This watchlist brings together films released in 2023 and 2024, from historical dramas to science fiction, along with one forthcoming animated sequel. Explore the storytelling, performances, and filmmaking behind each pick.
1. Dune: Part Two (2024)
The sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 hit Dune follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) across the harsh desert world of Arrakis, combining striking visuals, intense action, and political intrigue. The sequel explores Paul’s rise to power and his destiny as the prophesied “Kwisatz Haderach,” making it a must-watch for fans of epic science fiction.
- Why It’s Great: Villeneuve’s world-building and the stellar cast—including Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem—elevate this adaptation into a mesmerizing cinematic experience.
- Context: At the 2025 Academy Awards, the film was nominated for Best Picture and won for Sound and Visual Effects.
2. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Martin Scorsese’s historical drama, based on David Grann’s nonfiction book, chronicles the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, the film dives into a dark chapter of American history, where the Osage Nation became targets of a sinister conspiracy after oil was discovered on their land.
- Why It’s Great: Scorsese’s direction, combined with powerhouse performances, creates a gripping, emotional journey through a significant but often overlooked historical event.
- Context: The film received Best Picture and Best Director nominations at the 2024 Academy Awards.
3. Oppenheimer (2023)
Christopher Nolan’s biographical epic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who helped create the atomic bomb, is a 2023 release. Cillian Murphy stars as Oppenheimer, and the film delves into the moral complexities and psychological toll of the man who played a pivotal role in World War II.
- Why It’s Great: Nolan’s talent for telling intricate, thought-provoking stories combined with the powerful performances of Murphy and the supporting cast, including Emily Blunt and Matt Damon, makes this a compelling watch.
- Context: The film won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Murphy at the 2024 Academy Awards.
4. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)
A prequel to the popular Hunger Games series, this film takes audiences back to the origins of the dystopian world of Panem. The story centers on Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), the future president of Panem, as he navigates his early years during the 10th Hunger Games, where he mentors a female tribute, Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler).
- Why It’s Great: The return to the world of The Hunger Games offers plenty of drama, intrigue, and action, and fans will appreciate the deeper dive into the political landscape that shaped Snow’s rise to power.
- Context: Watch how the prequel explores the early choices of a future antagonist.
5. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (forthcoming)
The forthcoming third Spider-Verse film follows Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023). Sony identifies it as the conclusion to the animated trilogy.
- What to Watch For: The first two films offer inventive animation and a diverse multiverse of Spider-People; the forthcoming film cannot yet be assessed here.
- Context: The forthcoming film is separate from the released 2023 and 2024 selections on this list.
6. The Marvels (2023)
Marvel Studios’ The Marvels brings together Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani). The trio must team up to face an intergalactic threat that will test their powers and unity. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film combines fresh perspectives with high-stakes action.
- Why It’s Great: Consider how the film shares focus among its three heroes as they work together.
- Context: Look at how the film brings three heroes’ perspectives into one shared adventure.
7. Next Goal Wins (2023)
Taika Waititi’s sports comedy-drama tells the true story of the American Samoa soccer team’s campaign in qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. With a cast led by Michael Fassbender and Waititi himself behind the camera, this film combines heartwarming sports drama with humor and emotion.
- Why It’s Great: Waititi’s unique comedic style and Fassbender’s compelling performance make this an underdog story worth watching, offering laughs and heartfelt moments in equal measure.
- Context: Consider how the film adapts an underdog sports story for comedy and drama.
8. Barbie (2023)
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is a playful comedy released in 2023. Starring Margot Robbie as the titular character, the film explores Barbie’s journey out of her perfect world into the “real world” with plenty of social commentary, humor, and style. Expect a playful, yet profound take on identity and culture.
- Why It’s Great: Gerwig’s directorial vision, combined with the charismatic Robbie, offers a fresh and inventive take on a beloved cultural icon. The film blends satire and heart.
- Context: At the 2024 Academy Awards, the film was nominated for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay and won Original Song.
9. The Killer (2023)
David Fincher’s thriller, based on the graphic novel of the same name, follows an assassin (Michael Fassbender) who must grapple with the fallout of a job gone wrong. With Fincher’s signature dark and cerebral style, The Killer delivers suspense and intrigue.
- Why It’s Great: Fincher’s meticulous direction, combined with Fassbender’s gritty performance, makes The Killer an edge-of-your-seat experience.
- Context: Consider how the film builds tension around its assassin’s routines and setbacks.
10. A Haunting in Venice (2023)
Kenneth Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot in this adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party. Set in a spooky Venetian villa, Poirot investigates a murder during a Halloween party, only to uncover a deeper mystery involving supernatural elements.
- Why It’s Great: Branagh’s take on Poirot continues to be a favorite among mystery fans, and with the added element of supernatural intrigue, A Haunting in Venice is an atmospheric whodunit.
- Context: Watch how the setting and séance shape the mystery’s atmosphere.
FAQs About This Film Watchlist
What makes a film worth watching?
Strong storytelling, compelling characters, and memorable filmmaking can make a film worth watching, whether it is a blockbuster or an independent release.
Which films on this list have already been released?
The released selections include Killers of the Flower Moon, Dune: Part Two, The Marvels, and Oppenheimer. Beyond the Spider-Verse is a forthcoming project.
Which selections received Academy recognition?
Oppenheimer, Barbie, and Killers of the Flower Moon were recognized at the 2024 Oscars. Dune: Part Two received recognition at the 2025 ceremony.
Resources for Staying Up-to-Date on Movie Releases
- Box Office Mojo: Stay updated on the latest box office hits and upcoming releases.
- IMDb: A great resource for finding information on upcoming films, trailers, and reviews.
- Collider: Offers movie news, reviews, and deep dives into upcoming films.
Final Thoughts: A Watchlist Across Genres
From epic blockbusters to intimate character studies, these selections offer different approaches to character, spectacle, and storytelling. The forthcoming animated sequel is included separately as a project to follow.
More for Screenwriters
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- How to Write a Killer First Page
- Screenplay Format Cheatsheet: What Goes Where on the Page
