The 2023 current movie season has been filled with all kinds of new films, including franchise tentpoles, emotionally resonant independent films, and unlikely double features. With so many films in theaters right now, it truly seems that cinema is back and better than ever.
However, with movies of all age ratings and genres playing in theaters at the same time, it can be easy to lose track of each new feature. While some of the films currently in cinemas can be skipped, there are others playing right now that audiences simply won’t want to miss.
Updated September 14th by Jordan Iacobucci: This article has been updated to reflect films that are currently in theaters.
10 The Meg 2: The Trench
The Meg 2: The Trench was released on August 4th, introducing the world to even more colossal predators in the action-packed sequel to the original 2018 film. The film sees Jason Statham return alongside several other characters from the first film as they face off against yet another Megalodon–and the greedy mining operation that wakes it up.
While The Meg 2 wasn’t exactly received warmly by critics, the film does provide the cheap fun and thrills that it promises. Audiences that sit back, turn off their brains, and enjoy the chaos that plays out onscreen may walk away from The Meg 2 having had a good time after all.
9 The Nun II
After the surprise success of the original film, The Nun II finally hit theaters on September 8th. As part of the Conjuring universe, the new film continues to flesh out the backstory of its eponymous supernatural spirit, with Taissa Farmiga returning as Sister Irene.
The Nun II may not be anything particularly special, but it is sure to be a fun watch for fans of horror films. Slow in its early acts, the sequel does eventually find its footing, delivering a worthy addition to the larger franchise and making a third film seem inevitable.
8 The Equalizer 3
Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall has officially returned in The Equalizer 3, which hit theaters on September 1st. The new film sees McCall come out of his retirement in Italy to deal with a rising mob family that goes too far in its persecution of innocent civilians. Teaming up with Dakota Fanning’s Emma Collins, McCall continues to do what he does best.
7 My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
A second sequel to the beloved 2002 rom-com, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 finally hit theaters on September 8th. This time, the Portokolos family returns to their homeland of Greece for a family reunion. After the death of her father Gus, Toula begins to grow into her role as the new head of the family.
Although My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 hasn’t been as warmly received as its two predecessors, it is difficult to deny the charm that the Portokolos family still brings even two decades after their original appearance. Set amidst a beautiful Grecian backdrop, this new film is a great choice for audiences of all ages.
6 Gran Turismo
On August 25th, Gran Turismo finally hit theaters. Connected to the video game franchise of the same name, Gran Turismo tells the true story of Jann Mardenborough’s journey from gamer to real-life race car driver. The film features a star-studded cast that includes David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, and Djimon Hounsou.
Gran Turismo is surprisingly heartfelt and entertaining in its somewhat embellished account of Mardenborough’s life and career. The film also delivers on its most lofty promise with some truly terrific racing scenes, giving audiences exactly what they came for.
5 Blue Beetle
Released on August 18th, Blue Beetle introduces the world to one of DC Comics’ most beloved, yet underutilized, superheroes. The film follows Jaime Reyes as he accidentally bonds with a mysterious Scarab, which turns him into the superhero Blue Beetle. Pursued by the villainous Victoria Kord, Jaime must band together with his family in order to survive.
Blue Beetle is loosely connected to other DC movies, instead choosing to tell a standalone story that leave audiences wanting more from its main character. While not financially successful, Blue Beetle is the best DC film in years, showcasing exactly why it should be absorbed into James Gunn’s burgeoning DCU.
4 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
After a string of misses and flops, a classic childhood franchise is back in action with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The film hit theaters on August 2, following the titular team of turtles as they fight a crime syndicate plaguing New York City. The film was developed by comedian Seth Rogen and includes an energetic cast of young actors in the four main roles.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem takes plenty of notes from Sony’s successful Spider-Verse franchise, combining dazzling animation with a heartfelt story. While the film may not fully live up to some of the better TMNT films in the past, it is certainly a promising start for what could be a terrific new franchise that the whole family can enjoy.
3 Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One
Released on July 12, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One reunites Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie for yet another epic spy thriller. In the film, Ethan Hunt and his team of super-spies band together once more in order to fight a mysterious new Artificial Intelligence known as the Entity. In addition to Cruise, the film stars Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, and Esai Morales.
Against all odds, the Mission: Impossible franchise seems to get better and better with each new installment. Dead Reckoning has everything that audiences have come to love from the series, including one of the franchise’s best stunts yet. The film leaves audiences wanting more, leaving plenty of anticipation for Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two‘s release next year.
2 Barbie
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie finally hit theaters on July 21, telling the story of endless different Barbie variants as their world begins to collide with the human world, introducing ideas of patriarchy to Barbieland. The film’s all-star cast includes leading performances from Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, with supporting roles from America Ferrera, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, and more.
Notably released on the same day as Oppenheimer, Barbie is one-half of the viral Barbenheimer double-feature. However, the film also stands well on its own, painting a poignant portrait of the patriarchy while managing to throw in some light-hearted comedic bits along the way. Barbie‘s massive success proves that it is exactly the film that audiences are looking for in the crowded summer movie season. In the months since its release, Barbie has grown to become the biggest film of 2023, and hasn’t quite finished its theatrical journey yet.
1 Oppenheimer
The latest film from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer, hit theaters on July 21 as part of the popular Barbenheimer double-feature. The film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer as he builds the world’s first atomic bomb and contemplates his lasting legacy. The film features a massive cast, including Cillian Murphy in the main role and Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh in supporting roles.
Oppenheimer is a masterclass in filmmaking, as Christopher Nolan takes elements from many of his recent projects to craft one of the best movies of the year. Despite a three-hour runtime, Oppenheimer is gripping from beginning to end as it contemplates the complex legacy of its protagonist–and the future of the world itself. The movie has achieved immense success in its primary theatrical run, and is still available in many theaters for avid fans to rewatch again and again.