As the 2022 film season comes to a close, many movie lovers are ready to enter a new era of films. 2023 is expected to bring more hits to beloved franchises such as Marvel and Hunger Games. While not all dates have been released for this year’s films, the first half of the year will bring some massive hits to the screen, with movies such as the third installments of Creed and Ant-Man. Highly anticipated films from iconic directors like Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig are expected as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated films of 2023: 

 Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 17):

  The third film of the Ant-Man series reintroduces the newest Marvel villain, Kang the Conqueror. Last seen as He Who Remains in the 2021 series Loki, Kang serves as a multiverse variant who can destroy timelines and reality. Kang, played by Jonathan Majors, needs Ant-Man to travel through the quantum realm. In exchange, he will give Ant-Man more time with his daughter. The trailer looks anything but promising for Ant-Man. 

Creed III (March 3)

  The third installment of the Rocky reboot is directed and starred by Michael B. Jordan. In the movie, Adonis Creed finds himself in the ring with his childhood best friend, Damian Anderson. After serving a lengthy sentence in jail, Damian is ready to take back the life he should have had. Jonathan Majors will play Damian and Tessa Thompson returns as Bianca. 

The Little Mermaid (May 26):

  This live action remake of the 1989 animated film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel. This remake is expected to bring new characters to the film, such as the mersisters. Halle Bailey is highly anticipated in the role, serving as the first African American woman to star in a Disney princess live-action remake. The film is expected to be a hit among children and disney-loving adults. 

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (June 2):

  The sequel to the Oscar-winning 2018 film finds Miles Morales traveling across the multiverse with Spider-Gwen. The movie will bring new Spider-Man variants to the screen such as Spider-Man 2099, played by Oscar Isaac, Spider-Woman, played by Issa Rae, and Spider-Punk, played by Daniel Kaluuya. The original film was well received by both diehard Marvel and Spider-Man fans, and the sequel is expected to be another massive hit for the movie franchise. 

Oppenheimer (July 21)

  Directed by critically acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, this biographical film focuses on the life of the “father” of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project– Robert Oppenheimer. Cillian Murphy stars as the titular character who often felt conflicted by his role in nuclear warfare. The film also brings more big names to the screen such as Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh.

Barbie (July 21)

  Premiering the same day as Oppenheimer, Greta Gerwig’s take on the iconic doll stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken. The main premise of the film is Barbie’s journey away from BarbieLand into the real world. In the movie, Barbie will discover that “perfection” can only be found within. Along the way, she’ll meet other characters played by Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, and others.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (November 17)

  This prequel of the classic dystopian films focuses on Coriolanus Snow years before he becomes the tyrannical President of Panem. In the movie, Snow, played by Tom Blyth, forms a special connection with District 12 tribute, Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler. This villain origin story is sure to please fans of the original Hunger Games.

     With all of these and more coming to the big screen in 2023, movie lovers are sure to find a new favorite movie. What film are you most excited to see in 2023?