There’s plenty to be excited about for future viewings — and listenings — at the movie theater.

A host of enticing movies are set to hit the big screen between now and the end of the year, and many of them are generating buzz for their soundtracks as well as the film itself.

Wes Anderson is one director well-known for his movie’s soundtracks, and he didn’t disappoint with “Moonrise Kingdom.” Quentin Tarantino, another director known selecting fitting songs, is due to release “Django Unchained” this winter.

Here are the movies due out in 2012 that I’m looking forward to watching, and checking out the soundtracks.

 

“The Dark Knight Rises”

Due out July 20

Sure, Christopher Nolan’s caped crusader trilogy isn’t predominantly known for its soundtrack, but Hans Zimmer has provided the perfect music for the hit films. On “Batman Begins” the theme song unfolded and peaked with the story. The music for “The Dark Knight” took a more chilling tone through slightly off-key strings to accompany the Joker’s antics. From initial trailers, it looks like Zimmer is hitting the mark again on the “The Dark Knight Rises.”

 

“Searching for Sugar Man”

Due out July 27

As an IMDB.com addict, this film caught my eye in the upcoming releases. This documentary follows Detroit-born musician known as Rodriguez, who never attained fame in America but became well known in South Africa. The award winning documentary looks to tell a fascinating story of two people looking for the musician they believed committed suicide (he didn’t). Plus, the documentary could shed new light on little-known artist. Don’t expect to find this film in any local theaters, but it’s a good bet to find on Netflix once it’s released.

“The Master”

Due out Nov. 9

Paul Thomas Anderson is following up his best picture-nominated “There Will Be Blood” with another film that could draw some controversy from its religious subject: “The Master.” As intriguing as the film appears, I’m excited for the soundtrack from Jonny Greenwood. Greenwood’s score for “There Will Be Blood” was phenomenal avant-garde orchestra soundtrack, which was largely taken from his “Popcorn Superhet Receiver.” (That made it ineligible for the Academy Awards.) Initial trailers of “The Master” show a more sparse, percussion-based sound, but it definitely fits the mysterious tone of the early trailers.

 

“Skyfall”

Due out Nov. 9

From the legendary theme song to a long list of star-studded title tracks, the James Bond films — and the theme song choices — always get people talking. “Skyfall,” the latest Bond film is rumored to have Adele working on a theme song along with help from famed trumpeter Derek Watkins. Adele is a talented singer, but her voice and style doesn’t necessarily scream Bond film. And, star power doesn’t equal success — remember Madonna’s Bond theme? But don’t count the talented singer out.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”

Due out Dec. 14

Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy featured epic music that helped bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels to life. From the sound of the trailer for “The Hobbit,” the two prequels will rightly follow suit. The trailer features a group of dwarves, hobbits and others singing a low, chilling tune.

 

“Les Misérables”

Due out Dec. 14

The second-longest running musical in the world is headed to the big screen with an All-Star cast of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway. It’ll be intriguing to see how the stars bring this classic play to the big screen. From the sounds of the trailer, Hathaway’s voice has some chops.

 

“The Great Gatsby”

Due out Dec. 25

Here’s where I turn skeptical. The classic novel from Minnesota native F. Scott Fitzgerald is being made into a movie again, but it appears the great novel of the jazz age won’t have a jazz soundtrack. Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of the film looks to blend in modern elements, and the trailer featured modern artists like Kanye West, Jay-Z and Jack White. It’s a bold move, and one that could end up having a significant role in the film’s tone and fell — for good or ill.

 

“Django Unchained”

Due out Dec. 25

Like Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino has a knack for soundtracks. The trailer to his upcoming film, “Django Unchained,” already features ”Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down)” by Johnny Cash and a version of James Brown’s “The Payback.” The choices may not be the first you’d expect, but Tarrentino thrives on unexpected and ironic musical choices. “Flowers on the Wall” by the Satler Brothers was a pleasant surprise in “Pulp Fiction,” as was “Cat People (Putting Out The Fire),” by David Bowie in “Inglorious Basterds.” There are bound to be some pleasant surprises on “Django Unchained.”