When we look back at 2023, I don’t know if we’ll think of it as a year of great movies.
I had to stretch to come up with a list of my favorite movies from this year.
There were one or two standouts – and I’m sure I’ve left off a couple that others would say are among the best of the year – but for me, the year was a tiny bit underwhelming as far as movies go.
I’m sure part of that is because many movies had to be pushed to later release dates in light of the huge writers’ and actors’ strikes that paralyzed the U.S. entertainment industry for much of the year.
That said, I watched and reviewed a lot of movies this year and enjoyed the heck out of many of them.
Here are my top 9 favorite, family-friendly and noteworthy movies of 2023.
- Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse (PG, streaming on Netflix) – I am not the world’s biggest superhero movie, and especially feel fairly meh about animated superhero movies, but this one blew me away. It’s visually gorgeous with a terrific soundtrack and great story. It’s got themes of diversity, girl power and forging one’s own path. I would own this one and will rewatch for sure.
- Barbie (PG, streaming but not free) – I’ve written about this film already because it rocks. It wasn’t just one of the top films this year – it was an iconic pop culture phenomenon. Come for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s fabulous performances and stay for America Ferrara’s incredible, viral monologue. I love every pretty pink, beachin’ thing about this Gen Xers’ dream of a movie.
- You Were My First Boyfriend (TV-PG, streaming on MAX) – This unique documentary is part nostalgia, part regret and all bittersweet longing for our younger days when we didn’t appreciate how young and hot we actually were. I want to be best friends with its star and creator, Cecelia Aldarondo. I’ve written about this film in detail both here and over on Cinefied.com.
- The Boy and the Heron (PG-13, in theatres) – If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli and master creator Hayao Miyazaki, this film is like a love letter right to your heart. There are so many references to past Ghibli classics and the art here is just gorgeous. It’s a delight for middle grade-schoolers through teens and adults alike. See my full review of this incredible film on Cinefied.com.
- Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret (PG-13, streaming but not free) – See my full review of this wonderful movie on Cinefied.com and my ode to Judy Blume here. If you loved this book as a kid, you’ll adore the film now – and it’s even better when you watch it with a daughter of your very own. So often the book is better than the movie, but in this case both are equally excellent.
- The Little Mermaid (PG, streaming but not free) – There was so much buzz and noise about the live-action Little Mermaid that I feel it almost overshadowed how truly enjoyable this Disney reimagining is. Does it replace the original animated Ariel and Sebastian, no – of course not. However, it’s a lovely addition to the live-action Disney movie collection and I adored Halle Bailey in the title role.
- Wish (PG, in theatres) – Here’s another Disney film receiving critical reviews (*cough* mostly from white men *cough*) but I went to see it in the theatre and loved it. Ariana DeBose is spectacular in the lead role and I loved the diversity, music and overall themes as well. Chris Pine is utterly diabolical as the villain. Plus, there are apparently over 175 Easter eggs and more than 500 classic Disney characters hidden throughout the movie and credits. How fun is that?!
- The Velveteen Rabbit (G, streaming on Apple+) – Remember weeping into this children’s book? Published 100 years ago, it’s never been out of print – and the movie adaptations are generally good, too. This one is by far the best yet. Watch it and cry. See my full review of this lovely short film on Cinefied.com.
- A Million Miles Away (PG, streaming on Amazon Prime) – If you’re looking for a feel-good movie to watch with multiple generations of family this holiday season, look no further than this inspirational true story based on NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez. See my full review on Cinefied.com and don’t let this film pass you by.
Some may be shocked that I left Oppenheimer off this list. First of all, it’s not a family film. Secondly, while there was a ton of hype about this movie and it is certainly well-made, it just wasn’t something I enjoyed much or would watch again. The predominantly male cast, constant time-switching, subject matter and unanswered questions left me a little cold.
Did I miss any of your favorite films of 2023? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram or Facebook!
