New and upcoming sci-fi movies in 2023 & 2024

In 2023, science fiction cinema has brilliantly carved its mark, offering audiences tales woven with groundbreaking narratives and awe-inspiring visuals. As the months progress, the allure of the genre doesn’t falter, with an array of promising titles yet to be unveiled in late 2023 or 2024. Given the exceptional films already released this year, the expectation for the coming months is immense.

Anticipation is in the air for these forthcoming sci-fi epics, promising to both captivate and challenge our collective imaginations. Join the exploration into the cinematic marvels slated for release before year’s end.

Why is sci-fi such a popular genre for entertainment?

The science fiction genre has consistently captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide, transcending beyond just the silver screen to influence a plethora of entertainment formats. Iconic film classics like ‘Star Wars’ have not only given birth to sprawling cinematic universes but have also inspired countless video games, allowing fans to immerse themselves in faraway galaxies and engage with beloved characters interactively.

In recent years, there have been many films which have explored the sci-fi genre in more detail. The Martian (2015) featured an astronaut stranded on Mars and Gravity (2013) was so popular that it earned seven Oscars at the Academy Awards. Five years ago First Man (2018) also graced the screens with yet another astronaut as the lead character, this time it was about the legendary astronaut Neil Armstrong.

Outside of the film industry, the popularity of the sci-fi genre continues to be well-received in video games. The iconic sci-fi classic Dead Space from Visceral Games returned this year with a 2023 remake, 15 years after its original release. Science fiction games are also becoming some of the biggest games this year, for example with Starfield. This new game became the fifth fastest-selling video game overall this year (so far) and was the number one video game in Europe during its launch week.

Beyond traditional gaming, the essence of sci-fi has even influenced the online game industry as well. Slot games, traditionally known for their cherry and bell symbols, now sport intricate designs inspired by science fiction. Titles like ‘Spaceman’ by Pragmatic Play bear testament to the genre’s influence, showcasing familiar symbols and themes from the sci-fi genre such as planets, shooting stars, and of course a spaceman.

This particular Spaceman game has actually become popular in many regions of the world. It was announced earlier this year that Pragmatic Play had rolled out their Spaceman game to the South African market. This marks a significant achievement for the company as they continue to work towards growing their presence throughout the African region.

Iconic sci-fi movies released already this year

Diving into 2023’s cinematic offerings, it’s evident that the year has been rich in compelling science fiction tales so far. Highlighting some of the standout sci-fi releases thus far, here’s a glimpse into their intriguing plots and the unique universes they’ve unveiled:

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3’ emerges as a sparkling jewel in the MCU crown, following two wildly successful predecessors. Loved for its unique blend of humour, heart, and cosmic adventure, this instalment delves deep into Rocket’s mysterious past, offering fans long-awaited insights into the beloved character’s rocky origins. Reflecting the film’s popularity, the movie made more than $530 million in the first two weeks of its release.

Transformers: Rise of the beasts

‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’, the seventh entry in the Transformers saga, is a box office sensation, raking in $429 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo. Set in 1994 New York, this film, inspired by the ’90s TV series ‘Beast Wars’, follows two humans aiding the Autobots against the formidable villain, Unicron. With an ensemble cast including Michelle Yeoh and Peter Dinklage, it underscores the franchise’s enduring appeal.

Blue Beetle

‘Blue Beetle’ brings Jaime Reyes, portrayed by Xolo Maridueña, into the spotlight as he’s chosen by an alien scarab, transforming him into a superhero with a powerful armour suit. With origins in DC comics since 1939, this narrative explores destiny and reluctant heroism, resonating with fans old and new.

Sci-fi movies set to release in late 2023 & 2024 

While 2023 has already showcased stellar sci-fi films, the anticipation continues to build for what’s yet to come. With release dates announced, and also delayed, audiences eagerly await to witness the next cinematic marvels the genre will introduce:

Kraven the Hunter

Originally set to release in October, ‘Kraven the Hunter’ stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff. The film delves into the journey of Kravinoff as he strives to become the world’s greatest hunter. Sony Pictures describes it as a deep dive into the origins of one of Marvel’s iconic antagonists. Fans will have to wait to see what this sci-fi will be like on the big screen as the release date has now been pushed to 2024.

The Marvels

Released early November, ‘The Marvels’ promises an exhilarating sequel to ‘Captain Marvel’. The narrative intertwines the powers of Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan (the titular Ms. Marvel from the 2022 series), and Monica Rambeau. Together, they must forge an alliance to thwart impending cosmic threats and ensure the universe’s safety.

Rebel Moon

Set for a December 22nd release, ‘Rebel Moon’ is a grand space odyssey centred around Kora, portrayed by Sofia Boutella. On the tranquil farming moon of Veldt, lone-wolf soldier Kora discovers camaraderie and purpose, navigating challenges in her celestial journey. Fans anticipating this release can enjoy the title on Netflix just before Christmas.

Dune Part 2

Based on the complexity of the great science fiction novel which inspired the first film (Dune by Frank Herbert), director Denis Villeneuve always had the intention of making a two-part adaptation for the big screen. ‘Dune: Part Two’, originally set to hit the cinema in October 2023, boasts a stellar cast including Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.

Building on the foundation set by the first instalment, this sequel will delve into Paul’s ascent among the Fremen and his uprising against Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV, pushing him to the brink as the prophesied Kwisatz Haderach. Fans who loved the first part will have to wait until early 2024 to see the continuation of Paul Atreides’ journey. 

The editorial unit