My Favorite Things 2023: Movies
Today, I’m talking about my favorite movies that I watched in 2023. You would think that I would have watched newer releases being at home so much this year. I usually spend most of the year catching up on older movies and re-waiting old favorites that I’ve seen a million times, but I managed to watch a lot of 2023 releases this year. Here is a compilation of films that made the top of my favorites list (not all 2023 releases).
Barbie
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
This movie was just as good as I expected it to be. It brought my childhood to life and reminded me of the Barbie dolls I grew up playing with. It’s very nostalgic and I think the director along with the crew and actors brought these dolls to life. They managed to place them in the real world but also keep their doll mannerisms. It’s a movie geared towards adults, and it also speaks volumes about what women face daily and gender inequality issues.
Spirited Away: Live on Stage
Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning animated feature film comes to life in this first-ever stage adaptation, full of dazzling sets, captivating musical numbers, and wondrous puppets of beloved characters. Adapted and directed by Tony Award-winner John Caird (Les Misérables), two unique casts and performances were filmed during the show’s acclaimed 2022 run at Tokyo’s historic Imperial Theatre, featuring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro.
This was a breathtaking and phenomenal stage adaptation of one of my favorite Ghibli films. My friend and I went and saw Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro and we both agreed that she and the rest of the cast did a fantastic job of playing the characters. What made this so entertaining to watch was how close it was to the film including the smallest details fans would notice if you’ve watched the movie numerous times. I was in awe the entire time from the costumes, special effects (the spirit bathhouse notable scene!), and the set. Highly recommended for any Ghibli fan!
Haunted Mansion
A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
This movie is a step up from the last live-action film made in 2023. From the special effects and attention to detail (an addition of lots of fan favorites from the Disney World ride) this film is a spooky good time! It’s a good blend of comedy and horror and filled with a few jump scares that even got me. I loved the cast and set. There was so much to look at and the story with themes of overcoming grief is relatable to the audience. I highly recommend this film!
A Monster In Paris
Raoul and Emile accidentally release a monster from an eccentric scientist’s greenhouse and vow to track it down. They soon realize that the beast may not be as menacing as it appears and try to save it from a corrupt police chief.
This Fantasy animated film is highly underrated and I’m so mad that I didn’t watch it sooner. The animation is fantastic, the plot is unique, and the soundtrack is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time for an animated film that isn’t from one of the bigger animation studios. I still have the OST on repeat! The movie is a fun thrill ride from beginning to end and teaches the importance of not judging people based on their looks. This movie has a lot of heart which is why so many people, including myself, love it so much.
The Creator
As a future war between the human race and artificial intelligence rages on, ex-special forces agent Joshua is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI. The Creator has developed a mysterious weapon that has the power to end the war and all of mankind. As Joshua and his team of elite operatives venture into enemy-occupied territory, they soon discover the world-ending weapon is actually an AI in the form of a young child.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a hardcore Sci-Fi movie in theatres and this film was worth the movie watching is due. I could tell the budget was used well and the special effects from the overall film’s cinematography were mind-blowing. It felt like part adventure film and part social commentary on today’s world. I enjoyed the message within the plot and there was never a dull moment. It was slow to start plot-wise, and I felt the first quarter of the film set up the world-building and plot. The film also felt like a sequel at times.
Planet of the Apes
Complex sociological themes run through this science-fiction classic about three astronauts marooned on a futuristic planet where apes rule and humans are slaves. The stunned trio discovers that these highly intellectual simians can both walk upright and talk. They have even established a class system and a political structure. The astronauts suddenly find themselves part of a devalued species, trapped and imprisoned by the apes.
This movie was mind-blowing not only because of the plot but the special effects used (they felt so realistic!). Apes is a movie I’ve had on my watchlist for years and now it’s become one of my Sci-Fi favorites of all time. Though it’s an older film, I think the message of it is still incredibly relevant to this day, which is what makes it so powerful. From beginning to end I was hooked into the story and all the actors helped to immerse the viewer into the film. It’s a film I highly recommend!
A Tourist’s Guide To Love
After an unexpected breakup, a travel executive accepts an assignment to go under cover and learn about the tourist industry in Vietnam. Along the way, she finds adventure and romance with her Vietnamese expat tour guide.
Though formulaic in plot the star of this romantic comedy film is the cinematography and how it fills the viewers with wanderlust (and the travel bug). The director does a fantastic job of showcasing the beauty of Vietnam from the city to the rural countryside with beautiful shots of landscapes, food, and the heart of the people. This was such an enjoyable film to watch, and the OST added to the overall ambiance too. The lead actors, Rachel Leigh Cook and Scott Ly have great on-screen chemistry and are a movie couple you can root for.
The Little Mermaid
The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel is a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Longing to find out more about the world beyond the sea, Ariel visits the surface and falls for the dashing Prince Eric. Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land.
I didn’t expect to be so emotional while watching this film, but I was. It’s a testament to why representation in media is so important and why people need to see themselves in the media they consume. It struck a chord in me for how nostalgic it made me feel and the overall beauty of the film. The songs (including new ones) were so good, and I love how immersive the film was. It made you feel like you were traveling under the sea with Ariel. It was a beautiful movie and Halle did a fantastic job as Ariel and putting a new spin on a classic Disney character. I would love to go see this in theatres again and I highly recommend this Disney live-action reboot.
What were your favorite movies you watched in 2023? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
I’m catching up on posts and happy to read about your favourite movies. I love Spirited Away too. Such a great story, timeless and inspiring.