After more than a year, Filipinos returned to movie theaters in 2022, especially with the release of several blockbuster and critically-acclaimed films. The box office revenue generated by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last month is further proof that Filipinos have returned to cinemas to watch their favorite stars on the big screen.
With the film industry recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, 2023 promises to be an even bigger year for movie-goers, with several movies lined up for release. From the latest additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to prequels to adaptations of classics, here are some of the most anticipated films coming out this year that you can watch with your family!
1. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
– The smallest Avenger returns to the big screen as Paul Rudd reprises his role as Ant-Man in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. And in the sequel to 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp, Rudd’s Scott Lang encounters Kang the Conqueror, the MCU’s newest villain. Release Date: February 17
2. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
– Nintendo’s massively popular video game franchise gets another film adaptation as Chris Pratt brings Mario to the big screen. In the film, Pratt’s Mario battles his nemesis King Bowser (Jack Black), and tries to save Princess Peach (Anya Taylor Joy). Release Date: April 7
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Another adventure awaits the Guardians of the Galaxy as James Gunn returns to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the sequel to 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill will try to save the galaxy once more alongside the other guardians, which promises to be another fun, wacky, and heartwarming ride. Release Date: May 5
4. The Little Mermaid
With Disney celebrating its 100th year in 2023, the company has several plans up its sleeve, including a live-action remake of the classic animated musical film, which stars Halle Bailey as Ariel. Release Date: May 26
5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Another highly-anticipated film this year is the sequel to 2018’s acclaimed film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film will still have Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) front and center, but he’s bound to meet more Spider-Men from the multiverse as well as some dangerous foes. Release Date: June 2
6. Elemental
Elemental is the latest addition to Pixar’s impressive film catalog, which is always guaranteed to be a well-told, heartwarming story. This film is set in Element City, a place with residents made of air, water, fire, and land, and centers on Ember, a young woman made of fire. Release Date: June 16
7. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and its star Harrison Ford return for another exciting adventure, this time directed by James Mangold. The film, which features a de-aged Ford, is the fifth installment in the franchise and also features Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, and Mads Mikkelsen. Release Date: June 30
8. Barbie
This highly-anticipated film is inspired by the popular doll. However, writer-director Greta Gerwig, who previously made acclaimed films like Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019), is guaranteed to have some tricks up her sleeve. With an interesting premise and a star-studded cast that includes Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie is sure to be one of the most anticipated films of the year. Release Date: July 21
9. The Marvels
While fans have seen Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel in other MCU films, The Marvels, which is expected to be released this July, will be the sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel. The titular character will team up with Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau, with events set to pick up after 2021’s WandaVision and 2022’s Ms. Marvel. Release Date: July 28
10. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
The film marks a return to the world of The Hunger Games, and this prequel is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2020 book. Set many years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes focuses on Coriolanus Snow, who is yet to become the president in the original trilogy. Release Date: November 17
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