Sometimes there’s nothing better than a good trip to the cinema. Settling into your comfy seat, popcorn in hand, a few Maltesers thrown in and your drink of choice in the holder, it’s rare we have a moment to step away from distractions for a whole two hours.
You can head with friends or solo and still enjoy the experience when the audience reacts collectively to the plot twist no one saw coming (did anyone experience Spiderman: No Way Home in cinemas? Iconic).
Especially when awards season comes around, it’s nice to be able to share your own opinions on the films, it makes you feel like a film critic.
This year we have a lot of great film releases on the way which makes us even more excited to head to the silver screen.
We have rounded up a few of the highly anticipated releases coming in the next few months that can help you get excited about a movie date too!
April
Air
Release date: April 5th, 2023
This sports-themed movie is directed by Ben Affleck, and of course, he also co-stars too.
Join Affleck and Matt Damon on this based-on-true-events storyline. This drama will have you laughing, as sports retailer Nike tries to land Michael Jordan as the superstar for their new basketball shoe range. This is definitely a must-watch for any sports fanatic!
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Release date: April 7th, 2023
Relive your childhood with this new take on Super Mario. Everyone has played a game on a Nintendo at least once before, so now it’s time to not let the frustration get the better of you, and sit back and relax for a new Mario adventure. Of course, you can bring the kids along too, but this would be perfect for a cinema date night also!
May
Fast X
Release date: May 19th, 2023
Fast X is the tenth film in the “Fast and Furious” saga, but this is only part one.
The much-anticipated instalment is finally here after an initial release date in April was pushed due to some setbacks. It will now hit our screens in May, we have a feeling it’ll be worth the wait. Starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and, of course, a lot more familiar faces! The directors and cast have been keeping the plot very hush-hush so, unfortunately, no spoilers here!
The Little Mermaid
Release date: May 26th, 2023
After watching the Oscars this year and getting a sneak peek into this upcoming live-action remake of Disney’s famous mermaid, we cannot contain our excitement! The film will feature your favourite Disney songs, but with a fresh twist. Get ready to be transported back to your childhood as you will find it very hard not to sing along. Starring Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula we are very excited to see this come to life.
June
Elemental
Release date- June 16th, 2023
Pixar is back with a new movie directed by Peter Sohn, who also directed The Good Dinosaur in 2015. Elemental explores the elements of fire, water, land and air. It begins with a friendship between a fiery woman and a water man but we haven’t really got too much more information about this just yet, but we are very intrigued. Starring Chris Hemsworth and Golshifteth Farahani we will be adding this to the watch list.
July
Barbie
Release date: July 21st, 2023
Since the trailer dropped last year we are all so excited to see this Greta Gerwig-directed production. After an amazing history with other movies such as Little Women, Gerwig is back and we can only expect the best. Starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, it is one of the most anticipated movies this year. Say goodbye to cartoon Barbie and hello to live-action! We already know our wardrobes will be getting a pink makeover after this film.
Oppenheimer
Release date: July 21st, 2023
While there is not much information on this movie at the moment apart from the trailer, we are still very excited after reading the cast list. Starring actors such as Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr. it is sure to be a star-studded affair.
Christopher Nolan takes the director’s chair for this movie, so it is sure to be filled with lots of action!
August
Blue Beetle
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Release date: 18th August 2023
If you’re a fan of the DC Comics universe, this one is for you. This superhero movie follows the story of Mexican-American teenager Jaime Reyes who gains superpowers when a beetle binds to his spine. The film stars Xolo Maridueña, who you may know from Cobra Kai.
There’s no official trailer for this one just yet, but keep an eye out for updates!
September
The Nun 2
Release date: September 8th, 2023
For all you horror fanatics the wait is finally over! The world of The Conjuring is always moving rapidly and you are being treated to a sequel soon. The second film will take place four years after the original one. Bonnie Aarons is set to return, but there has been no comment as of yet about Taissa Farmiga’s return to the screen, watch this space.
October
SAW X
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Release date: October 27th 2023
The latest instalment in the SAW series will be released just in time for Halloween for those who love a scary movie. We don’t know too much about the plot so far, but knowing there’s a new one on the way is enough good news for the franchise fans.
November
Dune: Part Two
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Release date: November 17th, 2023
While there is not too much information online about this movie as of yet, we can confirm that Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet will be gracing our screens once again! We can also confirm some new faces such as Austin Butler and Florence Pugh making appearances. Apparently, the sequel might have some changes compared to the book it’s based on, so you can look forward to some surprises!
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Release date: November 17th, 2023
Based on the Suzanne Collins novels, The world of Hunger Games is set to make a return this year in a prequel. The film will follow 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) years before he becomes president, as he works as a mentor to district 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler). We love a back story, so this is a must-see for us, unfortunately, we will have to wait until mid-November for this one!
December
Wonka
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Release date: December 15th, 2023
Directed by Paul King, be ready to step back into a timeless classic. There have been two film adaptations featuring Willy Wonka before, but we always want another, and this one has a different twist. The storyline will follow a young Willy Wonka and show viewers how he first met the Oompa Loompas and became the weird and wonderful character we have come to know and love. And it stars Timothée Chalamet star as Willy Wonka, iconic.
Words by Katlyn Murray