This year in movies was amazing, everyone.
While 1984 had some fairly amazing blockbusters like "Ghostbusters," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Amadeus," "The Terminator," and "Footloose," 2023's cinematic offerings delivered meaningful blockbusters and much-needed subtlety to theaters. One "Barbenheimer," perhaps?
What are the best-selling pieces, the ones that are both highly creative and deeply moving? Although narrowing it down to the highlights was difficult, they are now available. The interesting history of a sneaker, certainly. A feminist retelling of a story about "Frankenstein" Undoubtedly, a Martin Scorsese crime drama has a strong chance of making a best-of list; his most recent one deserves a fiery emoji. However, there's also a ghost story, a nostalgic holiday musical from the 1970s, and a joyful historical musical here.
These are the unquestionably top films of 2023:
10. "Cassandro"
Gael García Bernal portrays an El Paso gay grappler who sheds his mask, transforms into a flashy figure, and becomes well-known. Display more
PRIMITIVE VIDEO
Fans of wrestling regrettably lack access to a wide library of excellent movies ("No Holds Barred," anyone?). But between "The Iron Claw" and this underdog biopic that fervently locks viewers' hearts and minds, we're living in a mini-golden period. A flamboyant "exótico," Gael García Bernal's Saúl hangs up his mask, a defining feature of the Mexican luchador set, and celebrates his queer identity both inside and outside the ring, turning a previously criticized and derided character type into a smash success.
Prime Video is the place to watch.
9. "The Holdovers"
When Angus (Dominic Sessa, far left), Paul (Paul Giamatti), and Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) are by alone at a school during the holidays, they create a mini-family. Display more
SEACIA PAVAO
The most recent film from Alexander Payne will have you going through your collection of favorite Christmas flicks again because it's a poignant and funny instant classic. The film, which has a brilliant storyline and a 1970s vibe, stars Paul Giamatti as a strict teacher who, while spending winter vacation at a boarding school, meets a disobedient kid (newcomer Dominic Sessa) and a bereaved cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph).
Where to watch: Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV
Review of "The Holdovers": Paul Giamatti plays the lead in an instant holiday classic
8. "Fiction in America"
Jeffrey Wright plays Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, an unsuccessful novelist who stumbles into success by happenstance in the satirical film "American Fiction."
ION IMAGES
Jeffrey Wright deserves his roses long ago. The Golden Globe contender, played sharply by Cord Jefferson, is a curmudgeonly academic who is fed up with having his books rejected while books with stereotypically Black characters are praised. To his dismay, he writes a "bad" novel as a joke, which turns into a smash blockbuster in an insightful movie that tackles issues of race, culture, family, and age.
Where to watch: Starting on January 12, a few cinemas across the country
7. "Air"
In the 1980s sports drama "Air," Matthew Maher (from left), Matt Damon, and Jason Bateman portray Nike employees creating the ideal sneaker to sign Michael Jordan.
In the sports drama set in the 1980s, Matthew Maher (from left), Matt Damon, and Jason Bateman as Nike employees who are tasked with creating the ideal sneaker to sign Michael Jordan. Display more Ana Carrillo/Amazon Studios
Although it's difficult to think of anything more stylish than a pair of authentic Air Jordans, Ben Affleck's historical basketball drama is a strong contender. In 1984, Matt Damon portrays a beleaguered yet upbeat talent scout who is obsessed with landing NBA rookie Michael Jordan a shoe contract with Nike. The only catch is that he also needs to win over His Airness' protective mother, Viola Davis.
Prime Video is the place to watch.
6. "The Shade of Purple"
In the film musical "The Color...," Taraji P. Henson, far left, Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks portray three women who watch out for one another. Display more
WARNER BROS. PHOTOS
Though not as successful as Steven Spielberg's 1985 best picture nominee, Blitz Bazawule's colorful and exuberant Broadway musical, which is based on Alice Walker's groundbreaking novel, is a distinct experience. Fantasia Barrino, a "American Idol" darling, is fantastic as a Southern woman who is bound to a bad guy (Colman Domingo) and who has a close sisterhood with Taraji P. Henson, a blues singer, and a devoted friend, Danielle Brooks.
Where to watch: Currently in cinemas
5. "Barbie"
The anticipated comedy "Barbie," starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, will not be impacted by the actors' strike when it opens in theaters.
Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" follows Ken (Ryan Gosling) and Barbie (Margot Robbie) on a transformative journey. Warner Bros. PHOTOS
The iconic doll could only become the feminist meta-pop cultural phenomenon that the whole world could support under the direction of Greta Gerwig. A silly and touching comedy that examines humanity, patriarchy, and the meaning of life, Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) travel to the Real World when things go wrong in Barbie Land. There, they cope with existential issues in a delightfully absurd manner. I hope we're all much more Weird Barbie and less Ken.
Where to watch: Google Play, Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV
4. "Rye Lane"
In the comedy "Rye Lane," David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah play twentysomething Londoners who have a special day together.
In the comedy "Rye Lane," David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah play twentysomething Londoners who have a special day together.
THE SUNDANCE INSTITUTE
Raine Allen-Miller's incredibly charming, must-see retelling of the rom-com begins with an awkward, sad meeting between recently dumped Dom (David Jonsson) and carefree Yas (Vivian Oparah) in a unisex restroom. The endearingly odd couple gets together for a revelatory walk about London, which includes light breaking and entering, spicy vittles, a cathartic run-in with an ex, and revealing conversations.
Viewing locations: Hulu
3. "Difficult Things"
In the dark comedy "Poor Things," Bella Baxter (Emma Stone) rapidly grows weary of her rude romantic partner Duncan (Mark Ruffalo).
Pictures by Atsushi Nishijima/Searchlight
Is it too soon to make a new golden buddy out of Emma Stone, who won best actress for "La La Land"? In Yorgos Lanthimos' fanciful dark comedy, Bella Baxter is back, and she's better than ever. In a sex-filled, quirky story that also stars Willem Dafoe as Bella's crazy scientific "dad" and Mark Ruffalo as a punchable, poisonous love interest, Bella grows from a helpless woman-child to an independent Victorian-era prostitute with a heart of gold.
Where to watch: Currently in cinemas
"Poor Things": How Emma Stone's enigmatic character came to life through sex (and sweets)
2. "The Flower Moon Killers"
In Martin Scorsese's crime film "Killers of the Flower," Mollie (Lily Gladstone) and Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) first cross paths as he drives her to and from town. Display more
GORDON, MELINDA SUE
It says something that this real-life Western epic is among Martin Scorsese's greatest films of his illustrious career. A World War I veteran (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and a young lady from Oklahoma's affluent Osage Nation (played brilliantly by Lily Gladstone) fall in love in the Oscar-winning director's most recent film. It's also a murder mystery concerning the deaths that beset the Native American tribe in the 1920s, as well as a brilliantly performed and provocative examination of white avarice, corrupt authority, and the complex relationship between the United States and its indigenous people.
Where to watch: Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV
"Everyone Among Us Outsiders"
In the romantic fantasy "All of Us Strangers," a screenwriter (Andrew Scott, left) helps a neighbor (Paul Mescal) develop a new connection.
TAGHIZADEH PARISA
Andrew Scott gives a remarkable performance as a lonely London screenwriter in Andrew Haigh's moving fantasy. He develops a relationship with a flirtatious neighbor, Paul Mescal, while also frequently returning to his childhood home to speak with his parents, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell, whom he lost thirty years earlier. It's a beautiful and melancholic story about love, sadness, and letting go of the past in order to find oneself in the present, for those searching for a metaphysical masterpiece.
Where to watch: Starting now in a few cinemas and continuing through January 19.
