If you really want some pure movie escapism, one of the best genres you can choose is action. Even if you go into the theater feeling bummed out, when you exit an action movie, you're ready to face the world like a secret spy. Or take down a classic superhero villain. Or *checks this year's list of movies* drive an ambulance really fast...?
Point is: Action movies are exciting and sometimes they're just what you need. This year's slate brings us everything from assassins on a train to assassins on the run to assassins who are J. Lo. Plus, superheroes. As always, there's lots of superheroes. Here's what you can look forward to this year:
The Batman
Release date: In theaters March 4, then on HBO Max 45 days after theatrical release
If you somehow haven't heard, Robert Pattinson is the new Bruce Wayne in the latest Batman movie. Co-stars include Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman, Paul Dano as Riddler, and Colin Farrell as Penguin.
Ambulance
Release date: In theaters April 8, then on Peacock 45 days after theatrical release
If you're looking for a particularly action-y, explosion-y action movie, look no further than Ambulance. Directed by Michael Bay, the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as two brothers who go on the run in an ambulance following a bank robbery.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Release date: In theaters May 6
Our first Marvel Cinematic Universe entry for this year is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness starring Benedict Cumberbatch. This sequel to 2016's Doctor Strange (and, well, all the Marvel movies and shows in between) features the characters traveling into the mysterious multiverse. Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Rachel McAdams co-star.
Top Gun: Maverick
Release date: In theaters May 27, then on Paramount+ 45 days after theatrical release
The sequel to 1986's Top Gun has been one of the most anticipated action movies for about three years now because its release date has been pushed back so many times. Tom Cruise returns as the pilot Maverick with co-stars including Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, and Jon Hamm.
Jurassic World Dominion
Release date: In theaters June 10. (Then on Peacock, then on Amazon Prime — dates TBD.)
The third Jurassic World movie upped its anticipation status by bringing back three stars from the original Jurassic Park: Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill. Jurassic World stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are also back for more dinosaur diasters.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Release date: In theaters July 8
Are you noticing that there's a lot of sequels here? With Thor: Lovre and Thunder, Chris Hemsworth returns to star in the third Thor movie. Natalie Portman also reprises her role Jane Foster and takes on the title Mighty Thor.
Bullet Train
Release date: In theaters July 15
Bullet Train is about five assassins, all on a bullet train in Japan together, who realize that their assignments are related. The ensemble cast includes Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Zazie Beetz, Bryan Tyree Henry, Joey King, and more.
Black Adam
Release date: In theaters July 29, then on HBO Max 45 days after theatrical release
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson joins the DC Comics world in Black Adam as the titular villain and archenemy of the superhero Shazam. Noah Centineo co-stars as Atom Smasher while Aldis Hodge plays Hawkman.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Release date: In theaters November 11
The Black Panther series continues on following the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Returning stars include Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, and Martin Freeman.
Avatar 2
Release date: In theaters December 16
There's a good argument to be made for Avatar 2 being the most-anticipated movie ever, regardless of genre. The first Avatar movie came out in 2009, and the sequel has been pushed back repeatedly. Now, the sci-fi/action movie is scheduled for the end of this year with three more sequels on the way.
The Gray Man
Release date: On Netflix TBD
The Gray Man stars Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans as a CIA agent on the run and the man who is sent to capture him. The cast also includes Evans' Knives Out co-star Ana de Armas and Bridgerton's Regé-Jean Page.
The Mother
Release date: On Netflix TBD
Jennifer Lopez is taking her talents to Netflix with The Mother about a former assassin who comes out of hiding to protect her daughter. The film co-stars Joseph Fiennes, Gael García Bernal, and Omari Hardwick.
Spiderhead
Release date: On Netflix TBD
Formerly known as Escape from Spiderhead, this especially dark action movie is about a future in which convicts can reduce their sentences by taking part in medical experiments. Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett play two convicts while Chris Hemsworth plays one of the people in charge.
