2023 had some great movies, TV shows and video games. We had some ups and downs, but we survived a year. Without further ado, here are my Top 12 Best Films of 2023. Why Top 12? Because I refuse to add an extra number. Otherwise, bad luck will happen.
12. Beau Is Afraid
- Box Office: $11,480,078
- Final Verdict: A-
A polarizing surreal epic adventure produced by A24, Ari Aster’s movie stars Joaquin Phoenix as the titular character who goes on a surreal journey to attend his mother’s funeral. Although some people didn’t like it. I really enjoyed the weird moments Beau encountered as well as Joaquin’s performance, Ari Aster’s direction, supporting cast etc. My biggest issue is the slow pace. John Waters mentioned “Beau Is Afraid” as his favorite movie of 2023. If you’re curious to see this absurd adventure horror-comedy, give it a try.
11. Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
- Box Office: $208,177,206
- Final Verdict: A-
Another commercial flop, this movie based on the table-top role-playing game was surprisingly good. At first, I was hesitant to watch in movie theaters. Upon viewing it on Paramount Plus, I was wrong from the get-go. It’s a darn shame it didn’t make green at the box office.
The Main Cast led by Chris Pine & Michelle Rodriguez felt three-dimensional learning each character’s background. John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein are passionate fans of “Dungeons and Dragons.” You can tell they put a lot of effort. If you never played the game, you’ll like this one. Maybe someday, I’ll play “Baldur’s Gate III.”
10. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
- Box Office: $1,361,367,353
- Final Verdict: A-
When I saw a preview for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” I was skeptical this film adaptation of a video game would suck. I was wrong. Despite Chris Pratt who doesn’t sound anything like Mario, this one’s ten times better than the 1993 live-action version with Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo.
Jack “JB” Black stole the movie as Bowser. JB sings “Peaches” became popular on the internet. Action Sequences belong in a remastered edition of “Super Mario 64.” Animation is spot-on creating an immersive world. Charlie Day, Anya-Taylor Joy, Keegan-Michael Key & Seth Rogen all did a solid job. We are living in a golden age of movies and shows based on video games. Most notably, “The Last of Us” & “Arcane.” Even though I’m a PlayStation guy, I liked what Illumination did adapting a video game icon. I cannot wait for a sequel. The Super Mario Bros. Movie remains as the highest-grossing film based on a video game.
9. Renfield
- Box Office: $26,493,921
- Final Verdict: A-
When “The Mummy” with Tom Cruise became a critical and commercial flop, the Dark Universe was scrapped in favor of making standalone movies focusing on the titular monster. “The Invisible Man” starring Elizabeth Moss did well. Universal Pictures went on the dark comedy route producing a movie involving Dracula’s henchman, “Renfield.”
When I saw a preview for it, I was interested in seeing Nicolas Cage as Dracula and Nicolas Hoult as the titular character. I laughed so hard witnessing Mr. Cage’s hammy performance. Action Sequences never shy away from gore. I liked the chemistry between Renfield and Awkwafina’s character, Rebecca. The Story isn’t a remake of Dracula or a terrible reboot, it’s a unique standalone horror-comedy done right. Although it failed to make a profit, I still enjoyed it. I’m interested in seeing Mr. Cage reprise his role in a future crossover with other monsters if Universal hires the right crew.
8. Sound of Freedom
- Box Office $248,106,204
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
After being rejected by high profile movie studios, Angel Studios acquired the rights to distribute this real-life crime-thriller based on Tim Ballard’s journey to rescue children from human trafficking. When I first saw it, I was satisfied a great movie taught humanity a moral lesson not to lure children in disgusting acts.
Jim Caviezel did a superb job as Ballard. Hollywood needs to get their act together rejecting potential movies based on people who do the right thing. It’s shockingly relevant Dan Schneider (iCarly, Victorious) got away with his crimes grooming child actors/actresses. What’s worse, “Dance Moms” is still popular depicting little girls in skimpy outfits. It’s produced by A&E. A subsidiary of Disney. Angel Studios is trustworthy helping filmmakers taking a big gamble. They’re known for letting people enlist in the Angel Guild donating money to future projects and pay it forward to movie goers giving them a free ticket. If you wanna see “Sound of Freedom,” join the guild.
7. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One
- Box Office: $567,535,383
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The seventh installment of the “Mission Impossible” series follows Ethan Hunt’s next mission, prevent a bad guy from obtaining an A.I. or else the world’s in grave danger. Although it earned praise, Dead Reckoning flopped at the box office.
Tom “TC” Cruise hasn’t ran outta fuel doing his own stunts. He’s America’s Jackie Chan. Besides TC, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg & Rebecca Ferguson all did a decent job for their performances. Dead Reckoning’s told as a two-parter like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” The first part’s a competent spy-thriller cranking the Action Sequences up to eleven. The dangers of A.I. reflects what’s going on in the real world. The creation of ChatGPT was another factor in the Writers/Actors Strike 2023. If we heavily rely on using A.I. consequences will happen. Imagine if Skynet becomes a reality? The world’s not ready for A.I. It’s still growing like an infant. I’m looking forward to the second part on May 23rd, 2025.
6. Killers of the Flower Moon
- Box Office: $156,336,466
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Martin Scorsese’s pet project based on a book about Native Americans of the Osage tribe are slain by an organized crime who want to take control of their oil and land. I read the book before seeing this three-hour plus epic historical drama starring my favorite actor, Leonardo “Leo” DiCaprio.
Produced by Paramount Pictures and Apple TV Plus, “Killers of the Flower Moon earned critical acclaim, but failed to make half a billion dollars at the box office. The film focuses on a crime boss’ nephew who marries a Native American woman in order to obtain her family’s land. Leo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone and the rest of the cast all did a superb job. High Production Value reflects the 1920s. I’m used to seeing long movies over three hours. It’s kinda like binge-watching a TV show or playing a video game for three-four hours. Anway, if you have an Apple TV Plus account, check it out whenever you have nothing on your plate.
Lily Gladstone won her first Golden Globe. As a quarter Native American, she deserved it. Not because of her race, but her acting chops. Representation done right without shoving in down your throat.
5. Poor Things
- Box Office: $15,212,602
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
When I saw trailer for “Poor Things” starring my fourth favorite actress, Emma Stone, I was interested in seeing this surreal sci-fi comedy set in a steampunk world. Although I never read the book, I enjoyed Poor Things without looking at my watch. A unique film inspired by “Frankenstein.”
Emma won a Golden Globe for her performance as Bella. Yorgos Lanthimos took a big gamble adapting the book. Mark Ruffalo & Willem Dafoe both did a good job. High Production Value in terms of a mix of Practical and Visual Effects. Humor got me laughing so hard. Especially, Bella she has the mind of a little girl adapting to her environment. Poor Things recently won a Golden Globe for “Best Musical or Comedy.” I see it as a “Best Picture” contender for the 96th Academy Awards. If you have nothing on your plate, check out Poor Things.
4. John Wick: Chapter 4
- Box Office: $440,146,694
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Keanu Reeves (my third favorite actor) returns as John Wick in the fourth movie. The series keeps getting better and better. Action Sequences are breathtaking. Chad Stahelski’s a pro in stunts giving pointers for Keanu and the cast to do their own stunts. Seeing Wick in “Beast Mode” fighting his way through enemies got my testosterone level high.
Besides Mr. Reeves’ kick ass performance, Donnie Yen, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane & Bill Skarsgard all did a decent job. Chapter 4 doesn’t flinch, the action throws everything at you. Not in a Michael Bay way. Oliver Stone thinks the John Wick series is too violent like a video game. He’s wrong. The same guy who wrote or directed violent movies like “Scarface” & “Natural Born Killers.” A hypocrite begging for attention. I also went to see Keanu’s band, Dogstar. I haven’t played Cyberpunk 2077’s DLC story “Phantom Liberty.” I got a lot on my plate regarding upcoming content in 2024.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Box Office: $845,555,777
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
James “JG” Gunn’s final movie with Marvel and an emotional send-off to “Guardians of the Galaxy” ended on a high note. If you never read the comics, Rocket’s tragic origin story made me cry. The Stakes escalate when High Evolutionary attempts to create a new utopia.
Everybody did a spectacular job for their performances including Chukwudi Iwuji’s performance as High Evolutionary. He’s cold and ruthless than Kang the Conqueror. Action Sequences were epic. Most notably, the hallway fight paying tribute to the hallway fight from the original “Oldboy.” Unlike *cough* Nia Dacosta’s *cough* “The Marvels,” you can tell JG’s a passionate comic book fan who cares about the characters, their chemistry, back stories and make us root for them. Soundtrack features some catchy tunes.
Now that JG’s in charge of rebooting the DC Universe starting with “Creature Commandos” and “Superman: Legacy,” it’s gonna be hard for Marvel to give us a three-dimensional team. They’re getting sloppy. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Loki’s second season and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” I hope they give Gambit a solo movie or show. A fan favorite X-Men member who deserves respect.
2. Godzilla Minus One
- Box Office: $86,570,929
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
We know an American Godzilla produced by WB is gonna join forces with King Kong on April 12th 2024, Toho produced a standalone Godzilla movie not tied to the American version. This time it takes place in post-World War II Japan.
The Premise is about a pilot struggling with PTSD after his encounter with Godzilla. He meets a crew of scientists to prevent Godzilla from wreaking havoc. Unlike Previous films, the human characters were interesting and unforgettable. The pilot didn’t overshadow the titular character. Takashi Yamazaki crafted a darker and gritty take on Godzilla. I’m shocked the film’s budget is under $15 million and managed to recoup expenses. It felt like a $100 million plus epic Kaiju film. I’m glad I saw Godzilla Minus One on the big screen. I’m open for Toho to take Godzilla on another level. Perhaps a crossover with Ultraman?
Honorable Mentions
- Scream VI
- Fast X
- Creed III
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
- Nyad
- You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
- The Iron Claw
- The Flash
1. Oppenheimer
- Box Office: $952,037,985
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Ladies and Gentlemen, my number film of the year is Christopher “Chris” Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” Prior to its release, both “Barbie” and Oppenheimer became a cultural phenomenon called, “Barbenheimer” as a marketing tactic for movie goers to see it as a double feature. This isn’t the first time two movies released on the same date. “Mamma Mia” & The Dark Knight both came out on July 18th, 2008. Barbenheimer was everywhere on YouTube, memes and fan posters. This is what movie studios need so they can help each other.
Both Barbie and Oppenheimer came out on July 21st, 2023. Two days before my 30th birthday. I chose the latter as my birthday present. Cillian Murphy knocked it out of the park as the titular character. Chris did an amazing job directing. Robert Downey Jr. Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh & Matt Damon all did a decent job in supporting roles. Practical Effects felt real, Chris is known for using minimal C.G.I. Let me tell ya, I was intrigued by Oppenheimer’s life and career, exploring the consequences of nuclear war. It’s disturbingly relevant in today’s world. I hope North Korea & Russia never start World War III. Two global wars are enough costing countless lives.
Recently, Oppenheimer won Golden Globes than Barbie including “Best Actor,” “Best Supporting Actor,” “Best Director,” “Best Original Score” and last but not least, “Best Drama.” Chris’ on a roll. The war between Oppenheimer and Barbie isn’t over until the 96th Academy Awards air.
So, that’s my Top 12 Films of 2023. What are your favorite movies from that year? Please leave a comment. I want Mr. Nolan to win an Oscar. He deserves it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 