Best Films Of 2023

January 2, 2024

Jack Hale,

1/15
#15

Image courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures
2/15
#14

Image courtesy of Elevation Pictures
3/15
#13

Image courtesy of Toho
4/15
#12

Image courtesy of Lionsgate
5/15
#11

Image courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
6/15
#10

Image courtesy of Netflix
7/15
#9

Image courtesy of Toei Company
8/15
#8

Image courtesy of A24
9/15
#7

Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
10/15
#6

Image courtesy of A24
11/15
#5

Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
12/15
#4

Image courtesy of Le Pacte
13/15
#3

Image courtesy of Lionsgate
14/15
#2

Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
15/15
#1

Image courtesy of Focus Features

As 2023 has officially come to a close, it is time to look back at some of the best films of the year. As a whole, it was a really great year for film, maybe the best since 2019 despite many being delayed due to the strike. What was so impressive was the diverse mix we got, from massive action blockbusters to small indie dramas, leaving something for everyone this year. With any end of the year list, there has to be a cut off somewhere, meaning more great films just were not able to make it. Some of those that just missed the cut were “Jules,” “The Creator,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “The Boy and the Heron” and “Poor Things.” Without further ado, here are my top 15 films of the year.

15. “Creed III”

After Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has a childhood friend and former boxer resurface, he must face his past while defending his title. While none of the “Creed” films have reached the heights of the first “Rocky,” they have been great spin-offs that stay true to its roots and the third installment is no different. A great story and a surprisingly impressive directorial debut from Jordan shows that the “Creed” films have no plan on stopping.

14. “Blackberry”

The story of the rise and fall of the phone that took over the world. What would seem like a painfully dull and uninteresting story made for one of the most entertaining biopics of the year. The unique filmmaking style and fantastic screenplay showcased corporate greed at its finest and how the Blackberry paved the wave for smartphones.

13. “Godzilla Minus One”

Post World War II Japan must face a giant monster terrorizing its cities when they are already at their lowest point. A separate story from the recent films in the “MonsterVerse,” and the quality of “Godzilla Minus One” shows that. An emotionally grounded story of a Japanese soldier seeking redemption with epic kaiju destruction, an added bonus showing that there are still great retellings of classic stories.

12. “John Wick: Chapter 4”

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) continues his lust for revenge as he finds a way to dethrone The High Table. The original “John Wick” took the film industry by storm with its incredible action scenes and stunt choreography and director Chad Stahelski continues to find ways to make the action fresh, new and exciting with an engaging story to keep its audience invested.

11. “Shortcomings”

Ben Tagawa (Justin Min) starts to explore bachelor life after his girlfriend leaves for a three month internship. It is not common that a film has an unlikeable protagonist and “Shortcomings” takes it a step further and makes him one of the most obnoxious people you can imagine. Director Randall Park somehow pulls it off and shows that people are more than just their flaws in a relatable and hilarious story.

10. “May December”

After an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives at a couple’s house to do research for a film about their past, the family begins to crumple under the pressure of their past. Loosely based on the real life events of Mary Kay Letourneau, the film is best viewed with knowing as little as possible, making for some shocking revelations. One of the best acted films of the year, as well as an incredible satire of tabloid romances and our views on them.

9. “The First Slam Dunk”

Based on a popular serial anime in the 1990’s, Ryota Miyagi leads his team to challenge the best high school for the championship. Not only are the basketball scenes impressively animated, the surprisingly emotional story drives the film to its exciting climax.

8. “The Iron Claw”

The true story of the Von Erich family, who were the stars of the wrestling world. “The Iron Claw” is one of the few films that can truly capture the obsessive nature of wanting to be the best and the emotional turmoil that can come with that. Zac Efron has started to come into his own as an actor and showcases impressive talent that should earn him more starring roles in the future.

7. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team are wrapped up in another chase for a dangerous weapon that will threaten millions. While “Dead Reckoning” does not reach the heights of the previous entry “Fallout,” it continues to prove that the franchise is one of the best right now with its epic set pieces and world scaling events.

6. “Past Lives”

Two childhood friends navigate their own lives and relationship over the course of 24 years as they grow apart. One of the most heart wrenching films of the year, “Past Lives” asks us the question “What if?” and makes the audience look back and reminisce about friendships torn apart by matters out of their control. The characters are incredibly well realized and it is impossible to not be invested in the heartbreaking story.

5. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”

Everybody’s favorite turtles take on an army of mutants while trying to earn the trust of New York City. While certainly aimed at the gen-z generation and relies a lot on pop culture references, it is almost impossible to not get sucked into the incredible and colorful animation. What the latest “TMNT” film really has going for it is that the turtles truly feel and act like teenagers because they are voiced by real teenagers, giving the film a much needed breath of fresh air.

4. “Anatomy of a Fall”

Sandra Voyter (Sandra Hüller) is suspected of murdering her husband and their blind son (Milo Graner) is the main witness. A slow burn courtroom drama that is able to keep the audience invested while never revealing too much is a rare occurrence these days, but “Anatomy of a Fall” somehow pulls it off. The grounded story and unbelievably realistic dialogue makes it one of the best crime dramas from the past few years.

3. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”

11-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Fortson) explores the beginning of adolescence after moving to the suburbs. While there are a plethora of coming of age stories, very few stick with audiences and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” is one of the best in recent memory. Hilarious and relatable for everyone, the film is not afraid to show the awkwardness of growing up and the hardships that come with it.

2. “Killers of the Flower Moon”

The latest film from the great Martin Scorsese (“Goodfellas” and “Taxi Driver”) shows the infiltration and murders of the Osage Nation in the 1920’s. A western epic telling the story of how far greed can take not only a single person, but can also destroy an entire community. Clocking in at nearly three and a half hours, the film revels in the day to day life of these characters, making for a devastating finish to witness.

1. “The Holdovers”

What has been deemed as the latest Christmas classic, “The Holdovers” follows a teacher (Paul Giamatti) at a prep school who is forced to stay on campus over the holidays with the lonely chef (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and an anguished student (Dominic Sessa). Beautifully written and directed by Alexander Payne (“Sideways” and “Nebraska”), he is able to take what should be a standard story and turns it into a heart wrenching watch that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays.