Action movies typically consist of fight scenes, dangerous stunts and rely on the execution of the plot rather than the plot itself. In the early days of cinema, popular action movies consisted of outlaws and swashbuckling pirates until the 1940s ushered in a new era of cowboys and war films.
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Action movies continue to be one of the most popular genres among audiences and this year, fans can expect to see action-packed blockbusters and long-awaited sequels includingFast XandJohn Wick: Chapter 4. FromAdam Driver’s65toIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,these are 10 of the most anticipated action movies coming in 2023.
After pilot Mills crashes on an unknown planet, he soon figures out that he has landed on Earth 65 million years ago. Mills and the only other survivor, Koa, only have one chance at being rescued and must make their way through the wilderness that’s populated by dangerous creatures.
Adam Driver stars in this science-fiction thriller written and directed byScott BeckandBryan Woodswho also wroteA Quiet PlacestarringJohn KrasinskiandEmily Blunt. The movie has a minor cast consisting of Driver,Chloe Coleman,Nika KingandAriana Greenblatt. Greenblatt plays survivor, Koa and is best known for her role as a young Gamora inAvengers: Infinity War.65opens March 10.
2’Creed III'
As Donnie continues dominating the boxing world, his former friend and boxing prodigy, Damian, returns to the ring after being released from prison. To settle a past score, Donnie faces off against his former friend in a match risking not only his career but also his life.
Creed IIIpicks up after the events ofCreed IIand featuresMichael B. Jordanreprising his role as Adnois “Donnie” Creed in the upcoming sequel withJonathan Majorsas Damian “Dame” Anderson. This is the first movie in theRockyfranchise that won’t starSylvester Stallonebut Sly’s still on board as producer.Creed IIIwill arrive in theaters this spring on March 3rd.
3’Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves'
Edgin the Bard and his band of thieves embark on an epic journey in search of a lost relic, but their promising adventure is compromised when they cross paths with the wrong kind of people.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thievesis based on the popular table-top role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons and starsChris Pine,Michelle Rodriguez,Hugh GrantandSophia Lilliswho starred in the horror remake ofStephen King’s,IT. The movie is a stand-alone feature that has no connection to the trilogy released between 2000 and 2012.Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieveswill arrive in theaters on March 31st.
Vin Dieselreturns as Dom Toretto withMichelle Rodriquez,Tyrese GibsonandChris “Ludacris” Bridgesin the tenth installment oftheFast & Furiousfranchise,Fast X.Dom and his crew are forced to recruit some help in their fight against Cipher (Charlize Theron) after she hires, Dante (Jason Mamoa), an adversary from Dom’s past.
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The movie is one of two final chapters in the series and features past stars includingJason Statham,Helen Mirren,Kurt RussellandJohn Cenaas well as introduces new characters played byRita MorenoandBrie Larson. While the movies intend to bring theFast & Furioussaga to a close, the long-time-runningfranchise could continue.Fast Xis scheduled to be released in theaters on May 19th.
5’The Expendables 4'
When the United States and Russia become involved in a nuclear conflict, the U.S. has exhausted all other options and has no other choice but to call in the Expendables. The group of misfit mercenaries are recruited as the country’s last line of defense and the world’s only hope.
Sylvester StalloneandJason Stathamreturn inThe Expendables 4and introduces new stars includingAndy Garcia,Megan FoxandCurtis “50 Cent” Jackson.The movie isStallone’s final film in the franchisebut Statham is reportedly set to take the lead and continue the action-packed series.The Expendables 4will premiere in theaters on September 22nd.
6’Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania'
Scott Lang along with Hope van Dyne and her parents, Hank and Janet, continue traveling through the Quantum Realm and its infinite possibilities. As they explore further into the realm, they encounter strange and new creatures as well as a time-traveling entity named Kang the Conquer.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumaniais the third sequel in theAnt-Man movies starringPaul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Michelle PfeifferandEvangeline Lilly.The movie introduces the Marvel supervillain and enemy of the Avengers,Kang the Conquer who is played byJonathan Majors.Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumaniawill fly into theaters this month on February 17th.
Tom Cruiseis back as MIF agent, Ethan Hunt, inMission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part Onealong withSimon Pegg,Ving RhamesandRebecca Ferguson. The action spysequel is a follow-up toMission: Impossible - Falloutand marks the seventh installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise. The plot of the film is currently unknown but is set to release as a summer blockbuster on July 14th.
In 2019,Cruise statedthat the next two sequels would be filmed back-to-back withChristopher McQuarrieboth writing and directing again. The films were originally intended to be released in the Summer of 2021 and 2022 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production experienced several setbacks.Angela Bassetthad announced that she would returnfor the sequel as Erika Sloane, but unfortunately, she had to drop out due to COVID-19 traveling restrictions.
8’John Wick: Chapter 4'
Professional hitman and infamous assassin, John Wick, discovers a way to defeat the High Table and earn his freedom, but before he can make his escape, he must take on a new dangerous enemy giving Wick no choice but to turn to old friends and even former foes for help.
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Keanu Reeveswill make his fourth appearance as the merciless hitman, John Wick, this spring on March 24th. According to an interview withGQ, Reeves said that he intends on playing the character as long as the audience wants him. The movie also features former characters played byLaurence FishburneandIan McShaneand introducesBill Skarsgärdas the Marquis de Gramont, a member of the High Table who is challenged by Wick.
9’The Equalizer 3'
Denzel Washingtonwill reprise his roleas former intelligence agent and detective, Robert McCall on September 1st inThe Equalizer 3.Actress,Dakota Fanningwillco-star with Washington,reuniting the starsfor the first time on-screen since co-starring together in the 2004 vigilante film,Man on Fire.
The movie marks the fifth collaboration between Washington and director,Antoine Fuquawho directed the actor in the previousEqualizerfilms,The Magnificent Sevenand the Oscar-winning film,Training Day. Fuqua has stated his plans to extend the franchise after the success ofThe Equalizer 2in 2018 anddiscussed his interest in an international settingfor the movie.
10’Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'
In 1969, the United States and the Soviet Union are intensely engaged in the space race but archeologist, Indiana Jones, becomes concerned when he discovers that the U.S. government has recruited former Nazis to work for NASA. As Indy embarks on his next adventure, an ex-Nazi and NASA employee is plotting to use the Apollo moon landing for his own personal gain.
Harrison Fordreturns as the infamous Indiana Joneswith directorJames Mangoldin this stand-alone sequel. Indy is joined by his goddaughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), and will go up against former Nazi now NASA employee, Jürgen Voller who is played byMads Mikkelsen. The movie also starsAntonio Banderas,Boyd HolbrookandJohn Rhys-Davieswho will reprise his role as Indy’s friend, Sallah.Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destinyis scheduled to be released in theaters on June 30th.
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