Upcoming Releases, December 2023

 


We've reached the final month of the year. That means we're getting some year-end blockbusters and plenty of awards bait films. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year for film fans. Let's dive in.

Friday, December 1:
The Shift (Theaters): A modern sci-fi story that draws inspiration from The Book of Job. This feels like a niche kind of film.

Silent Night (Theaters): Joel Kinnaman stars as a grieving father who heads into the under-world to avenge his son. It's a different kind of year-end tale.

Godzilla Minus One (Theaters): Another Godzilla film, this time outside of the modern monsterverse and hailing from Japan. It's a bit of seasonal counter-programming.

Renaissance (Theaters): It worked for Taylor Swift, why not for Beyonce. It's another concert film.

Candy Cane Lane (Prime Video): Eddie Murphy takes the lead in this holiday film as a man on a mission to win his neighborhood decorating contest. This looks like some holiday season fun.

May December (Netflix): From Todd Haynes, this film stars Julianne Moore and Charles Melton as a couple who began with a controversial affair 20 years earlier. Now an actress (Natalie Portman) is studying their life to expose their secrets. Another award contender for Netflix.

Friday, December 8:
Poor Things (Theaters): It's a modern-day twist on the Frankenstein story starring Emma Stone. This looks like a quirky gem to end the year.

The Boy and the Heron (Theaters): This is the latest film from Hayao Miyazaki. It could be a strong contender for best animated film of the year.

Eileen (Theaters): This is a thriller starring Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie. Set in the 1960s, this looks like an engaging thriller.

Leave the World Behind (Netflix): This latest film from writer/director Sam Esmail has a strong cast and an interesting concept. It's another in a string of big releases from the streamer to end the year.

Merry Little Batman (Prime Video): A season animated film built around Batman. It's like Prime Video knows the way to my heart.

Friday, December 15:
Wonka (Theaters): Timothee Chalamet takes the lead as a younger Willy Wonka in this origin story. This looks like an engaging film that could offer some broad appeal toward the end of the year.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Netflix): A big animated sequel in the Chicken Run franchise. This should be a bit of family fun this holiday season.

Family Plan (Apple TV+): Mark Whalberg leads the film as a father who takes his family on the run when his past catches up with him. Apple has been hit-or-miss this year with films, but this has potential.

Finestkind (Paramount+): Two estranged brothers reunite when they make a deal with the mob. This is a different kind of concept that should work well for Paramount+.

Wednesday, December 20:
Maestro (Netflix): This is one of the big contenders for Best Picture, a biopic on Leonard Bernstein from Bradley Cooper and co-starring Carey Mulligan. This is one of the most anticipated films of the year.

Friday, December 22:
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Theaters): Maybe the final entry in the old DC extended Universe? This sequel has been long gestating and is the last blockbuster of 2023.

Migration (Theaters): A family of ducks try to go south for the winter. This animated tale offers something for families this Christmas.

The Iron Claw (Theaters): A biopic on the wrestling family the Von Erichs. This one is drawing praise for the performances of Jeremy Allen White and Zac Efron.

Rebel Moon, Pt. 1 A Child of Fire (Netflix): Zack Snyder has taken his talents to Netflix. This is a big budget action adventure and it looks like a spot of fun.

Monday, December 25:
Ferrari (Theaters): From Michael Mann, Adam Driver stars in this biopic as Enzo Ferrari. This looks like another great addition to the year-end lineup.

The Boys in the Boat (Theaters): Set in the 1930s, this follows the great University of Washington rowing team. It comes from George Clooney and looks like an inspiring Christmas Day viewing option.

The Color Purple (Theaters): This new take on the classic from Alice Walker is a big screen musical adaptation. It looks like another strong option to end the year.

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