20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2018

2. Josh Brolin - Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War)

The Role: The intergalactic tyrant Thanos, who endeavours to collect the six Infinity Stones which would allow him to "balance the universe."

Why It'll Define 2018: Avengers: Infinity War will finally signal the end of the agonising wait for Thanos to show up and start taking names. First introduced in 2012's The Avengers, Thanos' long-awaited arrival is sure to be one of the year's most epic movie moments, especially given the high probability he'll kill off at least a couple of prized Avengers.

While the full extent of the Mad Titan's power will inevitably be saved for Avengers 4, the big purple guy is clearly going to make a huge impact, and from the little we've seen of Josh Brolin's performance-captured work so far, he's going to be every bit as imposing and bada** as fans are hoping for.