1. Dune: Part 2
There’s no competition for my most anticipated movie of 2023: it’s Dune: Part 2, the follow-up to Denis Villeneuve’s masterpiece 2021 adaptation of the first part of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic. I’ve managed to remain (mostly) unspoiled about the events that take place in the latter half of the book, and I’m so excited to return to the sands of Arrakis and find out what happens next (plus, more sandworms).
2. Shadow and Bone: Season 2
Season 1 of Netflix’s steampunk fantasy adaptation of Shadow and Bone was one of my favorite stories of 2021 and I am so pleased the show did well enough for the streaming service to greenlight a second season. This show is the perfect blend of magic and mythology, with a wonderful cast of complex characters anchored by Ben Barnes’ compelling villain, the Darkling.
3. Marvel and Star Wars content on Disney+
I’m being a bit lazy here and including all of the Marvel and Star Wars content coming to Disney+ (believe me, there’s A LOT). I feel like many of the Marvel Disney+ shows have been even better than some of the movies lately, so I can’t pick just one for this list. Also, even though my recent relationship with Star Wars TV shows on Disney+ falls into “it’s complicated” territory, I’m really hyped for The Bad Batch: Season 2 and of course The Mandalorian: Season 3.
4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Into the Spider-Verse is one of my all-time favorite superhero movies. I loved the colorful animation, the epic soundtrack, and of course, getting to know Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore. I don’t know if the sequel will be able to top the magic of the first film, but I’m looking forward to watching it and finding out.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
So, full disclosure: I think Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania has a better trailer, but I think Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will ultimately be the better movie (watch me be completely wrong about this, just as I was sure last year Top Gun: Maverick would be a flop). I love this deeply dysfunctional but always enduring team of Guardians, and I think James Gunn will have a hilarious but emotional ride in store for us. I’m expecting to both laugh and cry during this film.
6. Oppenheimer
Anytime Christopher Nolan releases a film, it automatically earns a spot on my must-watch list. I’m intrigued that he’s going for a real-life story here, with a film about J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in developing the United States’ first atomic bomb. Since it’s Nolan, I’m confident this won’t be a dry, by-the-numbers biopic, and the visual effects will be breathtaking (and probably horrifying, given the subject matter). This one will be a must to watch in IMAX, I’m sure.
7. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
In a vacuum, I’d be a little skeptical about another Indiana Jones follow-up film. However, after watching James Mangold’s amazing work with Hugh Jackman in Logan and Matt Damon and Christian Bale in Ford v Ferrari, I’m all in. I hope this film will be a thrilling and emotional send-off for one of cinema’s best icons: my favorite fedora-wearing adventurer.
8. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
This movie might be terrible, but I really, really hope it isn’t, because the trailer looks so fun (plus, it stars my man Chris Pine). The Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game has been a favorite geek pastime for many years, and even though it might be tough to capture all that D&D is within a movie, this has a potential to be a breakout hit this year.
9. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning: Part One
The Mission: Impossible series is far better than it has any right to be, and it’s the rare franchise that just seems to keep getting better and better as it goes. When I went back to see Avatar: The Way of Water in IMAX 3D, I got to see a special sneak peek for Dead Reckoning, including Tom Cruise doing his own insanely over-the-top stunt of driving a motorcycle off a cliff.
10. The Little Mermaid
I’ve generally enjoyed Disney’s live action animated remakes, and I’m curious to see how the underwater scenes translate into live action (well, realistic CGI-created environments, to be precise). Halle Bailey, the performer playing Ariel, has been targeted by unfair hate and negativity online, but I’m excited to see her play this character and to watch the story on the big screen.
