2023 Movies That are the Most Anticipated

With such an extensive list of big-name movies releasing next year, it’s hard narrowing a list down to just 10. Popular directors like Nolan and Gerwig are returning to the big screen, and Marvel has five movies expected in 2023 alone. Here’s a round-up of anticipated films that have people buzzing on social media!

There’s a long list of movies that are highly anticipated coming out next year, with big companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony, Paramount, and Universal dominating the lineup and a plethora of genres — from quintessential superheroes to high action-packed adrenaline to a more heartfelt emotional experience — there’s something for everyone to look forward to. Here are just 10 of these films that have been widely popularized on social media long ahead of their release!

Barbie – Greta Gerwig

Set to release July 21, 2023, as a Warner Brothers distribution, Greta Gerwig’s fourth feature film Barbie was widely documented on Twitter this summer during its production. While the movie’s premise will have multiple live-action Barbies and Kens, the main ones to follow are played by leads Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. The stacked supporting cast members include America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Issa Rae, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, and Will Ferrell. Pictures of Robbie and Gosling filming have debuted some iconic wardrobe choices — done by Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran — that feel fitting for real-life dolls, with all things pink, spandex, neons, visors, and even rollerblades. Some actors gave little insights into their experience, with Rae calling it “crazy,” Liu saying it’s “bonkers,” and Gosling saying “It’s not what you think it is, unless it is.” He also teased that while this is largely a comedy, Ken will be in a struggling place, calling his life harder than his character role in the movie Gray Man. The plot is still largely unknown to the public, which just makes audiences more eager to see the final product!

M3GAN – Gerard Johnstone

Gerard Johnstone’s M3GAN has a much sooner release date than expected, settling on Jan. 6, 2023. With James Wan and Jason Blum as producers, this movie is sure to have creepy horror elements, likening the plot to one similar to the Chucky franchise. It follows the artificial intelligence lifelike doll M3GAN which is programmed to be a child’s protector and companion. Things take a turn for the worse when its scientist creator Gemma takes in her niece Cady and gives her a M3GAN prototype. The movie stars Allison Williams, Jenna Davis, Kimberly Crossman, Violet McGraw, and Brian Jordan Alvarez. The trailer shows a comedic flair for the film, giving a “campy” air to it, evidenced by a scene of robot M3GAN literally breaking out into dance while having a sword in hand. The Universal film is rated PG-13 and has already turned into a pop culture phenomenon, especially for Halloween costumes, memes, and recreations of her dance.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – Francis Lawrence

Slated for a Nov. 17, 2023 release date, the long-awaited Coriolanus Snow prequel story The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes makes a beloved franchise return. Author Suzanne Collins had her hand in the screenplay, which is directed by Francis Lawrence, who also did Catching Fire and both Mockingjay movies. The younger version of the tyrannical president is played by Tom Blyth, who mentors District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler. Hunter Schafer stars as a younger Tigris Snow — who we’ve seen previously in Mockingjay Part 2 — alongside Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis, Ashley Liao, and Josh Andres Rivera. The movie just recently wrapped filming earlier this month. The controlling Snow will be charmed by Lucy in this tragic romance story, which also explores his family background, the history of the Games, and the history of music in Panem. Lawrence describes the Lionsgate movie as “completely different stylistically, in terms of design, character, and point of view.” Only time will tell if it can live up to its successful predecessor!

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, & Justin K. Thompson

The sequel to the widely successful and critically acclaimed animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), was in development even before that film’s release. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was initially supposed to be released in April 2022, but COVID delayed production, pushing it back to its current date of June 2, 2023. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, the film returns to Miles Morales as he goes on another adventure across the multiverse with a new band of Spider-people, while simultaneously focusing on his relationship with Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman. Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld return to voice the leading roles, as well as Brian Tyree Henry as Miles’ police officer father and Jake Johnson as his mentor Peter B. Parker. New additions to the cast include Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Oscar Isaac, Luna Lauren Valez, and Jason Schwartzman. Specific plot details are being kept hidden, but it is known that the Sony comic book movie will be split into two parts, with its sequel titled Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse aimed for a March 2024 release.

Wonka – Paul King

Starring Timothee Chalamet in the titular role, Paul King’s Wonka will serve as a prequel to the story that takes place in Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We’ll have to wait for over a year for this one, set for Dec. 15, 2023. The fantasy-musical film will explore Willy Wonka’s origin story as the quirky chocolatier, though plot specifics are still largely uncertain. The movie is a reboot, having no connection to Johnny Depp’s or Gene Wilder’s iterations of the character. Other cast members include Olivia Colman, Matt Lucas, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins, Keegan-Michael Key, and Hugh Grant. Key said Chalamet “drips charisma,” has “wonderful confidence,” and brings hope to the character. The lead himself described the film as “sincere” and “joyous” in his British Vogue profile, telling the public to expect seven musical numbers from him in the film.

The Little Mermaid – Rob Marshall

The D23 Expo from September unveiled the first official trailer for the upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as Princess Ariel. In the musical-fantasy directed by Rob Marshall, Melissa McCarthy stars as Ursula; Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric; Jacob Tremblay as Flounder; Awkwafina as Scuttle; Daveed Diggs as Sebastian; Javier Bardem as King Triton; and numerous others, including Simone Ashley as one of Ariel’s many mermaid sisters. Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the producers on the project, as well as a music composer with Alan Menken who also composed the animated version. The latest of many Disney live-action remakes of classic animations is set for a May 26, 2023 release date. Fans are eager to see singer Bailey bring the character and memorable songs to life with her angelic voice.

Dune: Part Two – Denis Villeneuve

The sci-fi adventure sequel Dune: Part Two sees the return of Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides and Zendaya’s Chani as they unite with the Fremen to seek revenge on the conspirators that destroyed Paul’s family. He’s faced with the ultimate choice between his lover and the universe’s fate, as he’s the only one to foresee a terrible future ahead. Director Denis Villeneuve returns, with an expected release on Nov. 3, 2023. Stars in the movie include Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, Christopher Walken, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, and Lea Seydoux. Production began at the end of this summer, and Villeneuve was very confident about its direction. Unlike its predecessor’s dual release in theaters and on HBO Max, Warner Bros. and Legendary will exclusively give Part Two a theatrical release. Plus, after only appearing in a total of seven minutes in Dune, Zendaya’s role is expected to be expanded in the sequel, bumping her up to the main female protagonist.

John Wick: Chapter 4 – Chad Stahelski

Releasing March 24, 2023, Keanu Reeves returns as the titular character for the action-thriller John Wick: Chapter 4. Directed by Chad Stahelski — who also did the franchise’s previous three films — the official trailer just released on Nov. 10, showing everyone’s favorite assassin back in action with both returning and new faces. Stahelski describes the fourth installment as “a good continuation of all three previous films, and it’s got a bit of a conclusion to it.” The cast includes Bill Skarsgard, Ian McShane, Donnie Yen, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Scott Adkins. A Lionsgate presentation, Wick discovers a path to defeat the High Table, but must first face off against a new enemy with global alliances, including some old friends of his.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie – Aaron Horvath

Director Aaron Horvath brings the longtime beloved video game to life in an animated comedy-adventure The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Chris Pratt takes the helm by voicing Mario alongside Charlie Day as Luigi; Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach; Jack Black as Bowser; Keegan-Michael Key as Toad; Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong; and Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong. Expected on April 7, 2023, the movie follows Mario and Luigi’s travels through an underground labyrinth in order to save the captured Peach. When the first trailer was released in October, fans praised the animation design and craftsmanship, as it brings promise to the genre of video game movie adaptations.

Oppenheimer – Christopher Nolan

Writer and director Christopher Nolan will have a competition on his hands with the release of his upcoming war movie Oppenheimer, slated for July 21, 2023, just like Gerwig’s Barbie. Similarly, his movie has a star-studded cast, featuring Cillian Murphy as the title character, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Jack Quaid, and Alex Wolff. Based on the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the biographical film explores the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his part in developing the atomic bomb on the Manhattan Project. The movie will be released by Universal, Nolan’s first since Memento (2000) to not be fully distributed by Warner Bros. due to disagreements about simultaneous theatrical and HBO Max releases. It will also be Nolan’s first biographical drama. Knowing his repertoire of films, we should always expect the unexpected.

Which movie are you most excited to see?