2018 at the movies – hottest tickets in town

Who doesn't love the movies? Even in the age of Stan and Netflix, the cinema has its own magic, and no doubt millions of Australians will look forward to sitting down with a big tub of popcorn in a darkened theatre at least once in the next 12 months.

But with so much on offer, it's hard to know which movies will offer the best bang for your buck in 2018.

Luckily, 9news.com.au has crunched the numbers and with a little help from entertainment guru Richard Wilkins, we've selected the best, biggest and brightest things coming to the big screen this year.

In Wilkins's own words: "2018 at the movies – bring it on!"

Blockbuster

Avengers: Infinity War (April 25)

When Robert Downey Jr debuted as lesser-known comic-book character Iron Man in 2008, few would have predicted it would lead to this. Now, 10 years and eighteen films later, the superhero teams from across this ever-sprawling franchise finally come together to battle the ultimate threat to their world - and it turns out to be a giant purple guy with a magic glove.

It remains to be seen how directors Anthony and Joe Russo will wrangle the gigantic cast list - including Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pratt, Paul Bettany, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin and Paul Rudd (among others) - but either way it looks like it's going to be a dazzling ride.

Comedy

Pitch Perfect 3 (January 1)

Wilkins's own pick for "starting the year off right". The projected final film in the Pitch Perfect series, starring Rebel Wilson, Anna Kendrick and Elizabeth Banks. The a capella Bellashave graduated from college and gone their separate ways, but a United Service Organisations show performance reunites them and, obviously, shenanigans ensue.

Family Movie

Mary Poppins Returns (December 25)

At this stage, the long-awaited sequel to the beloved family film is set to be the perfect Christmas treat for next year. Emily Blunt stars in the role made legendary by Julie Andrews in the 1964 original. Set in 1930s London, a personal tragedy compels Mary Poppins to return to the now-adult Banks children.

9news.com.au's hot tip - parents will end up crying more than the kids.

Musical

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (July 20)

The original adaptation of the stage musical, starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep, was a charming hit when it hit theatres in 2008. Fans can get ready for another ABBA-heavy discography, while the casting of Cher as the mother of Streep's character Donna is, no exaggeration, inspired.

Best Cast

Ocean's 8 (June 21)

It's the ladies' turn to get rich. Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett head a whopper of a cast list that also includes Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Helenha Bonham Carter and Rihanna. Danny Ocean's estranged and alliterative sister Debbie (Bullock) attempt to pull off a once-in-a-lifetime heist at the legendary Met Gala in New York, and she assembles the perfect crew to do so. What could go wrong?

Hopefully, lots.

Drama

The Post (January 11)

The Pentagon Papers were a report into the US government's involvement in the Vietnam War that exposed a massive federal cover-up of bombing campaigns in Cambodia and Laos, and US involvement in the instalment and bloody removal of South Vietnamese leader Ngo Dinh Diem. The Washington Post, led by publisher Katharine "Kay" Graham and editor Ben Bradlee, fought hard to expose these cover-ups in the early 1970s.

In an era where "fake news" is the automatic cry directed at any sort of report a public figure doesn't like, a film about government cover-ups seems altogether timely. And in Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, this film has two leads who can carry that weight.

Biopic

I, Tonya (March 15)

Based on true events and starring Margot Robbie, this movie looks at one of the more bizarre stories in sporting history. The vicious attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and the original alleged involvement of rival skater Tonya Harding captivated the world.

Animation

Incredibles 2 (June 14)

The original Incredibles movie combined dazzling superhero action and Pixar's trademark wit and feeling. The second looks set to deliver more of the same, with returning writer-director Brad Bird again at the helm of the superpowered Parr family as they tackle new threats.

Honourable Mentions

Aquaman (December 26)

Jurrassic World: Fallen Kingdom (June 7)

Deadpool 2 (June 1)

Black Panther (February 15)

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (November 15)

Red Sparrow (March 1)

Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 24)

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (January 1)

All The Money In The World (January 4)

Swinging Safari (January 18)

Tomb Raider (March 15)

Darkest Hour (January 11)

Ready Player One (March 29)

Pacific Rim Uprising (March 22)

Ant-Man and The Wasp (July 5)

Mission: Impossible 6 (July 27)