2015 promises to be a year unlike any other for the Walt Disney Company highlighted by the second Avengers film and the return of Star Wars. Throw in another Marvel film, two Pixar films, another film inspired by the parks, the annual Disney Nature entry, a feel good sports movie, a live-action version of a classic and an out of nowhere Lucasfilm project, and you've got a lot to look forward to. On the following pages are the films in order of my anticipation level (from lowest to highest). But first, here's the slate in order of release...

• Strange Magic: January 23
• McFarland, USA: February 20
• Cinderella: March 13
• Monkey Kingdom: April 17
• Avengers: Age of Ultron: May 1
• Tomorrowland: May 22
• Inside Out: June 19
• Ant-Man: July 17
• The Good Dinosaur: November 25
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens: December 18, 2015

And now, my list...

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#10 Strange Magic

January 23

Synopsis: “Strange Magic,” a new animated film from Lucasfilm Ltd., is a madcap fairy tale musical inspired by “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” Popular songs from the past six decades help tell the tale of a colorful cast of goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their hilarious misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Industrial Light & Magic bring to life the fanciful forest turned upside down with world-class animation and visual effects. Directed by Gary Rydstrom (“Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation,” “Lifted”) from a story by George Lucas, “Strange Magic” will be released by Touchstone Pictures on Jan. 23, 2015.

Anticipation Level: Low. The buzz on this film has not been good (it wasn't even screened for critics). It's kind of weird that a film with a story by George Lucas that'll be the first released by LucasFilm since Disney's purchase is barely on the public's radar.

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#9 Monkey Kingdom

April 17

Synopsis: Life is an adventure for Maya, the clever and resourceful blonde-bobbed monkey in “Monkey Kingdom,” Disneynature’s new feature film set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia. Maya’s world is forever changed when she welcomes her son, Kip, into her complicated extended family. Like all families, Maya’s has more than its share of colorful personalities—and she’s determined to give her son a leg up in the world. When their longtime home at Castle Rock is taken over by powerful neighboring monkeys, Maya's whole family is forced to relocate, and she uses her street smarts and ingenuity to lead them to untapped resources amidst strange new creatures and unsettling surroundings. Ultimately, they will all have to work together to reclaim Castle Rock, where Maya can hopefully realize her dreams for her son’s future.

Featuring a rich variety of characters, including a mischievous mongoose, simple-minded langur monkeys, predatory leopards and monitor lizards, “Monkey Kingdom” is directed by Mark Linfield (“Chimpanzee,” “Earth”) and co-directed by Alastair Fothergill (“Chimpanzee,” “Bears”). With music from award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams ("The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," “Shrek” movies), Disneynature’s eighth True Life Adventure—the follow-up to 2014’s “Bears”—swings into theaters April 17, 2015.

Anticipation Level: Low. I'm very glad Disney continues to make a Disney Nature release an annual Earth Day tradition. They continue on one of Walt's legacies, True-Live Adventures. And just as I had little interest in True-Live Adventures, I have little interest in seeing Monkey Kingdom. There's something about (even slightly) anthropomorphized non-animated animals that I don't like (The Barefoot Executive being a notable exception).

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#8 The Good Dinosaur

November 25

Synopsis: "The Good Dinosaur" asks the generations-old question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? In theaters November 25, 2015, the film is a humorous and exciting original story about Arlo, a lively Apatosaurus with a big heart. After a traumatic event unsettles Arlo’s family, he sets out on a remarkable journey, gaining an unlikely companion along the way - a human boy. “The Good Dinosaur” is an extraordinary journey of self-discovery full of thrilling adventure, hilarious characters and poignant heart.

Anticipation Level: Medium. After releasing nothing in 2014, Pixar has two films in 2015. The Good Dinosaur will be the second of the two. The story sounds a little ordinary and the director (Peter Sohn) doesn't have quite the pedigree of the other release. Family voices include Judy Greer, Neil Patrick Harris and Frances McDormand, all of which I'm a fan of. The Good Dinosaur was original scheduled to be released in 2014, so I'm guessing it's gone through a lot of reworking which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

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#7 McFarland, USA

February 20

Synopsis: Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.

Anticipation Level: Medium. Despite sometimes disappointing box office numbers, Disney continues to more-or-less annually release a feel-good based-on-a-true-story sports movie and I'm very happy they do, the film landscape needs these mainstays. Based on the trailer I've seen, this one seems even more saccharine and less edgy than most others of this type (and there are many). Downsides? Kevin Costner, the sport (is cross country a team sport?) and the retread nature of the "coach comes to the poor kid school" story, but I'm sure I'll still have a tear during the undoubtedly predictable ending.

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#6 Cinderella

March 13

Synopsis: The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and – armed with a pumpkin and a few mice – changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Anticipation Level: Medium-High. I had very little interest in 2014's dreary Maleficent, but from what I've heard and seen thus far, Cinderella is a different animal. It seems to be more in line with the animated classic instead of playing as its alter ego. Hopefully I'm right and this film will expand on the original rather than turn it on its head. I'm surprisingly not familiar with the title actress' role on Downton Abby, but she certainly looks the part, and I expect Cate Blanchett to make a delightfully beautiful, elegant, evil Lady Tremaine.

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#5 Inside Out

June 19

Synopsis: From an adventurous balloon ride above the clouds to a monster-filled metropolis, Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Up”) has taken audiences to unique and imaginative places. In Disney•Pixar’s original movie “ Inside Out,” he will take us to the most extraordinary location of all—inside the mind.

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Anticipation Level: Medium-High. Pixar makes its triumphant return to the big screen on June 19 with Inside Out. Directed by the genius that is Pete Docter, I don't expect this film to disappoint. It's been quite a while since Pixar had a non-sequel, critically acclaimed hit (2009's Up, also directed by Pete Docter), so I'm anxious to see if they're able to recapture the magic. If neither this film nor Good Dinosaur is able to do that, the magical run they had from Toy Story to Toy Story 3 might seem like a distant memory. I also give it a few extra anticipation points because the premise brings back memories of Epcot's Cranium Command.

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#4 Ant-Man

July 17

Synopsis: The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Marvel’s “Ant-Man” stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Judy Greer as Maggie, Tip “Ti” Harris as Dave, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, Wood Harris as Gale, Jordi Molla as Castillo and Michael Douglas as Hank Pym. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s “Ant-Man” delivers a high-stakes, tension-filled adventure on July 17, 2015.

Anticipation Level: High. Marvel can do no wrong. Last year they took a huge risk going outside (for the most part) the Avengers franchise to create a movie with a non-established star (Chris Pratt) that co-starred a wrestler, a green woman, a raccoon and a tree that speaks three words. The result: The highest grossing film of 2014. This year the second Marvel film released will be another odd duck, Ant-Man, a superhero that shrinks in size while increasing in strength. Sounds silly to this non-comic book fan, but I expect it'll be awesome. The first trailer struck the exact right serious but fun tone Marvel is known for. And even though she was my least favorite character on my all time favorite TV show, I look forward to seeing Lost's Evangeline Lilly on the screen again.

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#3 Tomorrowland

May 22

Synopsis: From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

Anticipation Level: High. The first teaser for Tomorrowland reveals almost nothing. The only other thing I know about it is part of it was filmed at Disneyland. The plot sounds a little too far out for my liking and I really, really don't like George Clooney. But I can't wait for Tomorrowland in May! It's directed by the great Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) and written by Lost writter and co-showrunner Damon Lindelof. Lost - the greatest TV show of all time. Sure, Lindelof hasn't always lived up to his potential (Prometheus, Cowboys and Aliens) but like Locke, I have faith.

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#2 Avengers: Age of Ultron

May 1

Synopsis: Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill and Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.

Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963. Get set for an action-packed thrill ride when The Avengers return in Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015.

Anticipation Level: Very High. Has any film in recent memory has as high of expectations as 2012's Avengers? Five entire films served as setup for this one blockbuster. Had this film disappointed, who knows where the concept of mingling different movies into one large universe would've ended up? But hit it did, earning more than $1.5 billion worldwide, the third highest gross of all time (first among non-James Cameron films). And with that, Marvel has taken off and never looked back. The sequence of films for the upcoming years seems to just go on and on, all intertwined in one large universe coming together in the Avenger films. I have no idea what Age of Ultron is about. I don't really get all this comic book stuff anyway. But I have no doubt I'll have the time of my life watching it and I can't wait.

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#1 Star Wars: The Force Awakens

December 18

Synopsis: Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as “Star Wars” returns to the big screen with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”

Anticipation Level: Very High. Come on, it's Star Wars. What more need be said? I can't wait to see what this new group of stars and filmmakers brings to the table. But more than that, I can't wait for the experience. I vividly remember seeing the first return of Star Wars, the Phantom Menace, in Newport Beach with a bunch of screaming, cosplaying, Death Star beach ball bouncing Star Wars fans. No franchise is more epic than the Star Wars franchise. The years between trilogies only serves to up the anticipation. It's almost unbelievable that it's coming back, and coming back as a part of Disney. December 18th is going to be a very, very exciting day!

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Honorable Mention: Jurassic World

June 12

Synopsis: Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park (1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly.

Anticipation Level: Off the Charts: Confession - this is my most anticipated film of 2015. I. Can't. Wait. Maybe Disney can buy the franchise before Jurassic Park 5. That would be nice.