Behold, 18 of the Most Anticipated Netflix 2023 Movies (2024)

How do you measure a year? By the movies, of course. WhileVanity Fairhas already compiled itsmost anticipated films of the year, the full list ofNetflix 2023 movies has just been unveiled with an eclectic mix of action, drama, and a few good old-fashioned rom-coms to follow January’s slate. Some of the titles sound AI-generated—we’re looking at you ghost adventure starringJennifer CoolidgeandJennifer Lopez-led vigilante caper. While others boast Oscar-winning pedigree with new films fromDavid Fincher,Wes Anderson, andBradley Cooperon the way.Regina Kingstars as trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm.Gal Gadotbrokers global peace (for real this time). AndAdam Sandlermakesallof the new movies. Ahead, a preview of the most intriguing, anticipated, and flat-out surreal movies headed to Netflix in 2023.

We Have a Ghost (February 24)

This film haseverything—ghosts, “social media sensations,” CIA targeting, and performances from bothDavid HarbourandJennifer Coolidge. Say no more.

Luther: The Fallen Sun (March 10)

Idris Elba’s hit detective series, which earned himfour Emmy nominations, is coming to life on the big screen (or small screenagain, depending on where you watch Netflix). In the film adaptation, “a gruesome serial killer is terrorizing London while brilliant but disgraced detective John Luther (Elba) sits behind bars.” Naturally, the titular hero makes a valiant prison break to save the day in an adventure co-starring Oscar nomineeCynthia ErivoandAndy Serkis.

Murder Mystery 2 (March 31)

All hailAdam Sandler. In 2023, he has three films headed to the streamer, including a galaxy-set drama calledSpacemanalongsideCarey Mulliganand an animated musical where he stars as a 74-year-old lizard namedLeo(naturally). But Sandler’s most anticipated title is undoubtedlyMurder Mystery 2, a follow-up to hishighly-watched2019 action comedy withJennifer Anistonthat welcomes new cast members includingJodie Turner-SmithandMark Strong.

The Mother (May 12)

Jennifer Lopezjoins the ranks ofLiam NeesonandHalle Berrywith her own vigilante action film, directed by live-actionMulanfilmmakerNiki Caro. She stars as an assassin who emerges from hiding “to protect the daughter that she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men.”

Heart of Stone (August 11)

On the heels ofWonder Woman,Gal Gadotis poised to save the day again, this time as a global intelligence operative, who is apparently “the only woman” standing between world peace “and the loss of its most valuable—and dangerous—asset.” The stakes could not be higher.

The Perfect Find (Summer 2023)

In this new rom-comGabrielle Unionhas got it all— a high-powered career, fruitful bank account, and that pesky old “ticking biological clock.” But will she “risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance?” We sure hope so!

Damsel (October 13)

Millie Bobby Browncontinues her lucrative reign at Netflix (Stranger Things,Enola Holmes) with an action-adventure co-starringAngela Bassett,Robin Wright, andRay Winstone. The official synopsis teases a “fire-breathing dragon” and ancient family debt—no room for damsels in distress around here.

Pain Hustlers (October 27)

Thewild world of pharmaceuticals is the setting ofDavid Yates’ (Harry Potter) next film, which tells the tale of “a dangerous racketeering scheme” engineered and perpetrated by the likes ofEmily Blunt,Chris Evans, andAndy Garcia, oh my.

The Killer (November 10)

Directed byDavid Fincher. StarringMichael FassbenderandTilda Swinton. TitledThe Killerand centered on an “international manhunt.” Consider us sold.

A Family Affair (November 17)

Attention romantic comedy hive: a new meet-cute tale about a young woman (Joey King), her mother (Nicole Kidman), and her movie-star boss (Zac Efron) is coming from directorRichard LaGravenese (The Last Five Years).

NYAD (Fall 2023)

Who else smells a potentially Oscar-nominated leading actress performance? Four-time Academy Award nomineeAnnette Beningand two-time winnerJodie Fosterlead this biopic of marathon swimmerDiana Nyad, who became the first person to complete the treacherous“Everest of swims,” from Cuba to Florida at age 64. DirectorsElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiandJimmy Chin, who won a little gold man for their2019 documentaryFree Solo, add an extra dose of awards pedigree.

Leave the World Behind (December 8)

Sam Esmail, the mind behind critically-acclaimed TV series includingMr. RobotandHomecomingenlists an all-star cast includingJulia Roberts,Ethan Hawke,Mahershala Ali, andIndustry’sMyha’la Herrold to lead this mystery. Set in Long Island on a family vacation, two families are threatened to be torn apart (perhaps by each other) in an atmospheric survival tale.

Rebel Moon (December 22)

After leaving hisoften turbulent days at DC behind,Zack Snyderhas helmed a galaxy-centered odyssey about “a peaceful colony” that gets “threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius.”Sofia Boutella’s Kora is dispatched the save the day with the assistance of a cast includingCharlie Hunnam,Anthony Hopkins, andDjimon Hounsou.

Monkey Man (Late 2023)

Little is known about this upcoming thriller, other than it ominously centers on a “world enmeshed in corporate greed and eroding spiritual values.” The man entangled in that very peril is played byDev Patel, who stars alongsideSharlto Copeleyin his directorial debut.

Untitled Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl Film (Late 2023)

Separately, any new project from Oscar-nominated filmmakerWes Andersonor adaptation of a Roald Dahl work would make a splash. But together, this secretive collaboration—which centers on a series of whimsical short stories, including Dahl’sThe Wonderful Story of Henry Sugarand stars the likes ofBenedict CumberbatchandSir Ben Kingsley—is instantly one of the year’s most eagerly-awaited new titles.

Rustin (Late 2023)

Fresh offhis Emmy win forEuphoria,Colman Domingostars asBayard Rustin, the gay civil rights strategist who helped mastermind the 1963 March on Washington and was a trusted confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. The film boasts quite a buzzy behind-the-scenes withBarack andMichelle Obama as producers, Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black (Milk) as the screenwriter and Tony winnerGeorge C. Wolfe (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) as director.Chris Rock, Audra McDonald,andJeffrey Wrightare among the starry supporting players.

Shirley (Late 2023)

Regina King’slongtime dreamof starring asShirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman and first Black woman to run for president of the United States, is becoming a reality thanks to Oscar winnerJohn Ridley(12 Years a Slave) who directs a starry cast includingLucas Hedges,André Holland, andTerrence Howard.

Maestro (Late 2023)

For his directorial follow-up to 2018’sA Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper stars as real-life composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein alongside Carey Mulligan as Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre,Sarah Silvermanas his sister, Shirley,Maya Hawke as his daughterJamie, andMatt Bomeras one of Bernstein’s love interests. If Cooper’s shocking physical transformation isn’t enough to draw you in, perhaps Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese as credited producers will.

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