Last year was the year movies really started making a comeback after the years of the COVID pandemic. The Barbie/Oppenheimer face-off helped to boost audiences in the summer of 2023, and attendances at movie theaters across the world are starting to get back to 2019 levels as many people become confident about public places again.
While many films are getting releases on streaming or satellite services, there is still nothing quite like seeing a movie on the big screen with an oversized bucket of popcorn and fizzy beverage of your choice.
Here is our top 10 of upcoming cinematic releases to get excited about:
1. Deadpool & Wolverine
It is a quiet year for the MCU this year, with only one film in it set for release – but what a film! Deadpool, the potty-mouthed, fourth-wall-breaking, ultra-violent hero has already had two outings for Sony, but he is now making his entry into the MCU, in the only way he knows how – by saying he is here to save it.
While plot points are thin on the ground so far, we know he will team up with Wolverine from the X-Men – signalling Logan’s entry into the MCU too ahead of a wider entry for the mutants – and that it will be funny and violent, probably in equal measure. Hits cinemas on July 25.
2. Borderlands
One for fans of video game to movie conversions. Cate Blanchette stars as Lilith, an outlaw who returns to her home planet to find a fabled Vault that could be the key to riches. Together with a band of misfits – all with abilities she will need – and a wisecracking, scene-stealing robot (voiced by Jack Black) they take on the planet to find what they want. Out August 9.
3. Dune Part 2
Hotly-anticipated sequel Dune Part 2 picks up where the action of the first left off. Paul Atreides continues his journey with Chani and the Freman people of desert plant Arrakis to take revenge on the people who destroyed his family and tries to prevent a terrible future. Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Josh Brolin and others all reprise their roles from the first film. Out March 1.
4. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire
Another sequel that is sure to excite viewers is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Following on from the events of Godzilla vs Kong, the two mighty monsters must team up to fight against a massive new threat that threatens their existence – and that of humankind. The film will also explore the backstories of these legendary monsters, as well as the mysteries held in Skull Island. Out March 27.
5. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
There are more simian shenanigans to be had in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The first film in the franchise for seven years, this time it is set in a world 300 years on from 2017’s War For the Planet of the Apes, and in that time, the apes have emerged from the oasis that Caesar led them to at the end of the last film to create new civilisations, while humans have regressed to a feral state, living on the land in large groups.
But now, Proximus Caesar wants to conquer the ape world with his clan and rule it himself, including by harnessing the last remnants of human technology and enslaving others. But a young ape, Noa, questions what he has been taught by his leaders, and he teams up with a young human, Nova, to fight back against the ruling apes. Out May 10.
6. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
After the success of Ghostbusters: Legacy, the ghostbusting team are back in New York to save the city again. Paul Rudd and McKenna Grace are set to star again, along with appearances from the remaining original Ghostbusters cast, and a villain from the original film, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024. This time out, something is freezing the big apple, and it is spook-based, as you would expect – can our heroes work out what is happening and save the city?
7. A Quiet Place: Day One
Fans of the original film from 2018 know that it starts with a black screen and ‘Day 89’ in stark white lettering. We also know about the terrifying bloodthirsty aliens that have hearing attuned to the slightest noise. But what we haven’t seen is how it all started. Until now. A Quiet Place: Day One – which is billed as more of a spin-off to the original films than a prequel, as it features new characters rather than the Abbot family of the other films – we will see how it all began when objects fall to Earth, unleashing the alien invasion who lay waste to all in their way. Out June 28.
8. Despicable Me 4
Gru and the Minions are back! This time, we join Gru enjoying domestic bliss with Lucy, the girls and his sone, Gru Junior! While Gru tries to bond with his son, his peace is shattered when Maxime Le Mel escapes prison and vows revenge on Gru and he has to go on the run. Expect the usual capers with innovative weapons, snappy dialogue and the Minions stealing every scene. Out July 12.
9. Inside Out 2
Another one for animation fans of all ages, we finally have a sequel to the much-loved Inside Out. We rejoin Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust some time on from the events of the last film. While they have been running a successful operation, their world is turned upside-down by the appearance of a new emotion, Anxiety, and the gang don’t know how to feel about it. Out 14 June.
10. The Fall Guy
Based on the 80s TV show (ask your parents) about a Hollywood stuntman turned sleuth, Ryan Gosling, fresh from his success in Barbie, plays the eponymous Guy – Colt Seavers. Having left the stuntman business behind, Colt is brought back into the fold when the star of a big upcoming movie suddenly disappears. As he investigates, he uncovers a sinister plot that could lead to a more dangerous fall than any stunt. Out May 2.
