Franchise films are quite similar to fast food chains. They bring with them a degree of familiarity while also retaining an element of surprise. For a film to become a franchise, it needs to have a global appeal along with an aspect of uniqueness. Gone are the days when only big-name stars and directors would dictate the outcome of a project. Nowadays, all you need is a unique, well-written concept along with a dedicated star cast, and you may have a winner on your hands. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting franchise films releasing in 2023, ranked.

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8 Magic Mike’s Last Dance

     Warner Bros.

If stripping were a sport, Magic Mike would be the Mike Tyson of it. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Magic Mike’s latest installment in set to release in 2023, and the story revolves around Mike Lane, who returns to the stage after a sour business deal that renders him broke. Hoping for one last bang before he goes out for good, Mike teams up with a wealthy socialite who lures him to London. Having everything to gain and nothing to lose Mike finds himself racing against time to get his hot new roster into shape.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

7 Fast X

     Universal Pictures

In its 10th installment, Fast X is directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Justin Lin and Dan Mazeau. The film serves as a sequel to F9 and stars the staple cast of Vin Diesel as Dominic Torretto, along with Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena, Jason Momoa, and Ludacris. The film began principal photography in April 2022, with Justin Lin helming the project, but he opted out due to creative differences and resorted to more of a writing role. Fast X is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 19th, 2023.

6 Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

     Paramount Pictures

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, is the 7th film in the Transformers film series and serves as a stand-alone sequel to Bumblebee (2018). The film is directed by Steven Caple Jr. (Creed III, The Land) and stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, along with Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, and Pate Davidson on voice duties. The film’s plot revolves around a pair of human archeologists who chance upon an ancient conflict that marks the entry of the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons joining the existing battle for earth between Autobots and Decepticons.

5 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

     Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is one of the MCU’s Phase 5 releases in 2023. The blockbuster film franchise featuring the usual cast of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Vin Diesel, is set to return to the big screens on May 5th, 2023. Though the plot of the film is relatively unknown, it may not deal with the multiverse, unlike this year’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The film is helmed by the Godfather of superhero movies, James Gunn, and is one of the most anticipated films of 2023.

4 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

From Director James Mangold (Logan, Ford V Ferrari), comes the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones films series. The film sees Harrison Ford return as the titular Indiana Jones along with Mads Mikkelsen, Antonio Banderas, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The plot of the film is set against the backdrop of the space race between the USA and the Soviet Union, and the film is scheduled to release on June 30th, 2023 in the US.

3 The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes

     Lionsgate

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, the film serves as a prequel to the previous Hunger Games films in the series. The film follows Coriolanus Snow, who is neither malevolent nor bloodthirsty for power compared to his appearances in the original Hunger Games films. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is directed by Francis Lawrence, the director of the previous three films in the Hunger Games franchise. The film stars Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, and Jason Schwartzman and is set to release on November 17th, 2023.

2 John Wick: Chapter 4

John Wick is one of the nicest bad guys to have ever been created for the screen. What started with the murder of an innocent dog has four films later, culminated into a path of death and destruction. John Wick: Chapter 4 sees the legendary hitman take on the High Table as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld across the globe. Directed by Chad Stahelski, the director of the previous three films in the John Wick franchise, the film stars Keanu Reeves as the titular John Wick, along with Ian McShane and Bill Skarsgård in prominent roles. The film is set to release on March 24th, 2023.

1 Dune: Part Two

     Warner Bros 

Dune: Part Two is arguably one of the most anticipated films of 2023. The big-budget, sci-fi epic based on Frank Herbert’s best-selling novel of the same name is helmed by maestro Denis Villeneuve. Picking up from where the first part left off, Paul Atreides (Timothy Chalamet), finds himself united with the Fremen, ready to seek revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. The film has a heavy Starcast of Hollywood heavyweights such as Timothy Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson Stellan Skarsgård, and Javier Bardem. The eagerly awaited film is set to release in November 2023.