2023 has been a surprisingly… amazing year for movies! No, really, it has. There were some huge blockbusters, some really good smaller movies, and a lot of change in the industry. (I’m quite fine with the superhero movies dying off, finally. Sorry if that’s your thing…)
But with so much change going on and so many big movies releasing over the last 12 months, it’s easy to miss out on some good films. So I’ve put together a list of my favorites. These aren’t ranked, aren’t any specific genre, and there’s no qualification other than… I loved it! These aren’t all horror movies, but I do think they’re all worth watching and talking about. (Check it out below or see all my movie reviews here.)
Let’s get started! I’m going to start with a few heavy-hitters, and then talk about my favorite hidden gems of the year.
Disclaimer: There are a few movies I still want to watch, but I won’t have time before the year ends. Mainly, Poor Things, which might be amazing. But I won’t know until 2024.
#1: Barbie and Oppenheimer
Let’s start with the movie event of the summer (and really the year.) Way back in July, these two movies came out with some intense hype. They created the biggest opening weekend of the summer and one of the biggest all-time. And if you want to read my in-depth thoughts on the pairing, dig into this blog post from July after I watched both of these movies in one day.
Overall, these are just two awesome movies, and you should absolutely watch them. I saw Oppenheimer twice in theaters, because nothing compares to that full theatrical experience with such a jaw-dropping movie. And Barbie is just as good at home as in the theaters. It’s not a perfect movie, but it deserves more credit than people have given it. Barbie is fun, colorful, and at times emotional.
How this movie impacted me: These movies made me realize that going to the theater is absolutely worth it for certain movies. I made it a point to go more often, especially after Barbenheimer, which is an incredibly fun cultural event and moment I’ll cherish forever.
#2: Killers of the Flower Moon
This one came out in October, which was maybe the best month for movies this year. (And when was the last time you could really argue about the best movie month? This year was a breath of fresh air.)
Killers of the Flower Moon is a tough watch, honestly, but in a good way. The story is heartbreaking and critically important. The movie is longer than it needs to be, maybe, but it also sticks with you for even longer. This was billed as a spiritual sequel to Oppenheimer, and I don’t think that’s entirely wrong. However, it doesn’t have the same intensity. And that’s on purpose. An evil (I know it’s cliche, but there’s no other word for them) white family and their systematic genocide of Native Americans isn’t a story to sensationalize. And it hits right in your heart nonetheless.
How this movie impacted me: This movie, similar to Oppenheimer but even more so, makes you think about all the bones we walk on daily. It’s an incredible film. It made me feel uncomfortable, and it made me ache for all the minority groups who have been and are being oppressed in this country.
#3: The Holdovers
These next two movies are the real reason I’m even writing this article. Two hidden gems from this year that everybody should watch.
Finally. A Christmas movie for me.
I want something specific with my holiday movies. I want a movie with plenty of funny moments. I want some 80’s nostalgia, some drama, and of course some wonderful Christmas mood-setting (the snow, the trees, Christmas dinners and gifts.) That’s not enough, however. I also need some sadness in there. I need a few moments and a few characters that make you tear up as it builds to a meaningful, hopeful conclusion.
This movie has everything I listed, and it plays every note perfectly. I really wasn’t expecting to like this movie so much when I saw it in theaters, but I was pretty blown away. It’s not insanely funny, but it has moments, and there are so many layers to what makes it enjoyable. Paul Giamatti is exceptional. Whoever plays Angus is a perfect pairing. Those two carry the movie, but there are others characters who really add heart and charm and comedic moments to make this the perfect Christmas movie for me specifically.
How this movie impacted me: This might be my new favorite Christmas/holiday movie. Seriously.
#4: Bottoms
Alright, now this movie. I remember when this came out in August with a limited release, so I wasn’t able to see it in theaters. Sometime in December, I was looking for a movie to watch, saw this was on Prime, and bought it so quickly. Then I watched it twice over the next two days.
This movie is hilarious and in such a refreshing way. Some of it feels like an early 2000’s over-the-top high school comedy. Other parts feel like the raunchy comedy it was chalked up to be. And then there are horror elements (no, seriously!) and an empowering couple of best friends. There are lots of one-dimensional male characters, and it’s a perfect satire of how comedies almost always make the female characters the one-sided, stereotyped figures. Everything in Bottoms feels intentional and clever.
It’s such an interesting, layered movie. I really enjoyed it, and I’m probably going to watch it multiple times next year. And I have to shoutout: Ayo Edibiri might be my favorite actor right now. The way that she delivers every single line is exceptionally funny. She’s not the only good actress here, but I found myself laughing almost every time she talked.
How this movie impacted me: Well, Ayo Edibiri is a name I’m watching out for, and this movie was a perfect way to end the year.
Even more reviews!
I also reviewed a lot of movies from this year, so check those out below. Hopefully, you found something fun to watch. There were some fantastic movies this year, so do some digging, and look out for more next year.
Review: Totally Killer and Run Rabbit Run
Side note: Leave the World Behind on Netflix is similar to Knock at the Cabin. If you enjoyed one, you’d probably like the other, as well. Of the two, I think Leave the World Behind was actually more engaging and had some better scenes and pacing.
David Kummer 