Despite the current streaming epidemic that’s posing a threat to the film industry, 2023 was a great year for movies. I found myself frequently returning to the theaters for new releases and repeats of ones I’d already seen, and overall, I came out of the year extremely satisfied with what I saw. Here are 10 movies released in the last year that you should watch (or rewatch) based on their outstanding production quality!
- Dream Scenario (dir. Kristoffer Borgli)
If any film in the world deserves a number-one ranking, it’s this one. Dream Scenario stars Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews, a perfectly drab nobody who one day starts appearing in the dreams of people all around the world. He skyrocketed into fame, then experienced the repercussions of “cancel culture” when everyone’s dreams took a dark turn. The first thing I did when I got home from seeing this movie was learn the last song of the score on piano. Phenomenal acting, brilliant writing, and stunning cinematography join together to make this movie not just my favorite of the year but my favorite of all time. And trust me, knocking Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind out of its first-place slot is no easy feat.
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (dir. Joaquim dos Santos, Kemp Powers, & Justin K. Thompson)
I know, I know. A superhero movie this high up on the list? As a reformed Marvel Comics nerd, I wouldn’t feel right without giving this one props. The visuals in this film are absolutely incredible and blow almost any other animated film I’ve seen out of the water. Despite being a movie where the target demographic is kids/teens, there are some truly touching moments that made it stand out from being just another superhero movie. The voice acting performances are outmatched, and when combined with a killer soundtrack, all 140 minutes feel fresh and, I guarantee, will keep you immersed.
- All Of Us Strangers (dir. Andrew Haigh)
When you combine the acting superpowers of Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, it’s pretty much impossible to make a bad movie. All Of Us Strangers demonstrates this, as the two put on a performance that may be the peak of both their careers. The storytelling in this film was astounding for me to experience; as a writer and a filmmaker, I have a lot to live up to. If you want to have your heart shattered and warmed at the same time, do yourself a favor, take 105 minutes out of your day, and enjoy the majesty that is All Of Us Strangers.
- Past Lives (dir. Celine Song)
Honestly, I could’ve written this entire article on just this film. Past Lives is a remarkably accurate depiction of the relationship in your life that never was, that anyone who’s experienced a failed romance will be able to relate to. The film centers on a Korean immigrant who weaves in and out of her childhood sweetheart’s life and explores the complex relationship between the two. The background score is beautifully simple and, at certain parts, more emotionally eliciting than the film itself. Shabier Kirchner shines with unique cinematography that highlights the encapsulating writing. This film is truly gut-wrenching and heartbreakingly real.
- Saltburn (dir. Emerald Fennell)
Saltburn went viral on TikTok this year for the three… unique?… scenes it displays throughout, but I think it’s worth mentioning the complex storytelling and great societal commentary throughout. The thrilling aspects and fantastic satire on wealth desired by humanity today make the film stick out from many others I’ve seen, and yet still blend beautifully into what I consider great taste.
- Barbie (dir. Greta Gerwig)
Ah, Barbie. Because what kind of list would this be without it? Barbie displays one of the most incredible monologues about womanhood I have yet to see in any film, and it really has been something that’s stuck with me long after watching the movie. IT IS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO BE A WOMAN. The intricate set design and attention to detail for prop size in Barbie truly make it feel like the doll has come to life, and overall, it’s a very impressive feat that Greta Gerwig, as always, handled with grace. The only complaint I have about this film is that it was snubbed at the Oscars… but that was to no fault of its own.
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (dir. Chad Stahelski)
For my action fans, if you haven’t seen the final installment of the John Wick franchise yet, what have you been doing? I’d argue that this installment is the best of the series, with beautiful shots and the best character development in nearly every. Chapter 4 branches into new and exciting locations, displaying a monumental budget that was certainly put to good use. The (frequent) action scenes are made all the more impressive, knowing that Keanu Reeves is still doing most of his own stunts despite nearing 60 years old. I came out of Chapter 4 feeling refreshed and not just content but truly happy with the way the series ended.
- Beau is Afraid (dir. Ari Aster)
Ari Aster will certainly go down in history as one of the best psychological trip-thriller film directors of all time. His third feature, Beau is Afraid, certainly reflects his talent when it comes to getting in the audience’s head. The best way to describe the sensation of watching this movie is as if you’re in a waking dream. The visuals are stunning and have stuck with me long after my first watch, not to mention that (as per usual) Joaquin Phoenix gives the performance his all. Aster works overtime to give his viewers a true original, and I personally am incredibly grateful to be alive in a time where I can experience cinema like this.
- Oppenheimer (dir. Christopher Nolan)
Sorry to say it, but on Barbenheimer Day, I did, in fact, see Oppenheimer first. And I have zero regrets. Making a film with a three-hour runtime is no easy feat, but Christopher Nolan certainly rose to the challenge and made sure that not one minute was wasted. A beautifully structured narrative with two different timelines and points of view, Oppenheimer stands out from the rest of the films on this list due to its storytelling ability. The score is outstanding and truly highlights the beautiful horror of what J. Robert Oppenheimer was working towards creating. Cillian Murphy does a magnificent job of portraying the mental toll that making the atomic bomb has on his character, and despite the long runtime, I’d be happy to watch this one time and time again.
- Evil Dead Rise (dir. Lee Cronin)
If you’re reading this and wondering if I hate horror movies, you could not be further from the truth. Horror and thriller films are among some of my favorites to watch – in fact, and I often get jokes made at my expense by friends who are “worried there might be something wrong with me.” One of the first horror movies I ever watched that got me into the genre was the original The Evil Dead (1981), a true cult classic and genuinely original film. Naturally, I was thrilled that 2023 was bringing me a chance to see an Evil Dead movie in theaters. It’s gory, terrifying, and haunting, and you won’t be able to look away. Not to mention that title card? Ugh. Phenomenal.