by Ayannah Garcia
Get your popcorn ready for the top movies set to release this year!
“I believe films are a piece of art”
– Ava DuVernay
In 2022 we saw the release of some major films like Glass Onion and Guillermo Del Torro’s Pinnochio. There were also some incredible gems in the sand like Banshees of Inisherin, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Tár, Causeway, and many more. The upcoming movie releases in 2023 could very well shatter the box office records of many 2022 films. Directors such as M. Night Shyamalan, Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig, Wes Anderson, Denis Villeneuve, and David Fincher are coming back to the big screen with features that are a must-watch. Here are some motion pictures to look out for in 2023.
First up is Oppenheimer, directed and written by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Gary Oldman, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh. Oppenheimer follows a scientist named J. Robert Oppenheimer as he works with a team of scientists, leading to the development of the atomic bomb (IMDb). Generating interest after Nolan’s previous directorial film, Tenet, and Pugh’s return to the big screen in The Wonder, in addition to the star-studded cast, Oppenheimer is one of film critics’ top choices as a must-watch film when it is released on July 21, 2023.
Next up is Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, which will also be released July 21, 2023. Barbie stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrel, Emma Mackey, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Ncuti Gatwa, and Issa Rae. The main storyline follows Barbie as she sets off to the human world to find happiness after she’s expelled for being a less-than-perfect-looking doll (IMDb).
Another great movie that is on Variety’s list for most anticipated movies of the year is Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya Coleman, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh. Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) on his revenge warpath against the conspirators who killed his family, as he must make a choice between love and fate while he tries to prevent a dreadful future. Denis Villeneuve returned to the big screen in 2021 with the success of the first film in this 3-part franchise, gaining positive reviews for the depiction of certain aspects of the book like the Sandworm. The second part is sure to raise the bar in that department; Dune: Part Two will release on November 3, 2023 (IMDb).
Another highly anticipated movie set to release this year is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, an animated feature starring Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfield, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, and Rachel Dratch. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, the sequel to Into the Spider-Verse follows Miles Morales on his adventures with Gwen Stacy and a new group of Spider-People across the Multiverse to face off with a more powerful, stronger villain than they have previously encountered. Following the acclaim for the animation style of the first film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will have to meet high expectations when it is released on June 2, 2023.
While there are plenty of other films scheduled for release in 2023, the highly anticipated films on this list are sure to make 2023 the year of movies. Happy watching!
About Ayannah Garcia
Ayannah Garcia is a freshman attending Richwoods High School, where she takes part in the Pre-IB program, the Royalettes dance team, and the drama club. Outside of school, she loves to dance, read, journal, travel with family, and play with her dog. In addition to these activities, she is currently a member of the Finale Group of the Greater Peoria Illinois Chapter of Jack and Jill, an organization for young African American individuals who want to serve the community, and a member of her church’s youth group.
Art by Ellie Kraemer
Ellie Kraemer is a sophomore and an animation major at Bradley University who lives and breathes her artwork. Becoming a professional artist and animator has been a goal of hers for many years, as various works of digital art and experience have held a pivotal role in her life. Intrigued by the diverse storytelling prowess of interactive media, she aims to get involved in the productions of visuals for video games and animated series after graduation. You can find more of her work at ekraemer.myportfolio.com.