Movies coming in January 2023

It is the start of a new year which means new questions for the film industry. Will audiences start returning to theaters in the numbers they did before the pandemic? How much more will streaming affecting the industry? Is this the year we finally get a new Air Bud movie? The first month will not answer any of those questions, but there are some interesting releases scheduled for January 2023.

M3GAN (January 6; Theaters)

The first trailer looked great and every subsequent look at the first big horror release of 2023 has done nothing to take away from the anticipation. Creepy and funny, M3GAN is reminiscent of Child’s Play, but with a modern twist. The titular doll is programmed with artificial intelligence and designed to be a child’s greatest companion and protector. Things take a predictably bad turn.

The Pale Blue Eye (January 6; Netflix)

Christian Bale (Vice) starring in a gothic mystery in which he is tasked to solve a series of murders? Plus, Edgar Allen Poe (Harry Melling, The Queen’s Gambit) is there to assist!?! The premise promises an atmospheric setting while the cast which also includes Gillian Anderson (The Crown) and Robert Duvall (Gone in 60 Seconds) is a strong one.

Shin Ultraman (January 12; Fathom Event)

The latest installment in the popular franchise is part of the Shin Japan Heroes Universe. Once again, Japan is under attack from kaiju and it is up to Ultraman to save the world. The plot may be familiar, but this not just another Ultraman movie. This one deals with modern themes and even deals with politics. At the same time, it keeps the charm that has endeared the character to children for decades.

House Party (January 13; Theaters)

It was established long ago that no property is safe from being remade. Still, a House Party reboot probably surprised even the most passionate fans of the series. There is no doubting its popularity – there are five entries – but it is also one of those movies that no one ever talks about. (Kinda like the Air Bud franchise.) Thankfully, between chasing the all time scoring record and playing for underachieving teams, LeBron James stepped in. Restructuring at Warner Bros saw the release and format switch constantly, but it seems to have finally settled on a date.

There’s Something Wrong With the Children (January 17; VOD/Digital)

Blumhouse has become synonymous with horror, and though it has not always been a good thing, there is no denying the studio has delivered some great genre films. Releases from the Blumhouse Television banner have been particularly impressive with Torn Hearts and Bingo Hell being just two examples of the creativity being shown. There’s Something Wrong With the Children is another entry in the creepy kid sub genre about a group of children who begin to act strangely after disappearing into some woods overnight.

Alice, Darling (January 20; Theaters)

Anna Kendrick stars in this movie about a woman dealing with her psychologically abusive boyfriend, Simon. While on vacation with her girlfriends, Alice begins to rediscover herself. She slowly begins to gather her strength and loosen herself from the grip Simon. Alice soon has to deal with Simon’s vengeance as her strength, courage, and friendships are put to the test.

Teen Wolf: The Movie (January 26; Paramount+)

Not a continuation of the Michael J. Fox classic from the 1980s but of the MTV series that ran from 2011-2017. The fact that Teen Wolf is no longer a teenager seems like a big enough problem, but a new evil has also come to terrorize Beacon Hills. No Longer Teen Wolf is there to gather old friends and new allies to take on this  powerful threat.