My favorite movies of 2023

This list was harder to narrow down than past years. I saw a lot of good movies, but they all seemed to be the same level of good? No major standouts for me! Because of a difficult first half of the year emotionally, I really gravitated towards comfort films and comedies.

Some honorable mentions include Bottoms, Barbenheimer, Missing (a spiritual sequel to 2018’s Searching), Across the Spider-Verse, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Godzilla Minus One (which was a surprise for me). I’ve also been really enjoying the Wonka soundtrack. Also Benny Safdie in Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.

bearded Nicolas Cage in a pullover sweater and holding a rake looks up at the sky with mouth open 10. Dream Scenario

Mike Faist with a 1970s mustache and tinted glasses in front of a 70s patterned background and a kid playing pinball 9. Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game

a basically dressed Awkwafina looks concerned next to a pigtailed Sandra Oh who is excitedly raising her arm in the air 8. Quiz Lady

collage of cast members including Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Rebecca Ferguson 7. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1

four young Asian women sit on their luggage and look exhausted; one is holding a small pig 6. Joy Ride

Jennifer Lawrence squeezes the face of Andrew Barth Feldman 5. No Hard Feelings

Rocket the raccoon walking in front of the Guardians (whose legs can be seen) 4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Paul Giamatti in a sweater vest and bowtie, Dominic Sessa in an arm sling, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph in a winter coat 3. The Holdovers

collage of cast members including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page all in their DnD garb 2. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Greta Lee and Teo Yoo look at each other on a train 1. Past Lives