With movie watching being a form of entertainment for at least 76% of Americans, the annual movie lineup is anticipated by many. “Top Gun: Maverick,”“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” were the top 3 movies of 2022. 

“I go to the movie theaters around five times a year but watch movies at home on a weekly basis. My favorite movies of 2022 were ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, and “Enola Holmes 2,’’’ sophomore Elena Nikooee said. 

Although famous actors have multiple movies each year with people eagerly waiting to watch them, the success of the movie depends on the quality of the movie and not just the name. 

“I’m not that picky with movies, they just can’t be boring or else I’d fall asleep. I love all the action that came with the new Avatar movie and any Marvel movie was interesting to me,” junior Malea Johnson said. 

Action was the top movie genre in 2022. The 2023 movie lineup has several adventure movies, but will another genre take the lead this year? 

The most anticipated movies of 2023 are “Barbie,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse II.” Once again, it appears that action and adventure is taking the lead along with a childhood favorite animated show turned movie. “Barbie” was a childhood favorite for many, “Indiana Jones” is a classic series, and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse I” was one of the top movies of 2018. 

The first “Barbie” doll aired on March 9, 1959. Since then, 40 movies about Barbie have been made with four television shows. 

“Oh I can’t wait for Barbie. I still even watch ‘Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse’ when I’m nervous about anything because it calms me down. I have high expectations for Spider Man, too, the last one was great,” Johnson said. 

There are many anticipated movies for 2023. Here are a few: 

 “John Wick: Chapter 4”:

Renowned hitman John Wick faces the High Table glocal as he seeks out the strongest players in the underworld, ranging from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin. As this goes on, the price on his head continues to increase. 

“Dune: Part II”:

Paul Atreides along with Chani and the Fremen unite as they seek revenge toward the conspirators who ruined his family. Torn between the love of his life and the universe’s fate, he is forced to prevent an unfortunate future only he can foresee. 

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. III”:

With Peter Quill dealing with the loss of Gamora, he still must regroup his team to defend the universe whilst protecting one of their own. If the mission is unsuccessful, the Guardians may end as we know them.

“My favorite types of movies have a certain type of old style to them like “Enola Holmes,” because I love the simplicity of them, but I also love action movies, specifically Marvel. This year I’m really excited about Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed”,” Nikooee said. 

Although movie watching is one of the main forms of entertainment for Americans, there is always a great deal of pressure on all the anticipated movies due to the criticism of society and social media. 

“Movies are an escape to me. I get to leave my own world for a bit, and I think that’s so special,” Johnson said.