After a horrible box office year, studios will make their last attempt to revive the box office and will release a number of prestige pictures in time for Christmas.

As always a number of holdovers will remain at the box office including "The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies," "Annie," "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tombs" and "the Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1."

Meanwhile, "The Imitation Game" will expand nationwide after three successful weeks and "Wild" will also expand to more theaters after a great opening weekend nationwide.

For children audiences, "Big Hero 6" will continue at the box office as well as "Penguins of Madagascar."

However, for audiences who have already seen these films, a number of different films will open:

Unbroken

One of the most anticipated films of the year is by far Angelina Jolie's second directorial effort. Starring rising star Jack O'Connell, the film tells the story of Olympian Louis Zamperini, who spends a harrowing 47 days in a raft with two fellow crewmen before he's caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. The film is expected to be an awards player but was snubbed at the Golden Globes. Reviews have also not been very good as it has received mixed reception from critics. Latin Post said the film was moving and captivating but lacking in originality. Opening in 3,000 venues, Universal hopes to bank on Jolie's star power and the strong marketing campaign the studio has given it.

Into the Woods

Disney's latest musical tells the story of a witch who tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree. Based on the Stephen Sondheim musical, the film has an all-star cast that includes Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, James Corden and Chris Pine. Directed by Rob Marshall, the film has been getting good reviews but not as good as Marshall's 2002 "Chicago." Opening in 2,200, Disney hopes to get audiences who saw "Les Miserables" back in 2012.

The Gambler

Originally planned for a limited release, Paramount decided on pushing "The Gambler" into wide release. Starring Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Jessica Lange and Brie Larson, the film tells the story of literature professor and gambler Jim Bennett, whose debt causes him to borrow money from his mother and a loan shark. Further complicating his situation is his relationship with one of his students. The film is based on the 1974 film of the same name and was originally positioned as an awards film. However, after its premiere at the AFI film festival, reviews have been mixed. Wahlberg is likely to be the biggest selling point for the film. It is not expected to be a huge hit.

Big Eyes

With "The Interview" no longer being released, the Weinstein Company will take advantage and bring Tim Burton's latest picture into wide release. Nominated for three Golden Globes and starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz, the film tells the story of painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s. Reviews have been positive but it is not the awards contender that most pundits believed. Latin Post wrote, "Tim Burton Tackles Art vs. Commerce In Highly Engrossing Film." The film will definitely appeal to Burton fans and perhaps to family audiences.

American Sniper

Starring Bradley Cooper, the Warner Bros. film tells the story of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, whose pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind. The movie is directed by Clint Eastwood and has scored mixed reviews. However, Cooper has received some of the best reviews of his career and Eastwood has already won the Best Director award at the National Board of Review. Opening in limited release, Warner Bros. should have a moderate, if not excellent, opening.

Selma

Paramount's other release starring David Oyelowo about Martin Luther King is likely to be the art-house hit of the holiday season. Having already been nominated for the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice award, the movie has received rave reviews and is likely to get Oscar nominations. Opening in 19 theaters, Paramount is trying to build hype on the film before expanding it Jan. 9.

Two Days, One Night

IFC Films will release the latest film by Jean Pierre and Luc Dardenne after having been a huge success in the festival circuit. Starring Marion Cotillard, the film tells the story of Sandra, a young Belgian mother, who discovers that her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus, in exchange for her dismissal. As a result, she has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job. The film scored rave reviews and has won numerous awards for Cotillard. However, after having failed to make the shortlist for the Foreign Film Oscars, the movie will struggle at the box office. "Two Days, One Night" will open in one theater and will continue to expand in the next few weeks.

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