The Hottest Movies to Watch in 2023
June and July are usually the months when the big movies are released worldwide. This coincides with the US summer months, but it is also perfect for our winter, when there’s nothing better than hiding away from the miserable weather with some popcorn and a good movie. We share the movies that we’re most excited about for 2023, so why not grab some popcorn and start planning your next trip to the cinema?
The Little Mermaid (2023) – in cinemas 25/5/23
Ok, so this one is already out, but it’s one of the big ones on our list. Disney has been pulling off some incredible remakes and adaptations from their back catalogue of animated movies (see Beauty and the Beast (2017), The Lion King (2019), and Cruella (2021) for some examples).
The Little Mermaid features water scenes, choreography, and magnificent voice of Halle Bailey making this film one to watch. Seeing Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and experiencing new music from Lin-Manuel Miranda definitely seal the deal on this one, so add it to your must-watch list!
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) – in cinemas 1/6/23
Spider-Man is hugely popular with little kids, and the computer-animated Spider-Verse films provide a good bridge for Spidey fans, who are growing too old for Spidey and his Amazing Friends but aren’t quite ready for some of the darker workings of the live-action Marvel films. Across the Spider-Verse is the sequel to 2018’s Into the Spider-Verse and is the story of Spider-Gwen and Spider-Man trying to save the Spider-People across 6 different universes.
Kids seem remarkably good at accepting the multi-verse concept, although this film helps the transition along with different animation styles for each of the 6 universes that Gwen and Miles visit. For the grown-ups who love Spidey, it’s a fun diversion from checking the internet for updates on the planned 2024 Spider-Man movie!
The Flash (2023) – in cinemas 15/6/23
Also bending universes is the DC Comics movie The Flash. In a trope used across many of the Flash incarnations, Barry Allen travels back in time to save his mother from being murdered. In this version, it leads to him being trapped in an alternate universe where he seeks out his younger self, Supergirl, and Michael Keaton’s Batman to save their world from General Zod and get back to his own timeline.
While seeing Michael Keaton reprise his role as Batman is sure to be the big drawcard of this film, we can’t wait to see where this film goes, as well as Sasha Calle’s portrayal of Supergirl. If the trailer’s anything to go by, it’s going to be epic!
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) – in cinemas 29/6/23
The fifth Indiana Jones movie is about to come out at the end of June and is another one that plays with the space-time continuum! The plot revolves around a device that allows the wielder to go back and change time. In the film, we get to see Indy as both a 70-year-old man in 1969 and seemingly new footage of his adventures 25 years earlier. A combination of digital de-aging and the use of footage filmed for the earlier adventures is used to complete this movie magic.
While Disney has said that the adventures of Indiana Jones won’t end with this film, Harrison Ford has confirmed that it will be his last. Fans of the original Indiana Jones movies will get much of what they’re used to, in this slapstick-action adventure, as we farewell our favourite Indy.
Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie (2023) – Netflix 5/7/23
Telling the story of two Parisian teenagers who transform into superheroes to protect their city, Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie is based on a hugely popular animated tv show. With 5 seasons in the can so far, and seasons 6, 7, and 8 in the works, it’s a kid-friendly adventure with a female superhero lead. In fact, it’s so popular in Europe that it’s been turned into comic books, a stage musical, and several games. With themes of family, love, responsibility, and friendship, it’s a great one for kids and teens in particular.
Barbie – in cinemas 20/7/23
One of the biggest releases of 2023 is Barbie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Described as a comedy meets fantasy film, this one looks hilarious! Bringing into question all the things we have learned to accept about the doll – from her impossibly arched feet, to Barbie’s many incarnations vs Ken’s one-doll fits-all – this film acknowledges that Barbie’s world is not our world and shows just what would happen if she tried to navigate the real world. We’re counting down the days on our calendar until this film hits cinemas in July!
Sneak Peek for Summer
The hot new movies don’t stop when the weather warms up either. We’re trying to wait patiently for Five Nights at Freddie’s (October, so horror fans get ready!), The Marvels (November – featuring Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel), The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (November for this Hunger Games prequel), Trolls Band Together (November), Disney’s Wish (November), Wonka (December), Ghostbusters: Afterlife 2 (December), and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December). So, keep an eye out for these movies a little closer to their release dates.
To round out your viewing schedule, don’t miss these shows streaming soon: Marvel’s Secret Invasion about Nick Fury streaming on Disney+ in June, and Ahsoka, a Star Wars spin-off that streams in August. Second seasons are also due later this year for What If, Loki, and Moon Knight, although dates have yet to be confirmed.
2023 has some great offerings for your entertainment, both at home and in the cinemas, so mark your calendars with these new releases, and prepare to be entertained!