The 10 most exciting new films, songs and shows in 2014

It’s the start of a new year, which means 365 days of new albums, new movies and new TV shows to look forward to! The landscape of upcoming entertainment includes some returns by old favorites (Johnny Cash, The Muppets, “Cosmos”), even more Jennifer Lawrence — and Brian Cranston! — and the return of the genius behind “Community.”
Here are a few things we’re most looking forward to in 2014 . . .

Music

Johnny Cash — “Out Among the Stars” (March 25)

Posthumous albums are always a risky endeavor, but this collection of 12 previously unheard tracks from the man in black sounds promising. The songs were all recorded in Nashville in 1981 and 1984, and were discovered by Cash’s son John Carter Cash. It includes duets with Cash’s wife, June Carter Cash, and Waylon Jennings. One of Cash’s band members called the album “pitch-perfect.”
Frank Ocean (TBA)

The crooner made big waves in 2012 with his album “Channel Orange,” which brought a whole new level of soulful slowjams to the music scene with hits like “Thinkin Bout You” and “Pyramids.” The album went on to win a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album. In the meantime, Ocean made more waves when he became one of the first major R&B stars to talk openly about being bisexual. His fans supported him, and are eager to get their hands on some new music this year.

Pharrell Williams (TBA)

The man with the Midas touch had a blockbuster 2013, singing on the year’s two indisputable summer jams: Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” Then he released the world’s first-ever 24-hour music video for the song “Happy.” So fans are eager to see what he’ll come up with on his first solo album since 2006 (and only his second overall). As of now, he’s only revealed that the album will be “rap-free” and feature a guest spot from T.I.

Movies

“Muppets Most Wanted” (March 2014)

Our sad national drought of Muppet-related entertainment joyfully ended in 2011, when the lovable felt friends returned with the very funny and entertaining reboot “The Muppets.” Now the gang is back with an international caper film, with guest stars like Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Lady Gaga, Ty Burrell and Stanley Tucci. It’s time to start the music!
“Godzilla” (May 16)

Goodbye, meth — hello, monster. The much-anticipated new American version of the classic city-devouring franchise comes out this spring, and stars the post-“Breaking Bad” Brian Cranston. The gritty-looking teaser for the movie, and Cranston’s decision to be in it, are encouraging to fans, who are still trying to wipe the crappy 1998 Matthew Broderick version of the movie from their minds.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23)

The newest X-Men film unites the two parts of the franchise: the original trilogy starring Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto, and the 2011 prequel “X-Men: First Class,” starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender in those same respective roles. The story involves a battle across two time periods of present-day and past X-Men, bringing a huge ensemble cast to the screen, including Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and Halle Berry as Storm.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” (Nov. 21)

Katniss has escaped the second Hunger Games arena, but now the Districts are in full rebellion, and she’s the key to it all. While the first “Hunger Games” film felt a little flat, 2013’s “Catching Fire” sequel had no such problems, providing rich character development and gripping action scenes. The start to the end of the series promises even more excitement.
“The Grand Budapest Hotel” (March 7)

Anyone who thought Wes Anderson would follow up his stylistic 2012 hit “Moonrise Kingdom” with a simpler, less whimsical movie was wrong. This movie is set in a hotel in 1920s Europe, where concierges are involved in murder, theft and all sorts of sure-to-be-humorous antics. The film stars Anderson regulars such as Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Adrien Brody, and brings in a few new faces, such as Ralph Fiennes, Willem Dafoe and Ed Norton.

TV Shows

“Community” (Jan. 2)

The NBC meta comedy had a rough year after the network forced out creator Dan Harmon, which led to a season that viewers, and even the cast, considered lackluster. But Harmon is making a triumphant return this year, and his loyal fans are eager to see what strange roads he will take the brilliant sitcom down this year.
“Better Call Saul” (TBA)

Everyone who is still coping with the end of “Breaking Bad” has something to look forward to this year: Netflix has greenlit a spinoff based on Saul Goodman’s smarmy lawyer character, played by Bob Odenkirk. It’s not clear yet what “Better Call Saul” will cover, but it’s reported to be an hour-long format that serves as a prequel to the events in “Breaking Bad.”
“Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey” (March)

Science is finally cool again. Celebrity physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is rebooting Carl Sagan’s 1980 series “Cosmos” this year, hoping to expand it to modern audiences. Fox is betting big on it, giving it a prime-time slot, with “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane on board as an executive producer.
“Kroll Show” (Jan. 14)

After years of making guest appearances on sitcoms (“Parks and Recreation,” “New Girl,”) or as part of an ensemble cast (“The League”), Nick Kroll finally got his turn in the spotlight when “Kroll Show” debuted on Comedy Central last year. The sketch show — which brilliantly skewered reality TV, bro culture and so much more — was an instant hit. Now coming back for a second season, fans should expect Kroll to expand on his absurd universe even further, with beloved characters like Liz and Liz and Bobby Bottleservice returning, too.