My 10 Favorite Movies and TV Shows of 2023
Here we go
Look, I don’t want to make a big deal out of this. There’s never enough time in the world to see all the movies and TV series you’re interested in that come out in one year. A delayed release here, an Iron Claw there, laziness, a recommendation from your uncle whose taste is absolute garbage, you pick your excuse. There are still at least a dozen films I want to see from 2023 that I won’t get a chance to, given it’s the last day of the year. I’m doing better on the television front, though, with about 4-5 shows behind. But it's okay to not have seen everything and still make a list — or so I hope.
I'm sure most of you have a party to get to, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. Here's the gist: Despite the writers' and actors' strikes, it was a great year for cinema and TV. Loads of original ideas, less franchise stuff, and a much-needed shift into a promising direction for all entertainment. It's about time. So here are my heavily subjective picks that I went crazy for this year.
Movies:
10. The Deepest Breath
The most nerve-wracking documentary about free divers with an emotional payoff you won't see coming.
9. Sanctuary
The ultimate cat-and-mouse sexual role-play thriller you didn't know you needed. The number one enemy of sex scene haters. Christopher Abbott and Margaret Qualley FTW.
8. The Promised Land
Danish cinema with Mads Mikkelsen rarely (if ever) disappoints. Period drama didn’t hit home so hard for me as this one has in about a decade.
7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn has done it again, perhaps better than ever. I wish I was as special as the farewell of his misfits is. (my review)
6. Sly
Though not devoid of self-mythology, it’s a fascinating retrospective about the thought and creative process of one of the biggest living action icons.
5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Visually stunning, creatively impressive, and emotionally satisfying. All that despite being half of a sequel, a comic book movie, and a character we’ve seen a million times. How about that?
4. Oppenheimer
A three-hour epic about a man whose life and career might be half as exciting and intriguing on paper than it is on screen, thanks to a masterful storyteller doing his best again.
3. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
The most imaginative and heartfelt documentary I've seen about a living legend, acting, and Parkinson’s. It made me cry twice — on two separate occasions. Mandatory viewing for Back to the Future fans. (my review)
2. May December
A mesmerizingly fucked-up and devastating character study about three people balancing and crossing the lines they drew themselves. Natalie Portman delivers her career-best performance.
1. The Eight Mountains
The best film made about friendship in the past 10 years. It’s a bonus that it’s Italian. (my review)
Honorable mentions: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1, Fair Play, The Killer, Bottoms, Missing, Blackberry, Master Gardener, A Million Miles Away.
Television:
10. Slow Horses Season 3
The most intense British spy drama with a never-better Gary Oldman — for the third time. (my review)
9. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 16
Still being as consistently offensive, hysterical, and outrageous as the Gang has been for 18 years is one of the greatest accomplishments any sitcom can aim for. Dee is a bird!
8. Dear Mama (miniseries)
By far the most accurate, poignant, and deep-diving documentary about Tupac Shakur (and his mama) yet. And the one that not only employs his music in the most inventive ways but also to dig to the core of his personality — which his mother was a substantial part of.
7. Lessons in Chemistry (miniseries)
The chemistry of love, heartbreak, grief, and ambition with a fantastic Brie Larson, who was born to play Elizabeth Zott. The most pleasant surprise of the year for me.
6. The Fall of the House of Usher (miniseries)
When Mike Flanagan crushes being a massive Edgar Allan Poe and horror fan simultaneously. Fun fun fun. (my review)
5. The Bear Season 2
Fishes! Forks! Camaraderie and the delicious drama of family dysfunction. Enjoy! (my review)
4. Succession Season 4
Watching the demise and fall of a dangerously wealthy family was as amusing and disastrous as every fan hoped it would be. The broken pieces of Kendall Roy’s heart are still fumbling somewhere at the bottom of the ocean.
3. Beckham (miniseries)
Through the eyes of a Hollywood actor and filmmaker, now the whole world can see what a complex and driven athlete David Beckham was and still is. The perfect mix of sports nostalgia, ambition, and the love of a game that unites people.
2. Scavengers Reign Season 1
The most spectacular and exciting exploration of a new world where humans are the least interesting. You won't see a more inventive picture from 2023, that's for sure.
1. Beef (limited series)
The full immigrant experience told through a hilarious, mean, and ravishing revenge between two people who spiral out of control. Give Steven Yeun an Emmy and an Oscar already. (my review)
Honorable mentions: Shrinking, The Big Door Prize, The Last of Us, The Power, Lucky Hank, Ted Lasso S3, Breeders S4, Invincible S2.
What were your favorites this year?
Happy New Year, Screen readers! Like, comment, and spread the word if you can:
Thank you for letting me know there's a new Danish Mads movie