With 2023 official in the books, it’s time to share what I feel are the best films of 2023.
2023 has officially come to an end so it’s time to take a look back at the best films of the year. It was a wide-ranging year that saw many returning IPs with John Wick 4, Indiana Jones 5 and others. But for all of the returning characters we know and Superhero films (that didn’t Impresse like they used to) we had plenty of original and lower budget films being released.
Here is my list of the 10 best films of 2023:
10 – Talk to Me
This A24 horror film is fast paced, terrifying and while its main concept (kids mess with spirits and things go bad) isn’t anything new the film remains unpredictable from start to finish delivering something fresh and exciting.
9 – Air
The true story of Nike trying to sign Michael Jordan is a prime example of what made a lot of the films this year standout. Terrific cast, score and directing from Ben Affleck takes this drama to remarkable levels. Who knew a true story about signing someone to market your shoes could be so entertaining?
8 – When Evil Lurks
This film holds nothing back from start to finish. The frights are all over the place from the basic unsettling things playing out before our eyes to the undertones of what’s to come. This film provided one of the most unsettling and shocking horror moments of the year that I think about daily.
7 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
One of the few Superhero movies to deliver not just on spectacle but characters and story. The farewell to the Guardians that we know, and love proves that sometimes you can complete a trilogy of films without having a weak one in the equation.
6 – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
One of the most visually breathtaking films of the year. A work of art for animation that continues to expand the story of Miles. This film delivers by exceeding everything we loved about the first film and introduced us to some amazing new variants and villain.
5 – The Holdovers
If Paul Giamatti doesn’t win awards for this performance, we riot! Not only is Giamatti brilliant but the entire cast is in this bittersweet, funny, touching, thought-provoking holiday film. The film is set in the 70’s and feels like a film that should have been released in the 70s…in a good way.
4 – Asteroid City
This film is a lot of things rolled into one from a covid lockdown paranoia wrapped in a 50’s Alien Encounter film to pure art and the love of art. Wes Anderson isn’t my favorite, but this film is the culmination of everything of his talents that I love rolled into one film with possible Scarlette Johanssons best performance to this point of her career.
3 – Barbie
A gorgeous film filled with so much pink that is clever, smart and truly a laugh out loud fun time. An entertaining movie that lands its positive messages.
2 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Just like Spider-Man this film took visual animation into a new level. The voice cast is excellent, the film is filled with laughs and captures the spirit of the Turtles for all age groups. This isn’t just a family film but maybe the best film in the TMNT franchise.
1 – Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan doesn’t just once again show off why he’s one of our generations greatest directors he provides a masterclass. This true story about the creator of the atomic bomb is directed, edited, scored and acted to perfection. Murphy provides a tour-de-force performance that keeps you engaged from start to finish for the years best film.