It appears Hollywood still hasn’t got the memo, FEMALE LEADS DO BRING IN THE AUDIENCES.

In 2015, Pitch Perfect 2 took home $287million, the Mockingjay Part 2 raked in $652million and Cinderella enjoyed a box office take home of $542.7million. So don’t tell me girls can’t lead the show.

Star Wars proved that a female lead works, even in a franchise that is dominated by a fandom of men and Rey’s character didn’t put anyone off from watching the film more than once on the big screen.

2016’s upcoming films once again don’t appear to feature many female lead or centred movies, but I thought I’d put together a list today of the ones you definitely need to look out for:

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies 

Oh my God I’m so annoyed because the Showcase near where I live is only showing this film for two nights! TWO NIGHTS! I don’t really understand why, even if you limit it to one screen to make way for Deadpool you could run it for at least a week. I’m not going to be able to see it on the big screen but if your cinema doesn’t suck like mine then you should definitely make plans to watch it.

Basically an adaptation of an adaptation of Jane Austen’s famous book, the Bennet sisters aren’t the simpering women of high society Austen wrote about. They’re high flying, ass kicking zombie killers who won’t relinquish their sword for any man. It should be a fun watch with plenty of suspender flashes, gore and girl power.

Release date UK: 11th February 2016

The Girl on the Train 

Adapted from Paula Hawkins popular novel Emily Blunt will take on the lead role of the lonely and slightly unhinged alcoholic Rachel and her obsession with a couple she sees from the train (who she names Jason and Jess. Her obsessive, escapist thoughts about them lead her to believe she’s become involved with the disappearance of Jess and this is where the film will get interesting.

There should be three strong female actresses playing the parts of the books three main protagonists, Rachel, Megan (Jess) and Anna. Be sure to read the book before the film comes out because it will definitely leave some key moments and thoughts out due to time limitations. The film is being set in the US though, which I find a little annoying.

Release date UK: October 2016

Ghostbusters 

There was a cry of outrage when it was announced that Ghostbusters was being remade with an all female cast. Some people out there saw it as a personal insult, how dare they replace Bill Murray with Melissa McCarthy and why do the Ghostbusters have vaginas now?

Well it’s 2016 and that’s how we roll, there was no doubt that the 80’s classic would have been remade sometime soon and instead of using the usual entourage of male actors Hollywood decided to give four funny ladies a chance. Plus, Bill Murray and Sigourney Weaver are said to have roles in the film, so that should keep some people happy.

Release date: 15th July 2016

The Huntsman: Winters War 

Charlize Theron and Emily Blunt lead the way in this action packed movie featuring Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman once again and Jessica Chastain as his warrior girlfriend. This film is going to be big on the strong, dominating women theme with Theron and Blunt starring as villainous queens and Chastain wielding all sorts of weaponry in her attempt to fight the sources of evil. I would have enjoyed the first film more if it hadn’t been for Kirsten Stewart looking like she needed some indigestion tablets all the way through, so I’m glad they’ve upped the anti for this second installment.

Release date: 22nd April 2016

Finally, while they’re not leading ladies you definitely need to see both X-Men Apocalypse and Suicide Squad for Mystique, Psylocke and Harley Quinn. All three of these are going to dominate these films, even though the lead cast members are the guys. I’m also hoping Scarlet Witch will also have a reasonable role again in Captain America: Civil War.

There’s a lotta girl power happening this year and I’m pretty excited. Watch out for these films with leading ladies and be sure to watch them on the big screen!

Jade