As with other aspects of life, the last couple of years have been a bit of a shit show for the entertainment industry with cinemas struggling to stay open, movie opening dates being pushed back and studios opting for the blended simultaneous theatrical/streaming releases. With most of the postponed films now being released we seem to be in the middle of something of a slump, perhaps caused by the limited shooting opportunities during and after Covid, and whilst there isn’t the usual feast for cinema-lovers, there are still some films coming out in 2023 that I am really looking forward to.

Honorary Mention: Final Destination 6

It was only whist doing research for this post that I discovered that a sixth Final Destination film is due to come out this year. Now one half of me feels that the circular finale of the fifth film was the perfect end to the franchise and it should be left completely alone, however the other half of me was stupidly excited to know that there would be another opportunity to see normal everyday objects get turned into terrifying death traps. Originally, this was much higher on my list but I still haven’t found categorical concrete proof that a new installment is coming, let alone whether it will be released this year and therefore Final Destination 6 has been regulated down to an honorary mention.

10. Wonka

I’ll be honest, my excitement for the newest adaptation of Roald Dahl’s eccentric character is purely down to how incredible Timothee Chalamet looks as the world famous chocolatier. A quick skootch over to IMDb however reinforces my optimism after I learn that the likes of Olivia Colman, Sally Hawkins and Rowan Atkinson are also on the cast list. Story-wise, Wonka will take an earlier look at the life and adventures of Willy Wonka and how he came to meet his famous orange companions.

9. Guardians of the Galaxy 3

I’ve not exactly hidden the fact that I have all but given up on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the sprawling uninspired, unimaginative mess it has become and those that know me personally will likely know that I am hardly Chris Pratt’s biggest fan but it is a testament to what James Gunn achieved with the first two films that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has managed to find a place in this list. And whilst I may be quietly looking forward to it, and oh so cautiously optimistic, my expectations are well and truly in the gutter. Here’s to hoping my fears are unfounded.

8. Elemental

Back in the day, the latest Pixar animation was always one of the cinematic highlights of the year but their offerings over the last five years or so have been rather meh – with Lightyear even making it onto my ten worst films of 2022. I know it’s not cool to say but the studio really suffered after John Lasseter left/was let go. That being said, I am holding out hope that Pixar are able to go back to their brilliant best and deliver something beautiful and emotional like they used to of old.

7. Dune: Part 2

For a post that is supposed to be celebrating upcoming 2023 releases, I realise that I have been rather negative with my comments so far and my thoughts about Dune: Part 2 are in a similar vein. I thought the first one was visually amazing and there were some great performances (you can read my full review here) but story-wise I had to withhold my judgement somewhat until the sequel could round it out for me. Whilst I have no doubts that Denis Villeneuve will deliver something spectacular to look at, my overall opinion on the story as a whole will hinge on this film but that is why I am looking forward to it so much.

6. Knock At The Cabin

Finally!! Some positivity! Just the idea of a new M. Night Shyamalan film is an exciting thought but couple that with a rather bleak and tense trailer and quiet rumblings about a fantastic David Bautista performance – who doesn’t get enough appreciation for his more serious roles in my opinion – and *fingers crossed* you have got a winner on your hands.

Did it deliver? Check out my review – here.

5. Barbie

After The LEGO Movie did such a brilliant job of turning the humble brick in a mega multi-movie cinematic franchise, the idea of bringing Barbie onto the big screen in a live action, not-just-for-pre-pubescent girls blockbuster doesn’t seem that farfetched. With Greta Gerwig behind the lens, Margot Robbie as the titular character and Ryan Gosling as Barbie’s arm candy, Ken, what is not to look forward to. And if you have seen the neon bright behind the scenes photos you will already know that it looks like it is going to be great fun.

4. Babylon

After the hugely entertaining, rather visceral, experiences that were Whiplash, La La Land and First Man just Damien Chazelle’s name alone was enough to get me excited about his film Babylon, chuck in a cast that includes the likes of Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt and Olivia Wilde alongside that crazy, chaotic trailer and I am sold. Released in the UK this month the early responses and review have been a little mixed but not enough to dampen my spirits.

3. John Wick Chapter 4

Who would have thought that a car and a puppy could spark so much bloodshed and violence but here we are; nine years, four films, one upcoming spin-off series and one upcoming female-led spin-off movie later. The John Wick franchise as a whole has been something of a rollercoaster for me – the second film was rather dull – but the last film was sooooo good (you can check out my review here) and I cannot wait to get sucked back into that absurd world that director Chad Stahelski has created for us.

2. Spider-Man Across The Spiderverse

The ground-breaking, Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse was a masterclass in animation with an emotional story, a killer soundtrack and a fantastic star-studded cast so a second trip into the multi-verse was always going to be high up on my list and, thankfully, the trailer seems to promise a little more of the same.

1. Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan…. Cillian Murphy…. Emily Blunt…. Florence Pugh.

I could go on but do I really need to? The anticipation of a new Nolan film is enough but when you take a look at the INCREDIBLE cast list the excitement just ratchets up a notch. Regardless of what else was coming out this year, Oppenheimer was always going to be the one I’m looking forward to the most this year.

So what do you think? Any that you are looking forward to that didn’t make it on my list? Let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts.