Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023

Timothée Chalamet Supremacy will be taken into overdrive come 2023. In “Wonka,” we’ll see Chalamet reign supreme among all chocolatiers. In the second chapter of “Dune,” Chalamet will come into his own as Paul Atreides, or perhaps we should say Paul Muad’Dib. While Frank Herbert’s thick book was always suited for a multi-part adaptation, making two movies was still a risk, especially given “Part One’s” exposition-heavy nature. Yet, 2021’s “Dune” was not only celebrated among fans old and new, but it overcame the pandemic at the box office. “Part Two” promises to be even grander in scale with additions like Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan. We can also count on Zendya having more than seven minutes of screen time as Paul grows closer to Chani.

It’s been over ten years since Katniss Everdeen made it to the big screen. Ironically, her story is more relevant now! Where “The Hunger Games” was about rebellion, this prequel deals with the downfall of civilization that put Coriolanus Snow on the path to Panem’s presidency. Relative newcomer Tom Blyth plays a young Snow, who’s chosen to mentor Rachel Zegler’s Lucy Gray Baird for the 10th Hunger Games. Similar to Anakin Skywalker, we know what becomes of Snow. Where Anakin’s story ends with redemption, though, such isn’t the case for “Coryo.” Like the book, the film should provide an interesting character study as we see a different side of Snow, only to be reminded that a monster is lurking behind any moments of humanity.

Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has inspired an Oscar-nominated motion picture from Steven Spielberg and a Tony-winning stage musical. This adaptation is based on the latter, although Spielberg, Quincy Jones, and Oprah Winfrey are returning as producers. After debuting in 2005, the stage show was revived a decade later. The story hasn’t lost its emotional resonance with this screen adaptation being a long time coming. Following in the footsteps of Whoopi Goldberg and LaChanze, “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino already played Celie on Broadway. It’s hard to believe, but this film marks Fantasia’s cinematic debut. Blitz the Ambassador, who previously directed Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” blew away Oprah with his vision for the film, which she calls “the next evolution of this beloved story.”

After acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney was quick to start producing “Star Wars” content and they haven’t slowed down. Yet, it’s taken more than ten years to get a new “Indiana Jones” movie off the ground. Hopefully this means that Disney and Lucasfilm have been taking their time to get the story down since this will be Harrison Ford’s actual last crusade as the character. That doesn’t mean the end of the franchise, seeing how a Disney+ series is being talked about. This is the end of an era for Ford, however. This fifth film offers a mix of new blood courtesy of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and director James Mangold along with returning hallmarks like John Rhys-Davies, composer John Williams, and producer Steven Spielberg.

“Legally Blonde 2” set us up for a third installment taking Elle Woods to the White House. Reese Witherspoon has been pretty busy since then, winning an Oscar and starring in hit shows like “Big Little Lies.” It’s taken two decades, but “Legally Blonde 3” is reportedly aiming for a 2023 release with Witherspoon reprising her role. Mindy Kaling is writing the script with Dan Goor, although no plot details have been revealed yet. Given the current political landscape, there’s no shortage of topics to cover. Jennifer Coolidge seems likely to come back, but we’re curious if Selma Blair will return as Vivian. Blair has expressed interest and with 2022 being a big year for her, we’d love to see more in 2023.

From “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” to “The Marvels,” 2023 is going to be another packed year for the MCU. “Quantumania” has us the most excited for a few reasons. “Loki” Season One gave us a taste of Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror. However, this movie will be Kang’s first true step toward becoming the MCU’s next big bad. After two films primarily set in the regular-sized world, this threequel is finally diving headfirst into the Quantum Realm. Keeping it in the family, the team includes Hope’s parents and Scott’s daughter Cassie, the latter of whom is played by Kathryn Newton. Hmm, maybe it’s the colorful costumes, maybe it’s the family theme, but are we the only ones getting “Spy Kids 3-D” vibes?

Two of the year’s biggest questions mark their release on July 21. We’re sure Christopher Nolan will deliver another ambitious cinematic experience with the biopic “Oppenheimer.” However, we’re more curious about “Barbie.” People may have preconceived notions when they hear the words, “Live-Action Barbie Movie.” When you add director/co-writer Greta Gerwig, though, those expectations completely change. On the heels of “Lady Bird” and “Little Women,” Gerwig continues to keep it interesting with what appears to be a meta take on the Mattel icon. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling not only look just like Barbie and Ken, but they have the comedy chops to bring self-awareness to these characters. With Noah Baumbach also co-writing, maybe Barbie and Ken’s relationship will even take some unexpectedly dark turns.

Between “Wakanda Forever” and “Avatar: The Way of Water,” under-the-sea movies are seemingly becoming a trend. Given how far technology has come, now seems as good a time as any for a live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.” Disney remakes can be tricky as the filmmakers try to capture the spirit of the original without treading on too familiar waters. Rob Marshall has the potential to strike the right balance, welcoming back talent from the 1989 classic like Alan Menken while also bringing new voices on board like Lin-Manuel Miranda. So far, we’ve only heard a fraction of Halle Bailey’s “Part of Your World” rendition. Based on just a few seconds, though, we’re sure we’ll be listening to this soundtrack on repeat.

Every new animated Disney film warrants fanfare, but “Wish” looks especially enchanting. The story possesses echoes of Disney’s Golden Age with wishing stars being a core element. The concept art takes us back to Disney’s 90s Renaissance with a plucky princess and animal sidekick at the forefront. The key creative team includes masters of the current renaissance with Chris Buck of “Frozen” and Fawn Veerasunthorn co-directing. Jennifer Lee, who’s working on the screenplay, said that the film “has been an incredible collaboration across all the generations.” Based on what we’ve seen so far, “Wish” could very well blend what we love most about each Disney generation. This extends to the animation style, which reportedly mixes watercolor and CG techniques. Will our dreams come true?

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” Release Date: July 14, 2023 [U.S.]
Mission: Accepted!

“John Wick: Chapter 4,” Release Date: March 24, 2023 [U.S.]
This Franchise Is Aging Like a Fine… Well, Keanu Reeves

“Fast X,” Release Date: May 19, 2023 [U.S.]
Jason Momoa As a “Fast & Furious Villain? That Sounds About Right!

“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” Release Date: March 31, 2023 [U.S.]
Is This the “D&D” Adaptation We’ve Been Waiting For?

“The Exorcist,” Release Date: October 13, 2023 [U.S.]
David Gordon Green Goes From Michael Myers to Pazuzu

Pixar continues to break new ground and we’re confident that “Elemental” will be no exception. However, we can’t think of a recent film that’s had a greater impact on animation than “Into the Spider-Verse.” Even beyond animation, you can see how “Spider-Verse” might’ve influenced the recent slew of multiverse movies, including the live-action “No Way Home.” It’s hard to imagine anything topping the initial surprise of the 2018 film, but Miles’ next chapter is shaping up to be even more ambitious. So ambitious that it had to be a two-part sequel. This first half takes Miles and Gwen to six universes, each encompassing a new style. Everything about this premise sounds like the next logical step for this story and the animation medium.