New year, new movies! As we transition from 2022 to 2023, we have much to expect in the world of film. From sequels such as “Dune: Part Two” and “Fast X,” to brand new creations such as “Renfield” and “Super Mario Bros,” 2023 has already shown lots of promise for new movies. 

Across each genre, these are the most highly anticipated movies of the year. 

Drama

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is based on a book by the same name written by Judy Blume. It follows 6th grader Margaret Simon as she tries to find her religious identity growing up in a Jewish/Christian household. 

“The Color Purple” is based on a book by Alice Walker. There was a film adaptation in 1985 starring Whoopie Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, though this new adaptation of the classic is a musical featuring the likes of Halle Bailey and Taraji P. Henson. “The Color Purple” is about African-American women living in the South in the early 1900’s and the struggles they faced. 

Superhero

This third installment in the Ant-Man franchise, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumainia,” takes place in the Quantum realm as Scott and Hope explore all of the mysteries of a reality below ours. It stars Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, as well as Katheryn Newton, Michael Douglas and Jonathan Majors. 

The sequel to the 2019 DC comics’s hit, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” follows teenager Billy Batson (Asher Angel) as he and his alter ego, Shazam, grapple with the arrival of those who want to take his powers away. He and his foster family band together to try and defeat them. 

Horror

The story of “Renfield” follows Dracula’s assistant, Renfield, as he becomes disgruntled with Dracula’s increasing requests for his service. Renfield stars Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage as Renfield and Dracula respectively. 

“Scream VI” is the franchise’s newest addition, and follows four survivors of the original murders as they attempt to leave and start anew. “Scream VI” stars Jenna Ortega, of “Wednesday” fame, Hayden Panettiere, Samara Weaving and Courtney Cox.

Fantasy 

“Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a prequel of the enormously popular franchise “The Hunger Games,” and depicts an 18-year-old President Snow before his candidacy as he mentors a girl from District 12. Originally a book from author Suzanne Collins, this will be the fifth film in the “Hunger Games.” 

Based on the book of the same name, “Dune: Part Two” continues from where the original left off. Paul Atreides must choose between love and the future, or face the consequences. 

Nearly 15 years after “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” Indiana Jones is back with “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Grappling with a new era, Jones is back to protect an ancient artifact from falling into the wrong hands. 

In Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” Barbie is expelled from Barbie Land for not being the perfect doll, and sets off to the real world. Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken respectively, Barbie is a new adaptation of the classic kids toy. 

These and many more are what to expect in the coming months. From action to comedy, drama to horror, 2023 is sure to be a year filled with sequels and new exciting movies for everyone.