It is probably no secret to anyone who has been to a movie in the last few years, Hollywood is making an awful lot of sequels right now. The idea of sequels is absolutely nothing new, but the sheer volume of sequels being pushed out is simply staggering at times. Though some of these sequels are disappointing, getting long awaited sequels or getting to see a new movie from your favorite franchise every couple of years is very nice. And 2017 has a lot of sequels on the way that we can look forward to.

One quick scroll through IMDB, and you'll realize just how many sequels are on the way next year, many of which you probably didn't even know were even being made. 2017 will have every variety of sequel that a moviegoer could want, or maybe not want. There are sequels we've been waiting nearly two decades for, sequels that have been turned around in a stunningly short period of time and everything in between.

If 2016 has been any kind of an indicator, this sequel trend isn't going to slow down anytime soon, but studios may become a bit more cautious. Sequels this year have enjoyed tremendous success, like Captain America: Civil War, The Conjuring 2, and Finding Dory. On the other hand, sequels that waited a little bit too long to make their way to theaters like Zoolander 2 and Alice: Through The Looking Glass bombed in a big way, so we may be seeing less of that kind of thing in the future.

What is perhaps most interesting about the slate of sequels due out in 2017 is that the ones that have a lot of potential run the gamut. Of course there are some superhero movie sequels that should be good, such as Hugh Jackman's last time out as Wolverine, as well as the follow up to Guardians of the Galaxy. But also, next year we are getting Star Wars: Episode VIII, and pretty much any year where we get a new Star Wars movie (which looks like every year until that well dries up) is exciting.

We can't promise that all of these sequels are going to be good, but we can say that all of these sequels have the potential to be good, and that is reason enough to get excited about them. There are no guarantees, afterall. For example, who would have guessed that a movie with both Batman and Superman in it would be one of the most disappointing movies of 2016? In any case, here are 17 movie sequels coming out in 2017 that you should be excited for.

17 XXX: The Return of Xander Cage - January 20

By the time XXX: The Return of Xander Cage comes out, it will have been 15 years since the original XXX was released. After the disastrous XXX: State of the Union, which didn't even star Vin Diesel, there wasn't a whole lot of interest in a sequel. However, in the time since, Diesel has become a massive star, largely thanks to his work in the Fast and Furious franchise. So, we are indeed getting a proper XXX sequel, and it looks awesome and terrible all at the same time. Samuel L. Jackson is also returning, which is always a good thing, and there is a lot of skiing on terrain that is not snow, which is fun. If you need some more Vin Diesel in your life outside of the Fast and Furious movies, then mark down January 20, 2017 on your calendar.

16 Resident Evil: The Final Chapter - January 27

Video game sequels are a very tricky thing. In fact, getting the first video game movie right still seems to be a very elusive thing for Hollywood. Despite not being critically loved, the Resident Evil franchise is the most enduring video game movie franchise ever, and it really isn't even close. After nearly 15 years watching Alice fight zombies, the Resident Evil franchise is finally coming to an end (before the inevitable reboot) with Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. Sure, some of the entries in this franchise have been less than great, but the first teaser trailer for The Final Chapter is encouraging. Granted, most of the time, when movies come out in January it is kind of a death sentence, but with studios needing to find room for their tentpole movies, January isn't as much of a dumping ground as it used to be. Get ready to watch Milla Jovovich kill a whole lot of zombies and monsters when Resident Evil: The Final Chapter drops on January 27, 2017.

15 T2: Trainspotting 2 - February 10

It has been 20 years since Danny Boyle brought us his classic adaptation of Trainspotting, which may still be one of the best novel-to-screen adaptations of all time. Now, all of these years later, Boyle is bringing back Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud and Tommy for Trainspotting 2, which the director is boldly calling T2. Another pretty good director by the name of James Cameron once named the Terminator sequel T2 as well, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest sequels ever. Perhaps this is Boyle displaying some confidence over the material? In any case, this is probably not going to be a Zoolander 2 situation. All of the original, central cast members are coming back, and it will be loosely adapting the follow up novel Porno. This should definitely be one to look forward to.

14 John Wick: Chapter 2 - February 10

John Wick seemingly came out of absolutely nowhere in late 2014 and ever since, we have all been dying for a sequel to what is probably Keanu Reeves best movie since The Matrix. Luckily, we are definitely getting that sequel, and we don't have to wait all that much longer for it. Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch are returning, as well as Reeves, of course. But what is most exciting is that Laurence Fishburne has boarded the sequel, titled John Wick: Chapter 2, which makes this something of a Matrix reunion. It is very encouraging. Luckily, this time around we won't have to worry about a killing spree on the count of a dog getting murdered, but we can bet there will be a lot of guns blazing and fists flying. As well as good one liners and excellent action. John Wick: Chapter 2 is set for a February 10, 2017 release. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

13 Wolverine 3: Weapon X - March 3

One could make an argument that the modern superhero movie is built on the back of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. He has been playing the character ever since 2000 in Bryan Singer's X-Men. Now, Jackman is gearing up to hang up the claws, but we are going to get one last outing with Logan in James Mangold's as of yet untitled Wolverine 3. Not only are we seeing Jackman's Logan in the future as an older, grizzled version of the character, but Patrick Stewart is also coming back as Professor X. If that isn't enough to get fans of superhero movies excited, I don't know what is. Wolverine 3 is set for a release on March 3, 2017.

12 Fast 8 - April 14

Has there been a movie franchise in the history of cinema that has defied expectations quite like that of the Fast and Furious? What started out as essentially a remake of Point Break disguised as a movie about street racing and robbery has turned into one of the greatest, most ridiculous action franchises of all-time. After seven entries in the series, we still have a lot left to look forward to. Vin Diesel, The Rock and the rest of the gang are all set to return for Fast 8, and after the surprisingly great Furious 7, there is no doubt this is something to be excited for. Not only that, but Helen Mirren and Charlize Theron are on board to add some seriously awesome female presence to the cast. As if that wasn't enough, Straight Outta Compton director F. Gary Gray is the man in the director's chair, which is super encouraging. Buckle up, because Fast 8 is set for release on April 14, 2017.

11 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - May 5

It has only been a couple of years since James Gunn first unleashed the Guardians of the Galaxy on us, but it is hard to imagine a time when all of us didn't love a talking raccoon named Rocket, and a big, talking tree named Groot. The movie was initially considered a massive risk for Marvel Studios, but Guardians wound up crushing it at the box office, and that being the case, a sequel is on the way. James Gunn has returned to direct, and the entire central cast is back for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. They are also going to be joined by Kurt Russell, who is playing Ego the Living Planet, who is also Star lord's dad. Not only that, but we are all pretty excited about the idea of Baby Groot. Guardians of the Galaxy was not only one of the most pleasantly surprising superhero movies in recent memory, but it is easily one of the best movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There is no question many of us are very excited about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which is set for release on May 5, 2017.

10 Annabelle 2 - May 19

The Conjuring was no doubt one of best horror movies to come about in a very long time, so the prospect of a spinoff movie featuring the creepy doll from that movie was exciting. Then Annabelle came out. While it wasn't a trainwreck or anything, it simply couldn't live up to the expectations placed on it. However, Annabelle 2 seems like it could easily top its predecessor, and has an awful lot going for it. For one, David F. Sandberg is directing the movie, following up the excellent Lights Out, which was also produced by James Wan, who of course directed both Conjuring movies. The premise also sounds great, centering on a dollmaker and his wife who are dealing with the death of their daughter. They then decided to invite a nun and several girls from an orphanage to stay with them, and then the dollmakers creation Annabelle starts to terrorize them. Anyone who has seen The Conjuring 2 might find that bit about the nun particularly interesting. Horror fans have a lot of reason to be excited about Annabelle 2, which is due out in theaters on May 19, 2017.

9 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales - May 26

In 2003, Disney managed to deliver one of the most completely refreshing adventure movies of the 2000's with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Not only did we get one of the Johnny Depp's best performances, but it also helped establish Keira Knightly as a bonafide movie star. In the 13 years since, we have been treated, or maybe subjected to, three sequels, none of which have managed to live up to the original. However, On Stranger Tides was an improvement over At World's End, and it has been long enough that bringing some of the original cast back could wind up being a lot of fun. Also, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales has brought on Javier Bardem as the bad guy, and he is very, very good at playing the bad guy. This is definitely one that we should be able to feel cautiously excited about. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales comes out on May 26, 2017.

8 Kingsman: The Golden Circle - June 16

There were an awful lot of people where were surprised when director Matthew Vaughn stepped away from X-Men: Days of Future Past to direct Kingsman: The Secret Service instead. As it turned out, that worked out really well for pretty much everyone. Bryan Singer did a fine job with Days of Future Past, but Vaughn was able to give us something totally unique and out of left field with Kingsman, and it was easily one of the best movies of 2014. Luckily the movie did well at the box office as well, because a sequel, titled Kingsman: The Golden Circle, is coming next year. Aside from the returning cast, Vaughn has added some big name talent with Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore and even Elton John. If we can get something that is even half as fun as that church fight scene was in the first Kingsman, this is a movie we should be very excited about. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is set for release on June 16, 2017.

7 Transformers: The Last Knight - June 23

When Transformers: The Last Knight hits theaters, it will have been ten years since Michael Bay's the first Transformers movie hit theaters. While many fans still really enjoy that movie, the sequels have been received less well, especially by critics, but they continue to rake in the dough at the box office. Even though Age of Extinction was a big disappointment, The Last Knight is shaping up to be something that could very well get the franchise back on track. Aside from adding some big time talent like Anthony Hopkins, and bringing back Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson, the early marketing materials are very encouraging. The first poster for The Last Knight, which features Optimus Prime brandishing a sword, charging at several evil robot heads with long necks looks absolutely awesome. If the movie can be half as cool as that poster, we may finally have a good Transformers movie on our hands. Worst case scenario? We still get to see some cool robots blowing stuff up. Transformers: The Last Knight is due out on June 23, 2017.

6 War for the Planet of the Apes - July 14

In 2011, director Rupert Wyatt gave us one of the most unlikely amazing reboots in history with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. It completely washed the bad taste of Tim Burton's remake out of mouths, and then Matt Reeves came in and really stepped things up with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2014. Nothing can ever quite hold a candle to the original Planet of the Apes, but if War for the Planet of the Apes is at least as good as its predecessors, i is going to be very close. The cast has some exciting and interesting new additions in the form of Judy Greer and Steve Zahn, but we all know who we're really excited to see. Andy Serkis is coming back to play Caesar, and that is perhaps one of the most exciting things about 2017 altogether. Many feel that Serkis' work as the character is award worthy. Not just in terms of technical achievement, but his acting chops and performance are staggering and are what make these movies so great. Get ready to watch apes and humans do battle in a big way, when War for the Planet of the Apes comes out on July 14, 2017.

5 Alien: Covenant - August 4

There are very few franchises in the history of sci-fi that are as legendary as Alien. Ridley Scott returned to the franchise after several decades away with the prequel Prometheus in 2012. That movie served as a reasonably big disappointment for many fans, but Scott isn't done yet. Alien: Covenant will pick up the story where Prometheus left off, following the crew of the ship Covenant, who discover a planet where, seemingly, the only inhabitant is the android David, played by Michael Fassbender. The cast for the movie includes Danny McBride, Billy Crudup, Katherine Waterston and Noomi Rapace, who is reprising her role as Elizabeth. The simple fact that this is Ridley Scott directing a movie with the word Alien in the title should be exciting. But everything we are hearing leads us to believe that it will be a step up from Prometheus, and getting to see Xenomorphs on screen again will be a wonderfully terrifying treat. Alien: Covenant is set for release on August 4, 2017.

4 Blade Runner 2 - October 6

Speaking of Ridley Scott, outside of sci-fi franchises, there may be no single sci-fi movie that is viewed more favorably than 1982's Blade Runner. Next year, after 35 years, we will finally be getting a sequel to the iconic sci-fi masterpiece. Sadly, Scott is not directing, but Sicario helmer Denis Villeneuve has taken over, and that should give fans a lot of confidence. Not only that, but Roger Deakins, perhaps the best cinematographer in the business is working on the sequel to Blade Runner. Harrison Ford will indeed be returning as Rick Deckard, and he will be joined by the likes of Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista and Captain Phillips star Barkhad Abdi. Some people may have some hesitations because the movie is being made more than three decades after the original, but this is definitely a better late than never situation. The untitled Blade Runner sequel is set for release on October 6, 2017.

3 Saw: Legacy - October 27

The first Saw will easily go down as one of the greatest horror movies of all-time. As with most great horror movies, there were a lot of sequels. Six to be exact. We would have thought that Saw: The Final Chapter was indeed the final chapter, but that is not the chase. Next year, Jigsaw will be returning in Saw: Legacy, with directors Michael and Peter Spierig at the helm. We don't know much about the plot of the movie, but we can guess that it will involve some people in some really bad situations, having to play messed up games in order to save their lives. Sure, some of us may be burnt out on Saw, but this is a franchise that has the potential to deliver big time, and it is primed with a release date that will make a movie theater the place to be on Halloween next year. Saw: Legacy is set for release on October 27, 2017.

2 Thor: Ragnarok - November 3

Of all the superhero franchises that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Thor movies may be the ones that receive the most lukewarm response. Chris Hemsworth is excellent as the character, but to date, he has worked best as part of the ensemble in the Avengers movies. However, Thor: Ragnarok is shaping up to not only be possibly the best Thor movie to date, but one of the most exciting upcoming superhero movies. Period. Ragnarok features a stellar cast, which includes newcomers Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban and Tessa Thompson. Not only that, but Tom Hiddleston is returning as Loki, and Mark Ruffalo will be joining the team, meaning that we are going to get to see Thor and The Hulk team up. As if that isn't enough, Ragnarok will also, finally be adapting the fan favorite Planet Hulk storyline. Director Taika Waititi has a lot of great material to work with, and this could be one of the most pleasant surprises of 2017. Thor: Ragnarok is set for release on November 3, 2017.

1 Star Wars: Episode VIII - December 15

It is probably appropriate that this list is finishing up with Star Wars Episode VIII, because no matter how exciting any of these other movies are, nothing can trump the power of Star Wars. The Force Awakens left a lot of unanswered questions, but it also successfully reinvigorated our love for the franchise. This follow up has a lot going for it, outside of just being a Star Wars movie. We know we are going to be getting a lot more than just a few seconds of screen time from Luke Skywalker, and we are going to be able to get a lot more familiar with Rey, Finn, Poe and of course, BB-8. Rian Johnson has taken over directing duties for this installment, and that is also very exciting, given that he directed Looper, which is one of the best sci-fi movies of recent memory. Will we get to find out who Rey's parents are? Will we find out who Snoke really is? So many questions, and so much to be excited for. The Force will awaken yet again when Star Wars Episode VIII arrives in theaters on December 15, 2017.

2017 is absolutely loaded down with sequels for every kind of movie fan. Not to mention all of the original movies and movies we don't even know we need to be excited about yet. The point is, if you're a movie fan, be ready to be at the movies an awful lot next year.