Best Movies of 2009

The Best Movie Bets of 2009

Hollywood's bringing out the (really) big guns for its 2009 movie offerings. If you thought '08 was un-toppable, think again.

There are sequels ('Harry Potter,' 'Angels & Demons,') and prequels ('Terminator,' 'Wolverine'), remakes ('Wolf Man,' 'Pelham 123') and reboots ('Star Trek,' 'Sherlock Holmes') -- and other pop culture staples hitting the screen for the first time ('Watchmen,' 'G.I. Joe'). And that's just a start.

We count down the top 40 flicks to look out for in '09.

Warner Bros./ Fox

40. 'Race to Witch Mountain'

Release Date: March 13

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, AnnaSophia Robb

Why It'll Be Big: The Rock kicks off a trifecta of 2009 family flicks (along with 'Tooth Fairy' and the animated 'Planet 51'; that's what happens when 'The Game Plan' makes $90 mil) with this reimagining of the classic Disney flick 'Escape to Witch Mountain.' Think 'Day the Earth Stood Still' ... for kids.

Disney

39. 'Duplicity'

Release Date: March 20

Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti

Why It'll Be Big: Julia Roberts hasn't headlined a movie since the last time she co-starred alongside Clive Owen, in the '04 romantic drama 'Closer.' This time it's a crowd-pleasing spy thriller -- but with 'Michael Clayton' director Tony Gilroy, and awards-nominated actors Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson, it may even please a more discerning crowd: the critics.

Universal

38. '2012'

Release Date: July 10

Starring: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet

Why It'll Be Big: According to an ancient Mayan prophecy, the world will implode in 2012, so you'll want to know what to expect when all hell breaks loose. Director Roland Emmerich's a wiz when it comes to over-the-top disaster flicks, so plan on floods, molten lava and mass hysteria.

Sony

37. 'He's Just Not That Into You'

Release Date: Feb. 6

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson

Why It'll Be Big: First a 'Sex and the City' catchphrase and then a book, it's now a ridiculously star-studded romantic comedy (it also features Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck, Justin Long and Ginnifer Goodwin) about men and women trying to understand each other. We're into that.

New Line Cinema

36. 'Hannah Montana: The Movie'

Release Date: April 10

Starring: Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment

Why It'll Be Big: Her Disney TV show, the concert mega-tour and an arsenal of branded products -- Miley Cyrus and her alter-ego Hannah Montana hold the monopoly on the coveted 'tween market. Racy pics or not, Miley's first big screen leading role will be huge.

Disney

35. 'Land of the Lost'

Release Date: June 5

Starring: Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny R. McBride

Why It'll Be Big: Based on the classic Sid and Marty Krofft kitschy TV show, the modernized big-screen reimagining will draw the series' cult audience, as well as fans of Ferrell comedies. Plus, Sleestaks are totally the new Gremlins.

Universal

34. 'I Love You, Man'

Release Date: March 20

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones

Why It'll Be Big: Thanks to 'Role Models' and 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' Rudd and Segel are currently two of comedy's hottest commodities. As newfound BFFs who can't get enough of each other, this one has "hit bromance" written all over it.

Paramount

33. 'Fame'

Release Date: Sept. 25

Starring: Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth, Debbie Allen

Why It'll Be Big: Irene Cara wasn't kidding when she said those kids were gonna live forever. (And learn how to fly ... high!) This remake of the 1980 musical brings back Debbie Allen -- as the principal this time -- and introduces us to a whole new crop of fresh-faced unknowns. Baby, remember their names.

MGM

32. 'Amelia'

Release Date: Oct. 23

Starring: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Ewan McGregor

Why It'll Be Big: Double Oscar winner Swank stars in this biopic of the original female high flyer, with Gere as her older, Svengali-like hubby and McGregor as her lover. Award-nominated director Mira Nair brings the star-studded -- and long awaited -- story to the screen.

Getty