50 Most Anticipated Movies Of 2016 - Ranked

26. Ben Hur

It's rather unfortunate that Paramount have decided to release the third adaptation of the Ben-Hurt story the same week as Suicide Squad and Pete's Dragon come out, as it will likely lose money stuck in the middle of the two extremes. But the fact that this is the third go at the source tells its own story: it's a classic tale of vengeance, Roman soldiers and a public event pitting hero versus villain in direct competition. No, not Gladiator, but not far off.

Though Charlton Heston's 1959 version will probably continue to be classed as the definitive version, Timur Bekmambetov's attempt can count on a strong cast with Jack Huston, Morgan Freeman and Toby Kebbell (hopefully wiping away the toxins of Doom) and will likely be completely different given the director's track record. Just as long as the chariot race is given due prominence, it's an intriguing prospect.

Release Date: 12th August 2016