5 English Movies That Are Going To Release In December 2023

The actors’ strike has ended, allowing casts to engage in full publicity and participate in talk show appearances throughout December. The box office is expected to benefit from this, especially considering a more balanced release calendar compared to previous years dominated by a single film. December 2023 won’t likely see a blockbuster reaching the $500M+ levels of Avatar: The Way of Water in 2022, Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, or Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.

However, Hollywood is set to release two musicals, a concert film featuring one of this generation’s biggest acts, and a sequel to a superhero movie that crossed the $1B mark globally. Check out the most anticipated theatrical releases of December 2023, listed chronologically by release date.

1. Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé – December 1

Named after Beyoncé’s 2022 album, this concert film by AMC Theatres Distribution is set to captivate audiences with a blend of live performances and behind-the-scenes insights. Beyoncé, the R&B/pop sensation, is expected to showcase her chart-topping hits, including “Crazy In Love,” “Formation,” “Love on Top,” and “Run the World.”

While replicating the phenomenal success of October’s Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour might be ambitious, the film’s current total of $175.9M nears the end of its theatrical run, surpassing all other concert films in history. Comparisons are drawn to past successes like Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, Michael Jackson’s This Is It, and Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.

2. The Boy and the Heron – December 8

GKIDS brings forth an anime fantasy directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, known for masterpieces like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. Titled “The Boy and the Heron”, this hand-drawn animated film narrates the story of a boy and his talking bird. The English-language dub boasts a star-studded cast, including Christian Bale, Florence Pugh, Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Dave Bautista, and Mark Hamill.

Miyazaki’s prior releases set a benchmark, with films like Ponyo, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Wind Rises showcasing varying degrees of box office success.

3. Wonka – December 15

Warner Bros. presents a musical fantasy that unravels the origin story of the eccentric candymaker Willy Wonka. Following in the footsteps of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp, Timothée Chalamet takes on the iconic role in this Paul King-directed film. The narrative traces back to Roald Dahl’s 1964 book and explores the fantastical world of chocolate.

Comparisons arise with 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which earned $206.4M, despite mixed contemporary reviews. Recent December musical fantasy releases, such as Mary Poppins Returns and Into the Woods, provide context for Wonka’s potential box office performance.

4. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom – December 22

Jason Momoa returns as the underwater superhero Arthur Curry in Warner Bros.’ fantasy action sequel directed by James Wan. The film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, continues the saga, exploring the depths of Curry’s aquatic realm.

While the original 2018 Aquaman was a global hit, surpassing $1.15B, the superhero genre faces challenges in 2023. Other superhero releases like The Flash and The Marvels have struggled to reach the heights of their predecessors, indicating shifting dynamics in the genre’s box office appeal.

5. The Color Purple – December 25

Warner Bros. presents a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s 1982 novel, “The Color Purple”. The film spans decades, starting in the early 1900s, and follows the journeys of black women overcoming adversity, including racism and sexual violence. The star-studded cast includes Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, and Colman Domingo.

“The Color Purple” aspires to captivate audiences during the festive season, drawing inspiration from the success of December musical dramas like “The Greatest Showman,” “La La Land,” and “Les Misérables.” The film’s box office performance will be closely monitored, set against the backdrop of its compelling narrative.

December 2023 offers a cinematic smorgasbord, featuring a varied array of films spanning concert documentaries, anime fantasies, and superhero sequels. Unlike previous years with a single dominant blockbuster, this December boasts a diverse lineup, ensuring each movie provides a distinctive experience for audiences. Despite the lingering uncertainty at the box office following the recent actors’ strike, anticipation runs high for these releases.

The industry, in the process of recovering from the strike’s aftermath, is poised for a month-long celebration of cinema. While the fate of these films at the box office remains unpredictable, the sheer variety and promise of unique experiences create an undeniable excitement among moviegoers. Let the cinematic festivities of December commence, marking a welcome return to the magic of the big screen.