2023 has arrived, and with it comes some anticipated releases from John Wick Chapter 4 to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to Super Mario Bros. Movie. There are superheroes, mermaids, beloved video game characters, alien robots, and many more. There are a lot of movies coming our way, but there are a few I look forward to more than the rest. Here are my 2023 movie releases I am most excited about.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 – MAY 2023

The Guardians are back to save the galaxy. Screenshot by Melissa Rothman for thegameofnerds.com via YouTube, all rights reserved to Marvel Studios, 2023.


The 32nd film in the MCU, directed by James Gunn, finds Peter Quill still dealing with the loss of Gamora. He rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own. If not successful, it could be the end of the Guardians team.

This film is high on my list because of the team’s dynamic. Drax’s comical moments make the Guardians team one of the more enjoyable teams to watch. The MCU has taken over the movie scene, and I expect this film is set to continue that trend. I am curious how the team will run without Gamora in the mix and if Peter’s emotions will affect his ability to work with the rest of the crew (which, of course, we know he will). It should be a fun one to watch!

THE LITTLE MERMAID – MAY 2023

Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, from the teaser trailer. Screenshot via Walt Disney Studios Youtube by Melissa Rothman for thegameofnerds.com. All Rights Reserved to Disney.

In this live-action remake of the classic Disney film, Halle Bailey stars as Ariel. The all-star cast includes Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton. There will be some new tunes, co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as well-loved music such as “Part of Your World.”

The Little Mermaid was a favorite of mine growing up, so I am very much anticipating this live-action version. I can’t wait to see how this adaptation holds up to the cartoon version I grew up with.

THE NUN 2 – SEPTEMBER 2023

Valek follows Sister Irene in The Nun (2018). The two will battle again in The Nun 2. Screenshot by Melissa Rothman for thegameofnerds.com. All Right Reserved Warner Brothers Pictures.

The Sequel to the 2018 film The Nun finds a priest in France murdered. Unfortunately, the evil is spreading, and Sister Irene once again comes face to face with evil and the demonic force Valek.

It is no secret that I love the Conjuring Universe of movies, and I am ridiculously excited about this new installment. Especially with the announcement of Conjuring 4 being developed. We know what happens to Frenchie from the flashback in another movie. It’ll be interesting to see what Sister Irene is up to since the events at the Romanian abbey. This is probably the first on my list of 2023 movie releases I am most excited about.

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE – JUNE 2023

The Many Spider-creatures. Screenshot by Melissa Rothman for thegameofnerds.com. All Right Reserved Sony Pictures.


Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was a huge hit on its release, even winning a Critic’s Choice Award and A Golden Globe. Shameik Moore will return as Miles Morales. Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld). Not much is known other than many new Spider-Men will be introduced.

Admittedly, animated films are not my first choice for viewing. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment of this new series of movies. I even watched it more than once. I loved the story and the visuals, and I am excited to dive back into this world again.

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY – JUNE 2023

Indiana Jones explores in his iconic garb. Screenshot by Melissa Rothman for thegameofnerds.com via YouTube, All Rights Reserved to Lucasfilm.


For the first time, Steven Spielberg is not at the helm of an Indiana Jones film; instead, director James Mangold will take the reins for the long-anticipated follow-up to the 2008 movie, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Harrison Ford will return in this installment as Indiana Jones. Now, he struggles to fit into a changing world, and the powers of evil are once again out to challenge him. Jones must work to stop a powerful artifact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Indiana Jones wasn’t much of a hero of mine growing up, though as an adult, I have watched the movies and enjoyed them. But, hey, Indiana is kind of a badass, isn’t he? Ancient artifacts, archaeology, and bad guys? How can you go wrong?

2023 is bound to bring us many great movies, and these are at the top of my list for viewing. The Nun 2 is probably the one I anticipate the most. Which 2023 movie releases are you most excited about? Did your pick make my list? Let us know which ones are on your list!