We’ve reached that time again for cinephiles to note what movies to watch in the upcoming year. Whether you’re a massive fan of movies or are looking for something exciting to watch in theatres, here is some inspiration for your 2023 watch list.
Next Goal Wins
Dir. Taika Waititi
The Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit director, Taika Waititi, is no amateur in combining comedy with fast-paced drama. Based on the 2014 documentary by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison (with the same name), the film tells the story of a Dutch-American coach, Thomas Rongen, and his struggles and endeavors to lead the American Samoa national football team to qualification for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Starring Michael Fassbender alongside Canadian actor and comedian Will Arnett, this is a must-watch for fans of sports films.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Dir. James Mangold
After years of anticipation, our favourite archaeologist is back on the big screen! Harrison Ford will play Indiana Jones once again marking his fifth film in the franchise. John Ryhs-Davies will reprise his character, Sallah, from Indiana Jones films Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. James Mangold will direct, while Steven Spielberg and George Lucas will serve as executive producers. Most importantly, John Williams, who has scored every Indiana Jones film since 1981, is composing once again. Cue “The Raiders March”!
Oppenheimer
Dir. Christopher Nolan
This upcoming biopic about American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer will showcase not only the talents of one of the best directors in the world but also many of the best actors currently in the game. Cillian Murphy plays the title role, accompanied by Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Gary Oldman, and Rami Malek. The film will follow the life of Oppenheimer, the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project, and show us his contributions that led to the creation of the atomic bomb.
Renfield
Dir. Chris McKay
The original character Renfield, the deranged henchman of Count Dracula, dates back to the original Dracula novel from 1897. Starring two iconic Nicolas’: Those Who Wish Me Dead star, Nicholas Hoult and the one and only Nicolas Cage, starring as Dracula himself. This horror comedy is a must see for fans of What We Do In The Shadows.
Dune: Part Two
Dir. Denis Villenueve
For those who enjoyed Denis Villeneuve’s Dune as much as I did, I’m sure you’ll share my happiness in only having to wait one year for the sequel! If you weren’t hyped enough, reports say that Zendaya’s role as the Fremen warrior, Chani, will be even bigger and more significant to the film. After the first movie took home six Oscars from the 2022 Academy Awards, expectations are high for this epic science fiction.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Dir. Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, Rodney Rothman
2023 is definitely a year for anticipated and paramount sequels. The long-awaited follow-up to Into the Spider-Verse has many fans excited. With an impressive directing trio, and Daniel Pemberton scoring the film once again, my hopes are high for another Marvel success.
Fast X
Dir. Louis Leterrier
Though I found myself somewhat hesitant to include a Fast and Furious movie on this list, these films have a seriously dedicated fandom. If nothing else, Fast X promises fast cars, attractive leads, and plenty of fun: an undeniably awesome combination.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Dir. Francis Lawrence
As a member of Gen Z, I grew up on dystopian film trilogies like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Divergent. When I saw that the prequel novel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was also getting a movie adaptation, I knew it had to have a spot on my list for 2023. Starring Euphoria goddess Hunter Schafer and West Side Story lead Rachel Anne Zegler, the cast is as talented as the Hunger Games fandom is celebrated.