THE MOST ANTICIPATED SCI-FI, FANTASY AND HORROR MOVIES OF SUMMER 2023
Atomic bombs, fast cars, dream houses, and so much more!
By Josh Weiss May 10, 2023
“For a movie fan and a moviegoer, this is gonna be a great summer,” proclaims Paul Dergarabedian.
Speaking to SYFY WIRE over the phone, the Media Analyst at Comscore exudes infectious optimism for the 2023 blockbuster season, which is currently shaping up to deliver the best box office numbers since the pandemic began three years ago. Theaters are on the mend with summer ticket sales steadily increasing to just over $3 billion in 2022 .
“Last year, we had 22 wide release summer films and this year, we’re gonna have 42,” Dergarabedian adds. “I don’t want to go too far out on a limb, but $4 billion does seem within the realm of possibility, given the depth and breadth of potential wide release blockbusters as well as some sleeper hits that could be in the mix.”
There’s a little something for everyone among those 42 titles: fast cars, lewd canines, atomic bombs, dream houses, haunted mansions, dials of destiny, spider-themed superheroes, kraken queens, impossible missions, and an unhinged Nicolas Cage. In particular, Dergarabedian is very much looking forward to July 21, aka “the Barbie–Oppenheimer weekend.”
“That’s emblematic of how strong the industry is right now to have two movies perfectly counter-programmed,” he says. “Both could do well, albeit with different trajectories and different audiences. But I think that just spells normalcy for the industry, and that’s a good thing.”
“Without a doubt this is one of the most exciting summer movie slates we’ve had in years,” echoes Erik Davis, Managing Editor at Fandango. “Not only is there truly something for everyone, but we’ll also see the return of major franchises and fresh takes on classic characters. When we surveyed over 6,000 Fandango ticket buyers, 89 percent said they were more excited about this summer’s lineup than in previous years, and over 80 percent will see more than three films in theaters over the course of the season. That’s just a testament to both the love of the theatrical experience, as well as a very strong slate of releases heading our way. It’s the perfect time to head back to the movie theater!”
Head below for the genre movies we can’t wait to see this summer.
The Equalizer 3 (September 1)
Director Antoine Fuqua’s film franchise reboot of the classic ’80s television series comes to an end with government killer turned everyday avenger Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) attempting to settle down in Southern Italy. Unfortunately, there isn’t much relaxation to be had once it becomes clear that McCall’s new friends live in constant fear of local crime bosses. Our hero springs into action, ready to kick all the ass without breaking a sweat. And before you start making any John Wick comparisons, just know that the first Equalizer movie opened a month before Keanu Reeves sought revenge on behalf of his dog. Another fun fact: Dakota Fanning appears in The Equalizer 3, which officially makes the film a mini Man on Fire reunion. Neat!