There is a discussion on Film Twitter that the people excited to see Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” are not the same people that are excited to see Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.” We disagree. Whether the masses want to believe it or not, it’s a Barbie world, and we’re all just living in it–even Ryan Gosling has admitted that he’s finally discovered his Ken-ergy.
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If you’re not ready to embrace your inner Barbie or Ken, though, there are plenty of options for the 2023 Summer Blockbuster season. Some of the films you’ll find on this list we’ve talked about before, such as “Master Gardener” and “Flamin’ Hot,” while others we’ve been anxiously waiting for like everyone else.
Whether emotional documentaries are your thing or cheering on Dom Torretto as he shows us once again he’ll do anything for family, here is what is coming your way over the next four months.
“Guardians of the Galaxy 3”Chris Pratt is back as Peter Quill, who is still grieving from the loss of Zoe Saldana’s Gamora but rallies the troops anyway to defend the galaxy in a mission that could mean the end to the Guardians. Written and directed by James Gunn and starring Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and Sean Gunn. As teased, Will Poulter has been added to the cast.Release Date: May 5 via Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios.
“Hypnotic”Robert Rodriguez wrote the script for this film in 2002 and has called it one of his favorite stories. Now, 21 years later, audiences are finally going to get to see the detective story. Ben Affleck stars as a detective who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. “Hypnotic” also stars Alice Braga, JD Pardo, and Dayo Okeniyi. Release Date: May 12 via Ketchup Entertainment. 
“Fool’s Paradise”When a mute man is released from a mental health facility, a down-on-his-luck publicist gets his lucky break when he discovers the mute man looks just like a method actor who refuses to leave his trailer. Starring, written by, and directed by Charlie Day, the comedy stars the late Ray Liotta, Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman, and Katherine McNamara. Release Date: May 12 via Lionsgate.
“The Mother”Don’t mess with a mother’s child… even if they don’t have a relationship with each other. The newest film from director Niki Caro stars Jennifer Lopez as an ex-assassin who is feeling from dangerous assailants and has to come out of hiding to protect her estranged daughter. “The Mother” stars Paul Raci, Joseph Fiennes, and Lucy Paez. Release Date: May 12 on Netflix. 
“Monica”A story that hits deep universal themes of abandonment, aging, acceptance, and redemption, this film is an intimate portrait of a woman who must return home to care for her dying mother. “Monica” stars Emily Browning, Patricia Clarkson, Trace Lysette, and Adriana Barraza and is directed by Andrea Pallaoro. The world premiere was at the Venice International Film Festival in September last year. Release Date: May 12 via IFC Films and AMC+.
“Master Gardener”A favorite from Venice 2022 sees Joel Edgerton as a horticulturist who is in charge of tending to the grounds of a wealthy dowager, played by Sigourney Weaver. The film also stars “Euphoria” and “Black Adam” star Quintessa Swindell and was written and directed by Paul Schrader. Release Date: May 19 via Magnolia Pictures.
“Sanctuary”Shortly after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022, Neon acquired the distribution rights to the Zachary Wigon-directed film “Sanctuary.” Written by Micah Bloomberg, the film is a dark comedy that tells the story of Hal, a wealthy client of a dominatrix, who tries to end the relationship and the battle of power that ensues between them. The film stars Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. Release Date: May 19 via Neon.
“Wild Life”A documentary film that chronicles the relationship of conservationist Kris Tompkins, the first CEO of Patagonia, and her husband Douglas Tompkins, the founder of The North Face, and their fight to preserve one of the last truly wild places on earth. The film is directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi.  Release Date: In select theaters now, airing on Nat Geo on May 25 and streaming on Disney+ on May 26.
“You Hurt My Feelings”As the title states, someone’s feelings are going to get hurt in this 90-minute dramedy focused on the little lies we’re all guilty of telling. Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as a novelist whose marriage is turned upside down when she overhears her husband sharing his reaction to her latest book, a reaction that doesn’t match what he told her. The film stars Tobias Menzies, Michaela Watkins, and Arian Moayed, alongside Louis-Dreyfus. Release Date: In Theatres May 26 via A24. 
“The Little Mermaid”The same story of Ariel wanting to get her human legs and be a part of our world that we all know and love, but this time in live action. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” sees Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, and Awkwafina star as King Triton, Ursula, Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle respectfully, alongside Halle Bailey as Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric.Release Date: May 26 via Walt Disney Studios.