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Top Ten Most Anticipated Films of 2023

2022 was not a great year for movies, but 2023 definitely has the potential to at least be better. From big studio movies to famous franchises and all the way to some interesting indies, this year hopefully delivers on these promises. Here are ten of my most anticipated films coming out this year.

10. Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey

For some reason, many people are already hating on this movie for its crazy concept, but I love offbeat ideas like this and I find this to be an intriguing prospect. Certainly having a Winnie the Pooh movie be a horror feature is fascinating right from the start. Let’s just hope that the execution is also satisfactory.

9. Cocaine Bear

A black comedy thriller based on events that actually happened, Cocaine Bear is about a bear who, well, gets high on the titular drug and he goes on a killing rampage. Needless to say, this is one of the strangest-sounding movies of the year, so hopefully it delivers on the promise of being unique and entertaining.

8. Wonka

Warner Bros. is bringing back this beloved franchise with some strong talent involved, so I am holding out hope that it will be excellent. There might not be high need for this story to come back, but having in mind that we already got two very good adaptations, this one also has the potential to be solid.

7. Elemental

Pixar did not have the greatest year in 2022, but Elemental will hopefully get them back on track in terms of quality. Yes, we’ve seen similar concepts explored before, but elements having feelings is your typically interesting Pixar conceit that can be fascinating if done right. The trailer showcased amazing animation and world building, so I am holding out hope for this one.

6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

The only reason that the third Guardians movie is this low in my ranking is because of the second movie that was kind of a misfire, certainly in comparison to the amazing original that remains one of the MCU’s finest efforts. I am particularly intrigued by the idea of a Rocket Raccoon origin story and judging by the trailer it is going to be highly emotional.

5. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Why nobody is talking about this movie is beyond me. This is the continuation of The Hunger Games franchise in the form of a prequel. This is exciting especially when you have in mind that the story of the original series always had an intriguing room left for prequel storytelling. I love this franchise and I hope that this one brings it back to the map.

4. Barbie

Yes, I am actually putting Barbie in my fourth spot. And it is pretty much deserved due to the awesomeness that was that first trailer that we’ve got recently. This is one of those movies that we have all judged poorly due to the odd, foolish concept behind it, but it has the potential to not just be fun and funny, but rather sophisticated given the talent involved.

3. Wish

There is not a lot that is known about this movie besides the concept art that’s been released recently. But all you have to know is that it’s a Disney Animation film about wishes, and if there is one thing that this studio is famous for, it’s fairytales. I just pray to God that it’s not some postmodernist deconstruction of fairy tales, but an actual fairy tale for a change.

2. Dune: Part Two

Dune was one of the best movies of its respected year and a proof that Villeneuve is one of the best directors that we have working today. He managed to adapt this sort of unfilmable novel effortlessly well. The only reason this movie is not my number one is because they left all the action and spectacle for the second installment when I prefer story and characterization myself, but I am undoubtedly expecting another stellar SF blockbuster regardless.

1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie

And my number one pick for this year has to be the Mario movie. This was actually my fifth most anticipated film for last year, but it was pushed back and then they released not just that mind-blowing trailer, but also a special sneak peek in the form of a scene from the film and let’s just say that it looks staggeringly beautiful and like a dream for gaming fans. I am a big Mario fan myself and just seeing all these Easter Eggs and faithfully adapted characters and the world itself is already hugely satisfying. If done right, it has the potential to be the greatest Illumination movie yet.

Honorable Mentions:

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom – The first of the three superhero movies in my honorable mentions is the second Aquaman flick. The first one is among DCEU’s best and most purely enjoyable films, so hopefully the sequel delivers too.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – I did not love the first Spider-Verse movie as much as everybody else, but I still find it artistic and authentic. The second one will hopefully be strong as well.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – I loved the first Ant-Man, but the second one was disappointing. Fingers crossed that this movie will bring back MCU to the right track after their string of lackluster efforts recently.