The 19 movies we’re most excited for in 2023

There’s nothing quite like the return of a beloved auteur to get the cinephile’s juices flowing. Or the next installment in one of the century’s biggest franchises. Or paparazzi photos of Barbie and Ken. Or an overprotective doll. Which means 2023’s cup overfloweth for moviegoers of every stripe — the perfect opportunity to convene the Los Angeles Times’ entertainment team to highlight the movies we’re most excited to see this year.

Grab some popcorn and Raisinets and get ready for a night at the movies. Or, in this case, 19 of ’em.

‘M3GAN’ (Jan. 6)

January is traditionally a dumping ground for bad films, but buzz has built steadily around the release of this horror film since its trailer dropped several months ago. The film revolves around a scientist who develops a lifelike android child as a “friend” for her traumatized orphaned niece. M3GAN seems like the perfect companion and responds obediently to her creator’s commands. But soon the creation starts taking her duty of protecting her playmate a little too seriously — and violently. After a year that produced strong horror fare such as “Smile” and “Barbarian,” this creepfest from producers Jason Blum and James Wan (“Annabelle”) looks like it will kick off 2023 with a lot of screams in dark theaters. — Greg Braxton

‘80 for Brady’ (Feb. 3)

Weeks ago, we were hit with headlines like “Can ‘Avatar 2’ revive the moviegoing experience?” I won’t attempt to wade into that conversation, but knowing Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field are starring in a film together, in this case “80 for Brady” — just months apart from “Book Club 2,” no less — might be the best cinematic gift