Consisting of 9 films, The Conjuring cinematic universe has succeeded where many horror franchises tend to fade into obscurity. While the series is unlikely to end entirely, the latest release, The Conjuring: Last Rites, promises the end of an almost 15-year chapter. Directed by Michael Chaves, Last Rites offers a satisfying conclusion to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s story.

Horror has long been heralded as a genre fueled by creative storytelling. Unfortunately, this can also be damaging, as an intriguing narrative can only take you so far. For a film to be successful, an enticing mystery is not enough to carry a story. Written and directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons is a misuse of potential that flounders one of the best horror premises in years. While there are some jaw-dropping moments of excellence, the total package arrives damaged due to an unnecessary narrative structure and a disappointing finale.

Released in 2002, 28 Days Later reinvigorated the zombie genre by opting for a stripped-down, character-first approach. Following a 2007 sequel titled 28 Weeks Later, the franchise was left to rot away for almost two decades. After much anticipation and fanfare, original director Danny Boyle has returned with writer Alex Garland to resurrect the series, creating 28 Years Later, an entry which may very well top the films that came before it.

Superman, the first true hero of comic books, has entered the world of film many times, to varying degrees of success. From Richard Donner’s classic release to the controversial iteration from Zack Snyder, the Man of Tomorrow has been portrayed again and again, but never seemed to live up to his legend as a landmark figure of modern storytelling. That is, until now. Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is a wonderful movie that successfully presents a cinematic message of hope, reminding us of the eternal good that mankind has to offer.

While the John Wick franchise has stumbled on television, the cinematic side of the saga has been nothing but positive. Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina is another great addition to the world of John Wick. Packed with incredible fight sequences, this instalment is a true winner for fans of hard-hitting action.