The summer movie season is usually the apex of each year, bursting with blockbusters, explosions, action, and celebrities. This year, though, the only real winner of the summer was Top Gun: Maverick. And deservedly so! But outside of Mav, the summer didn’t have nearly the impact it usually does.
But moving into the fall and winter, it looks like we’re going to be blessed with what promises to be some truly remarkable movies. Oscar campaigning will unofficially begin, with awards hopefuls released in full force to get attention and buzz before awards season officially kicks off at the beginning of next year.
And I, for one, could not be more excited. Three of my favorite filmmakers are releasing new movies this fall, what could possibly be the best MCU movie since Avengers: Endgame is coming out, and a bunch of other exciting movies that should provide for an interesting season.
So here are the five movies I’m most excited about for the rest of the year:
- The Fabelmans
I’ve already made it very clear that Steven Spielberg is my favorite director of all time, so I’m obviously going to be excited for anything he does. Coming off a successful adaptation of West Side Story, The Fabelmans will be Spielberg’s most personal film yet. Based on his own childhood, it will tell the story of a boy who discovers a love of movies while navigating through complicated family dynamics.
The trailer alone already proves this will be full of Spielberg qualities – full of wonder and maybe a little bit of over-the-top cheesiness. And I cannot wait.
In theaters this Thanksgiving.
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is one of my favorite movies ever, so I was initially nervous of the decision to turn it into a franchise, with two sequels announced by Netflix a few years ago. But after seeing the trailer – and this incredible cast – I’m so excited for this.
Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is back, along with his iconic Kentucky drawl, but this time he’s in Greece. And honestly that’s all I need and want to know. If it’s anywhere near Knives Out, this will be an absolute blast.
On Netflix December 23.
- Babylon
Damien Chazelle is another director that I absolutely love. His last three movies – First Man, La La Land, and Whiplash – are all certified bangers. And now he’s coming back with Babylon, a story set in the early days of Hollywood and its many indulgences. The cast is huge and wonderful, led by Margot Robbie, Diego Calva and Brad Pitt.
Again, I don’t know much about this movie (and I really don’t want to), but I love Chazelle’s past work and I love movies about the early days of Hollywood. So sign me up for Babylon.
In theaters technically Christmas Day, but in wide release on January 6, 2023.
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The sequel to Ryan Coogler’s Oscar-winning Black Panther was always going to have a lot to live up to, given the massive worldwide success and cultural phenomenon the first movie turned out to be. But with the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda Forever must pull off the seemingly impossible. The sequel must mourn the loss of its title character (and the actor who so elegantly embodied the role) and present a worthy successor to the mantle of the Black Panther. On top of that, it plans to introduce two new characters that will help shape the future of the MCU – Namor the Sub-mariner and Riri Williams, Ironheart.
Only in the hands of returning director Ryan Coogler do I trust this to work. And if done well, it will be incredibly emotional, cathartic and thrilling to see.
In theaters November 11.
- Don’t Worry Darling
On its own, Don’t Worry Darling seemed intriguing enough, but the real-world dynamics between the cast and director Olivia Wilde have skyrocketed this movie on every must-see list. For those of you who don’t follow entertainment news and gossip, I beg you to google an article or video explainer of the chaos that has been the Don’t Worry Darling press tour. It’s like nothing we’ve seen in a long time.
Putting that chaos aside, Florence Pugh – the star of Don’t Worry Darling – is one of my favorite actors working right now. And I loved Oliva Wilde’s last movie, Booksmart. So yes, I will be first in line to watch this – mostly because of the external drama, but the movie itself should be a wild ride, too.
In theaters September 23.
Movies with Mitchell 