Top 10 Movie Trailers — 2015 Edition

It’s that time of year again, where we get to celebrate all the trailers from this past year. This last week alone we’ve gotten new previews of Star Trek, Independence Day, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the X-Men.

Although movies trailers are basically just fancy advertisements, in practice they’ve become an art form all their own. While it’s rare for a great movie to have a bad trailer, occasionally a bad movie can disguise itself behind a misleading trailer.

And while there’s no plausible way to keep track of the numerous teasers, tv spots, and previews-for-the-trailer popping up everyday, it’s good to stop and look back at some of this year’s greatest trailers.

Let’s recap some of the best from 2015.

#10 — Inside Out (Trailer 2)

“Congratulations San Francisco, you’ve ruined pizza!”

The second trailer took us past Riley’s dinner table and gave us a much better glimpse at Pixar’s latest feat. Set to the tune of Boston’s More Than A Feeling, we finally saw inside the world of the mind where humor, emotion, and imagination all co-exist.

#9 — The Martian (Teaser Trailer)

“Every human being has a basic instinct: to help each other out.”

The Martian has made almost $600 million at the global box office. But the first tip that this sci-fi adventure would be one of the year’s biggest films arrived with this teaser trailer. Matt Damon’s affable astronaut milks the comedy out of tragedy. It was exactly the type of optimistic story we were looking for.

#8 - Fantastic Four (Teaser Trailer)

“But with every new discovery, there is risk, there is sacrifice, and there are consequences.”

Our first look at this all star cast led by promising director held so much potential. It was only when subsequent trailers hit that we started to realize the harsh truth. A fresh take on the Fantastic Four grounded in realism was not to be, but you wouldn’t know that from this teaser.

#7 - Point Break (Trailer 1)

“The only law that matters is gravity.

Not that anyone asked for it, but this Point Break trailer still stands as one of the coolest teases of the year. Whether it’s surfing a giant wave, jumping out of planes, or falling off a cliff, this film looks and feels like pure adrenaline. If you have to reboot an old movie, make them look like this!

#6 — Kung Fu Panda 3 (Teaser Trailer)

“I hope you find your son.”

The third entry in this wonderfully silly series reunites Po with his long lost family. Although the first teaser is basically an extended joke, it’s a tasty snippet that builds excitement for the return of Jack Black’s unorthodox Panda warrior and his crime-fighting friends.

#5 — Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Trailer #2)

“The Force is strong in my family.”

The second trailer kept the film’s mysterious plot under wraps, but it also brought back the voice of Luke Skywalker. From the opening wide shot of the Jakku desert to the closing shot of Han and Chewie, this trailer was an undeniable triumph. Alert the nostalgia police!

#4 — Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Comic-Con Trailer)

“Nobody cares about Clark Kent taking on the Batman.”

A second trailer brought the big showdown between titans. This was exactly the burst of energy needed to keep fans excited about the forthcoming DC Extended Universe. It even has Wonder Woman joining the fray! A good day for Justice League fans.

#3 — Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (All Trailers)

“Are you okay to drive? A minute ago you were dead.”

I can’t keep track of all the different Rogue Nation trailers, but each of them contain insanely difficult stunts topped by even more impossible stunts. Tom Cruise hanging off the side of a plane is one of those things that doesn’t get old.

#2 — The Revenant (Teaser Trailer)

“I aint afraid to die anymore. I done it already.”

The initial trailer for Leonardo DiCaprio’s gripping historical thriller will take your breath away. Whether it’s the snowy Canadian wilderness, the immersive cinematography, or the stress-inducing sound design, this one sucks you into the experience completely.

#1 — Suicide Squad (Comic-Con Trailer)

“Let’s just say I put them in a hole and throw away the hole.”

In an avalanche of comic book movies, everything looks pretty much the same. Not so for this collection of DC’s worst rogues and scoundrels. Featuring the live action debut of fan-favorite Harley Quinn, Suicide Squad goes dark and weird at the same time. It even does justice to the Clown Prince of Crime!

Hope you enjoyed the list and share any trailers you think should have made it into the top ten!

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to follow Marc Madrigal for more on Movies and Storytelling, and Panel & Frame for more emerging voices in Film, Comics, Literature and Art!