2023 gave us another great year of film. We witnessed Oppenheimer build a bomb, Ethan Hunt take on artificial intelligence, the long awaited return to Pandora, John Wick continue his revenge tour, Taylor Swift and Beyonce putting their iconic concerts on the big screen, Iman Vellani becoming a breakout star, Zac Efron giving an Academy Award performance, and we all learned cocaine and bears don’t mix.

Here are my favorite films of 2023. In no particular order….

Rye Lane – Directed by Raine Allen-Miller

Set in South London, the film follows Dom (David Johnson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah) who meet after they both have gone through a breakup. It’s a funny and adorable look at two young people trying to navigate life and figure out how to be in healthy relationships. David Johnson and Vivian Oparah give fantastic performances in a film that feels like a throwback to the romantic comedies of the 90’s and 2000’s that launched careers. Rye Lane is one of the most thoughtful and sweet romantic comedies in years.

Favorite Scene – Dom’s ex cheated with his best friend and Dom and Yas meet them for lunch.

Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse – Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K Thompson

Sequels are hard to do, but every so often they can exceed expectations. Across the Spiderverse hit it out the park from the first frame until the pearl clutching final moments. Underneath the animation and superhero antics is a story about a young man trying to find his way in the world. I think that’s why it resonates with so many people. The film looks beautiful and keeps you locked in for the entire 2 hours and 20 minutes. I can’t wait to see how they end this story but I don’t  want this journey to end.

Favorite Scene – Miles realizing what’s happening and breaking out of Spider Society’s headquarters.

Talk To Me – Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou

Sophie Wilde gives a star making performance as Mia in this delightfully creepy horror film. Like most good horror films, it’s a simple idea (teenagers playing a game they shouldn’t) that is turned into something absolutely terrifying. Anchored by a fantastic score, the film analyzes how painful grief is and the lengths someone is willing to go to relive themselves of that pain. Talk to Me is one of the best horror films in recent years and delivers a banger for an ending.

Favorite Scene – The conjuring the spirit montage while Le Monde by Richard Carter plays. Riley’s possession is a very close second.

Barbie – Directed by Greta Gerwig

We all assumed a Barbie movie would be successful but not necessarily this type of movie. With the help of Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and America Ferrera, Gerwig delivers a smart, thoughtful, and entertaining film about the world’s most iconic fashion doll. The choice to put Barbie in the real world and have it juxtaposed with Barbieland was a brilliant. I appreciate Gosling tapping into his days on The Mickey Mouse Club for his performance of “I’m Just Ken”. The ensemble cast that makes up the different Barbies and Kens deliver some of the funniest scenes.

Favorite Scene – Gloria’s speech about what it’s like to be a woman.

Godzilla Minus One – Directed by Takashi Yamazaki

I was late to Godzilla Minus One but I’m here now and ready to sing its praises. Minus One is the perfect mix of an old school Godzilla story with up-to-date CGI and special effects. I’m usually annoyed with human characters in these films, but Ryunosuke Kamiki as Shikishima is a character worth caring about. His shame, pride, and courage anchor the film and keep audience interested when Godzilla isn’t demolishing cities. Minus One is a beautiful film with a fantastic final act. If you don’t love Godzilla, this film will change your mind. Please let Yamazaki make all the Godzilla movies.

Favorite Scene – Godzilla attacking Ginza.

The League – Directed by Sam Pollard

The only documentary to make my list covers and celebrates Negro League baseball. They go through the challenges the league faced, the dynamic players, and the connection to Latin baseball. The best part was the learning how integration in baseball was used as motivation to end segregation in the United States. So much of who we are as a country was on display when the Negro Leagues were at their height. The film is full of smiles, tears, and hope for what the sport of baseball and country can be.

Favorite Scene –  Every Satchel Paige story and Buck O’Neil recalling the day Jackie Robinson signed with the Dodgers.

American Fiction – Directed by Jord Jefferson

I’m not sure if Jeffrey Wright will win this year but he’ll get an Oscar nomination for his portrayal as Monk. American Fiction is hilarious family drama that follows an author after making a career altering decision while he’s dealing with family problems. The film is as funny and charming as it is insightful. The film also features a wonderful performance by Sterling K Brown who continues to be one of Hollywood’s underrated actors.

Favorite Scene – The wedding sequence. It was beautiful from start to finish.

Saltburn – Directed by Emerald Fennell

Saltburn is best described as The Talented Mr. Ripley on shrooms. It’s a chaotic film that somehow harnesses its greatness to make it one of the best films of the year. Lead by Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, the film goes places you expect it go and it goes some places you don’t – YOU KNOW WHAT THREE SCENES I’M TALKING ABOUT. Sorry for yelling but I’ve had to warn people before watching. Keoghan and Elordi are stars and I would love to see them in a buddy cop film, rom com, horror, sci-fi. Put those two in everything. The best thing about Saltburn is how twisted it is and how oddly believable story is.

Favorite Scene – The sequence of Felix surprising Ollie for his birthday.

Bottoms – Directed By Emma Seligman

An R-rated comedy about two high school girls that create a fight club to hook u with cheerleaders should be enough to hit play. If you add in National Treasure Marshawn Lynch as a teacher Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott as the two students, that should be more than enough to grab your attention. Bottoms is laugh out loud funny and a ridiculous film that leans into how absurd it is. The film is aware of what it is at all times.

Favorite Scene – The game against Huntington High. What a wild scene that includes tree bombs, pineapple juice, and a brawl.

When Evil Lurks – Directed by Demian Rugna

When Evil Lurks is the most disturbing and unsettling film I’ve seen this year. Brothers Pedro (Ezequiel Rodriguez) and Jaime (Demian Salomon) find a body that leads them to a demon possessed man. The shit really hits the fan after that. It’s not until around minute 30 that you learn what’s happening and the rules of this world. When Evil Lurks is a unique look at demon possession and how it spreads. I spent most of the film cheering for people to run, but how do you outrun darkness? This film has some of the most disturbing visuals I’ve seen in a horror film in years. It’d definitely not for the faint of heart.

Favorite Scene – The demon attack when Pedro goes to get his ex-wife and kids.