Big Hits, a Big Rotten Miss, and a BFG: Our 2016 Disney Film Predictions

With 2016 in full effect, the latest episode of the LaughingPlace Podcast asked our crew to make their predictions for the new year. For films, we asked if the film would be a hit, (relative to the film’s box office expectations and production budget) and predicted if the film would be “fresh” or “rotten” (as defined by review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes). Below are our predictions. What do you think?

The Finest Hours (January 29):

A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Presented in Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale.

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Rotten / Miss

FanBoy: Rotten / Miss

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Miss

Zootopia (March 4):

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Alex’s Most Anticipated Film of 2016

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Rotten / Hit

FanBoy: Fresh / Hit

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

The Jungle Book (April 15):

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Rotten / Miss

FanBoy: Fresh / Miss

Alex: Rotten / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

Captain America: Civil War (May 6):

“Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

FanBoy’s Most Anticipated Film of 2016

Kyle’s Most Anticipated Film of 2016

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Fresh / Hit

FanBoy: Fresh / Hit

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

Alice Through the Looking Glass (May 27):

In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.

Doobie: Rotten / Miss

Rebekah: Rotten / Miss

FanBoy: Rotten / Miss

Alex: Rotten / Miss

Kyle: Rotten / Miss

Finding Dory (June 17):

Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?

Doobie: Rotten / Hit

Rebekah: Fresh / Hit

FanBoy: Rotten / Hit

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

The BFG (July 1):

The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country

Doobie: Rotten / Miss

Rebekah: Fresh / Hit

FanBoy: Fresh / Miss

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

Pete’s Dragon (August 12):

A reimagining of the 1977 Disney classic, “Pete’s Dragon” will blend live action and CGI to tell the story of the special bond between an orphaned boy, Pete, and his best friend, Elliott, who just happens to be a dragon.

Doobie: Fresh / Miss

Rebekah: Rotten / Miss

FanBoy: Rotten / Miss

Alex: Fresh / Miss

Kyle: Rotten / Hit

Queen of Katwe (Fall):

Film based on the inspirational true story of a girl from the poverty-stricken slums of rural Uganda who dreams of becoming a champion chess player.

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Fresh / Miss

FanBoy: Fresh / Hit

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

Doctor Strange (November 4):

“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Fresh / Hit

FanBoy: Fresh / Hit

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

Moana (November 23):

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Fresh / Hit

FanBoy: Fresh / Hit

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

Rogue One (December 16):

The story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star.

Doobie’s Most Anticipated Film of 2016

Rebekah’s Most Anticipated Film of 2016

Doobie: Fresh / Hit

Rebekah: Fresh / Hit

FanBoy: Fresh / Hit

Alex: Fresh / Hit

Kyle: Fresh / Hit

The Light Between Oceans (TBD):



A heartbreaking drama about fate, love, moral dilemmas, and the lengths to which one couple will go to see their dreams realized.

Doobie: Fresh / Miss

Rebekah: Fresh / Hit

FanBoy: Fresh / Miss

Alex: Rotten / Miss

Kyle: Rotten / Miss

So that’s the slate for 2016. Which one of our team members will be crowned film predictor champion? You’ll have to wait until 2017 to see.

For more predictions including theme parks and beyond, listen to the latest episode of the LaughingPlace Podcast.