitably be changed) is still all we have. Nevertheless, the MCU's impressive track record inspires confidence that Hollywood will finally get Reed Richards and co. right... at the third time of asking. When they do eventually show up (maybe they already have, if that Avengers Tower tease plays out), the Fantastic Four will completely revolutionize the MCU, likely forming the spine of Phase 5. Now mercifully back under Marvel's wing, we'll be amazed in Fantastic Four delivers anything less than the promise of its title.
7. Furiosa (May 24, 2024)
George Miller's Mad Max: Fury Road spent so long in development hell, few expected the 2015 post-apocalyptic effort to turn out quite as good as it did. Taking a guitar flamethrower to those concerns, many ended up pegging Mad Max: Fury Road their movie of the year. Next in the series is Furiosa - a prequel spinoff based around Charlize Theron's breakout character. Anya Taylor-Joy takes over the role, Chris Hemsworth throws his star power into the mix, and George Miller himself returns to direct and co-write. Furiosa is currently slated for 2024, though this is Mad Max, so take that date with a hefty grain of salt.
Furiosa is homing in upon the best part of Mad Max: Fury Road (Theron's protagonist), then casting one of the most talented actresses of their generation (Taylor-Joy) as the character's younger self. Though the presence of Miller and other key figures ensures a degree of continuity, Furiosa promises a fresh, Max-free take on the Mad Max concept, and already possesses every ingredient required to match the success enjoyed by Fury Road. In an industry only just beginning to address its onscreen female characterization problem, Furiosa might be a few years away, but already carries a tank-full of cinematic potential. Our spiked leather jackets are washed and ready...
6. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Parts 1 & 2 (Oct 7, 2022 & 2023)
The superhero genre is very much a live-action game at present, but then along came a Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse to prove animated fare can rub shoulders alongside comic book movie giants. Starring the voice of Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse was ahead of the multiverse curse, introducing various iterations of the web-slinger in a heartfelt and beautifully-constructed narrative that earned sparkling critical praise and Oscar success. A long-awaited sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now confirmed to release in two parts across 2022 and 2023.
Although the sequel brings a different creative force behind-the-scenes, Phil Lord remains on writing duties (this time alongside regular collaborator Christopher Miller and David Callaham). Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse also introduces Oscar Isaac as Spider-Man 2099 and Issa Rae as Spider-Woman, while trailer footage teases an elevation of everything Spidey fans loved about the 2018 original. Even better, the two-part format allows Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse enough space to craft a "bigger" story without the limitations a single movie inevitably brings. Miles Morales' initial success might've taken the world by surprise, but Spider: Man: Across the Spider-Verse will arrive with expectations to meet.
5. Untitled Taika Waititi Star Wars Project (TBA)
2022 doesn't find the Star Wars movie franchise in especially rude health. Following a divisive Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the behind-the-scenes struggles of Solo, and a heavily-criticized Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm's big screen future is not only unclear, but completely lacking momentum. Not helping matters, we've watched numerous future plans fall by the wayside - Rian Johnson's trilogy and the project from Games of Thrones' David Benioff and D.B. Weiss the most high-profile Star Wars developments that ended before they began. Still clinging on, however, is the currently-untitled Star Wars movie from Taika Waititi. First reported in 2020, Waititi will co-write the script with Krysty Wilson-Cairns, who confirmed the process was progressing smoothly as of November 2021.
We don't yet know what Taika Waititi's Star Wars movie will be about. Everything from setting and character to timeline placement and tone remains a mystery. Nevertheless, there's plenty of reasons to get excited. Based on his existing work (Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do In The Shadows, etc), Waititi's irreverent humor and knack for capturing madness would be perfect for Star Wars, and if his project is the same movie Kevin Feige's attached to, the pair could bring a touch of Marvel magic to a franchise whose big screen fortunes are in need of a turnaround. Taika Waititi also demonstrated his affinity for Star Wars mythology by directing the highly-acclaimed season 1 finale of The Mandalorian. We're praying this project stays on target.
4. Avatar 2 (Dec 16, 2022)
By the time James Cameron's Avatar landed in 2009, the director had already mooted potential ideas for a sequel. Since the Na'vi went on to write box office history not even the combined might of the Avengers could topple permanently, it's hardly surprising that 20th Century Fox didn't object to Cameron making a follow-up. Green-lighting Avatar 2 was the easy part, however. Avatar 2 has spent large chunks of the past 13 years either nailing its script, or developing the necessary technology to achieve James Cameron's vision of Pandora's underwater environments. Now rapidly becoming a tangible reality, Avatar 2 adds Kate Winslet and Michelle Yeoh to its existing cast, with most of the originals confirmed to return (even the dead ones).
Avatar hasn't necessarily aged well. Those stunning 3-D visuals impressed initially, but as years passed, deficiencies in story, character and originality stood out more prominently. Regardless, Avatar 2 remains among the best upcoming movies. The sequel to cinema's highest-grossing release is already a massive occasion, but Avatar 2 story details confirm Jake and Neytiri are now parents, striving to protect their family from another human invasion of Pandora. That new angle promises the kind of emotive, character-based storytelling Avatar was accused of lacking. Sure, the underwater tech prompts curiosity, but the teased deep-dive into Na'vi culture and the protagonists' new family promises to capture our full attention. With a full trio of additional sequels lined up, it better had.
3. The Batman 2 (TBA)
At the time of writing, The Batman 2 isn't quite official... but might as well be. Matt Reeves (The Batman director) has spoken openly about talks to give Robert Pattinson a full trilogy, while Warner Bros. showed faith in its new Dark Knight by commissioning a spinoff based around Colin Farrell's Penguin (the Gotham PD/Arkham HBO Max project is currently on ice). The Batman's ending makes no bones about its intentions for the future either, teasing a team-up between Paul Dano's Riddler and Barry Keoghan's Joker, which Warner Bros. has since hyped further by releasing a 5-minute deleted scene showing The Batman's Joker in full. Box office success and critical adulation make The Batman 2 inevitable, and judging by comments from Reeves himself, ideas are already in motion.
The evolution between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight (and arguably Batman and Batman Returns) proves how a Caped Crusader's "second album" can often surpass the original, reaping the rewards of having a more established superhero occupying a pre-built Gotham City. The Batman earned widespread praise for its noir-thriller tone, exciting cast, and aura of mystery - but many still felt Reeves only revealed the tip of a much deeper iceberg. Pattinson's Batman psyche, his relationship with Catwoman, and the looming threat of Joker leave much unanswered, while Reeves has teased Mr. Freeze and Robin as potential additions for his first sequel. Will The Batman 2 do for Pattinson what The Dark Knight did for Bale?
2. Dune: Part 2 (October 2023)
Denis Villeneuve took a major risk with Dune. One does not simply adapt Frank Herbert's source material into a single movie, so even before the first Dune premiered in 2021, Villeneuve was openly banking on getting a sequel. Had Warner Bros. not obliged, Dune fans would've been left with one unfinished movie and one red-faced director. Fortunately, Dune performed strongly at the box office (and, perhaps more importantly, on HBO Max), while critics received the adaptation with a warm embrace. Dune: Part 2 is now officially green-lit and expected to begin filming in July 2022. Florence Pugh is circling the Princess Irulan role, while Austin Butler is attached to Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, facing the daunting task of following Sting.
Dune: Part 2 looks perfectly set to exceed its predecessor. With all due respect to the awesome original, most folks familiar with Frank Herbert's novel would suggest the second half is where Dune truly kicks into life, leaving meaty material aplenty for Denis Villeneuve and co. to cover. Villeneuve himself, meanwhile, has excitedly promised more prominent roles for both Zendaya's Chani and the Harkonnens, tantalizing fans further. Because Dune endured the burdens of setup, world-building, and lingering questions over whether Villeneuve could tackle a story many deemed un-filmable, Dune: Part 2 can now fly freely, unshackled by that same baggage. Dune was a fantastic exercise in epic sci-fi with meaningful character development - Dune: Part 2 could very well surpass that.
1. Oppenheimer (July 21, 2023)
Any Christopher Nolan movie is a cinematic event, with the director's back catalog speaking for itself (Inception, The Dark Knight, Tenet), but Oppenheimer is gathering an extra special kind of buzz. That's largely down to the star-studded cast Nolan is assembling - Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh (again), Kenneth Branagh, Rami Malek. Pick any table at the Oscars ceremony, an Oppenheimer cast member is most likely on it. As you might've guessed from the title, Oppenheimer will be a biopic depicting the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Murphy), whose work in the field of theoretical physics led to the first atomic bomb, the end of World War II, and a brand new age of nuclear warfare.
There's plenty of reasons to be very excited indeed about Oppenheimer. Through Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan has already demonstrated his affinity for adapting historical events, and Oppenheimer promises to twist the drama in an unconventional, typically Nolan-esque fashion. A black-and-white image showing Cillian Murphy in costume is enough to highlight the stunning IMAX cinematography, attention to detail, and Murphy's striking transformation. After years of collaboration, it's also intriguing to see Christopher Nolan direct Cillian Murphy in a starring role, having been limited to antagonists and supporting gigs in the past. The expectation is there; can Oppenheimer deliver as one of cinema's best upcoming movies?