Top 10 films of 2023

10. John Wick 4

While John Wick 5 seems to be all but a certainty, for the time being, the fourth chapter in the Keanu Reeves-led series provides a fitting conclusion to Wick’s revenge- driven crusade, in an operatic and sweeping fashion, with some of the best cinematography of the year.

9. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret

The iconic novel is treated with great respect in Kelly Fremon Craig’s cinematic telling of Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. A young woman coming of age and navigating all of life’s obstacles, with a stellar performance by Abby Ryder Fortson, who disappears into the role as Margaret.

8. GOTG 3

A raccoon’s journey comes to an end without a dry eye in the house. James Gunn’s emotional conclusion to the sci-fi superhero squad is the best of the year for Marvel. While the Guardians will likely return in some way shape or form, their send-off here is one for the ages.

7. The Holdovers

The teacher who hates his students, and the troublemaker of the class, trapped together for the holidays. While the film hits several familiar beats, this movie of misadventures proves emotionally potent, with performances that captivate and characters that compel, with a heart-breaking performance by Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

6. Barbie

The film everyone and their mother, sister, and aunty saw this year, Barbie is the undoubted hit of 2023. Its commercial success is rivalled only by its sweeping critical acclaim, thanks to its clever script, devotion to practical effects, and meaningful message of self-acceptance and growth.

5. Killers of the Flower Moon

The striking thing about Killers of the Flower Moon is the sheer indifference portrayed in the perpetrators of prejudice. The evil depicted in the film is not unlike the gangster films in Martin Scorcese’s filmography, yet here, it is far less enticing and leaves you feeling a sense of despair.

4. Wonka

Timothée Chalamet makes an iconic character his own in this whimsical musical. Wonka delights from beginning to end, with humour that’s not afraid to get a little childish and a sweetness that will be sure to draw a tear drop or two.

3. Past Lives

Of all the people we come across in our time on this planet, some stick with us despite their infrequent presence in our lives. Past Lives explores the deep and profound sense of belonging between two people separated across oceans and ambitions.

2. Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse

At this point, the moniker of Spider-Verse is a signifier of absolute quality. This sequel not only built upon the foundation of the first, it delivered sprawling and epic animation, rooted in an emotional story, with the year’s best composition by Daniel Pemberton, who manages to make a film score by record scratching the honk of a goose. Need I say more?

1. Oppenheimer

The story of the atom bomb told in a tense and gripping film, Oppenheimer puts the science front and centre and shows how one of the world’s greatest atrocities came to be. Cillian Murphy’s leading role is astoundingly played in one of the year’s best-cast films. It’s a stunning achievement in cinematography, incredible music, and a chilling ending that can’t be topped.

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.