With 2023 coming to a close, it’s time to talk about the best movies from this year. I will be giving my personal opinion on what I believe the top five films of 2023 are.

Starting off my list at number five, I have Killers of the Flower Moon (rated R), directed by Martin Scorsese. Killers of the Flower Moon is set in the 1920s and focuses on the upsetting murders of the Osage people. The movie might be three hours and twenty-six minutes, but it still paces brilliantly. It is never afraid to take its time and showcase its amazing performances. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro prove why they are two of Hollywood’s greats, but the true star here is Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart, who steals the spotlight and gives a truly heartbreaking performance. 

Next up on my list at number four, I have Air (rated R), which is directed by Ben Affleck. Air manages to remain compelling and humorous all throughout its runtime. Headlined by Matt Damon, who gives an amazing performance, Air tells the story of the Air Jordan sneakers. This film’s biggest strength is its screenplay, which is razor-sharp and perfectly fleshed out. Many movie pundits agree this should be in the conversation for Best Picture this year at the Oscars, but sadly it isn’t getting talked about enough. 

Coming in at number three is Celine Song’s directorial debut, Past Lives (rated PG-13). Past Lives is a remarkable debut with such a simple plot, but amazing emotion. This is a very sentimental watch that puts a very minimalist romance at its front and center and impresses its audience with its elegant passion. On top of all that, it is a truly gorgeous film that deserves love at the Oscars.

For my runner-up, I have Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (rated PG) at number two, directed by the fantastic Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse did the impossible in topping the original (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse). This is a visual masterpiece with amazing animation. The exciting stylistic approach this film takes always had me really invested. This might be the best Spider-Man film we’ve ever had. That’s because of the brilliant vision Lord and Miller had to travel to so many different worlds throughout this film, while managing to make sure each feels new and unique from anything we’ve seen before. 

For my favorite film of the year, I have The Holdovers (rated R), directed by Alexander Payne. The Holdovers is about a cranky history teacher at a remote prep school who is forced to remain on campus with a troubled student who has nowhere to go. Alexander Payne is no stranger to making great movies. His filmography speaks for itself with excellent films like Sideways and The Descendants. The Holdovers might be Payne’s best film yet because of its perfect story and cozy atmosphere. The Holdovers is a special film which is perfectly directed and acted. Paul Giamatti is amazing in this film and deserves Best Actor this year at the Oscars. Da’Vine Joy Randolph is also amazing as a grieving mother. However, Dominic Sessa surprised me most as this is his first credited movie. I imagine The Holdovers will be a film universally loved and celebrated as a new instant classic. 

Overall, 2023 was a great year for cinema. I know this list only covers my top five films, but there are so many other great films I recommend you watch. 

Photo courtesy of FLICKR