New Year, New Movies: Must-See Films Of 2013

The start of a new year means a fresh list of must-see films, and the 2013 slate is packed with highly awaited action flicks and classic novel adaptations.

Here are five of the most anticipated films of the year.

The Great Gatsby (May 10)

Over the years, Baz Lurhmann has turned out hits like his reimagining of “Romeo and Juliet” and the 1900-set musical “Moulin Rouge.” So it’s safe to say that few will be able to resist his 3-D adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s roaring 20s tale “The Great Gatsby.” Based on the film’s trailer, even if "The Great Gatsby" turns out to be a narrative train wreck, at least it’ll be a sparkly and esthetically pleasing one.

Star Trek Into Darkness (May 17)

As the title indicates, “Star Trek Into Darkness” will have a darker tone than its critically acclaimed predecessor, but that certainly won’t deter legions of Trekkies who are already counting down the days until the film’s premiere. Directed by J.J. Abrams and starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana and Simon Pegg, the film follows the Enterprise crew as they seek out the forces responsible for attacking Starfleet.

Man of Steel (June 14)

So what if it’s been less than seven years since the last “Superman” reboot? The fact that footage from “Man of Steel” literally brought fans to tears during Comic Con bodes well for its summer box office prospects. The latest film version of the comic book differs from previous screen versions in that it adopts a more dramatic tone.

Directed by “300” helmer Zack Snyder, the film stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe and Diane Lane.

World War Z (June 20)

Between the hit AMC series “The Walking Dead” and the upcoming romance “Warm Bodies,” zombies are the hot supernatural creatures of the moment. This means that “World War Z,” based on the 2003 bestseller by Max Brooks, is a film theatergoers will likely run out and see. And while Marc Foster, whose most acclaimed film to date remains “Monster’s Ball,” initially seemed an odd choice to directed the apocalyptic action flick, the film’s trailer indicates that the German filmmaker has executed a gripping vision.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire (November 21)

Based on the second book in the bestselling trilogy by Suzanne Collins, “Catching Fire” marks the follow-up to last year’s $408 million grossing “The Hunger Games.” Directed by Francis Lawrence, it remains to be seen whether the film will turn out like his acclaimed previous efforts, such as “I Am Legend” or his missteps, like “Water for Elephants.” Good or bad, the hype surrounding the film should translate to ticket sales.