Greetings fellow movie goers from around the globe. 2022 had some good and bad films. 2023 will release a batch of films. I wanna share my personal picks on which films I’m eager to see this year. Here are my Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2023. Why Top 12? Because I refuse to have an extra number from giving me bad luck.
12. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Release Date: June 30, 2023
When I first heard a fifth installment of Indiana Jones is in development, I was skeptical due to my disappointment over Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Upon watching a trailer for Dial of Destiny, I was open to see Harrison Ford reprising his role as Indy one last time. The fifth film will focus on Indy teaming up with his goddaughter (played by Phobe Waller-Bridge) to prevent a former Nazi (played by Mads Mikkelsen) from heading to the moon before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin make history. Despite zero involvement from Steven Spielberg & George Lucas, James Mangold takes over the director’s chair. I have faith in Mr. Mangold. He did a phenomenal job with “Logan.”
11. Scream VI
Release Date: March 10, 2023
The sixth installment of the “Scream” series focuses on the survivors of the fifth film starting new lives in New York City. However, an unknown suspect or two dresses up as Ghostface. Although Courtney Cox, Jenna Ortega & Hayden Panettiere are back, the biggest setback is Neve Campbell not returning as Sidney Prescott, due to a salary dispute between Paramount and her. Hopefully, the film will address Sidney’s absence. If Ms. Campbell is keeping her involvement discreet, perhaps she’ll make a cameo. Who knows? So anyway, I’m open to see the sixth entry.
10. Cuckoo
Release Date: To Be Confirmed
Fresh from her acting debut as Jules from “Euphoria,” Hunter Schafer signed on to star in a horror-thriller along with Sofia Boutella, Gemma Chan, Dan Stevens & John Malkovich. As of February 2023, no plot details have been confirmed.
9. MaXXXine
Release Date: To Be Confirmed
Following a huge success surrounding A24’s “X,” and the prequel “Pearl,” “MaXXXine” will focus on the titular character’s rise to fame set in the 80s with Mia Goth reprising her role. That’s all I know. Mia’s keeping plot points a secret. If you haven’t seen X, it’s a must-see.
8. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Release Date: February 17, 2023
The first film of Phase Five set in the Mavel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short, Paul Rudd & Evangeline Lilly reprise their roles as the titular duo. This time they accidentally transport themselves to the Quantum Relam alongside Scott’s daughter Cassie and Hope’s parents Hank & Janet. The family embark on an adventure exploring the dimension. Scott encounters a powerful foe named, Kang the Conqueror. Bill Murray (having bad press recently) factors in as a governor of the Quantum Relam. Trailers for the film increase the stakes it’ll be slightly serious than Ant-Man’s last solo film. Peyton Reed also returns to direct. I’m looking on the hype train for the next installment of the MCU.
7. Creed III
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Set five years after “Creed II,” Michael B. Jordan reprises his role as Adonis Creed coming face-to-face with a challenging opponent, his long-lost childhood friend named, Damian played by Kang the Conqueror himself, Jonathan Majors. After Damian’s release from prison, he’s given a chance to prove himself as a skilled boxer. Conflicted, Adonis must decide to win the match to support his family or lose to his friend. Slyvester “Sly” Stallone mentioned he won’t reprise his role as Rocky Balboa. Hopefully, the film will address his absence. Mr. Jordan will also direct and write the script. It’s gonna be bizarre to see Killmonger VS. Kang. It’s like Marvel fan fiction coming to life.
6. John Wick: Chapter 4
Release Date: March 24, 2023
After “The Matrix Resurrections,” became an epic fail, Keanu Reeves is back as the titular character kicking butt against opponents standing in his way. The fourth chapter will focus on Wick on a mission to battle an organization in exchange for his freedom. It’s been a while watching the last three films, I’ll need to refresh my noggin’ before heading out to see the upcoming sequel. Laurence Fishburne and Ian McShane will reprise their roles as Wick’s allies. Bill Skarsgard (Pennywise from Stephen King’s It) will play the main villain.
5. Beau Is Afraid
Release Date: April 21, 2023
From the director of “Midsommer” and Hereditary” comes an absurd horror-comedy produced by A24 starring Joaquin Phoenix (one of my favorite actors) as a guy who embarks on a surreal odyssey. That’s all I know about the premise. Ari Aster’s keeping plot details under wraps. Besides Mr. Phoenix, other familiar faces such as Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Parker Posey & Michael Gandolfini will also appear.
4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Picking up after Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse,” the sequel continues Miles Morales’ story taking over his universe’s Peter Parker’s legacy as Spider-Man. Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen recruits him to save numerous versions of Spidey’s universes from a dangerous villain. Miles also meets Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 who’s the leader of the Spideys. Besides Miguel, other versions of the webhead including the PS4/PS5 video game “Spectacular Spider-Man” from the 2008 cartoon, the short-lived 2000 cartoon “Spider-Man Unlimited” and I hope the 1994 Fox Kids cartoon “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” makes an appearance. Plot Details are discreet, I’m aware Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman” and May “May” Parker will also appear.
3. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One
Release Date: July 14, 2023
Taking cues from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Misson Impossible’s final installment is split into two parts with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt going on yet another risky mission to save the world from terrorists. No plot details have been confirmed. All I know is Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg & Rebecca Ferguson will reprise their roles as Ethan’s allies while Cary Elwes and Pom Klementieff (Mantis from Guardians of the Galaxy) will appear as new characters. As a fan of the Mission Impossible series, I’m gonna be sad to see Mr. Cruise and his crew in their last hurrah in the franchise.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Release Date: May 5, 2023
The second film of Phase Five in MCU as well as my most anticipated superhero movie of 2023, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will mark the end of an era for James Gunn’s ties with Marvel Studios as he’s restarting the entire DC Universe with a reboot of Superman. When I saw the first two Guardians films, they blew my mind. The third one’s plot focuses on Star-Lord and his team go on yet another dangerous mission. Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Disel, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff & Sean Gunn will come back as their characters one last time. Maria Bakalova will reprise her role as Cosmo the Spacedog since the holiday special. Will Poulter factors in as Adam Warlock. He’s one of the most powerful Marvel characters. I cannot wait to see the Guardians’ last hurrah.
Honorable Mentions
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
- The Killer
- Haunted Mansion
- The Exorcist Sequel
- Cocaine Bear
- Renfield
- Winnie-The-Pooh: Blood and Honey
- Fast X
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife Sequel
- Strays
1. Oppenheimer
Release Date: July 21, 2023
Were you expecting “Barbie?” My number one pick is Christopher Nolan’s upcoming twelfth film none other than “Oppenheimer.” Cillian Murphy will portray the titular figure leading an ensemble cast featuring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr. among many others. Based on real life history, Oppenheimer and his team of scientists experiment nuclear weapons leading up to the Manhattan Project and the end of World War II. I’m very much excited to my idol’s upcoming film. It’ll be an early 30th birthday present. Release date is two days before my b-day.
That’s my Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2023. What films are you eager to see this year? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 