Movies That Will Blow Everyone Away In 2023
Every year is packed with big movies now, whether we're talking about the continuations of major franchises, the launch of new ones, or big-budget spectacles that just seem primed to grab our attention no matter what the subject matter. In that regard, 2023 is no different. In fact, it might be one of the biggest years for blockbuster movies we've ever seen.
We've got sci-fi epics, horror sequels, and more Spider-Man-related movies than you could possibly believe. In other words, it's going to be a memorable year for cinema. But which films are most primed to really knock you through the back wall of the theater in 2023, and when exactly will you get to see them? Well, we're here to help you find the best and the biggest that the year has to offer. From a villain's origin story to holiday season blockbusters, these are the movies that will blow you away in 2023.
Updated on June 2, 2023: From spy flicks to superhero films, 2023 is going to be packed with a ton of cinematic goodness. Be sure to check back here regularly as we update this list with casting developments, release date changes, and exciting new projects.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - June 9, 2023
The "Transformers" movie franchise just keeps ... well, transforming. More than a decade after director Michael Bay launched the live-action adaptations of the world's favorite robots in disguise, the Autobots and Decepticons keep finding new ways to make it back to the big screen. In 2023, they'll do it for the seventh time, and this time, they'll be joined by the Maximals.
In June of 2021, Paramount Pictures revealed that the next Transformers film would be "Rise of the Beasts," a '90-set story that will introduce elements of the popular "Beast Wars" storyline from the toys, comics, and TV series into the film franchise. This time around, we'll head to Brooklyn, where Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen, back again) will encounter humans — including "In the Heights" star Anthony Ramos and "Swarm's" Dominique Fishback — and face the vicious Terrorcons and the planet-devouring Unicron.
But the Autobots won't be alone in the fight. They'll have the Maximals — transforming robots who become animals — along for the ride for the first time, including Ron Perlman as Optimus Primal and Michelle Yeoh as Airazor. Pete Davidson will show up to voice the Autobot Mirage, and we'll also hear the vocal talents of Peter Dinklage as Terrorcon leader Scourge and Colman Domingo as Unicron. The film's first trailer arrived in the spring of 2023 and promised a whole new frontier of "Transformers" action, including exploring the lore of the Maximals and why they've been in hiding for so long.
"Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" hits theaters June 9, 2023
Asteroid City - June 16, 2023
Wes Anderson films exist in a universe unlike any other. These stories take place in brightly colored, symmetrical, endlessly quirky worlds full of characters and places springing straight from the imagination of one of our best-known auteurs. But even by Anderson's standards, "Asteroid City" feels particularly ambitious.
Set in the fictional desert town of the same name, "Asteroid City" follows a group of people encompassing a class of "junior stargazers" and the various adults in their lives. They convene to celebrate the asteroid that gave the city its name, and to search the stars for new discoveries. What they don't count on, of course, is that an alien visitor is lurking in the skies above Asteroid City, and its presence is about to shake up all of their lives.
The first trailer for the film, which arrived in late March, showcases glimpses of that alien visitor, as well as Anderson's take on desert vistas, telescope parties, and government agents swooping down on a small town in search of clues. It's all wonderful to look at, and that's before you factor in the cast, which features Anderson regulars like Jason Schwartzman and Jeffrey Wright, as well as newcomers like Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and Scarlett Johansson. "Asteroid City" flies into theaters June 16, 2023.
Elemental - June 16, 2023
Any time we get a new original Pixar film, it's worth celebrating, and the animation powerhouse will deliver exactly that in 2023 with a new twist on certain familiar Pixar themes.
Directed by "The Good Dinosaur" helmer Peter Sohn, "Elemental" will take us to a city where beings who embody four major elements — water, fire, land, and air – live together in what's sure to be yet another elaborate new societal system in the vein of "Monsters, Inc." and "Soul." Within that world, we'll meet Ember (Leah Lewis) and Wade (Mamoudou Athie), two elementals with very different world views. Ember's a fire person, which means she's ... well, fiery, while Wade is a "go with the flow" water guy. They're an unlikely pair, but in true Pixar fashion, they're about to discover that there's a lot more common ground there than they might have imagined.
While the cast of "Elemental" is mainly comprised of unknown actors or up-and-coming stars, it will feature the vocal stylings of Catherine O'Hara, best known for her work in projects like "Beetlejuice," "Home Alone," and "Schitt's Creek." "Elemental" has all the makings of another major Pixar adventure with lots of new worldbuilding, comedy, and heart to embrace. We'll get the whole story when "Elemental" hits theaters June 16, 2023.
Extraction 2 - June 16, 2023
Back in the spring of 2020, as the world retreated indoors, "Extraction" became a most welcome action movie comfort. With a cast led by Chris Hemsworth, a story from "Avengers: Endgame" helmers Joe and Anthony Russo, and loads of stunt work directed by Sam Hargrave, it proved to be a major hit for the streamer. Now, the whole gang is getting back together for another epic mission.
"Extraction 2" will reunite Hemsworth — in the role of mercenary Tyler Rake — with the Russo brothers, as Joe Russo once again scripts the film from a story idea he generated alongside Anthony. Hargrave is also back in the director's chair, and Golshifteh Farahani will return as Tyler's partner, Nik Khan. The plot of the upcoming sequel will involve Rake heading over to Eastern Europe, where he'll have to rescue a Georgian gangster's family from a snowy prison. The film's first teaser, released in April 2023, shows off a prison riot which Tyler has to navigate in brutal fashion, all while reliving the trauma of his past. We also know the film will feature a 14-minute one-take action scene, which reportedly might have something to do with a helicopter.
Now, at some point after the last film, Rake was clinically dead. What drove him to come back for one more mission? We'll find out soon enough. "Extraction 2" arrives June 16, 2023, on Netflix.
The Flash - June 16, 2023
A version of "The Flash" has been in the works for over a decade at this point, enough time for the character to get a whole different life in the form of a TV series on The CW. The long-awaited DC Comics film starring Ezra Miller will finally land in 2023.
We've long suspected that the film would borrow from the DC Comics "Flashpoint" storyline, but it wasn't until the full trailer for the film dropped during the 2023 Super Bowl that we got confirmation of what's to come. In the trailer, Barry Allen uses his Flash powers to hop timelines and find the reality in which his beloved mother doesn't die. Desperate to save her no matter what, Barry accidentally breaks time and space, unleashing chaos that restores Superman's old enemy Zod (Michael Shannon) to his full conquering force. With the multiverse in peril, Barry must work with one of his alternate selves, two different Batmen (Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck), and a new big-screen Supergirl (Sasha Calle) to save everything.
We'll find out if the wait was worth it when "The Flash" hits theaters June 16, 2023.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - June 30, 2023
It's been 15 years since "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," but everyone's favorite adventuring archaeologist is back to crack the whip one last time with the still-untitled fifth film in the long-running action franchise.
"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" will return Harrison Ford to the title role for what looks to be the final time in his illustrious career, but the crew surrounding him will be very different this time out. Director Steven Spielberg has stepped aside in favor of "Logan" helmer James Mangold, and the supporting cast includes franchise newcomers like Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Thomas Kretschmann, and Mads Mikkelsen as the film's big bad guy. Spielberg and longtime "Indy" producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy are still involved on the production side, and Johns Rhys-Davies is set to return in front of the camera as Indy's long-suffering ally, Sallah (via CBR.com).
As for the plot, Empire has reported that this time around Indy will be adventuring in the midst of the great Space Race of the 1960s, at a time when the U.S. government was more than happy to recruit German scientists to build their rockets despite past ties to Adolf Hitler. Of course, at least one of those ex-Nazis working for NASA still has his own ideas about how the world should work, and he's planning to push those ideas through no matter what. This all revolves around the titular Dial of Destiny, and Indy is determined to get the artifact before Mikkelsen's Nazi can use it to correct Hitler's "mistakes." Of course, Indy's goddaughter (Waller-Bridge) is making things difficult as she seems to have an agenda of her own.
"Indiana Jones 5" is in theaters June 30, 2023.
Insidious: The Red Door - July 7, 2023
The next installment in the supernatural horror-driven "Insidious" franchise arrives in the summer of 2023. Its story promises to return to the family that started it all, and reveal that their nightmare is not over.
Marking the directorial debut of "Insidious" star Patrick Wilson, "Insidious: The Red Door" follows Josh (Wilson) and Renai (Rose Byrne) Lambert as they prepare to drop their son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) off at college, 10 years after he was almost taken by the dark realm known as the Further. But the Further isn't done with Dalton, even if their family has done their best to erase all memory of their supernatural nightmares. As something dark closes in on the young man, he and his father will face a new battle with some old demons, and they'll have to do their best to remember how they survived the first time. According to "Red Door's" first trailer, it won't be easy, as the Lambert family will be up against some familiar supernatural forces, as well as some brand-new threats from the Further.
The film was first announced back in 2020 as a direct sequel to "Insidious: Chapter 2," and features a story devised by original "Insidious" writer Leigh Whannell. The film was originally teased with the title "Insidious: Fear the Dark," but in March 2023, it was revealed that the film will actually be subtitled "The Red Door," a reference to the infamous gateways to the Further. In addition to the three primary players, you can expect to see the return of Lin Shaye as psychic Elise Rainier, as well as Hiam Abbass, Peter Dager, Sinclair Daniel, and Jarquez McClendon. "Insidious: The Red Door" is in theaters July 7, 2023.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One - July 12, 2023
The "Mission: Impossible" films have defied the odds by being a franchise that seems to get bigger and better with each installment. Tom Cruise first played Ethan Hunt way back in 1996, and since then, he's worked with various filmmaking legends to build the character into a kind of superhero, taking on increasingly daring missions and real-life stunts along the way. Now, we're about to get the biggest "Mission" story yet.
The long-developing seventh film in the series will once again team Cruise with director Christopher McQuarrie, the mastermind behind the previous two installments in the series. Franchise mainstays Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, and Simon Pegg will be along for the ride, along with newcomers like Hayley Atwell and Pom Klementieff. As for the mission, we know that it will involve the return of Ethan Hunt's old boss, Eugene Kittredge (Henry Czerny), who hasn't been seen since the first film, and that it'll feature Hunt on a mission that will tackle a global conspiracy to define the very nature of truth in the public eye.
In 2022, Cruise revealed that the film is subtitled "Dead Reckoning Part One," setting up a two-part adventure that will continue in 2024 with what may well be the final installment in the entire franchise.
"Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One" finally arrives July 12, 2023.
How Do You Live? - July 14, 2023
Legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki's "How Do You Live?" could be his final feature film. If so, it promises to be a touching parting message to the world about life, creativity, and his own final years.
We still don't know that much about "How Do You Live?," which is rooted in the 1937 Yoshino Genzaburo novel of the same name. We do know, however, that it will not be a straightforward adaptation of Genzaburo's tome. When he announced work on the film, Miyazaki said that the story will focus on a protagonist who, like Miyazaki himself, derives deep meaning from the novel's story of spiritual growth (via Anime News Network).
Beyond that, we still know very little. When we'll actually get to see the film in theaters outside of Japan remains a mystery. But seeing Miyazaki's name on a project is reason enough to be excited. It's his first feature since "The Wind Rises," which hit theaters in 2013, and probably his curtain call as one of our finest artists. "How Do You Live" opens in Japan on July 14, 2023.
Barbie - July 21, 2023
In the race of the internet's most-talked-about upcoming movie, "Barbie" seems to be taking an early lead in building up buzz for its 2023 release. The talent behind the film made it an interesting prospect from the beginning, as Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig ("Lady Bird," "Little Women") stepped up to direct and co-write the film alongside her partner and fellow Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach ("Marriage Story"). Then, Margot Robbie joined the film in the title role, followed by Ryan Gosling as Barbie's beau, Ken, and things really picked up.
Though the first trailers for the film didn't tell us much about the plot, a major trailer release in late May of 2023 shed new light on what we can expect in "Barbie." Basically, Barbie's world is getting a little strange. She's noticing things she didn't notice before, thinking about things that never occurred to her, and worst of all, her feet are going flat. So, what's a girl to do? Well, take Ken and head to the real world, of course, setting up a clash between reality and fantasy that looks like a metafictional journey into surprisingly emotional comedy. We'll find out more when the film hits theaters July 21, 2023, bringing along a cast of huge names like Simu Liu, Issa Rae, Michael Cera, John Cena, Dua Lipa, Will Ferrell, and America Ferrera.
Oppenheimer - July 21, 2023
Christopher Nolan films are events unto themselves at this point in the director's career, as Nolan uses every ounce of clout he won through Batman blockbusters to make grand-scale films that he might not otherwise get the chance to tackle.
In September 2021, Nolan revealed that his next project would be "Oppenheimer," a film about legendary scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his work creating the first atomic bomb. Over the next year, the film slowly built up an increasingly impressive, and increasingly massive, cast of all-star actors. Cillian Murphy, who's worked with Nolan on the "Dark Knight" trilogy and "Inception," will play the title character during his years in the Manhattan Project, while the film's supporting cast will include Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, Benny Safdie, Josh Hartnett, Dane DeHaan, Jack Quaid, Matthew Modine, Alden Ehrenreich, Kenneth Branagh, David Dastmalchian, Jason Clarke, and many, many more.
It's a truly epic undertaking by one of America's most revered filmmakers, and it'll be really interesting to finally see footage that previews how Nolan hopes to build the story of a man who created the world's most devastating instrument of death. "Oppenheimer" hits theaters July 21, 2023.
They Cloned Tyrone - July 21, 2023
Easily one of the year's most visually distinctive films, "They Cloned Tyrone" has all the makings of an unforgettable comedy-thriller with a strange premise, a great cast, and a style all its own. The film stars John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx, which is enough to get a lot of us excited, but as the first trailer revealed, there's a lot more going on in this film than star power.
Directed and co-written by Juel Taylor, "They Cloned Tyrone" follows three people (Boyega, Parris, and Foxx) as they make a bizarre and shocking discovery that shakes their entire world. It turns out that a vast, shadowy organization has been operating beneath the surface of everything they know, and to get to the bottom of it, they'll have to arm themselves and dig in for a long fight ... which may include the revelation that the organization has been cloning them this whole time.
Beyond those teaser details, we don't know much about the film just yet, but that's honestly enough to get viewers excited. The cast, the style, the humor, and the offbeat visuals at work in the footage that's emerged so far all promise something strange and delightful headed our way.
"They Cloned Tyrone" hits Netflix July 21.
Haunted Mansion - July 28, 2023
Years after Eddie Murphy paid a visit to Disney's Haunted Mansion in the 2003 film of the same name, a new ensemble cast will head to a new version of the iconic attraction in yet another cinematic adventure. Directed by Justin Simien from a script by Katie Dippold, the new "Haunted Mansion" follows single mother Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), who moves her kids into the titular mansion in the hopes of a fresh start. But of course, this big old house in New Orleans is cheap for a reason, and soon, the ghosts start coming out. This prompts the family to turn to a series of supposed experts to help with their supernatural problem. Hilarity and spookiness ensues.
The supporting cast of "Haunted Mansion" is packed with big names, including LaKeith Stanfield, newly minted Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Jared Leto, Dan Levy, and many more. The first trailer for the film, released in early 2023, spotlights the massive "Haunted Mansion" cast, and features loads of Disney fun in a ghostly package. The film finally haunts theaters on July 28, 2023.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem - August 2, 2023
It's been more than a decade since the last animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles adventure got to shine in theaters. The drought ends in 2023, thanks to producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and a whole host of talented creatives. Directed by "The Mitchells vs. The Machines" co-director Jeff Rowe, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" promises to bring the Turtles into a new generation, rebooting the continuity of the story while also delivering an entirely new voice cast in the title roles.
This time around, Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Raphael (Brady Noon), and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.) will emerge from the shadows as aspiring heroes who've been hidden from humans for years. Now, they want to be helpful to their hometown of New York City — but of course, that's easier said than done. Luckily, they've got the help of April O'Neil (Ayo Edebiri) to make them into legends.
These five names are just the beginning of a star-packed cast, which also includes Jackie Chan as Splinter, Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog, Rose Byrne as Leatherhead, Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko, Seth Rogen as Bebop, and John Cena as Rocksteady, among others. All in all, it sounds like a great time at the movies. "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" arrives in theaters August 2, 2023.
The Meg 2: The Trench - August 4, 2023
Five years after Jason Statham fought the Meg, the next chapter in this giant shark odyssey will hit theaters, promising even bigger prehistoric thrills. Based on "The Meg" author Steve Alten's sequel novel, "Meg 2: The Trench" picks up with the survivors of "The Meg," led by Jonas Taylor (Statham). They embark on an adventure into the Mariana Trench, where even more devastating creatures are waiting to wreak havoc on human sea explorers and their vessels.
Statham is joined here by the likes of Cliff Curtis, Page Kennedy, Sienna Guillory, Skyler Samuels, and Chinese superstar Wu Jing. We know the movie will feature some pretty crazy visuals, like a shark swallowing a dinosaur, a tentacled monster attacking a helicopter, and Statham riding a jet ski while battling an underwater creature. As for who's directing, Ben Wheatley is the captain of this ship. Wheatley is best known for his independent genre films (for example, "Kill List" and "High Rise"), and he's taking on his biggest project yet with this potential blockbuster, which is reason enough to pay attention. "Meg 2: The Trench" swims into theaters August 4, 2023.
Heart of Stone - August 11, 2023
After a blockbuster collaboration with Netflix on the action film "Red Notice," in which she co-starred with Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot is back on the streamer in 2023 with an action star vehicle of her very own, and she's bringing some intriguing talent along for the ride.
Written by Greg Rucka ("The Old Guard") and Allison Schroeder ("Hidden Figures") and directed by "Peaky Blinders" veteran Tom Harper, "Heart of Stone" stars Gadot as CIA agent Rachel Stone, a woman trained to live life free of connections so she can focus on the important work of using her espionage skills to prevent disasters around the world. Now, she'll have to muster all of her talents and all of her courage to prevent the loss of a crucial asset, no matter how far she'll have to go to finish the mission.
And based on the footage we've seen, Stone will have to go far indeed. "Heart of Stone" is another major globe-hopping spy adventure for Netflix, in the tradition of "Red Notice" and "The Gray Man," and it's got the supporting cast to prove it. The film co-stars Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt, Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighöfer, Jing Lusi, and more.
"Heart of Stone" arrives August 11 on Netflix.
Strays - August 18, 2023
What if the adorable talking animals from movies like "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" were actually just foul-mouthed little misfits bent on revenge? That's the idea behind "Strays," the new comedy from director Josh Greenbaum and writer Dan Perrault, which pits a group of canine friends against one very awful owner.
The film follows Reggie (Will Ferrell) a dog who's convinced his owner Doug (Will Forte) is the best guy in the world, and that he just happened to accidentally lose him. With the help of a pack of strays — played by Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park — Reggie learns that Doug is actually a terrible owner who never deserved the love of a dog. He sets out to get revenge on the human with a swift bite to ... well, just watch the trailer.
With a supporting cast that includes Harvey Guillen, Sofia Vergara, Josh Gad, Rob Riggle, Brett Gelman, and Dennis Quaid, "Strays" boasts quite a lot of comedic talent right out of the gate. The footage we've seen so far makes it look like it could be one of the comedy events of the summer. Check it out in theaters on August 18, 2023.
Blue Beetle - August 18, 2023
Directed by acclaimed "Charm City Kings" filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto, DC superhero flick "Blue Beetle" will star Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, a teenager from El Paso who encounters an alien artifact that takes the form of a mysterious blue scarab. When he interacts with it, it fits to his body and grants him an alien exosuit with extraordinary powers, turning him into the superhero known as Blue Beetle.
The first trailer for the film, released in April 2023, shows off an ambitious, action-packed superhero adventure that promises plenty of laughs and a family saga that runs deep. The film follows Jaime as he stumbles upon the scarab — but he doesn't set out to use it for superheroics. Instead, the artifact chooses him, propelling Jaime and his family straight into a story of good and evil that they might not truly be ready for.
Jaime Reyes is not the first comic book Blue Beetle, but he's been a hit among readers ever since he was introduced. The film is both an exciting opportunity for DC to make a teen hero movie and a chance to showcase a primarily Latinx cast. Maridueña will star alongside such luminaries as Harvey Guillen, Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez, and Raoul Trujillo. Plus, Susan Sarandon will be starring as the villain. "Blue Beetle" hits theaters August 18, 2023.
The Equalizer 3 - September 1, 2023
Director Antoine Fuqua and star Denzel Washington have enjoyed a collaboration that's run through not just multiple films, but a whole franchise. Now, with "The Equalizer 3," their fifth movie together, they'll conclude the journey they started with "The Equalizer" through a new fight, and a new location.
Washington returns as the title character, former government assassin Robert McCall, and this time, it seems like he's finally settled down and given up his violent ways. Robert's living in Italy when the third film picks up, and his life is not just peaceful, but flat-out happy. He feels at home in the small town where he's settled, and the locals have accepted him as their friend and neighbor. It's all quite nice — until the local mafia starts to apply pressure to Robert's new friends, giving him no choice but to take the fight directly to the powerful local boss and his men.
As you might expect from an "Equalizer" film, the trailers for the third installment reveal plenty of violence. Here, Robert begins yet another fight, this time in an unfamiliar country freighted with an organized crime tradition dating back as long as anyone can remember. Plus, the trailer labels this film "the final chapter" in Washington and Fuqua's trilogy, so all bets are off this time.
With a supporting cast that includes Dakota Fanning, David Denman, and Sonia Ben Ammar, "The Equalizer 3" hits theaters September 1, 2023.
Poor Things - September 8, 2023
The last time director Yorgos Lanthimos and actor Emma Stone teamed up, they delivered "The Favourite," a delightfully quirky and dark historical comedy that featured incredible work from Stone, Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Nicholas Hoult. Now, Lanthimos and Stone are together again with another great ensemble cast, and this time, their work together looks even stranger and more delightful.
Based on Alasdair Gray's acclaimed novel of the same name, which frequently riffs on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," "Poor Things" stars Stone as Bella, a young woman who's reanimated by a scientist (Willem Dafoe) and wakes up eager to learn more about the world around her. To do this, she takes off with another man (Mark Ruffalo) to see as much of the world as she can, launching a strange journey that, based on the first footage, looks like it might be Lanthimos' most visually ambitious film yet.
With a cast that includes Ramy Youssef ("Ramy"), Jerrod Carmichael ("On the Count of Three"), Christopher Abbott ("Kraven the Hunter"), and Margaret Qualley ("Maid"), "Poor Things" arrives September 8, 2023, and don't be surprised to see it showing up during the 2024 awards season.
The Nun 2 - September 8, 2023
It's been nearly a decade since "The Conjuring" arrived in theaters, and the franchise that's grown from the based-on-a-true story fright fest shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to the three films in the main "Conjuring" series, several spinoff movies have now developed into sub-franchises of their own, most notably the evil doll series "Annabelle." Now, yet another "Conjuring" offshoot is set to move into sequel territory.
In 2023, Warner Bros. will release "The Nun 2," a sequel to the "Conjuring 2" spinoff "The Nun" about the saga of Valak, a demonic spirit that takes the form of a nun. Taissa Farmiga is expected to return for the sequel as Sister Irene, a woman battling evil in mid-20th century Europe, while Bonnie Aarons will once again take the form of a Valak for a story set in the 1950s France. Plus, Storm Reid will play a lead character in the form of another heroic nun. "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" director Michael Chaves will helm the film, and "Malignant" writer Akela Cooper will handle scripting duties.
Beyond those details, we still don't know that much about the return of "The Nun," but we do know that Valak will be back just in time for the 2023 Halloween season, arriving September 8, 2023.
A Haunting in Venice - September 15, 2023
It took five years for director and star Kenneth Branagh to follow-up his first Hercule Poirot film, "Murder on the Orient Express," with "Death on the Nile" in 2022. We won't have to wait nearly as long for the third installment in the series, which brings together yet another all-star ensemble cast for another Agatha Christie story.
Set in the title Italian city, "A Haunting in Venice" will follow a retired Poirot (Branagh) as he attends a seance, only to find that one of his fellow guests ends up dead. Facing strange, possibly supernatural occurrences and a number of potential suspects, Poirot must summon his courage and his detective skills one more time to get to the bottom of the mystery.
The first teaser for the film, released during the 2023 CinemaCon, leans heavily on the horror elements of the story, giving us a true "Haunting" vibe thanks to low lighting, a whirling phantasmagoria, and a seance gone very wrong. Plus, the cast this time out is once again full of big names, including Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Dornan, Kelly Reilly, Emma Laird, and many more.
"A Haunting Venice" materializes September 15, 2023.
The Creator - September 29, 2023
It's been a while since we've gotten a new feature film from Gareth Edwards, the genre director best known for 2014's "Godzilla" and 2016's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." That finally changes in 2023. For the first time since his celebrated debut, "Monsters," Edwards is throwing all of his storytelling powers into a feature film driven by an original story, and it looks like it has the potential to be one of the biggest movies of the year.
"The Creator" follows a special forces operative (John David Washington) on a near-future version of Earth where artificial intelligence has not just grown powerful but dangerous. A full-on war has erupted between A.I. and the human race, and Washington's Joshua is tasked with trying to end that war by tracking down a mysterious weapon with the power to wipe out the human race. What he finds instead will make him question everything he believes and send him on an epic journey that could change everything.
The first trailer for the film debuted at the 2023 CinemaCon, and it delivered a massive sci-fi spectacle that looks like a true event movie, from massive set pieces to an all-star cast that also includes Allison Janney, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Ralph Ineson, and more. We can't wait to see what this one looks like on the big screen.
"The Creator" is in theaters September 29, 2023.
Kraven the Hunter - October 6, 2023
Ever since "Venom" hit in 2018, Sony Pictures has been slowly expanding their reach in a comic book cinematic universe of their own, one centered around the supporting characters and adversaries of Spider-Man. In 2023, we'll get two new installments in that budding franchise, beginning with "Kraven the Hunter," the first big-screen take on the title character.
Discussed as a possible Spider-Man movie villain as far back as the Sam Raimi days, Kraven is presented in comics as a hunter who travels the world, taking down the deadliest game on the planet. That eventually leads him to Spider-Man, a powerful adversary who Kraven sees as the ultimate prey. The big-screen version of the character, which will be directed by "Triple Frontier" helmer J.C. Chandor, might not feature Spider-Man, but it will bring us Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Bullet Train") as the title character, who he describes (via Collider) as a "protector of the natural world."
That lines up with footage that aired at 2023's CinemaCon, where instead of killing animals, Kraven is seen destroying a whole bunch of poachers. Still, we don't know much about the film's overall plot. What we do know is that "Kraven the Hunter" will finally hit theaters on October 6, 2023, and when it does, it will boast a killer cast, including Ariana DeBose as love interest Calypso, Christopher Abbott as the villainous Foreigner, and Fred Hechinger as Kraven's half-brother Chameleon. Plus, Alessandro Nivola will portray the Rhino, and Russell Crowe will play Kraven's father, who seems to have a complicated relationship with his son.
Expect the film to get especially gory. It's Sony's first R-rated film in their Spider-Man Universe, and that aforementioned CinemaCon footage depicted Kraven shooting bad guys with a crossbow and biting off somebody's nose.
Killers of the Flower Moon - October 6, 2023
Martin Scorsese's next film is a highly anticipated reteaming with two of his most frequent collaborators. The legendary director cast both "The Departed" star Leonardo DiCaprio and "Taxi Driver" star Robert De Niro in key roles for "Killers of the Flower Moon," his upcoming adaptation of the true-crime book of the same name. Those three talented people alone are reason enough to get excited about the film.
Based on a true story, the film is set in Osage County, Oklahoma, in the 1920s, and follows the complex investigations into a series of murders of Native Americans in the area, all connected to discovery of oil by the Osage Nation. The case was one of the first major investigations by the agency now known as the FBI, which gives it plenty of historical weight. That historical power, plus lead performances from DiCaprio and De Niro and Scorsese in the director's chair, are all enough to make it worth seeing. Also prepare to see Jesse Plemmons ("Breaking Bad," "The Power of the Dog") give the performance of his career, as he'll play the lead FBI investigator on the case. Plus, keep an eye out for Lily Gladstone ("Certain Women") playing Mollie Kyle, the Osage wife of DiCaprio's Ernest Burkhart, a man suspected for his involvement in everything going down.
Sadly, we'll have to wait a bit longer before we can finally watch "Killers of the Flower Moon." Though the film was originally expected to have a 2022 awards season run, it has since been pushed back to late 2023. The film will receive a limited release on October 6 before going wide on October 20. After its theatrical run, "Killers of the Flower Moon" will make its way to Apple TV+. Expect this whopper of a film to run for 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Damsel - October 13, 2023
Millie Bobby Brown and Netflix have a long-running partnership which continues to produce big results. It began with "Stranger Things," which launched Brown's career, and continued with the "Enola Holmes" films, which have so far produced two period mystery adventures and counting. Now, Brown will take her well-earned star power and focus it on yet another genre.
In "Damsel," Brown will play the title character, a young woman in a fantasy world who's promised in marriage to a prince. It seems like your run-of-the-mill arranged courtly marriage ... until she discovers she's actually meant to be a sacrifice on behalf of the royal family to settle an old score. From there, she's dropped into a cave that also happens to be home to a massive dragon, and she must fight to survive what was meant to be her fiery doom.
Watching Brown go fantasy action hero in a feature film might be reason enough to check out "Damsel," but the film's sweetening the pot by adding an impressive supporting cast, including Nick Robinson as the prince, Robin Wright and Ray Winstone as the king and queen, and Angela Bassett as Brown's stepmother.
"Damsel" hits Netflix October 13.
The Exorcist: Believer - October 13, 2023
After reinvigorating the "Halloween" franchise with the 2018 legacy sequel, director David Gordon Green is turning his attention to another iconic horror film. In 2020, Green was announced as the director for a new installment in "The Exorcist" franchise, setting the stage for a trilogy of films that will build on the original film's story of a young girl possessed by a frightening evil.
In the first installment in the new series, "The Exorcist: Believer," screen legend Ellen Burstyn will return to play Chris MacNeil, the mother of Linda Blair's Regan MacNeil, who was possessed by the evil Pazuzu in the original movie. This time, Chris will be called upon to help two girls who vanished into the woods and have come back with a bit of a demon problem. Joining Burstyn in the film is "Hamilton" breakout Leslie Odom Jr., who will play the father of one of the newly possessed girls. The demonic victims will be portrayed by Lidya Jewett of "Nightbooks" and Olivia Marcum of "Matilda," and we can also expect to see Ann Dowd of "The Handmaid's Tale," country singer/actor Jennifer Nettles, Raphael Sbarge of "Once Upon a Time," and artist Okwui Okpokwasili.
Possible spoiler alert: It also seems Linda Blair — who portrayed Regan in the original — will be involved in the film somehow. Above the Line reported that she was seen on set and has claimed she will play her iconic part. The site also reported that Blumhouse says Blair was there simply as an advisor to the movie. So it remains to be seen whether or not we'll actually be seeing Blair in the film.
Green's definitely got plenty of experience revisiting horror classics at this point, so it'll be very interesting to see if he can do for possession movies what he did for slashers. The film is set to hit theaters on the very spooky date of October 13, 2023.
Pain Hustlers - October 27, 2023
As we get closer to the end of the year, studios start dropping films that are meant to be major awards contenders, and while you never know until you see them which films will really hold up in that regard, Netflix's "Pain Hustlers" definitely seems like it has the ingredients to compete.
Based on a true story and directed by "Harry Potter" helmer David Yates, the film follows a woman named Liza Drake (Emily Blunt), who gets a job at a shady pharmaceutical company and soon finds herself in the middle of a criminal enterprise. Surrounding Blunt will be a massive and impressive ensemble cast which includes Chris Evans, Catherine O'Hara, Andy Garcia, Jay Duplass, and Brian d'Arcy James, giving the film the star power it needs to make a major impression on various awards voting bodies. Throw in the based-on-a-true-story script and the behind-the-camera talent, and you've got a must-see drama.
"Pain Hustlers" arrives on Netflix October 27.
Five Nights at Freddy's - October 27, 2023
Development of a film based on the immensely popular "Five Nights at Freddy's" video game franchise dates back almost to the launch of the original game. It's bounced around since then for nearly a decade, moving through various studios and creative teams, and now, it's finally almost here.
Just like the video game, "Five Nights at Freddy's" is set at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, a rundown Chuck E. Cheese-style restaurant complete with animatronic animals led by Freddy Fazbear himself. At night, these animals come to shocking life, turning homicidal and threatening to chew up any humans who are unfortunate enough to come near them. In this case, that means security guard Mike (Josh Hutcherson), who just took a job at Freddy's and has no idea what he's in for.
The first teaser footage for the film, released in mid-2023, feels like it was pulled directly from the games, with character designs and environments that match the vibe that made the franchise so popular in the first place, right down to a scary time in a ball pit. That's thanks in part to the input of Scott Cawthon, the game's creator, who's on board as both co-writer and producer.
"Five Nights at Freddy's" hits theaters October 27, 2023, just in time for Halloween.
Dune: Part Two - November 3, 2023
Well before his first "Dune" film was released in the fall of 2021, filmmaker Denis Villeneuve made it clear that he was aiming for multiple installments and that the first film was just the first half of Frank Herbert's epic novel. Now, thanks to the first movie's success, "Dune: Part Two" is on its way, and it seems set to present something even grander than its predecessor.
The original film's cast are all set to reprise their roles, including Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, and Stellan Skarsgard. Joining them this time around are incoming stars Florence Pugh, who will play Princess Irulan, "Elvis" star Austin Butler as the Harkonnen fighter Feyd-Rautha, Christopher Walken as the Emperor Shaddam IV, and Lea Seydoux as Lady Margot. Plus, Tim Blake Nelson will be portraying an unknown character. The epic first trailer for the film arrived in the spring of 2023 and showcased the key detail that the nobility of the universe — with the possible exception of Princess Irulan — doesn't realize Paul Atreides and his mother are still alive. Meanwhile, Paul continues his training in the desert, becoming a fighter while deepening his relationship with the Fremen, and finally learning to ride a sandworm. It has all the makings of another epic sci-fi experience at the movies, and we can't wait.
"Dune: Part Two" arrives November 3, 2023.
The Marvels - November 10, 2023
We knew from the moment that "Captain Marvel" hit theaters that Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) would be a major MCU player for some time. However, it turns out her sequel is an adventure too big for just one hero. Directed by Nia DaCosta, "The Marvels" will unite Carol Danvers with her best friend's daughter, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), who picked up superpowers during the "WandaVision" series. Plus, they'll be joined with the newly minted Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), who launched her own series on Disney+.
As for the plot, we know these three heroes have somehow gotten their powers entangled. Now, if one of them activates their abilities, all three switch places with one another. What starts off as a major annoyance (e.g. Monica suddenly appears on a barren moon, Carol winds up in Kamala's bedroom, and Kamala ends up floating through space in Monica's astronaut suit) might become a major asset when they're forced to fight Kree revolutionary Dar-Benn. During their cosmic journey, they'll be joined by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Kamala's adorable family (Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh), and Goose the Flerken.
Carol, Monica, and Kamala have a lot of shared comic book history, so we can't wait to see the sparks fly when these three team up. "The Marvels" arrives November 10, 2023.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget - November 10, 2023
It's been more than 20 years since Ginger and her fellow chickens staged a massive jailbreak from Tweedy's farm, but in 2023, "Chicken Run" is back with an all-new adventure. Aardman Animation and Netflix have partnered for the new film, with the intriguing subtitle "Dawn of the Nugget," and this time, the chickens aren't breaking out. They're breaking in.
"Dawn of the Nugget" begins with Ginger (Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) living on a peaceful island far from any chicken-killing farmers, having realized their dream of freedom with the rest of the Tweedy escapees. They've even got a daughter now, Molly (Bella Ramsey), but the perfect life isn't meant to last. Rumors are building of something dark happening out in the world, something that's a threat to all chickens. So, Ginger and her friends stage a new operation on behalf of poultry everywhere.
With a voice cast that includes "Harry Potter's" David Bradley and original "Chicken Run" co-stars Imelda Staunton, Jane Horrocks, and Lynn Ferguson, "Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget" hits Netflix on November 10, 2023.
The Killer - November 10, 2023
We may not be getting another season of "Mindhunter" any time soon, but David Fincher's partnership with Netflix is still strong, and in the fall of 2023, the iconic filmmaker will deliver his first feature since 2020's "Mank" on the streaming platform.
Based on the graphic novels of the same name, "The Killer" marks a reunion between Fincher and "Se7en" screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, and it boasts a cast that includes Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton. As Netflix's official plot synopsis reads, "After a fateful near-miss, an assassin battles his employers, and himself, on an international manhunt he insists isn't personal." Fassbender stars as the title character, an assassin who does his best to remain in the shadows and find his targets, disguising himself as needed along the way. It feels like a great role for the often chameleonic Fassbender, and watching Fincher's take on a man who has to be methodical to avoid getting caught is bound to be fascinating.
"The Killer" arrives November 10 on Netflix.
Next Goal Wins - November 17, 2023
Over the last several years, Taika Waititi has emerged as a blockbuster force through films like "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Jojo Rabbit." But he hasn't lost his knack for telling emotional, intimate stories. Now he's turning that talent to sports dramas.
"Next Goal Wins," Waititi's next film as director, is based on the true story (and documentary of the same name) of the 2000s American Samoa soccer team and their efforts to transform themselves from a global laughingstock into an elite team of footballers. The film follows coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) as he arrives to whip the team into shape, build a new reputation, and qualify for a spot at the World Cup.
Waititi co-wrote the film with "The Inbetweeners" creator Iain Morris, and assembled an all-star cast made up of New Zealand's finest, including Oscar Knightley, David Fane, Rachel House, and Beulah Koale, as well as Hollywood stars like Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, and his "Our Flag Means Death" collaborator Rhys Darby. You can also expect to see Angus Sampson, Uli Latukefu, and Kaimana as Jaiya Saelua, the first openly non-binary and trans woman player in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. The first trailer for the film finally arrived in mid-2023, showcasing the diversity of the cast, as well as the focus on the comedic heart of the story, as Fassbender's drunken, down-on-his-luck coach does his best to whip a team into shape.
"Next Goal Wins" hits theaters November 17, 2023, which means it's poised for an awards season run late in the year.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - November 17, 2023
The main saga of "The Hunger Games" may be over, but the franchise at large is still expanding at least a little more. Back in 2020, "Hunger Games" creator Suzanne Collins released a prequel novel expanding her world of Panem, and now in 2023, we can prepare for a film adaptation that will take us back to the formative years of one of the story's most important characters.
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" will tell the story of Coriolanus Snow, the conniving president of Panem who develops an especially tense relationship with Katniss Everdeen over the course of the main story. The film will take things back to the year of the 10th Hunger Games and will follow young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) as he serves as a mentor to competitors in the games while events shape the man who will eventually become president. The first trailer for the film, which arrived in the spring of 2023, sets the stage for Snow's eventual fall, all while showing us how The Hunger Games evolved into a nationwide spectacle and how Snow's own personal attachments could mean his eternal corruption.
The supporting cast includes "West Side Story" star Rachel Zegler, "Game of Thrones" icon Peter Dinklage, Oscar winner Viola Davis, and Hunter Schafer of "Euphoria," and long-time Wes Anderson collaborator Jason Schwartzman, while "The Hunger Games" veteran Francis Lawrence returns to the director's chair. Prepare to volunteer as tribute on November 17, 2023.
Napoleon - November 22, 2023
Ridley Scott is no stranger to historical epics. His past efforts in the genre include the Oscar-winning hit "Gladiator," the medieval epic "Kingdom of Heaven," and, most recently, the acclaimed "The Last Duel." Now, Scott will reunite with "Gladiator" villain Joaquin Phoenix for a look at one of the most fascinating figures in all of military history: Napoleon Bonaparte.
Starring Phoenix in the title role, "Napoleon" will follow the legendary general and French leader as he rises from brilliant tactician to eventual ruler of a European empire, with a particular focus on Napoleon's relationship with his wife Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), the eventual Empress of France. It's a big subject with a lot of ground to cover, but if anyone can do it, it's Scott.
Though it hasn't been released to the public yet, the first footage from the film screened at CinemaCon in April 2023 wowed the audience. It looks like it could be a major awards contender at the end of the year. We can't wait to find out more.
"Napoleon" arrives in theaters November 22, 2023.
Magazine Dreams - December 8, 2023
The Sundance Film Festival presents an impressive slate of acclaimed films each year. In 2023, several movies made an impact at the festival, but one of the biggest was undoubtedly "Magazine Dreams." Starring "Creed III" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" star Jonathan Majors, "Magazine Dreams" follows a young and ambitious bodybuilder as he charts a course to stardom, no matter what it takes. Along the way, he struggles to maintain his humanity as a world driven by aesthetics and fame threatens to consume him and his own determination begins to destroy his body.
Co-starring Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Mike O'Hearn, and more, "Magazine Dreams" premiered at Sundance in January 2023 and was met with critical acclaim, particularly for Majors' performance. "Magazine Dreams" hits theaters December 8, 2023 ... probably. In light of recent allegations against Majors, it will be interesting to see if this film holds on to that release date or if it's shuffled back into 2025.
Leave the World Behind - December 8, 2023
Near the end of 2023, "Mr. Robot" creator Sam Esmail will return to the world of film to direct his first feature in nearly a decade, with an all-star cast and acclaimed source material to bolster the already exciting prospect.
Based on the novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam, "Leave the World Behind" follows a couple (Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke) on vacation in Long Island just as the world begins to crumble. Blackouts have begun to ravage the civilized world, which the couple learns when two people they don't know — played by Mahershala Ali and Myha'la Herrold — show up at their door to let them know about it. As the world descends into chaos around them, these four people must find a way to navigate their new reality, if they can learn to trust each other first.
Esmail wrote the screenplay based on Alam's novel, and he directed the film, which also co-stars Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans, and Kevin Bacon. It's bound to be one of the biggest movie events in December, and you can catch it from your couch. "Leave the World Behind" hits Netflix on December 8.
Wonka - December 15, 2023
A Willy Wonka prequel movie might seem far-fetched, but we're getting one by the end of 2023. Moreover, when you start to look closely at the talent involved, you might just realize it's something worth getting excited about.
Simply titled "Wonka," the new film will tell the story of the legendary candy maker (Timothee Chalamet) — particularly, the time before he opened his legendary chocolate factory. What was Wonka doing while he built his reputation? What dangers did he face? How did he shape what would become a world-famous candy brand? These are the questions the film sets out to explore, with a beloved young star embodying the confectionery titan previously played by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp.
Behind the camera as both director and co-writer is Paul King, who's best known as the mind behind the near-universally beloved "Paddington" and "Paddington 2," so you can expect plenty of whimsical fun onscreen. Plus, King has surrounded Chalamet with a massive and charming ensemble cast that includes Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Jim Carter, Matt Lucas, Natasha Rothwell, and many more talents. That's including Hugh Grant, who's actually playing an Oompa Loompa. "Wonka" arrives to sweeten the holidays on December 15, 2023.
Untitled Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel - December 20, 2023
"Ghostbusters: Afterlife" brought the legacy sequel treatment to the iconic comedy franchise in 2021, delivering a movie that's part "Stranger Things," part "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." It fills in some gaps in the franchise timeline and sets up a new generation of Ghostbusters to succeed. Now, we'll get to see how all that reinvention pays off.
During the 2023 holiday season, director Gil Kenan and writer-producer Jason Reitman (who masterminded the previous film) will release a still-untitled sequel to "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," picking up on Egon Spengler's daughter Callie (Carrie Coon) and grandchildren (Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace) after they've restored the Ghostbusters to legitimacy and returned to New York City. We don't know much about the plot of the film yet, but we do know that original Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson is back in place as Dr. Winston Zeddemore. It also appears — spoiler alert — that William Atherton will be reprising his role of obnoxious EPA agent Walter Peck.
Plus, a host of new stars have been added to the cast. Look out for supporting players including Patton Oswalt, James Acaster, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily Alyn Lind, and more. And, oh yeah, Paul Rudd is also back for more Ghostbusting fun. The "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" sequel is set to hit theaters December 20, 2023.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - December 20, 2023
Aquaman's been around in some form in the DC Extended Universe since 2016's "Batman v Superman," but he really exploded in popularity back in 2018 when he got his own big-screen adventure for the first time. We were originally expecting to see an "Aquaman" sequel during the 2022 holiday season, but the film was been pushed to 2023, when we'll finally get to experience the grandly titled "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom."
What is the Lost Kingdom? We don't know for sure yet, but we do know that Jason Momoa will return as Arthur Curry/Aquaman and that he'll be teaming up with his disgraced half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) to fight the powerful Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). We'll also see returning cast members like Amber Heard as Mera, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Kidman as Arthur's parents, Willem Dafoe as Atlantean vizier Vulko, and Randall Park as marine biologist Dr. Stephen Shin (he showed up the original film's post-credit scene). Joining the cast this time out are Jani Zhao as Stingray, Indya Moore as telepathic shark Karshon, and "Game of Thrones" star Pilou Asbæk in a still-mysterious role. Plus, Ben Affleck will reprise his role as the Caped Crusader himself, Batman.
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" will finally reveal its secrets right before Christmas on December 20, 2023.
Rebel Moon - December 22, 2023
For several years now, writer-director Zack Snyder has teased "Rebel Moon," his new genre epic that began life as his pitch for a new "Star Wars" film. Lucasfilm wasn't interested in picking up the idea, but with a few story tweaks, Snyder was able to keep the concept alive. Thanks to a major new partnership with Netflix, the filmmaker now hopes to build a whole space opera franchise on the streaming service.
The film follows the residents of the titular moon, who must rise up to defeat a tyrant who'd like them all to submit to his will. To achieve this, they turn to a mysterious woman, who must venture out to neighboring worlds to find warriors willing to fight on the moon's behalf. So, we're looking at "Seven Samurai" meets "Star Wars," with Snyder's visual style presiding over all of it. Moreover, in March 2023, we learned we'll get R-rated extended cuts for both halves of the two-part story when it lands on Netflix.
The all-star cast for the film includes Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Ed Skrein, Ray Fisher, Djimon Hounsou, Jena Malone, Cleopatra Coleman, Corey Stoll, Cary Elwes, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Rupert Friend, Stuart Martin, Alfonso Herrera, and Anthony Hopkins. Combined with the other ingredients that make this film, it sounds like a must-see adventure. "Rebel Moon" arrives December 22, 2023.
The Color Purple - December 25, 2023
The story of "The Color Purple" begins in 1982, when Alice Walker released her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about one Black woman's struggle for love, acceptance, and hope in an unforgiving world near the turn of the 20th century. Three years later, Steven Spielberg created a major turning point in his filmmaker career when he adapted Walker's novel for the screen. Two decades later, the novel was adapted yet again, this time as an acclaimed stage musical reimagining the story for new generations.
Now, "The Color Purple" will enter yet another phase of its pop culture life, as the musical becomes a new feature film. Directed by performer and filmmaker Blitz Bazawule and produced once again by powerhouses like Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Quincy Jones, the film will once again follow the life and struggles of Celie Johnson (Fantasia Barrino), while filling her story with celebrated original songs.
Alongside Barrino for this musical epic is a star-packed cast that includes Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Louis Gossett Jr., and many more. "The Color Purple" hits theaters Christmas Day, 2023.
Ferrari - 2023
Michael Mann is a legendary filmmaker whose movies include true crime dramas ("Public Enemies"), fictionalized crime epics ("Heat"), and sweeping biopics ("Ali"), all delivered with his passionate, detail-oriented approach. In 2023, Mann will summon all of his cinematic powers to tell a story he's been working on for years, with a new collaborator front and center.
"Ferrari" tells the story of the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, founder of the Ferrari luxury car and racing dynasty, and his struggles with family and business on the eve of one of the biggest races of his life. Mann's had the story in his head for at least two decades, and originally set out to shoot it almost 10 years ago with Christian Bale in the title role. Eventually, Bale was replaced with Hugh Jackman, who also backed out, and was then replaced with Adam Driver. By the end of 2022, filming was finally underway.
"Ferrari" does not yet have a firm release date, but the film is expected in 2023.
Havoc - 2023
If you love action movies, then you probably know the name Gareth Evans. The writer-director became an internationally known star of the genre when he directed "The Raid" and its sequel, and has since gone on to work on projects like the acclaimed "Gangs of London." Now, Evans is teaming up with another action star, actor Tom Hardy, for a standalone journey into violence and mystery.
"Havoc," directed and written by Evans, is an action film that will star Hardy as a detective dealing with a drug bargain gone bad, a conspiracy in the criminal underworld, and the missing son of a politician. We don't know much yet about what will happen along the way, but because it's Evans and Hardy, we can expect it to be bloody good fun. They're not the only big names along for this wild ride: The cast of "Havoc" also includes living legends like Forest Whitaker, rising stars like "Shadow and Bone" star Jessie Mei Li, and "Justified" star Timothy Olyphant.
"Havoc" is expected to hit Netflix some time in 2023.
The Iron Claw - 2023
One of the most intriguing sports biopics to come along in quite some time, "The Iron Claw" will take a closer look at one of the most famous dynasties in American professional wrestling, from its rise within the ring to its long string of family tragedies.
Named for the wrestling hold the family made famous, "The Iron Claw" will follow the Von Erich wrestling family. Zac Efron stars as Kevin Von Erich, one of the most prominent members of the family led by his father, Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany), an influential figure in wrestling in the days before WCW and WWE consumed the industry. Written and directed by Sean Durkin and released through A24, the film fill follow the success of the Von Erich family, particularly through Kevin and his brothers, and the so-called "Von Erich curse" that stopped so much of that success in its tracks.
With a star-packed supporting cast that includes Lily James, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, and more, "The Iron Claw" is set to hit theaters at some point in 2023.
Red One - 2023
Though he's definitely still a major presence on the big screen, Dwayne Johnson has seen and reached for plenty of potential in the streaming market in recent years, and he looks to continue that in 2023 with "Red One." It's directed by Johnson's "Jumanji" collaborator Jake Kasdan and written by his "Fast & Furious" comrade Chris Morgan from a story by Johnson producing partner Hiram Garcia. The film is being described as a reinvention of "holiday mythology" (via Deadline), giving us a new action-oriented twist on the Christmas movie, with lots of built-in potential for a franchise if the film turns out to be a major success. Beyond that, we really don't know much about the story just yet.
What we do know, though, is that "Red One" will be absolutely packed with star power. Johnson takes the leading role, of course, but he's bringing along for the ride big names like Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Nick Kroll, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis. Plus, J.K. Simmons and Bonnie Hunt have signed on to play holiday icons Santa and Mrs. Claus, so you know the North Pole is going to be a great spot to visit.
"Red One" arrives on Amazon Prime Video during the 2023 holiday season.
Salem's Lot - 2023
Ever since "IT: Chapter One" set off a fresh wave of Stephen King fever in Hollywood, we've been getting both brand new adaptations of the master of horror's stories and new versions of old favorites. In 2023, "Salem's Lot" will join the party with its third live-action adaptation, this time helmed by "Annabelle Comes Home" director Gary Dauberman.
Dauberman both wrote and directed the new adaptation of King's beloved second novel, which tells the story of a writer returning to his hometown in Maine to work on a book, only to find the place slowly succumbing to the influence of a vampire. Lewis Pullman will play the writer, Ben Mears, while Makenzie Leigh will play his love interest, Susan Norton, and "Game of Thrones" favorite Pilou Asbæk will play Richard Straker, a mysterious antiques dealer who might be the vampire's chief servant. With his work on the "Conjuring" franchise spinoff films, as well as writing both "IT" movies, Dauberman has proven himself a steady modern horror stylist, and it'll be really interesting to see what he does with this new take on a King classic.
Sadly, we have to wait just a little longer than expected to see it. Originally dated for the fall of 2022, "Salem's Lot" was pushed back to April 2023 ... before being taken off the release schedule. However, Deadline reports that the film will most likely be released later in 2023.
Maestro - 2023
After earning major praise as a director and actor with "A Star is Born," Bradley Cooper will once again take the helm of a music-driven feature film project in 2023. "Maestro," which boasts a producing roster that includes Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, will allow Cooper to step into the life of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, examining both his personal and professional trials and triumphs.
Cooper will play the title role, physically transforming with the help of prosthetics to play Bernstein, while also directing the film and co-writing alongside "Spotlight" writer Josh Singer. The supporting cast is equally star-packed, including Carey Mulligan as Bernstein's wife Felicia Montealegre, Jeremy Strong, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, and Sarah Silverman. It definitely has the makings of one of the year's biggest drama releases and probably a major awards contender, though it does not yet have an announced release date.
"Maestro" will hit Netflix sometime in 2023.
Spaceman - 2023
Adam Sandler already has a comedy coming to Netflix in 2023 with "Murder Mystery 2," but never forget that for all his comedic chops, Sandler's also an accomplished dramatic actor who's still stretching his skills and showing us what he's capable of. By the end of 2023, he'll do that again with "Spaceman," a new sci-fi drama that sounds unlike anything he's worked on so far.
Sandler will star as the title spaceman, an astronaut sent out on a mission to investigate and collect a sample of some dust at the edge of our galaxy. Though he's out in the stars, his life back home is in shambles, and his only hope for any kind of redemption might just be a strange and ancient creature who's stowed away on his ship (via Deadline).
"Chernobyl" director Johan Renck helmed the upcoming film, which features a supporting cast including Paul Dano, Carey Mulligan, Kunal Nayyar, and Isabella Rossellini. "Spaceman" arrives on Netflix sometime in 2023.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar - 2023
Netflix's partnership with the estate of Roald Dahl has already produced results for the streamer in the form of things like "Matilda: The Musical," but in 2023, the new slate of Dahl adaptations is getting what might be its most exciting project yet. After working in Dahl's world years ago with "Fantastic Mr. Fox," acclaimed writer/director Wes Anderson returns to the author's work for this film, based on a story in Dahl's collection "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More."
As with his movie "The French Dispatch," Anderson's take on "Henry Sugar" is set to be made up of several segments that act almost as mini-films, and as with all of his movies, he'll have a cast of major stars along for the ride. Benedict Cumberbatch has signed on to play the title role, while the supporting cast is set to include Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Rupert Friend, and Richard Ayoade. But even beyond the cast, the prospect of Anderson turning back to Dahl's work is reason enough to get excited.
"The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" arrives sometime in 2023 on Netflix.