Top 20 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023
#20: “Scream VI”
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Release Date: March 10, 2023 [U.S] 2022 saw the return of several horror icons, including the stellar revitalization of Ghostface. The sharp writing and clever twists did Wes Craven proud. The box office results spoke for themselves, and so a follow-up was greenlit almost immediately. In a first for the series, this sequel will be set in New York City and follow the last film’s survivors contending with a new incarnation of the killer. Hayden Panettiere will reprise her role from “Scream 4,” while new cast members include Samara Weaving and Tony Revolori. Sadly, Neve Campbell will not return as Sidney Prescott, reportedly over a pay dispute. But we’re still excited for the next chapter.
#19: “Shazam! Fury of the Gods”
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Release Date: March 17, 2023 [U.S.] With a delightful coming-of-age tale at its core, 2019’s “Shazam!” was a breath of fresh air for the DCEU. “Fury of the Gods” will pick back up on Billy Batson trying to keep his new, superpowered family together while contending with another group of powerful siblings. Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler will play the Daughters of Atlas, who seem pretty annoyed about the abilities of deities being given to children. The sequel looks to bring the same level of charm as the first one, with an equal focus on found family and super heroics.
#18: “Evil Dead Rise”
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Release Date: April 21, 2023 [U.S.] There isn’t a single bad “Evil Dead” movie, so of course, we were thrilled to hear about a new one! While there’s no word yet on how or if it will connect to the original trilogy or the 2013 reboot, we’d be on board regardless. The plot will follow a young woman named Beth visiting her older sister, single mother Ellie. But when they discover the Necronomicon, Ellie’s apartment building will become a feeding ground for the series’ vicious Deadites. Lee Cronin is at the helm as writer/director. And while it was originally set to be an HBO Max release, Warner Bros. made the smart choice to release it in theaters ten years after the last installment.
#17: “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”
Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023
Release Date: November 17, 2023 [U.S.] Soon, it will be time to return to Panem. “The Hunger Games” was one of the more successful young adult adaptations at the peak of Hollywood’s obsession with them. Author Suzanne Collins released a prequel for the series in 2020, so we knew we wouldn’t have to wait long to see it on the big screen. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” focuses on the future President Snow mentoring a Tribute for the 10th Hunger Games. On top of franchise director Francis Lawrence returning, the prequel has an absolutely stacked cast. Relative newcomer Tom Blyth will star as Snow alongside Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, Peter Dinklage, and Viola Davis.
#16: “The Marvels”
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Release Date: July 28, 2023 [U.S.] As the MCU continues to branch further out into space and alternate dimensions, we look forward to seeing how wild and strange things can get. “The Marvels” acts as a sequel to 2019’s “Captain Marvel,” as well as “WandaVision” and “Ms. Marvel.” It will bring together Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan as their powers begin causing them all to swap places. “Candyman” reboot director Nia DaCosta will direct a script written by “WandaVision” scribe Megan McDonnell. Though we don’t know much else about the plot, which also sees the return of Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, the base premise and our love for the MCU are enough to get us excited.
#15: “Disappointment Blvd.”
Release Date: TBA 2023 With more focus on franchises than any other point in cinema history, it can be tough for original voices to stand out. But not for Ari Aster. The writer/director made everyone take notice with his debut, 2018’s “Hereditary,” garnering him significant recognition. He followed it up with 2019’s “Midsommar,” securing his place as one of the strongest modern Horror filmmakers. We have faith that “Disappointment Blvd.” will bring the same level of quality. It has a great cast attached, including Joaquin Phoenix, Nathan Lane, and Amy Ryan. Not much is known about the premise, just that it will chronicle the life of a successful entrepreneur.
#14: “Wonka”
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Release Date: December 15, 2023 [U.S.] It’s hard to say if anything will ever top the Gene Wilder-led classic, but we’re certainly willing to see another interpretation. “Wonka” will tell the origin of the iconic and theatrical chocolatier, long before he opened his beloved factory. Timothée Chalamet will star as Wonka, securing another big role for the popular actor. Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, and Sally Hawkins appear in supporting roles. For anyone on the fence about another Wonka retread, the talent behind the camera is just as exciting as the cast. It’s another collaboration between “Harry Potter” production studio Heyday Films and director Paul King, the same team behind both “Paddington” movies.
#13: “The Flash”
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Release Date: June 16, 2023 [U.S.] “The Flash” has had a long, arduous production. In addition to the overall mixed reception of the DCEU, it’s been delayed multiple times due to director exits and the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of that is star Ezra Miller’s very public criminal charges. There’s plenty still to be excited about, such as the “Flashpoint”-inspired plotline that sees the return of both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton’s Batman. Director Andy Muschietti established himself as a skilled filmmaker with his “It” duology, and he’s working with a script from “Bumblebee” and “Birds of Prey” writer Christina Hodson. It seems “The Flash” will be a vital piece to the franchise.
#12: “Fast X”
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Release Date: May 19, 2023 [U.S.] Everything comes to an end, even “The Fast and the Furious.” The tenth main entry will be the first of a two-part finale. While plot details haven’t been revealed, we can presume it will deal with the fallout of “F9,” which saw villain Cipher escape. In addition to the main cast returning, newcomers Brie Larson, Daniela Melchior, and Jason Momoa will bring more star power to the storied series. While longtime director Justin Lin’s exit gave us worry, replacement Louis Leterrier is no stranger to bombastic action. The main selling point of “The Fact and the Furious” is its impressive stunt work, which has consistently wowed audiences. Here’s hoping “Fast X” continues the tradition.
#11: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
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Release Date: May 5, 2023 [U.S.] No one could’ve guessed how popular the Guardians would become. But James Gunn’s writing and direction paired with pitch-perfect casting to give us one of the strongest franchises within the grander MCU. “Vol. 3” is set to be Gunn’s last, as well as the final movie featuring this particular team line-up. Like the majority of the MCU, plot details are being kept under wraps. But we do know it will tie in with the team’s Disney+ holiday special and finally see the outcome of the previous movie’s Adam Warlock tease. New cast members include Will Poulter as Warlock and “Peacemaker” star Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary.
#10: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
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Release Date: June 30, 2023 [U.S.] While “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” definitely rubbed some fans the wrong way, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be excited about a new Indy adventure. The upcoming fifth installment will be the last time Harrison Ford plays the character and the last film in general for composer John Williams. We know we won’t be the only ones getting emotional in the theater. For the first time in the series, Steven Spielberg won’t be directing. Instead, “Logan” and “Walk the Line” director James Mangold is taking over. Ford will be joined by John Rhys-Davies, reprising his role as Sallah, as well as Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, and Mads Mikkelsen.
#9: “The Little Mermaid”
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Release Date: May 26, 2023 [U.S.] Live-action Disney remakes are hit or miss, but we believe that “The Little Mermaid” will be one of the former. For one, lead Halle Bailey has an incredible voice. For another, there are a whoooole lot of other talented artists attached. Director Rob Marshall has worked with Disney several times, most recently on 2018’s “Mary Poppins Returns.” Composer and songwriter Alan Menken, who won two Oscars for the 1989 original, is returning to score and co-write new songs with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Then there’s the rest of the cast, which includes Javier Bardem as King Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
#8: “Creed III”
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Release Date: March 3, 2023 [U.S.] A spin-off becoming as popular as the original series is almost unheard of. It’s that reason, and several others, that has us so excited for “Creed III.” Set five years after the second one, we’ll pick back up on Adonis Creed at a professional and personal high. But when a childhood friend threatens that, Creed will be forced to go on the defensive. The movie serves as star Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, and we’re eager to see how his talent translates behind the camera. It should also give Jonathan Majors another meaty role to tackle as he continues to rise.
#7: “Barbie”
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Release Date: July 21, 2023 [U.S.] Greta Gerwig’s work behind the camera has managed to surpass her on-screen work. And if you’ve seen her act, you know that’s saying a lot. Her first two films as a director, 2017’s “Lady Bird” and 2019’s “Little Women,” were incredibly strong. Written by Gerwig and partner/collaborator Noah Baumbach, 2023’s “Barbie” could be her best yet. It stars Margot Robbie as the iconic doll, though in a twist, she’s reportedly kicked out of her world and into ours for not fitting in. The high concept and Gerwig’s reputation are enough to have us extremely interested. But it also stars Ryan Gosling as Ken, as well as Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, and many others, though it’ll have some competition…
#6: “Oppenheimer”
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Release Date: July 21, 2023 [U.S.] Releasing the same day as Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” is the next juggernaut from Christopher Nolan. Honestly, any movie from Nolan could get us excited. While it won’t be his first nonfiction film, it will be his first biopic. It will follow J. Robert Oppenheimer’s work during WWII, where he’d become known as the father of the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy stars in the lead role alongside Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., and Matt Damon. Even in his missteps, Christopher Nolan is one of the most unique blockbuster filmmakers currently working, with his movies being justifiable reasons to pay the extra dough for IMAX. We have no doubt “Oppenheimer” will be the same.
#5: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”
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Release Date: February 17, 2023 [U.S.] The Quantum Realm has become increasingly more important to the MCU, making the “Ant-Man” series a must-see. With “Quantumania,” it will be even more so. The third entry will formally introduce audiences to the real Kang the Conqueror after he was teased in “Loki.” As we said, Jonathan Majors is a very promising actor we’re thrilled to see take on larger roles. And if the comics are anything to go by, Kang will be a formidable big bad for Scott and his allies. It seems the majority of “Quantumania” will be set in the miniature dimension, offering unique visuals. Plus, who doesn’t love Paul Rudd!? We rest our case.
#4: “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
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Release Date: July 14, 2023 [U.S.] It’s honestly incredible how the “Mission: Impossible” series manages to top itself time and time again. Every entry sees Tom Cruise pull off the most insane and terrifying thing he can think of, all for our entertainment. And we’ve never gotten sick of it. While the trailer doesn’t give much away about the threat Ethan Hunt is facing this time around, the film will be the first in a two-part goodbye to the character. In addition to the usual cast returning, Hayley Atwell, Cary Elwes, Shea Whigham, and Pom Klementieff are joining in on the action. “Mission: Impossible” is peak action cinema that always delivers on adrenaline, and we’ll be among those on the edge of our seats.
#3: “Dune: Part Two”
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Release Date: November 3, 2023 [U.S.] Like Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve could make anything and we’d pay the ticket price. It just so happens that his next film is a sequel to the impressive, world-rich “Dune.” Though there was some concern over if a sequel would be made, we’re extremely grateful “Dune” did well enough so Villeneuve could finish his vision of Frank Herbert’s beloved novel. The first movie was such a great realization of Herbert’s world, populated by a large, spectacular cast. They’ll be joined by Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, and Florence Pugh, who continues to dominate any role that comes her way. We can only hope it leads to Villeneuve adapting Herbert’s other books.
#2: “John Wick: Chapter 4”
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Release Date: March 24, 2023 [U.S.] “John Wick” kicked off the Keanu Reeves renaissance we’re all lucky enough to find ourselves in. Unfortunately, “Chapter 4” was delayed twice; once due to Covid-19 and again so it wouldn’t go up against “Top Gun: Maverick.” It will finally release this year, and many of us are counting down the days. The series is full of tense action, dastardly evil-doers, and a slick style that most modern action flicks can’t touch. The next installment will see Wick go up against a powerful and influential new foe, played by Pennywise himself, Bill Skarsgård. However, we’re also ecstatic to see martial arts legends Hiroyuki Sanada and Donnie Yen join the franchise. These action scenes are about to be brutal.
#1: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
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Release Date: June 2, 2023 [U.S.] “Into the Spider-Verse” is one of the best superhero movies, and one of the best animated movies, to release in years. Miles Morales was incredibly sympathetic, the writing balanced heart with adventure, and the animation was genuinely stunning. So you can imagine our excitement when we heard it was getting not one, but two sequels. The first will see Miles visit various worlds across the multiverse. Oscar Isaac’s Spider-Man 2099, teased during the credits of the first film, will have a much larger role. New cast members include Daniel Kaluuya as Spider-Punk, Issa Rae as Jessica Drew, and Jason Schwartzman as the villain Spot. It has some big shoes to fill, but we have faith it’ll be another stellar adventure.
