Every month a slew of movies come out, whether they are bad or good you may not know much about them or if they’re worth seeing. Instead of wasting time and money on films that may not be very good, every month five movies will be selected in order to help decide what you want to see.

DOCTOR STRANGE, Release Date: November 4

Finally, a Marvel film that isn’t tied in with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, yet. Every year the studio releases an original movie to expand the character list, in 2014 it was Guardians of the Galaxy and in 2015 it was Ant Man. In 2016 we get Doctor Strange which appears is going to be taking a page out of the Christopher Nolan book of special effects, and there isn’t one thing wrong about that. The story revolves around Doctor Stephen Strange, who is being played by The Imitation Game’s Benedict Cumberbatch. After a car crash results in a tremor in his hands and modern medicine is no help he goes looking for a way to heal this tremor by journeying to a distinct location that is said to be able to help him. It just so happens that this place where he goes to get help is also the front line for a war against unseen, dark forces. Marvel’s ability to always produce a good comic book film is just one more reason to see it as it’s already certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a 92%.

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Benjamin Bratt, Mads Mikkelsen, and Tilda Swinton

ARRIVAL, Release Date: November 11, Rated PG-13

One of the most highly anticipated alien flicks in the cinematic community. Denis Villeneuve known for his work on critically acclaimed movies such as Prisoners and Sicario directs this film. What makes his films so anticipated is his ability to get behind the camera and create a stylistic film, but also keep his source material fresh and smart. People often rush to judgment about science fiction films and there have been many times when they’re just a waste of time, but what makes this one so different is the buzz it’s generating. Unlike countless extraterrestrial films such as Independence Day, where aliens just destroy cities and monuments, Arrival defers by giving the audience a new twist on the other kind: They’re actually friendly and kind. It is apparent, if you watch the trailer, that the human race will jump to judgment and decide that these mysterious alien spaceships automatically mean danger. If you’re expecting an alien disaster movie maybe this isn’t the movie for you, but if you’re ready for an intellectual sci-fi blockbuster, then this is a must see.   

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker

EDGE OF SEVENTEEN, Release Date: November 18, Rated R

Back in the 1980’s there was this little director known as John Hughes who created high school classics: Pretty in Pink, Seventeen Candles, and The Breakfast Club. Since then there’s been a real absence of relatable, funny high school movies and The Edge of Seventeen is here to hopefully make up for that gap. High school isn’t easy, everyone knows that, and it’s really not easy when your best friend starts hanging out with the “populars,” then begins dating your older brother. Nadine, True Grit and Pitch Perfect 2’s Hailee Steinfeld, has to suffer through this and it would be great if someone would listen to her, but she’s now friendless and her guidance counselor, Zombieland and The Hunger Games Woody Harrelson, is absolutely no help. Sure you could save money and just stay at home and watch one of the aforementioned Hughes movies, but where’s the fun in that? The Edge of Seventeen is a movie that is recommend for all high school students.

Also starring: Blake Jenner, Haley Lu Richardson, and Kyra Sedgwick

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, Release Date: November 18

Although you may not have heard of it yet, Manchester by the Sea is one of the movies that are going to make a big splash during the 2016-2017 Oscar race. After the sudden death of his brother, Lee Chandler, played by Gone Baby Gone’s Casey Affleck, is made legal guardian of his brother’s son. He then returns to his hometown and is forced to deal with tragic incidents from his past that separated him from his family and the community he was born and raised in. This movie already has the critical acclaim needed for a film that is sure to be a powerhouse throughout the awards season, with an early Metacritic score of 91, and an early Rotten Tomatoes score of 98%. Manchester by the Sea is sure to be nothing short of spectacular and emotional, especially for a drama of this caliber.

Also starring: Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, and Kyle Chandler

MOANA, Release Date: November 23, Rated PG

The shining moments during the entire 2016 cinematic year was the release of multiple animated movies. Disney lead competing studios with releases such as box office smash Finding Dory and the critical hit Zootopia, and in addition to those films they are also releasing Moana. The film revolves around 16 year old Moana, voiced by newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, who grows up with the ability to communicate with the sea and goes on a journey to learn more about her heritage. With Moana, Disney is getting back to the roots by giving the public another princess to add to their collection. In this case, obtaining the title of a princess is related closer to princesses such as Mulan and Pocahontas rather than Cinderella and Snow White. If the fact that this is the first hawaiian Disney princess, and the first princess film since 2014’s Frozen, then perhaps you’re a fan of a broadway show called Hamilton, who’s creator, Lin Manuel Miranda, created the music for this film. Moana stands out during this month particularly due to its originality and refreshing addition to the Disney movie collection.

Also starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jemaine Clement, and Alan Tudyk

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

ELLE, Release Date: Nov 18, Rated R

Special Notice: First foreign film to make JCliff’s movie picks this year. Elle tells the story of a woman who gets involved in a thrilling cat and mouse game after tracking down the man who  brutally assaulted her.

Starring: Isabelle Huppert

HACKSAW RIDGE, Release Date: November 4, Rated R

Mel Gibson’s return as a director. A true story about a soldier who goes into war without a weapon.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Vince Vaughn, and Sam Worthington

LOVING, Release Date: November 4, Rated PG-13

An interracial couple is sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958, after they get married.

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, and Michael Shannon