We are now officially in July! That means that the year is already halfway over. That also means that it’s time to acknowledge the best that movies have had to offer so far in 2023.
A couple of disclaimers first. I have, of course, not seen EVERY single movie that has come out this year. I mostly only watch movies nowadays that I have some form of interest in. That will most likely be my mindset until I’m actually able to get a paying job for reviewing movies. Also, there have been some well-received movies that I’ve not been able to catch up with yet such as Asteroid City and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?. I promise I will get to do those movies whenever I can but for now, this list is what I have to offer. Finally, the movies that are placed on this list can change by the end of the year. Don’t think I’m all that strict on it’s rankings or rating that I gave each film (at least the ones I’ve reviewed on this site). Anyways, here is my list of the top 10 best movies of 2023 so far that I’ve seen.
10.) Megan
I’m sure a question someone will have reading this is whether or not M3GAN would be judge differently if it came out in any other month than January. While the flaws here are more forgiving than other January flicks, there is a certain warmth and heart here with some meaningful messaging that doesn’t feel forced or phony. It’s uneven and not the most unpredictable, but it definitely makes for a fun, engaging time.
9.) The Super Mario Bros Movie
I’ll admit, if I was not a fan of Mario or had no attachment to the character, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed this movie as much and just see it as another “meh” kids movie from Illumination. But, because I am a fan, I was quite satisfied. If anyone that has been a fan of Mario at some point in their life, I can’t imagine they won’t have some sort of satisfaction with The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Now, please bring Yoshi in the next one!
8.) Air
Air isn’t may not reach the levels of other films of it’s kind such as Moneyball but it’s good enough to stand on it’s own as a well-done biopic with a sharp script, great performances, and spot-on directing from Ben Affleck to make it worthwhile. It can’t quite escape it’s surface level feeling and certainly could have done with an actual appearance of Michael Jordan himself but it’s able to give anyone that is interested in this movie exactly what they want and expect with no interest in deceiving expectations whatsoever.
7.) Creed III
Creed III was always gonna have to face the inevitable uphill battle that the series would have to fight against to see whether or not it can keep going without the man that started it all in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa. Thankfully, Michael B Jordan proves he is up to the task to carry the baton forward in a respectful manner that makes Adonis Creed a compelling enough character to continue the Rocky tradition. While the movie does undeniably stick to the formula and traditions that the series is known for, it’s still able to feel fresh, unique, and satisfying all the same.
6.) Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
If you want to talk about a movie that’s just a rocking good time all around, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves would fit that description perfectly. With a tone that is more than self aware, a cast that bring their A-game, and plenty of fun set pieces, this makes for one very enjoyable adventure that proves any IP can work in movie form if it’s put in the right hands. Even if you’ve never played Dungeons & Dragons before, check this one out!
5.) Missing
On the surface, Missing plays out like a lesser but still largely effective version of Searching with it’s emphasis on strictly webcam monitors to tell it’s story. However, when diving into it a big closer, there is a very engaging thriller with enough creativity and inventive filmmaking along with plot twists and story turns that are nearly impossible to pick. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Searching but Missing is still impressive and entertaining nonetheless.
4.) John Wick: Chapter 4
John Wick: Chapter 4 is an exceptional achievement of not just the John Wick franchise but for the action genre in general. Not since The Raid movies has there been a series of action films that dares to go as big, bold, and as over-the-top as this film does. Working perfectly as John Wick himself getting pushed beyond his reasonable measures along with director Chad Stahelski and crew of pushing themselves to make the most unbelievable and badass film imaginable. Even if Chapter 4 does bring a logical stopping point to John Wick’s story, it leaves plenty of room of other characters in the series to have their stories to continue if anyone wants to go that route.
3.) Nimona
Disney’s trash turned out to be Netflix’s treasure with the newest animated movie in Nimona. A movie made for kids that pulls no punches and will likely find a bigger audience with teens and young adults. It’s beautifully animated, incredibly engaging, has themes and representation that feels geniune, and Nimona herself is one of the most generally lovable protagonists in recent memory. If this isn’t prove how the evolution of animation is likely gonna have a big impact for cinema in the future, then I don’t know what will.
2.) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is able to successfully hit all the beats it needs to give fans and audiences a satisfying ending to it’s trilogy along with showing off how Marvel can still find ways to deliver quality entertainment, even when it might seem like they’ve reached their limits. It’s able to be funny, dark, sad, engaging, and deliver the highest and most personal stakes of all the three Guardians movies. If you ask me, it was no doubt able to deliver a famously huge third.
1.) Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse shows that the Spider-Verse can in fact make lightning strike twice. Everyone involved with the making of this movie wanted to take everything to the next level without holding anything back and they are able to exceed greatly. While we might have to wait to see how they stick the landing with Beyond the Spider-Verse next year, this is no doubt another important milestone for animation. Just like how these Spider-Verse movies prove that Spider-Man belongs to everyone, so does animation. And there should be no one out there that should say otherwise.
Honorable Mention:
Cocaine Bear
- The movie speaks for itself!
Thanks for reading and happy fourth of July! Enjoy the fireworks!
Adam's Blog 