My Top Ten for 2023, A Running List
Oh my goodness, there have been so many great movies released this year. Here is a running list of our top 10 for this year.
Check back often because this is a live page — it changes as we feel the list changes!
10
Carmen
Why it’s on the list
I’m a sucker for a good dance movie. Carmen was written by a choreographer, and so dance and music were at its core. Yeah, the concept of a marine on the run was a little obscure, but the dance scenes were so beautiful that some brought tears to my eyes.
9
Love Again
Why it’s on the list
I mean, love, death, Celene Dion…what’s not to enjoy? The movie was classic rom-com with lies that come to light and force the couple apart with them later coming to their senses and rejoining, but the details of this particular story were interesting enough to make the movie unique.
8
Polite Society
Why it’s on the list
I loved how the sisters care a great deal for each other, so much that one would go to such amazing lengths to save the other. The movie featured beautiful costumes and a really exciting fight scene — especially when Dad did his own kung fu moves.
7
Chevalier
Why it’s on the list
This movie made the list because it brings us new music from the past. Mozart’s contemporary was an ass, but man alive could he write and perform music. This is a very powerful and beautiful movie.
6
Sanctuary
Why it’s on the list
One location, two actors. That’s all you need for a good movie if the writing is smart and the story strong.
5
TMNT: Mutant Mayhem
Why it’s on the list
Seth Rogan and team hit the ball out of the park, out of the galaxy. Despite the movie taking creative license to change cannon, the story weaved was familiar yet new. The ganache-like graphic style electrified every scene. The song choices were brilliant, and well-known songs were played with to match the mood. This movie makes you want to get up and dance.
4
Bottoms
Why it’s on the list
Bottoms is everything and a deliciously raunchy bag of chips. It’s the story of two 202s lesbians who are living in a 90s-fabulous, queer-positive high school world. (Is this what high school is like now?!) Spoiler: Their girl punch club overtakes an entire football team in a hysterical bloodbath that you’ll want to watch on repeat.
3
Past Lives
Why it’s on the list
This movie is slow and quiet, but it’s done so well that it isn’t the least bit boring. This movie hit a few personal heartstrings for me, and just thinking about the ending scene brings tears to my eyes. This movie reminds you of holes in your heart.
1
Gran Turismo
Why it’s on the list
Did that sweet kid just race away from the po-po? Did that race car just flip? Did I just shed a tear in a movie about car racing? Yes, yes, and yes. Gran Turismo has top production value with pristine quality, totally expected because it was created using technology from the Sony Playstation game and all the photography tech from Sony. This movie has a big heart, as big as gamer Jann Mardenborough in real life.
(This movie is tied for first.)
1
Beau Is Afraid
Why it’s on the list
Ari Aster creates an unimaginably complex world that traps the troubled Beau. From mommy issues to agoraphobia, Beau is afraid of everything. The movie leaves audiences confused but mesmerized. This outstanding movie sits with you long after watching.
(This movie is tied for first.)
Honorable Mentions
These movies were on the list earlier in the year, but they were displaced by other movies.
Jules
Why it was Displaced
Jules is a simple, heartwarming movie that is definitely a favorite for 2023. It’s the movie you want to bring your mother or father to, so you can hold their hand and say, I’ll always be just a phone call away. It’s hard to leave the theater after this movie without a tear falling down your cheek. JW
The Roundup
Why it was Displaced
This movie was fun, with slapsticky Asian humor and great story. I love how it played with the concept of gangsters and cops — and how the line between in basically transparent. It just isn’t in the top ten. JW
Elemental
Why it was Displaced
Pixar made one hellova movie, but it just wasn’t excellent. Elemental is full of details and the story is complex with themes of family values, emotions, and love/hate. This movie sits high on the list, but not the top. JW
Barbie
Why it was Displaced
Barbie was a fun movie, but it was lacking in substance. Filmmakers tried to create a world where women are strong, but Barbieland turned into a place where women were gifted accolades and didn’t like when their matriarchy turned into a patriarchy. Instead of trying to achieve equality, the Barbies were just as bad as the Kens in demanding control. JW
Spiderverse
Why it was Displaced
The animation was spectacular and the story was heartwarming, but Spiderman is a story that’s been done before and will be done again. The best movies, in my opinion, are unique. JW
Satyaprem Ki Katha
Why it was Displaced
Before taking this off the list, we contemplated making it a Top Eleven list. We remembered the pure love from Satyaprem, and how he stands by Katha as she deals with having been raped by someone she loved. This movie of true love is beautiful. Even though it isn’t on the list, it’s still fully engaging and entertaining.JW