32 Movies to Anticipate in 2023

The year 2023 is bringing us a lot of exciting new films, sequels and franchises that we've been anticipating; there's no shortage of movies for the new year! From horror to superhero, this list has something for everyone. Are you excited for all the amazing movies set to be released in 2023?  Here is what you can look forward to watching:

We couldn’t limit ourselves to 23 movies in 2023 so we went with 32! 

M3gan (January 6 2023):
Gemma, a skilled toy maker, crafts a sophisticated and lifelike doll named M3gan to protect her niece from harm. However, M3gan takes her role as protector to a dangerous and terrifying level in this horror film.

Teen Wolf: The Movie (January 26, 2023):
The Movie is an upcoming American supernatural thriller teen drama film directed by Russell Mulcahy and written by Jeff Davis. The film is a continuation of the MTV series Teen Wolf and features most of the cast reprising their roles, including Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden, Colton Haynes, Shelley Hennig, Dylan Sprayberry, Linden Ashby, Melissa Ponzio, and JR Bourne. It follows werewolf Scott McCall (Posey) as he protects his California town from a new threat. The film is scheduled to be released on Paramount+ on January 26, 2023. It will also serve as a starting point for an upcoming unrelated television series, Wolf Pack, based on a novel by Edo van Belkom.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (February 17 2023):
The wait is over! Paul Rudd and the gang are back for another epic installment of the beloved franchise. And this time, they're bringing some big names along for the ride. Jonathan Majors will join the cast as the infamous supervillain Kang the Conqueror, and the one and only Bill Murray will also make an appearance. Get ready for even more excitement, laughs, and action in this highly anticipated third installment of Ant-Man. It's sure to be a wild ride! Fingers crossed, we don't get another pushback.

Creed III (March 3 2023):
Get ready for the highly anticipated return of Creed! Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut with the third installment of the Rocky spin-off franchise, starring Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky's former rival-turned-friend Apollo Creed. With an all-star cast including Jonathan Majors as Adonis's opponent, Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad reprise their role as Girlfriend and mother, respectively. This film is sure to be a knockout, but the direction the movie will take is yet to be known. Take advantage of the action - mark your calendars for the release of Creed III.

Scream VI (March 10 2023):
Are you ready for more screams and thrills? The sequel to the hit film Scream is here, and it's sure to send shivers down your spine! Hayden Panettiere returns as Kirby Reed, but unfortunately, Neve Campbell will not join the cast this time. Follow the exciting adventures of sisters Sam and Tara and their friends as they try to survive a terrifying encounter with Ghostface in the bustling city of New York. Take advantage of the heart-pumping action and suspense in this highly-anticipated sequel.

Shazam: Fury of The Gods (March 17 2023):
Get ready for a superpowered family reunion! Zachary Levi's Shazam is back and bringing along his teenage alter ego Billy Batson (played by Asher Angel), and his super-sibling squad. But when they thought it was safe to let their guard down, two new villains crash the party: Kalypso (played by Lucy Liu) and Hespera (played by Helen Mirren). These baddies are the daughters of Atlas, and they mean business. Can Shazam and his super-siblings team up and take them down? Find out when you watch there's a lot to anticipate in this epic showdown in this sequel.

John Wick: Chapter IV (March 24 2023) :
The highly anticipated fourth installment of the John Wick franchise, directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves, is set to release in 2023 after a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While details about the film are scarce, it is known that John Wick will be in a war with the High Table and may be assumed dead by them. Stahelski has also hinted that the ending may not be happy for the main character.

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor among Thieves (March 31 2023):
The popular role-playing game has received a new version, directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein and featuring an ensemble cast including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, and Regé-Jean Page. The cast also includes a breakout star from the series Bridgerton, and we anticipate what the movie will turn out to be.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (April 7 2023):
Get ready for a fun and wild ride with the iconic Nintendo characters you know and love brought to life on the big screen! Chris Meledandri of Illumination (the studio behind "Despicable Me") and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto are teaming up to bring the beloved "Super Mario Bros." video game series to life. Chris Pratt will lend his voice to the lovable plumber, Mario, while Keegan-Michael Key will bring the always-optimistic Toad to life. Anya Taylor-Joy will play the regal Princess Peach, and Jack Black and Seth Rogen will bring Bowser and Donkey Kong to life, respectively. Charlie Day rounds out the cast as the lovable Luigi. It's sure to be a hilarious and action-packed adventure that fans won't want to miss!

Evil Dead Rise (April 21 2023):
The Evil Dead franchise's fifth film, initially set to be released on HBO Max in Fall 2022, will now hit theatres in Spring 2023. It is still being determined if the movie will be connected to the previous installments or stand-alone, but it will follow the story of two sisters whose reunion is disrupted by the discovery of a book that summons demons.

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 (May 5 2023):
Get ready for an exciting and hilarious adventure with the latest installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise! Directed by James Gunn, this film features the charming Chris Pratt and a talented cast of actors. Will Poulter joins the team as Adam Warlock; a character teased in the previous film. This movie is sure to be a hit with its mix of comedy and action. Take advantage of this highly anticipated film - check it out when it hits theatres!

Fast and Furious X (May 19 2023):
Hold onto your seats because the first part of the tenth installment of the most thrilling and high-energy franchise is here! This is only the beginning - part two, rumoured to be the final installment in the series, is set to release in 2024. While the plot is closely guarded, we know that Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and the rest of the crew will be returning and bringing their A-game. It’ll be interesting to see where this goes as this would be the last two movies where the Fast Family will be on our screens.

The Little Mermaid (May 26 2023):
We get a deep dive into a magical world of adventure and romance with the live-action adaptation of Disney's "The Little Mermaid". This highly anticipated film boasts an incredible cast, including Melissa McCarthy as the sinister Ursula, Awkwafina as the quirky Scuttle, and Javier Bardem as the regal King Triton. Plus, the film features new tunes co-written by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the talented Halle Bailey brings the iconic character of Ariel to life. We love to see this representation on our screens and can't wait for its release.

Spider-man: Across the Spider-verse (June 2 2023):
The highly-anticipated Across the Spider-Verse is set to release in 2023, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The Oscar-winning animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, was a massive hit, and this sequel is sure to be just as impressive. Shameik Moore returns as the voice of Miles Morales, joined by Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy and Oscar Isaac as Miguel O'Hara (aka Spider-Man 2099). Issa Rae will also lend her voice to the film as Jessica Drew (aka Spider-Woman), and we'll likely see Jake Johnson's Peter Parker return. While the first trailer didn't give us much insight into the film's actual plot, it revealed a host of new Spider characters that Miles will encounter on his journey. Get ready for a web-slinging, action-packed adventure like no other!

Transformers: Rise Of The Beast (June 9 2023):
The Transformers series goes back further in time from the 1980s setting of Bumblebee, taking viewers to the mid-1990s. The film follows two archaeologists who become embroiled in a battle between rival factions of Transformers. It is loosely based on the Beast Wars storyline and directed by Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II). The cast includes Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime and actors Ron Perlman, Anthony Ramos, and Dominique Fishback.

Elemental (June 16 2023):
In Pixar's newest animated film, the elements of nature come to life in the bustling city of Element. Ember, a fiery woman, and Wade, a laid-back man, discover that they are unable to touch due to their elemental differences. As they seek ways to connect, they navigate the complexities of love and relationships in this romantic comedy fantasy.

The Flash (June 23 2023):
DC's upcoming film is reportedly set to feature the concept of multi-verses, which are expected to be popular in 2022. The plot and details of the film are currently unknown, but Michael Keaton's casting as Bruce Wayne has sparked speculation that the film may follow the "Flashpoint" storyline from the comics, potentially involving crossover elements. I am still upset that Ezra Miller is playing Barry Allen and not Grant Gustin, who Is my favourite Flash, but it's interesting to see if DC redeems itself after the chaos of 2022.

Indiana Jones 5: The Dail Of Destiny (June 30 2023):
James Mangold, known for directing "Walk the Line," is leading the production of a new Indiana Jones film. This will be the first time someone other than Steven Spielberg has directed an Indiana Jones movie. The cast includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Antonio Banderas, and Harrison Ford. This film is a follow-up to the 2008 release of "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One (July 14 2023):
It's interesting to see a long-running film franchise like Mission: Impossible continue to be successful over such a long period. Tom Cruise's dedication to his role as Ethan Hunt and the talented cast and crew behind the films have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the series. It's also exciting to see new actors join the cast and bring fresh energy to the series. Understandably, the release of the latest film had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's great to know that it's still in the works and will be released in the future.

Oppenheimer (July 21st 2023):
J. Robert Oppenheimer was a physicist and theoretical physicist known as one of the fathers of the atomic bomb. He played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project, a top-secret research project during World War II that developed the first nuclear weapons. Oppenheimer is a significant figure in the history of physics, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on science and technology. Christopher Nolan Directing this film will be pivotal to its success given the onus of the person being depicted in this biopic; it stars Cillian Murphy in the titular role, as well as Emily Blunt and Matt Damon. Like virtually all of Nolan's films, the IMAX-shot pic should be taken on the biggest screen possible.

Barbie (July 21 2023):
Director Greta Gerwig, known for her successful adaptation of Little Women, has created a new film co-written with Noah Baumbach. It tells the story of the world-famous doll Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) as she is exiled from Barbieland and introduced to the real world. We get to see all the ins and outs of Barbie and, by extension, Ken's life in this movie.

The Marvels (July 28 2023):
Marvel Studios has planned to release five films in 2023, including a sequel to Captain Marvel directed by Nia DaCosta and starring Brie Larson as Carol Danvers. This film will also introduce Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel, following the premiere of her own Disney+ series in 2022. We see the entire Marvel family in all their glory.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (August 4 2023):
We're back with the Boys for this installment of TMNT; the next film in the "Out of the Shadows" franchise will be a CGI production made by Point Grey Pictures and released on August 4, 2023. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and James Weaver will serve as producers, with Jeff Rowe as director and Brendan O'Brien writing the screenplay. In addition, Paramount announced on February 14, 2022, that a series of short films focused on the villains of this continuity would be released on Paramount+. Initially, this film was going to be a live-action reboot by Paramount Pictures and Platinum Dunes but plans changed in June 2020.

Blue Beetle (August 18 2023):
Initially intended for release exclusively on the HBO Max streaming platform, Blue Beetle was eventually transformed into a theatrical film after Warner Bros. changed its plans. The DC superhero movie will be directed by Angel Manuel Soto and feature Xolo Maridueña, known for his role in the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai, in the lead role. This is a new introduction to the DCEU movie universe, as this character is most notable for its comics.

The Equalizer 3 (September 1 2023):
Denzel Washington is Back on Our Screens with this sequel, The Equalizer films, by their very nature, are episodic, with each new installment picking up a new case for McCall to solve. We have no specific ideas on the plot, but there will be high action as with all the ones before.

The Nun 2 (September 8 2023):
The Conjuring film series is expanding with a sequel to The Nun, a horror film released in 2018 featuring Taissa Farmiga as a nun who encounters a demon. The new movie is set four years later and follows Sister Irene, played by Farmiga, as she encounters the same demon after a priest is murdered. Bonnie Aarons, who played the demon Valak in the previous film, is the only actor currently confirmed for the sequel. It is still being determined if Farmiga will return to the franchise.

Kraven The Hunter (October 6 2023):
The classic Spider-Man villain originally planned to appear in the Andrew Garfield Spider-Man franchise before Sony discontinued it will finally make its big screen debut. The film will be directed by J.C. Chandor, known for "All Is Lost" and "Triple Frontier", and will star Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the villainous character. Taylor-Johnson previously played Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Dune Part Two (November 3 2023):
Despite the uncertain release of the first installment on HBO Max, Dune: Part Two has been confirmed and will continue to adapt the remaining content from Frank Herbert's 1965 novel. The film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve and will be released exclusively in theatres.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (November 17 2023):
The upcoming film "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a prequel to the "Hunger Games" series, directed by Francis Lawrence and based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. The story follows a young Coriolanus Snow, initially portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the "Hunger Games" films, as he becomes a mentor in the Hunger Games and plays a pivotal role in the events leading up to the first Hunger Games. The film is set to be released in theatres on May 20, 2022.

Wonka (December 15 2023):
In this origin story, Timothée Chalamet plays a young Willy Wonka and is joined by an all-star cast including Olivia Colman, Sally Hawkins, Keegan Michael-Key, and Rowan Atkinson. Directed by Paul King, known for his critically acclaimed Paddington films, this film follows Wonka as he meets the Oompa-Loompas and becomes a chocolatier. We basically see the life of Wonka before the Empire is built.

Star Trek 4 (December 22 2023):
The long-awaited Star Trek movie is finally in view; the fourth movie was confirmed in February 2022, with JJ Abrams returning to produce and the original cast back on board. That turned out to be premature as the cast was as surprised by the announcement as the rest of us, but we're still anticipating the release, so we'd have to see if it gets pushed back.

Aquaman (December 25 2023):
James Wan directs this new installment in the world of Atlantis and the DC superhero Aquaman (played by Jason Momoa). The film also features Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta. At this time, no further details about the plot have been released.

The Expendables 4 (TBD):
The fourth installment in the "The Expendables" franchise and a sequel to "The Expendables 3" (2014). The film is directed by Scott Waugh, with a script co-written by Spenser Cohen and Max Adams, based on an original story by Cohen. It features an ensemble cast, including Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, and Sylvester Stallone, reprising their roles from previous films, as well as new cast members such as Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Megan Fox, Andy García, Tony Jaa, Jacob Scipio, Iko Uwais, and Levy Tran. The film is produced by Statham, Avi Lerner, Les Weldon, Yariv Lerner, and Kevin King. No release date has been announced yet.

About the Author: Oluwatobi Omotoso is a writer, content creator, Social Media Manager, and marketing strategist. She's an avid treehugger and lover of all things sci-fi. She has been compared to the Joker in personality tests, and her friends lovingly call her a Megalomaniac.

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