I’ve been collecting my top 10 movies of the year through Letterboxd since 2017. It’s been a fun way to keep track of my movie-watching habits and to see how my tastes have changed over time. I also find it interesting to see how my top 10 lists compare to those of other users on Letterboxd.

Looking back at my lists from the past few years, I can see that my tastes have definitely evolved. Big summer blockbusters played a huge part in my budding interest in film. However, in recent years, I’ve gravitated a little more toward smaller, independent films.

I think this change in my tastes reflects my growing appreciation for the power of film to tell stories that are both personal and universal. Without further ado, my favorite movies of 2023:

10. The Holdovers

This felt like the tear-soaked shoulder of a warm hug. Holidays are lonely.

9. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3

I cried for those CGI animals.

8. Bottoms

One of the strongest comedies I’ve seen in years. Rachel Sennott and Eyo Edebiri are movie stars in the making.

I haven’t figured out how to articulate this well yet, but there is something about the “nothing matters” existentialism of Gen Z and some younger millennials that is perfectly captured in Bottoms. Nothing is real, but everything is real and it’s all very funny.

7. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie

Funny and profoundly moving, this is one of the most creatively told documentaries I’ve seen. Long live MJF.

6. Godzilla Minus One

Most of my knowledge about Godzilla comes from the American adaptations. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into a modern take on the WWII-era Godzilla story from Japanese filmmakers.

It was surprisingly moving. I’ve seen many draw lines comparing this to Oppenheimer. I can now see how it would make an interesting companion piece.

5. Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse

I didn’t think they could top the first one, but here we are. If the next installment sticks the landing, we might be looking at the new definitive Spider-Man trilogy.

4. Killers of the Flower Moon

Powerful, infuriating and gut-wrenching. Not just among Scorsese’s finest but among the finest historical dramas I’ve seen. 

Grateful to the Osage for pushing so hard to be heard in the production of this film. Their story demands it.

Lily Gladstone deserves every accolade she is about to win.

3. Oppenheimer 

“Oppenheimer” is easily one of Christopher Nolan’s best films, and I believe history will prove it. Rarely have I described a 3-hour film as captivating the whole way through, but this one hits the mark. As someone who usually needs at least one bathroom break during most movies, the fact that I never left my seat is a testament to Oppenheimer’s greatness.

The cast is massive, and many of its best performers disappeared into their roles so well that I didn’t recognize them until the credits rolled. Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. are immediately heading to the Oscars.

2. Barbie

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is an enchanting and unpredictable movie from start to finish. With its opening notes from 2001: A Space Odyssey, it subverts expectations and keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Barbie is clearly a deeply personal movie for women. As an iconic toy for decades, she has been a symbol of women’s empowerment for some and a reminder of misogyny for others. This movie explores all those aspects and takes the viewer on a journey of personal discovery to answer the question: “What was I made for?”

It’s not only a celebration of women but also a commentary on the complexities of both femininity and masculinity. It is a thought-provoking piece that encourages the audience to reflect on their own experiences and the role of gender in society.

1. Poor Things

Poor Things brilliantly blends whimsy with darkness, showcasing Emma Stone’s possibly best performance. The stunning visuals and costumes make it a great pick for weirdos like me.

There’s so much to say in this movie about personal freedom, sexual liberation and societal constraints. I think it will be remembered fondly though it may take time to find an audience. 

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Don’t forget to check out my podcast and YouTube channel at somanysequels.com! In our latest episode, David, Garrett and I revealed our collective top 5 of the year.