Gallery: The Best Movies You'll Be Seeing in 2013 (Probably)
01pacific-rim-2
Here at Wired we're all about the future. Talking about it, living in it, and looking forward to it. So now that 2012 is history, it's time to look at the best of what is yet to come in the world of movies with our most anticipated films of 2013. Some of these flicks are continuations of franchises we already know we love — the next *Iron Man* installment, another *Hunger Games* chapter — but others are wholly new endeavors (yes, Hollywood still does those) like Guillermo del Toro's giant-monsters-versus-giant-robots adventure movie *Pacific Rim* and Steven Soderbergh's psychological thriller *Side Effects*. There are also a few more non-*Hobbit* literary adaptations headed to theaters in 2013: the next *Hunger Games* movie, *Catching Fire* and Baz Lurhmann's (probably) fantastical 3-D interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic *The Great Gatsby*. What else? Read on to see just what Wired can't wait to see in 2013. __Above:__ Kaiju Attack! *Pacific Rim* Ups the Stakes in 'Bot War Game ----------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__Director Guillermo del Toro has summarized the movie as "[giant fucking monsters against giant fucking robots](http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Comic-Con-2011-Live-Blogging-The-Legendary-Pictures-Panel-25838.html)" and that really should be enough to get butts in the seats. But beyond that, those monsters — kaiju, to be exact — are looking to destroy everything in their path and the only thing that can combat them are 25-story "Jaeger" robots and the top-gun heroes who pilot them. A battle for the future of humanity ensues. __Why it could be cool:__ There's no way this could not be cool. Del Toro had crowds screaming for the early teaser he showed at both San Diego and New York comic cons, which featured the kind of epic battles that just take your breath away. The flick also promises to be a true heroic the-world-bands-together-against-a-common-enemy action movie steered by performances from the likes of Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, and Ron Perlman. Del Toro has been diligently working on this project for a while now and shows no signs of letting down one single nerd. __Cautionary note:__You may crap your pants. __Release date:__ July 12, 2013 *Images courtesy of the film's studios, unless otherwise noted.*
02evil-dead
[*Evil Dead*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1288558/): Bruce Campbell-Approved! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A group of friends goes to a cabin in the woods and finds a Book of Dead. Horror ensues. You know the drill. __Why it could be cool:__ This is Fede Alvarez's remake of the 1981 classic. And even though original star Bruce Campbell isn't in this reincarnation, he did produce it with original director Sam Raimi and has already promised that it [won't screw over audiences](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/10/bruce-campbell-evil-dead-reboot-nycc/). Also, it looks scary as hell. __Cautionary note:__ There's always a chance for disappointment with a remake of a horror classic. It's just a fact of life (and death). __Release date:__ April 12, 2013
03man-of-steel-2
Conflicted Superman: [*Man of Steel*](http://manofsteel.warnerbros.com/index.html) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A young man with super-human powers comes from his home planet of Krypton to Earth and uses his super powers to defend his adopted home. (Honestly, if you don't know Superman's story, you're probably not reading this website.) __Why it could be cool:__ It's a total reboot for Superman. During San Diego Comic-Con this summer director Zack Snyder told the audience "we respect the canon and we know the comic book exists; the movies [are their own thing](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/07/man-of-steel-comic-con/ )" and pledged he would make the film like it was the first Superman flick ever made. That might be a refreshing approach, and one that could work under the tutelage of producer Christopher Nolan, who did something similar with Batman. And so far, trailers for the film have shown a more conflicted, somber hero, making room for a movie as full of real drama as it is with action. __Cautionary note:__ Creating a movie based on the premise that it's the first Superman movie ever is a big gamble, it could go either way. See also: *Sucker Punch*. __Release date:__ June 14, 2013
04the-hunger-games-catching-fire
Burning Up: [*The Hunger Games: Catching Fire*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ After surviving the kid-versus-kid death-match known as the Hunger Games in the futuristic dystopia of Panem, young archery badass Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) must go back to the arena once more to face off against other Hunger Games winners in the Quarter Quell. __Why it could be cool:__ *The Hunger Games*' release earlier this year did more than just prove it was possible to faithfully adapt Suzanne Collins' young adult novel — it proved that Hollywood could make serious bucks on a movie with a female heroine (hate to say it, but [told ya so](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/03/katniss-everdeen-hollywood-heroines/)). It also ignited something of a cultural revolution, with *The New York Times Magazine* declaring that along with some other great female-led films, 2012 was "[Hollywood's Year of Heroine Worship](http://t.co/UCizZ3mn)." Since Katniss — and her quest for revolution — only get more intense in *Catching Fire*, the movie is being set up to be a knock-out. __Cautionary note:__ The first *Hunger Games* movie got its look and feel from director Gary Ross. The next installment is being helmed by [Francis Lawrence](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1349376/), so there's always a chance that a new director will take the flick in a less-than-pleasing direction. (However, Lawrence got his start making music videos and went on to direct gritty action movies like *I Am Legend* and *Constantine*, so he has the chops to bring pop sensibility to a big action movie.) __Release date:__ Nov. 22, 2013
05warm-bodies
[*Warm Bodies*](http://warmbodiesmovie.com/), Cold Hearts, Can't Lose --------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__A young zombie named R (played by *X-Men: First Class*' Nicholas Hoult) develops feelings for a human girl whose father is on a walker-annihilation quest. By falling for the girl, R begins to recover from his zombification. Romeo and Juliet got nothing on these two. __Why it could be cool:__ Hoult is fantastically endearing actor who has done everything from *About a Boy* to *A Single Man* without missing a beat so far — he'll also soon be Bryan Singer's *Jack the Giant Slayer*. There's no reason to think he couldn't pull off this quirky zombie-in-love thing. Also, as much as we love zombies, in the world of *The Walking Dead* and the upcoming *World War Z* they're only ever portrayed as vicious monsters. It might be nice to meet one we want to root for, just this once. __Cautionary note:__ It's a love story based on a young adult novel that has eerily familiar blue tones in its lighting, so it's *Twilight* until proven innocent. __Release date:__ Feb. 1, 2013
06star-trek-into-darkness
[*Star Trek Into Darkness*](http://www.startrekmovie.com/), Like, Really Dark Darkness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__The crew of the USS Enterprise return home but find there's a bad guy in their midst (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), so Captain James T. Kirk and crew must save the Starfleet. __Why it could be cool:__ Director J.J. Abrams has re-teamed with writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (and added Damon Lindelof) for his second *Trek* flick, so it should be as good as the first, if not better. Also, judging by the first trailer, there seem to be lots of cool explosions and stuff. __Cautionary note:__ It's another installment of a beloved franchise, these things are always kind of breath-holders until we walk out of the theater. __Release date:__ May 17, 2013
07a-good-day-to-die-hard
Every Night Is a Good Night to See [*A Good Day to Die Hard*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606378/) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ John McClane travels to Russia and teams up with his son to fight underworld forces. __Why it could be cool:__ John McClane is back! John McClane is back! John McClane is back! On Valentine's Day! Yippee ki-yay! Need anything else? __Cautionary note:__ It's been nearly a quarter century since the first *Die Hard* movie. Can the magic really last this long? __Release date:__ Feb. 14, 2013
08carrie-2
Song of Blood and Fire: [*Carrie*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1939659/) Returns -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A bullied high school girl named Carrie discovers here telekinetic powers and exacts revenge on her small Maine town. __Why it could be cool:__ Based on Stephen King's 1974 novel and essentially a remake of Brian De Palma's adaptation, it may seem unnecessary to re-tread such sacred ground. But considering the current cultural climate where teenage bullying has come to the forefront of the conversation, suddenly Carrie White's story seems even more relevant now as it was in the 1970s. Also, this version is being directed by Kimberly Peirce, whose *Boys Don't Cry* is as heartbreaking today it was in 1999, and it scored Hilary Swank an Oscar. Also, your Carrie this time around is Chloë Grace Moretz, and watching Hit-Girl go all fire-and-brimstone is something we'd like to see. __Cautionary note:__ De Palma's film is a horror classic; those looking for something to beat it will be setting a pretty high bar. __Release date:__ March 15, 2013
09elysium-2
The Creator of *District 9* Is Back With [*Elysium*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1535108/) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ __Story:__ In the future — 2159 to be exact — the super rich live on a space station while the poor remain on Earth, which is in ruins. One man goes on a mission to reunite the two worlds. __Why it could be cool:__ It's the latest from *District 9* writer/director Neill Blomkamp, who scored his lead Matt Damon thanks to his geeky planning. “There was this graphic novel that Neill had done on his computer with this entire world he had built,” Damon [said during the film's panel](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/07/elysium-comic-con/) earlier this year at Comic-Con International. “I’d never seen anything like it. Then there was a corresponding book of weaponry, and a whole other book of vehicles. Normally, you make an educated guess about if a movie is going to work, but for *Elysium* I had so much information, I decided there’s no way I’m going to let this one get away.” We probably shouldn't let it get away either. __Cautionary note:__ There's always a chance that a filmmaker like Blomkamp, who had a much-beloved first feature, could fail make lightning strike twice in the same place. The chances seem slim, but it's possible. __Release date:__ Aug. 9, 2013
10enders-game-2
[*Ender's Game*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731141/) Shows Hollywood Its Card ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ Based on Orson Scott Card's sci-fi novel of same name (see cover above), the future tale focuses on a gifted young man sent to a military school to prepare for a future alien invasion. __Why it could be cool:__ The book it's based on is a sci-fi classic. It's got a solid cast of young actors from *Little Miss Sunshine*'s Abigail Breslin to *Hugo*'s Asa Butterfield — as Ender himself — and *True Grit*'s Hailee Steinfeld. Also, Harrison Ford as Colonel Hyrum Graff. We repeat: Harrison Ford. Indiana Jones is in this movie. __Cautionary note:__ The book it's based on is a sci-fi classic. Anxiety is to be expected. __Release date:__ Nov. 1, 2013
11g-i-joe-retaliation
[*G.I. Joe: Retaliation*](http://www.gijoemovie.com/): The Most Ninja Action for Your Buck ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ __Story:__ The all-American heroes fight against Cobra and forces within the government. __Why it could be cool:__ The trailers so far have made it look too fun to ignore. And director Jon M. Chu is just a big fan who is finally getting a chance to make a *Joe* movie. Also, more Channing Tatum. __Cautionary note:__ Chu has previously been known for directing song-and-dance films like two *Step Up* flicks and *Justin Bieber: Never Say Never*, so his mettle has yet to be tested with a big military action picture. __Release date:__ March 29, 2013
12gangster-squad
[*Gangster Squad*](http://gangstersquad.warnerbros.com/) to Bring Guys and Dolls and Guns to the Multiplex ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ Rogue LAPD cops do anything necessary to keep East Coast mob types out of their town in the 1940s and 50s. __Why it could be cool:__ The cast. Everyone from Ryan Gosling to Sean Penn to Josh Brolin to Emma Stone is in this picture. And, surprisingly, it's directed by Ruben Fleischer, who previously put his pizzazz on *Zombieland* and *30 Minutes or Less*. It should be manna for fans of gangster flicks. __Cautionary note:__ Fleischer's previous flicks show little sign that a flashy period crime drama is anywhere in his wheelhouse, so whether or not he pulls off *Gangster Squad* is anyone's guess. __Release date:__ Jan. 11, 2013
13hansel-and-gretel-witch-hunters
[*Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters*](http://www.hanselandgretelmovie.com/) Could Slay or It Could Not ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ It's a spin on the old fairy tale where the brother and sister team become witch bounty hunters. __Why it could be cool:__ You had our curiosity at "Hansel and Gretel" and then got our attention with "Witch Hunters." And Jeremy Renner (aka Hansel *and* Hawkeye) can often make a good thing better. __Cautionary note:__ *Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters* sounds an awful lot like *Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter*, and, well, yeah… __Release date:__ Jan. 25, 2013
14iron-man-3-2
Back in Matte: [*Iron Man 3*](http://marvel.com/ironman3) --------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ After saving the world with his fellow Avengers, Tony Stark can't sleep and constantly worries that someone's out to kill him. Then Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) shows up. __Why it could be cool:__ The entire Marvel universe got super-charged with the release of *The Avengers* last summer, so a lot is riding on Tony Stark and company to keep the franchise as bombastic as Joss Whedon's mega-flick was. Keep calm and remember that Robert Downey Jr.'s conflicted playboy superhero launched this incarnation of the Marvel world in the first place. There's no reason the third time won't be a charm. __Cautionary note:__ Like *Catching Fire*, *Iron Man 3* is also getting a new director in Shane Black. He may not be Jon Favreau, who directed the previous two films, but he promises to follow his playbook, [telling Wired recently](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/underwire/2012/12/iron-man-3-shane-black/) he'd like to bring the flicks "back to a sort of more gritty, intense kind of techno-thriller root.” __Release date:__ May 3, 2013
15jack-the-giant-slayer
[*Jack the Giant Slayer*](https://www.facebook.com/jackthegiantslayer) Brings More Than the Beanstalk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A young farmer named Jack must go to the world of giants to save a princess. __Why it could be cool:__ The other film starring Nicholas Hoult coming out in the first half of 2013, *Jack the Giant Slayer* is director Bryan Singer's take on a classic fairy tale. (It's also a reunion between the director and writer Christopher McQuarrie, who wrote Singer's *The Usual Suspects* and co-wrote *Valkyrie*.) Mostly, *Slayer* just looks like fun — something in line with *Snow White and the Huntsman*. Big action, cool effects, and supporting roles for Stanley Tucci and Ian McShane means it might turn out to be worth more than a hill of beans. __Cautionary note:__ There have been a fair number of fairy tale adaptations lately. If you're already feeling burned out on the genre, this flick probably won't help. __Release date:__ March 1, 2013
16kick-ass-2
[*Kick-Ass 2*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1650554/) to Bring Double the Ass-Kicking (We Hope) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ Only a [few details](http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Kick-Ass-2-Plot-Synopsis-Revealed-Other-Updates-33614.html ) are known, but apparently the events in the first *Kick-Ass* lead to a spread in amateur vigilantism and a Red Mist looking for revenge. __Why it could be cool:__ The first film (above), well, kicked ass. And with the original cast returning and being joined by Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes, this movie shows promise. And anything with Chloë Grace Moretz's Hit-Girl can't be all bad. __Cautionary note:__ The original film's director Matthew Vaughn won't be handling the sequel; instead it's being taken over by Jeff Wadlow, whose most notable credit is 2008's *Never Back Down*. __Release date:__ June 28, 2013
17oblivion
[*Oblivion*](http://www.oblivionmovie2013.com/) Goes Into the Void with Tom Cruise ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A drone repairman named Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) works on what's left in post-apocalyptic Earth only to find out … wait for it … he's not alone. __Why it could be cool:__ Cool post-apocalyptic stuff? *Wall-E* with people? Set our hopes to "Medium" — right along with *After Earth*. __Cautionary note:__ See above. __Release date:__ April 19, 2013
18side-effects
Drugged Out: [*Side Effects*](http://www.sideeffectsmayvary.com/) ----------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A young woman struggles with pills that have (see above) unexpected side effects. Also her doctor is a creepy Jude Law-type (played by Jude Law). __Why it could be cool:__ *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo*'s Rooney Mara pairs up with director Steven Soderbergh for a psychological thriller about anxiety medications? And Channing Tatum is involved? You had us at "Rooney Mara." And "Steven Soderbergh." And "Channing Tatum." (Seriously.) __Cautionary note:__ While a huge chunk of Soderbergh's flicks have been worth the price of admission, every now and then he slips (*The Informant!* was kind of lukewarm), so there's always a chance this could fall in the "Miss" column. __Release date:__ Feb. 8, 2013
Myles Aronowitz19the-east
[*The East*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1869716/) Will Make You Fall in Love with Anarchy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ __Story:__ An operative for a private intelligence firm named Sarah Moss (played by *Arbitrage*'s Brit Marling) infiltrates an anarchist group known for attacks against major corporations. Her intention is to protect her big company clients, but she becomes torn between her two worlds after she begins to fall for the group's leader. __Why it could be cool:__ This is the latest film from Marling and co-writer/director Zal Batmanglij, whose last film *Sound of My Voice* was a very smart indie about a time-traveling cult leader. Now with brilliant stars like Ellen Page and Alexander Skarsgård involved, *The East* promises to take the power duo to the next level. __Cautionary note:__ Judging by their last film, Marling and Batmanglij are out to make a certain kind of cerebral indie flick that may not be for everyone. Those who didn't like *Sound of My Voice* may not be impressed. __Release date:__ TBD, 2013
20the-great-gatsby
[*The Great Gatsby*](http://thegreatgatsby.warnerbros.com/): The Jazz Age — Now in 3-D! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ Adapted from the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic that you probably read in high school, *The Great Gatsby* is told by Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) who gets enthralled in the decadent world of Jay Gatsby. Shenanigans — and probably musical numbers — ensue. __Why it could be cool:__ Director Baz Luhrmann has a knack for taking classic texts and making them modern (*Romeo + Juliet*) and also incorporating contemporary music into old tales (*Moulin Rouge!*) — *Gatsby* could be a perfect storm of both of those skills in one film. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio is playing Gatsby and it's in 3-D. __Cautionary note:__ Leonardo DiCaprio is playing Gatsby and it's in 3-D. Those things both have potential to be amazing or disastrous. __Release date:__ May 10, 2013
Todd Eyre21the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug
[*The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1170358/) Will Hopefully Not Be the Epitome of Snooze ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ The second chapter in Peter Jackson's trilogy based on *The Hobbit*. __Why it could be cool:__ If you loved the grand spectacle and 48-frames-per-second 3-D magnificence of Jackson's first installment (above), this one should keep you happy as a hobbit in Hobbiton. __Cautionary note:__If you're like some of us, you might have thought *The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey* was a bit of an unexpected slog and might think this film's title should be *The Hobbit: Are We There Yet?* __Release date:__ Dec. 13, 2013
22the-wolverine
Berserker Attack Is Back: [*The Wolverine*](http://www.thewolverinemovie.com/us/) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) takes his adamantium claws to Japan to train with a samurai following the events of the first three *X-Men* movies when he's lost his ties to other mutants and the world. __Why it could be cool:__ Is there anyone who doesn't like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine? (And, really, is there anyone who doesn't like Hugh Jackman? The dude can do anything.) Even though there won't even be a trailer released for this flick until next year, leaving us not much to go on, we're just going to bet that it'll be fun. Director James Mangold doesn't have a lot of experience with comic book movies, but he did direct awesome flicks like *Walk the Line* and *Girl, Interrupted* so it'll be exciting to see what he does with the mutant Logan. __Cautionary note:__None yet. Too soon to tell. __Release date:__ July 26, 2013
23the-worlds-end
The Best Nerd Pub Crawl Ever: [*The World's End*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213663/) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A group of childhood friends reunites to try to recreate an epic pub crawl from two decades ago and maybe, somehow become humanity's only hope of survival. __Why it could be cool:__ It's the latest from Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg of *Shaun of the Dead* and *Hot Fuzz* fame. And once again they're bringing along Nick Frost. What's not to like here? __Cautionary note:__ Still can't find any bad ideas associated with this movie. Move along. __Release date:__ Oct. 25, 2013
24the-lone-ranger
Mask Up With [*The Lone Ranger*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210819/) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ A masked man, played by Armie Hammer, seeks justice with his Native American sidekick Tonto (Johnny Depp). (You've probably heard this one before.) __Why it could be cool:__ It's a re-teaming of director Gore Verbinski with his *Pirates of the Caribbean* and *Rango* main man Depp. So far the style and action shown in the trailers seems pretty cool. __Cautionary note:__ Depp playing a Native American character could be off-putting and controversial, to say the least. __Release date:__ July 3, 2013
25thor-the-dark-world
Hammer Time! [*Thor: The Dark World*](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1981115/) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- __Story:__ Thor saves the universe. Again. This time from Malekith and the Dark Elves who threaten to turn off the lights in the cosmos. __Why it could be cool:__ The first *Thor* was awesome and proved Chris Hemsworth made a pretty great action hero. His reign of awesome continued in *The Avengers*. Coming just a few months after the release of *Iron Man 3*, the second *Thor* installment could be the bang that ends the Marvel cinematic universe's year. __Cautionary note:__ Like *Iron Man 3*, the new *Thor* movie has a new director. Kenneth Branagh directed the first film, and Alan Taylor is helming the sequel, so: new director alert. However, prior to starting *The Dark World* Taylor directed some of the best episodes of *Game of Thrones* last season. So we're guessing he's One of Us. __Release date:__ Nov. 8, 2013
26world-war-z-2
All Zombies, All the Time: *World War Z* ---------------------------------------- __Story:__ A United Nations employee (played by Brad Pitt) tries to stop the zombie apocalypse. __Why it could be cool:__ Based on the recently released first trailer, [director Marc Forster](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0286975/)'s *World War Z* seems to have taken Max Brooks' 2006 novel's measured oral history and turned it into a non-stop action assault complete with swarming zombie hordes. OK, sure. That sounds like something we'd pay to see. __Cautionary note:__ The movie has been plagued by hold ups from script revisions and re-shoots — things that don't usually bode well for major motion pictures. __Release date:__ June 21, 2013
