It seems like summer blockbuster season kicks off sooner every year, and it goes without saying that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice officially kicks off the annual slugfest between big-budget cinematic juggernauts. The question remains, though: as countless highly anticipated movies will disappoint and fall by the wayside, which will rise to the top? No, this list won't contain risky properties with the potential to bomb like the all-female Ghostbusters reboot, the Huntsman spin-off nobody really asked for, and that Now You See Me sequel: it's all about the inevitable box office champs that are going to square off for a coveted spot in the history books. From superhero movies to long-awaited sequels, undeniably cynical adaptations and everything in-between, summer 2016 has both its share of ambitious storytelling and bloated studio excess, and it's going to print a ton of money either way. Here are our predictions for summer 2016's highest grossing movies...
12. Jason Bourne
Box Office Prediction: $490 million Why It'll Be A Hit: Damon is fresh off his highest-grossing starring role to date in Ridley Scott's The Martian, so it's safe to say that his star power has never been higher. Plus, each Damon-starring Bourne movie has pulled in more than the one previous, and it seems like after the mediocre Jeremy Renner-starring The Bourne Legacy, fans may be ultra-eager to see Damon in the role, pushing it slightly ahead of The Bourne Ultimatum's $442.8 million score. Why It Could Disappoint: It may simply be too long since 2007's Ultimatum for audiences to still care about the character, especially considering how concrete his send-off in that film was. Also, there's no telling whether or not Legacy damaged the series' financial viability, and while a certified box office bust is virtually impossible, it could easily fall short of expectations and end up in the $300-400 million range. Also, remember that while Ultimatum opened mostly clear of competition, Suicide Squad will land just a week after Jason Bourne hits screens, which could put a massive dent in its take.