2023 was a crazy year in film. We had several sequels and a few surprises that captured the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Just like in 2022, there has been a lot of praise for prestigious films this year. And for the most part, these films deserve the accolades for one part of the film instead of the entire thing. Those films are:
- NYAD, MAESTRO, and RUSTIN all had outstanding lead performances.
- POOR THINGS and THE ZONE OF INTEREST looked and sounded pretty but needed more story.
- ANATOMY OF A FALL, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE HOLDOVERS, AMERICAN FICTION were fantastic. But in search of an editor.
That left me with a list of ten films, where realistically, any of the top five could’ve been number one. It was that close this year.
Alright, let’s dive into my top ten of 2023! 🤩
10. SOCIETY OF THE SNOW
SOCIETY OF THE SNOW is the film J.A. Bayona was born to make, and it’s the closest he has come yet to directing a masterpiece. It’s also one of the most hopeful and spiritual films of 2023.
9. TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR
Please, “Don’t Blame Me” I knew “All Too Well” it would be an instant “Love Story” when I saw TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR. After a “Cruel Summer” of missing the tour like a bad “Archer,” my wife and I were able to dress up in “Style” and “Shake it Off” to see the best concert film of all time.
8. FLORA AND SON
7. SUZUME
The latest from Makoto Shinkai is so approachable that you don’t need to be an anime fan to appreciate it. It’s a fun journey with a lovable protagonist and some more catchy songs from Shinkai’s music collaborator – Radwimps.
6. THE IRON CLAW
THE IRON CLAW is one of the most devasting biopics ever created. What starts as a DAZED AND CONFUSED coming-of-age story quickly turns into the cry-fest of 2023.
5. OPPENHEIMER
I’ve criticized Christopher Nolan in the past stating that as his technical craftsmanship goes up, the empathy on the screen goes down. After seeing his masterpiece, OPPENHEIMER, I am the first to admit that I was wrong.
4. ORIGIN
At a certain point, while watching ORIGIN, I realized I kept crying, and by the end, it was one big emotional sob. This is Ava DuVernay’s movie. It reminds us of what it feels like to be connected to others while teaching us. If that’s not movie magic, I don’t know what is.
3. SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE
As Eli stated, “Following a masterpiece with a masterpiece.”
2. GODZILLA MINUS ONE
A kaiju movie won the hearts of audiences in color, and black and white. We need big action films that can show the depth of humanity, the horrors of war, and tell unique stories that remind us of why we go to the movies. GODZILLA MINUS ONE does all of that and just happens to have the best special effects of any film last year.
1. BARBIE
BARBIE has the plot structure of a SOUTH PARK episode, the rage of early Spike Lee (racism replaced with sexism), and the heart and style that only Greta Gerwig could achieve. When I think about what film defined 2023, it’s not OPPENHEIMER, but BARBIE. It will be remembered in years to come as the movie that won the hearts of critics, audiences, and little girls everywhere.
