Going to the movies is a favorite pastime for many people. With so many great films coming out, it can be hard to keep track of what’s currently playing in theaters. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the major new releases that are out right now and are worth catching on the big screen.
Current Major Movie Releases
Here are some of the biggest and most talked about films that are currently playing in movie theaters:
- Avatar: The Way of Water
- Violent Night
- The Whale
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Strange World
- Devotion
- The Menu
- The Fabelmans
- Bones and All
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
This impressive list includes major franchise films, action spectacles, thought-provoking dramas, animated tales, and more. There’s something for just about every movie taste available right now at a theater near you.
Avatar: The Way of Water
James Cameron’s long-awaited sequel to 2009’s Avatar finally arrived in theaters on December 16, 2022. Avatar: The Way of Water takes audiences back to the visually stunning world of Pandora years after the events of the first film. With advanced CGI and 3D technology, the film immerses viewers into the environment and culture of the Na’vi tribe. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang reprise their roles from the original. They are joined by several new cast members including Kate Winslet and Cliff Curtis. Early reviews have praised the film’s technical achievements and expansive visual splendor.
Violent Night
Looking for an unconventional and darkly comedic holiday film? Violent Night offers a twist on the typical sentimental Christmas movie. David Harbour of Stranger Things fame stars as a not-so-jolly, booze-guzzling Santa Claus who has to save a wealthy family from a team of mercenaries storming their mansion compound on Christmas Eve. Directed by Tommy Wirkola in his first major studio film, Violent Night mixes bloody R-rated action and holiday cheer for a wickedly entertaining experience.
The Whale
Brendan Fraser delivers a highly acclaimed performance in The Whale, the new psychological drama from director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream). Fraser plays Charlie, a reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher attempting to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. The film offers an intimate character study as Charlie confronts his past errors and health issues. Adapted from the play of the same name, The Whale provides a powerful showcase for Fraser’s comeback and Aronofsky’s unrelenting direction.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Marvel’s latest superhero epic Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continues the story of the technologically advanced African nation following the passing of King T’Challa. Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, and Winston Duke headline the film as the people of Wakanda defend themselves from new threats and appoint a new Black Panther. Rihanna contributed an original song to the movie’s soundtrack. Director Ryan Coogler delivers another sweeping Marvel adventure combining dazzling visuals, global stakes, and emotional resonance.
Strange World
Disney animation offers adventure for the whole family with Strange World. The visually thrilling film follows the Clades, a legendary family of explorers, as they travel to a dangerous land full of bizarre creatures and unexpected challenges. Voice performances from Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Jaboukie Young-White bring the characters to life. With eye-popping visuals and a story focused on familial relationships, Strange World provides an entertaining animated escape.
Devotion
Devotion dramatizes the true story of U.S. Navy fighter pilots Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner during the Korean War. The film stars Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as the heroic aviators who became close friends and relied on each other in aerial combat. Directed by J.D. Dillard, Devotion balances rousing flight sequences and war drama with a focus on loyalty, sacrifice, and overcoming prejudice. Reviews have singled out the strong lead performances and production values capturing 1950s-era naval aviation.
The Menu
Dark comedy The Menu skewers the pretensions of haute cuisine culture. Ralph Fiennes plays a celebrity chef at an exclusive restaurant who prepares a sadistic menu for a group of wealthy guests. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as a last-minute dining companion who upends the proceedings. Mark Mylod directs this biting satire loaded with shocking twists and oddball humor. With a sharp script and committed performances, The Menu serves up a deliriously entertaining indictment of self-importance in the culinary world.
The Fabelmans
Legendary director Steven Spielberg offers a semi-autobiographical look at his early years and family life in The Fabelmans. Newcomer Gabriel LaBelle stars as young aspiring filmmaker Sammy Fabelman, with Michelle Williams and Paul Dano as his parents. The film explores Sammy’s artistic awakening and the marital issues that affect his Jewish family over several decades. Already an awards season contender, The Fabelmans represents one of Spielberg’s most personal films, touching on universal themes of pursuing dreams and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Bones and All
Director Luca Guadagnino reteams with Call Me by Your Name star Timothée Chalamet for the haunting coming-of-age tale Bones and All. Chalamet and Taylor Russell play young cannibals searching for identity and survival on a road trip across Reagan-era America. Adapted from Camille DeAngelis’ novel, the film blends horror, gritty drama, and social commentary into an offbeat story of self-discovery and outsider romance. Chalamet continues to prove himself as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Writer-director Rian Johnson follows up his hit whodunit Knives Out with another star-studded mystery in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Daniel Craig returns as drawling detective Benoit Blanc, investigating a new case surrounding tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton). The twisty, campy thriller strands Blanc and Bron’s friends played by Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, and more on Bron’s private Greek island. Early reviews have praised Johnson’s ingenious plot and the all-star cast’s comedic performances. Glass Onion serves up a good old-fashioned murder mystery party with plenty of quirky twists.
More Award Contenders Worth Seeing
In addition to the major wide releases, plenty of acclaimed award hopefuls are expanding into more theaters or just hitting the big screen. Here is a selection of the must-see critically hailed films out now:
- Tár – Cate Blanchett gives a tour de force performance as a renowned conductor in this psychologically complex drama.
- The Banshees of Inisherin – Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson play feuding friends in Martin McDonagh’s darkly comic Irish tale.
- Everything Everywhere All At Once – Michelle Yeoh amazes as a woman saving the multiverse in this absurdist sci-fi gem.
- The Woman King – Viola Davis stars in this rousing historical epic about the Agojie, the all-female warrior unit of the Kingdom of Dahomey in Africa.
- Elvis – Austin Butler’s transformative performance anchors Baz Luhrmann’s music biopic about the King of Rock and Roll.
Holiday Family Films Currently Playing
During the holiday season, theaters are packed with family-friendly options perfect for bringing kids to. Here are some of the top all-ages films out now:
| Movie | Description |
|---|---|
| Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | The audacious feline hero of the Shrek series returns for an action-packed quest to restore his lost lives. |
| Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile | A friendly singing reptile shakes up a family in 1960s New York in this live-action/CGI musical comedy. |
| The Nutcracker and the Four Realms | This visually dazzling fantasy adventure from Disney puts a spin on the classic holiday ballet story. |
| Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch | Benedict Cumberbatch voice stars as the grouchy green grump in this animated retelling of the beloved Christmas tale. |
| Strange World | Disney’s latest animated feature follows a family of explorers on an adventurous journey to a strange new land. |
Conclusion
Movie theaters are buzzing right now with an eclectic slate of fresh films to appeal to all tastes. Major blockbusters like Avatar and Black Panther sequels deliver epic thrills, while awards contenders like The Fabelmans and Tár provide thought-provoking drama. Holiday family options like Puss in Boots and Strange World offer all-ages entertainment. Whether you’re looking for action, laughs, scares or inspiration, the current film lineup has something for everyone. So grab some popcorn and catch one of these standout new releases on the big screen before they’re gone.