Best of 2023: Top 10 Films of the Year

 

We've come to the end of another fantastic year at the movies. And as I look back on the year's best films, it's clear that filmmakers around the world had big, important statements to make. Even at their most fantastical, these films forced us to lean in and contemplate society's ills. The year's most talked about movie event was the Barbenheimer double bill, and their themes of female self-actualization and genocidal violence permeated throughout many of the year’s best films. Read below to find out which eight other films joined them in my Top 10 of 2023.

10. Anatomy of a Fall

(directed by Justine Triet)

"Courtroom dramas rely on equally captivating supporting players and "Anatomy of a Fall" certainly fits the bill with an incredible ensemble."

9. Barbie

(directed by Greta Gerwig)

"Gorgeously imaginative, inspiring and just plain fun, it's no wonder why "Barbie" was the movie event of the year."

 

8. Killers of the Flower Moon

(directed by Martin Scorsese)

"Shedding a necessary light on the greed, hatred and violence upon which the nation was founded, this powerful film is a vital, quintessentially American story."

 

7. Poor Things

(directed by Yorgos Lanthimos)

"Weird, provocative, funny and ultimately, surprisingly sweet."

6. Four Daughters

(directed by Kaouther Ben Hania)

"A testament to the power of filmmaking, using a beautifully collaborative process to directly address a harmful cycle of oppression afflicting women."

 

5. Oppenheimer

(directed by Christopher Nolan)

"Simply put, this film is a stunning achievement."

4. Milisuthando

(directed by Milisuthando Bongela)

"Milisthando transcends mere curiosity towards the Black homelands for a deeper, soul-bearing examination of South Africa’s transition from apartheid rule to present-day democracy."

3. Bobi Wine: The People's President

(directed by Moses Bwayo & Christopher Sharp)

"Bwayo and Sharp plunge audiences into the thick of the struggle."

2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

(directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson & Kemp Powers)

"An extraordinary piece of art that stands as one of the very best comic book adaptations."

 

1. The Zone of Interest

(directed by Jonathan Glazer)

"A stunning film of indellible images and sounds, with an ending that further hits home with present day relevance.".