2008 was a great year for film as audiences flocked to the cinema in droves to see films like Mamma Mia and The Dark Knight. But will 2009 be even better? With new films from directors Steven Soderbergh, Ron Howard, and Quentin Tarantino, next year looks set to give 2008 a run for its money. Here’s the View London pick of what looks to be the best of the best for 2009 film releases.

Che (Parts 1 and 2)
Steven Soderbergh directs Benicio Del Toro in this biopic of the revolutionary rebel, so long that it’s being released in two parts.The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Brad Pitt stars as a man who ages backwards, directed by Fight Club’s David Fincher.

Friday the 13th
The umpteenth reboot of the Friday the 13th franchise is due to be released in February.

Frost/Nixon
One of the 2009 film releases that was previewed at the London Film Festival, this drama is based on the true story of the post-Watergate Nixon interviews.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
One of the most anticipated 2009 film releases, this was delayed from November 2008. In the sixth part of Harry’s story, he… well, you’ve read the book by now, surely?

He’s Just Not That Into You
The star-studded cast of this chick flick includes Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson and Drew Barrymore.

Inglourious Basterds
Without a doubt one of the most curiously-named 2009 film releases, this is the latest film from Quentin Tarantino.

The Lovely Bones
Based on the best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, The Lovely Bones stars Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon and Atonement’s Saoirse Ronan. Bring tissues.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
A love story for the hipster crowd, starring Juno’s Michael Cera.Rachel Getting Married
Anne Hathaway gets indie with a drama about a dysfunctional wedding.Sherlock Holmes
The famous detective gets a makeover as Robert Downey Jr. With Jude Law and Rachel McAdams, and directed by Guy Ritchie.

Slumdog Millionaire
One of the 2009 film releases from the Brits, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire has already won an award.The Spirit
One for the comic book fans, from pulp favourite Frank Miller.

Star Trek
A film that goes boldly where no man has gone before – into prequel territory.

St Trinians 2
A late 2009 sequel is planned, watch this space!

Terminator: Salvation
Christian Bale takes the reigns as John Connor in the next instalment of the Terminator franchise.

Toy Story 3D
The famous kid-friendly film is set to have a 3D re-release in anticipation of the third film in 2010.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Shia LaBeouf and robot friends return for part two.

Watchmen
Based on the ‘80s cult favourite graphic novel, this film has been a long time in the making.

Where The Wild Things Are
Spike Jonze directs, but will the film be as good as the book?

For more information on the 2009 film releases and other upcoming films, see the links below.