The 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023
Check out Parade’s must-watch list for the new year.
Thanks for all the high-flying memories, Maverick. We still can’t help falling in love with you, Elvis. But the turn of the calendar means that it’s officially time to have a tizzy over a fresh slate of movies. And after three years of pandemic-induced stop-and-start productions and delayed releases, Hollywood is finally storming the gates with a slew of would-be blockbusters.
“If 2022 was a transitional year for movies, then I think 2023 is going to mark a really strong recovery,” says Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst for Comscore, a company that measures and analyzes box-office and small-screen numbers. “There are so many recognizable and interesting titles coming out at a steadier pace. You won’t see a drought or just one film dominating.” Indeed, say hello again in a hurry to the likes of Indiana Jones, John Wick, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Ethan Hunt and (fingers crossed) Elle Woods—plus Willy Wonka and Barbie in a whole new hue.
Here are 10 enticing and exciting offerings primed to light up the dark.
Most-anticipated movies of 2023
Shotgun Wedding
(Amazon Prime, Jan. 27)
The story Till death do us part. Darcy (Jennifer Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) are just about to get married on an exotic island when a group of pirates crash the party, hijack the wedding procession and cause stage-five chaos. Now the couple must save their loved ones with some outlandish antics. (It’s normal to carry a live grenade in the jungle, right?)
The scoop Shortly after Armie Hammer had to exit the groom role, Jennifer Coolidge, Sonia Braga, Cheech Marin, Callie Hernandez and Lenny Kravitz all joined the cast and decamped to the Dominican Republic for filming. Real-life newlywed Lopez, meanwhile, is going bridal for the second time in a year after Marry Me (and her ninth time overall!). Bridal designer Galia Lahav crafted 28 versions of JLo’s off-the-shoulder white gown so it could be “modified, ripped and transformed into a uniform suitable for a glam action hero,” per a press release.
The outlook Think 100 action-packed minutes of comedy, romance and thrills with a flash of serious star power. Last year, that potent combination proved to be a winner for Ticket to Paradise and The Lost City.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
(In theaters, Feb. 17)
The story All is extra-well for Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang (i.e., Ant-Man) and Evangeline Lilly’s Hope van Dyne (i.e., The Wasp) after the events of Avengers: Endgame. That is, until the pair start experimenting with a device that can send a signal to the Quantum Realm. Hope’s concerned mom (Michelle Pfeiffer) asks for it to be turned off, only for the contraption to open and suck them all into the hidden universe. They all must work together to find a way home.
The scoop The third installment of the Ant-Man saga marks the new “Phase Five” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It also introduces new characters and creatures—one of which, Krylar, is played by Bill Murray in his comic book flick debut. In the trailer, Murray’s character pops up with a surprised expression on his face; the actor has only hinted about the role: “My power is, he’s a bad guy.” Michael Douglas, as Hope’s dad, returns as well.
The outlook Amid the extravaganza, never underestimate a fun and relatable superhero who’s “small in stature but big in personality,” says Dergarabedian. That amazing ensemble doesn’t hurt, either.
John Wick: Chapter 4
(In theaters, March 24)
The story Our titular hero (Keanu Reeves) was last seen separating from the assassin organization known as The High Table and presumed dead. (Ian McShane’s Winston shot him off the roof of a skyscraper, after all.) It turns out he’s merely injured and in the care of the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), known as the head of the underground intelligence network.
The scoop A decade ago, few would have predicted that a low-budget action flick in which a heartbroken loner seeks revenge for his dog’s murder would spur a smash franchise. “It’s really special the way the films have been embraced,” Reeves said in 2019 upon the release of Chapter 3. “It’s something you hope for, but it’s still pretty extraordinary.” For this installment, the star recently teased “amazing action and characters, and more world-building.”
The outlook Given that each Wick film has out-grossed its predecessor, there’s no reason to think this one won’t follow suit. Says Dergarabedian, “Anyone that drives cool cars, can scrap like a video game hero and loves dogs as much as John Wick is more than all right.”
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
(In theaters, April 28)
The story This bittersweet coming-of-age tale should ring a bell for all former 12-year-old girls. Based on Judy Blume’s award-winning 1970 novel, it focuses on a recently uprooted sixth-grader (Abby Ryder Fortson) battling the challenges of adolescence in the New Jersey suburbs as she tries to find her place in the world. Think boys, spin the bottle and tampon shopping, oh my.
The scoop Blume reportedly rejected many book-to-movie adaptation offers over the years before finally selling over the rights to screenwriter and director Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen) and veteran producer James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment, As Good as It Gets). Note that the narrative is still set in 1970 with Rachel McAdams, Benny Safdie and Kathy Bates portraying Margaret’s relatives. “It’s a real cacophony of honest, truthful things women and mothers experience on a whole,” McAdams has said.
The outlook To paraphrase our adolescent heroine, you must, you must, you must seek this one out! “All the elements are here to make this a thoughtful, funny and moving film,” Dergarabedian says.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
(In theaters, June 30)
The story Story, shmory. All that really matters is our favorite fedora-wearing daredevil archaeologist — played by Harrison Ford, of course—returns to action. The same goes for John Rhys-Davies as Sallah (aka “the best digger in Egypt”), as well as composer John Williams and executive producers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Ford v Ferrari’s James Mangold directs, and Phoebe Waller-Bridges also costars.
The scoop The fifth and final installment of the saga spans several decades but opens in 1944, which is only eight years after the events in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. The result? The 80-year-old Ford will look decades younger onscreen, courtesy of visual effects and Industrial Light & Magic software. “I don’t want to know how it works,” the star has said. “It doesn’t make me want to be young, though.” Ford also recently quipped at a fan convention that he’s explored his last underground cave: “This is it . . . I will not fall down for you again.”
The outlook Though Raiders will always reign supreme, the mere mention of the wry hero in the title makes this adventure pic a summer must-see. Let’s go along for the ride.
Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning—Part One
(In theaters, July 14)
The story Light the fuse and cue up the classic theme song: Tom Cruise is back as secret agent Ethan Hunt in the first of consecutive installments. (Part Two is due in 2024.) Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie has explained that the cryptic subtitle is a metaphorical “navigational term” in that Hunt is picking a course based solely on his last known position. (Whatever that means!)
The scoop Don’t look now but Cruise’s Hunt has been running from the bad guys since 1996. Cut to McQuarrie sharing that Part Seven is “meant to serve as a send-off” for the character. (However, he didn’t rule out a spin-off featuring some of the Impossible Mission Force team, played by Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson and Simon Pegg.) Not that Hunt will slow down here: The movie locales range from Rome to Abu Dhabi to England.
The outlook Dergarabedian expects this baby to be the biggest and most explosive hit of the year. “Tom Cruise still has a halo effect from Top Gun: Maverick,” he says, “And this movie is really its spiritual successor.”
Oppenheimer
(In theaters, July 21)
The story The epic thriller chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the enigmatic American scientist who ran the Manhattan Project — which led to the creation of the atomic bomb during World War II. Irish actor Cillian Murphy (Dunkirk) takes the titular role.
The scoop With Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight trilogy, Tenet) writing and directing, surely this is no ordinary biopic. And as per his usual MO, plot details are being treated like government secrets. But we do know that the predominantly black-and-white film, shot in New Mexico, will take place over 45 years. Plus, the cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Nolan regulars Gary Oldman and Kenneth Branagh.
The outlook This one may not go down easily with rom-com fans or folks who aren’t up for out-of-the-box storytelling; Nolan’s intricate films never do. But it’s a must-watch for history and science buffs, and Nolan fans will eagerly rush to see this latest project.
Barbie
(In theaters, July 21)
The story There’s mystery galore surrounding this candy-coated entry. But the studio has released photos of Margot Robbie’s Barbie giggling in her pink convertible, and Ryan Gosling’s Ken looking buff and blonde in a denim vest and jeans. (“I have that Ken-ergy you can feel,” he’s joked.) Plus, Will Ferrell has revealed that he plays the insensitive CEO of Mattel, Inc.
The scoop Don’t expect a straightforward goofy comedy chock full of zany adventures of Barbie in her Dreamhouse. Writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) has hinted that she’s put a modern and meta spin on the seemingly perfect doll . . . with Mattel’s full cooperation. To that end, it’s been reported that Issa Rae and Hari Nef play alternative versions of Barbie, while Simu Liu and Ncuti Gatwa are 2.0 versions of Ken.
The outlook All signs point to fantastic plastic. “Gosling and Robbie aren’t going to be in a movie called Barbie unless it has some gravitas,” Dergarabedian says. “This could be something impactful that also entertains.”
Wonka
(In theaters, Dec. 15)
The story You’ve already been in Willy Wonka’s world of pure imagination. This musical prequel centers on the enigmatic chocolatier before he grew into the legend as depicted in Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (and subsequent 1971 big-screen adaptation starring Gene Wilder). Timothée Chalamet (Dune) may not physically resemble a young Wilder, but he does boast Wonka’s signature brown top hat, purple coat and walking cane (as opposed to a candy one.)
The scoop The Oscar nominee has revealed that he performs seven song-and-dance numbers in the years-in-the-making film—and added that despite Wonka’s mischievous and slightly sinister adult disposition, “This movie is so sincere, it’s so joyous,” he says. Chalamet is joined by big names like Keegan-Michael Key, Rowan Atkinson and Olivia Colman. Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) is his mother.
The outlook In an early clip from the film shown to VIP audiences, Chalamet reportedly reads from a candy wrapper, “It’s not the chocolate that matters; it’s the people you share it with.” Now that the talented actor is sharing his interpretation of the beloved character, this one has the makings of a delicious confection.
Legally Blonde 3
(To Be Announced)
The story Considering the sheer volume of Legally Blonde re-airings, it’s hard to believe that more than two decades have passed since we first watched Reese Witherspoon’s Gemini vegetarian Harvard law student defy all those stereotypes. Now the ever-endearing Elle Woods is reportedly trying to juggle motherhood and her career in her 40s.
The scoop Though the third chapter was greenlit back in 2018, as of press time, the cameras have yet to start rolling. (All together now: What, like it’s hard?). “I’m still hoping it’s going to come together the right way,” says Witherspoon, also a producer. “I feel like these characters are my friends, so I want to safeguard them. I would never want to make the subpar, mediocre version of their story.” At least co-screenwriter Mindy Kaling has confirmed that Jennifer Coolidge will reprise her part as Paulette the manicurist.
The outlook Oh, (bend and) snap! Who wouldn’t want another day in court with Elle Woods?