HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLLOWERS!!! We are officially in the early stages of a fresh 365 and I cannot tell you how excited I am as a movie fan to finally be in 2023. The theater industry has been steadily regaining its footing following the pandemic. The previous 2 years have seen great success. But THIS YEAR is on a whole other level. Almost every month is stacked to the brim with amazing films that have the potential to really signal a strong return to form for the industry. From the latest superhero installments, animated films, to old franchises returning after years away, 2023 is shaping up to be a fun one for us all. Before we dive into my top 10 films for the year, let’s go over some of the key storylines to look out for heading into the new year.
Every year some actors somehow manage to have a breakout cycle where they begin to show the world that they are one of the ones to watch. Johnathan Majors is on the cusp of just that in 2023. Headlining two huge films in just the first quarter of 2023, Majors' talent is finally being recognized as he begins what is sure to be the start of his ascension to stardom.
The saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder" rings true for so many people. Not having access to certain people or things makes you appreciate what they contributed to your life. The same can be said for some franchises after a long hiatus. 2 franchises, in particular, are returning to cinemas after 5+ year absences looking to thrill and entertain audiences once again. After the critically acclaimed preboot Bumblebee, Transformers Rise of The Beasts aims to ride that momentum in a summer action adventure that will mark the debut of the Maximals and the Predecons. In November, prepare to return to Panem for the latest installment of The Hunger Games saga spotlighting the rise of the tyrannical Cornelius Snow.
If you are a fan of animation, then 2023 has got to have you salivating. This year's lineup of animated films is staked and offers a little something for everyone. Nintendo and Illumination bring the mushroom kingdom to the big screen in Super Mario Bros Movie, the much-anticipated sequel to Into The SpiderVerse arrives continuing the journey of Miles Morales, Disney celebrates its centennial anniversary with the two animated films from Disney Animation Studios and Pixar, and the heroes in a half shell are back in an all-new animated adventure. A lot to be excited about for anyone who is a fan of the art form.
As the other superhero cinematic universe. DC is in a state of chaotic transition. Peter Safran and James Gunn have officially taken the wheel as they prepare to steer the franchise in a new direction. The task was made even more daunting given all of the baggage that has encompassed DC in just this past year alone. From the troubling escapades of Ezra Miller, and the underwhelming results of Black Adam, to the rehiring and firing of fan-favorite Henry Cavill as Superman, DC has a tall hill to climb to restore faith in the brand. In 2023, several films including The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have their own share of baggage attached while questions linger as to whether these actors will ever play the role again continue to linger. It’s an uncertain future for the now-dubbed DCU and an even more uncertain and uneven present. One has to wonder if the franchise will get it together and deliver the storytelling prowess that so many have longed for. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Now let's dive into the 10 movies I'm excited to see in the new year
#1
Quantum Leap
When you are an essential component of saving half the universe, the confidence boost it gives can be immense. For Scott Lang, he is riding high off of his newfound celebrity status being one of the Avengers that was key to defeating Thanos. But soon, Lang may find himself in the most brutal humbling moment of his life. Trapped in the Quantum realm with his daughter Cassie, Hope, Janet, and Hank, Scott will be put to the test to survive the perils of this unknown world…as well as the wrath of a powerful new adversary named Kang. Phase 5 of the MCU kicks off with the latest entry in the Ant-Man series. Paul Rudd, Evangeline, Lilly, Michelle, Pfeiffer, and Michael Douglas return alongside Kathryn Newton and Jonathan Majors as Cassie Lang and Kang The Conqueror in a mind-bending adventure that could set the stage for the upcoming events in the MCU’s future. A new age is about the dawn with Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania arrives on February 17th.
#2
Ghost Fighter
Adonis Creed has accomplished so much in his career. In addition to being a loving father and husband, he is focused on mentoring and ushering in the next generation of fighters. But a figure from his past returned to claim what he believes is rightfully his. What comes next will define Creed’s legacy forever. The next installment in the Rocky franchise and the third installment of the Creed series sees Creed facing off against a childhood friend turned vengeful rival. Directed by Michael B Jordan, Creed looks to elevate the series to new heights while adding further layers to the character he’s helped build. Witness the fight night of the century when Creed 3 arrives on March 3rd.
#3
Kingdom Come
For years, he’s been a staple of so many childhoods. Whether it’s saving a princess, racing, or partying, this plumber is the definition of an icon. Now at long last, his story will be told in an all-new way. Illumination in collaboration with Nintendo prepares to bring the story of Mario and Luigi to life like never before. Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor Joy, Jack Black, and Seth Rogen lead an all-star voice cast in the big-screen debut of the mushroom kingdom. An adventure is just a green pipe away when The Super Mario Bros Movie comes to cinemas on April 7th.
#4
Swan Song
Every great group has its hits, and every group has its misses. But like all groups, the end is inevitable. After so many battles together, the infamous band of misfits faces their most daring challenge yet. When it's all set and done, this group of a-holes will never be the same again. James Gunn returns to the director's chair to deliver the 3rd and final chapter of his Guardians of The Galaxy series. Promising to be filled with new adversaries, shocking revelations, and plenty of galactic tunes, this closing chapter of this group of lovable misfits is sure to be one for the books. Witness the end of a journey when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 arrives in theaters on May 5th.
#5
Nearing The Finish Line
For over 20 years, Dominic Toretto and his family have been in some of the most insane situations imaginable. From dragging a safe through Brazil to outrunning planes and submarines, there aren’t many things that Dom and company have not faced and overcome. Now, the saga that has become one of the biggest action franchises of the 21st Century is nearing its conclusion. Serving as the penultimate chapter of the Fast saga, Fast X sets the stage for an explosive finale due out next year. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, and Jordana Brewster all return alongside Jason Mamoa, Alan Ritchton, Brie Larson, and Rita Moreno who make their series debut. The finish line is in sight and the stakes have never been higher when Fast X speeds into theaters on May 19th.
#6
Web Warriors
Miles Morales is starting to get the hang of being Spider-Man. Despite all of that, he deeply misses the friends he made during his time stopping the collider a few years back. When his old friend Gwen Stacy returns, Miles finds himself at peace again…for a moment. When a dangerous new adversary starts wreaking havoc across the multiverse, Miles finds himself caught in a dangerous game that will put him in the presence of multiple Spider-Man variants including Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099. Will the young superhero rise to the challenge or be crushed by the weight of his responsibilities? Fans have been patiently waiting for the sequel to one of the greatest achievements in modern animation. Now, after a brief delay, their wait is about to come to an end. Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, and Jake Johnson all return as Miles, Gwen, and Peter B Parker alongside new characters that include Oscar Isaac as Spider-Man 2099 and Jessica Drew, played by Issa Rae. It’s a whole new web of adventure and mayhem when Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse finally arrives in theaters on June 2.
#7
Beast Wars
The destructive war between the Autobots and Decepticons has devastated the planet of Cybertron. Now their conflict has made its way to Earth. But now, Optimus Prime now faces an entirely new threat that is just as if not more dangerous. With this new threat will come in need for a new ally. Thankfully, those allies come in the form of their robotic ancestors known as the Maximals led by the noble and brave Optimus Primal. Together, both factions must face a threat head-on and protect this new world that they now call home. Acting as the latest installment in the live-action Transformer series and the direct follow-up to the 2018 pre-boot Bumblebee, Creed II director Steven Caple Jr ushers in a new era of the robots in disguise with his explosive summer action adventure. More than meets the eye takes on a whole new meaning when Transformers Rise of the Beasts arrives in theaters on June 9th.
#8
Strong Chemistry
In Element City, everyone walks to the beat of their own drum. For Ember, she always fears getting close to others due to her fiery personality. But things start to change for her when she meets Wade. Though they are too radically different people, a connection forms that will forever change how each of them looks at the world. From the innovative minds at Pixar Animation Studios, the most unexpected love story of the summer looks to show that no matter who you are or what you look like, you are capable of having chemistry. Get ready for the most unconventional love connection when Elemental comes to theaters on June 17th.
#9
Cosmic Crusaders
Strange occurrences are happening to 3 individuals that will soon force them to work together. Newly minted superhero Kamala Khan finds herself thrust into a peculiar situation when she begins to teleport between locations. Even crazier is she switches places with her idol Carol Danvers. Now, questions start to arise: Why is this happening? How can they fix it? But most importantly, Who else is affected? The next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe sees the return of Captain Marvel and the return of Phase 4 heroes Monica Rambeau and Kamala Kahn. Brought together due to unforeseen circumstances, all 3 women must set aside their differences to combat a threat that threatens to destroy all they hope to protect. Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris led by Nia DaCosta prepare to deliver a fast-paced intergalactic adventure that could push the Marvel heroverse to new heights. A new team has assembled when The Marvels arrive in cinemas on July 28th.
#10
Snakes In The Grass
Before he was the cold and calculating president of Panem, Cornelius Snow was a teen whose family legacy was on the brink of collapse. Desperate to restore honor to his family name, Snow sees his chance when a young tribute from District 12 captures the hearts of the nation singing at the reaping. Together these two young people from 2 totally different worlds will be faced with decisions and consequences that will shape the future of Panem. A prequel to the acclaimed Hunger Games series that concluded in 2015, Francis Lawrence returns to deliver the next chapter of the saga. Focusing on President Snow in his youth, we will see how this young mentor grew to become the fearsome ruler we know from the books and preceding films. The time has come to return to Panem when The Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes arrives in theaters on November 17th.
We are truly in for one heck of a year at the movies. So much on the horizon and plenty to be excited for. I hope you are as excited as I am to experience all these amazing movies and so much more. Here's to a great 2023!!!!!
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