Mid-Year Top 10

 


We’ve crossed the mid-point in 2023, which feels like a good time to pause and reflect on the year so far. This post features my Top 10 films of 2023 at the mid-point, plus 10 more I liked. By this time last year, we’d already seen the eventual Best Picture winner—Everything Everywhere All At Once—as well as the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. Let’s see how many of these films remain in the Top 10 to end the year!

1. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3
About: If you’re a regular reader, you know Guardians of the Galaxy is my favorite film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I was excited and nervous about this final film in the James Gunn trilogy. Turns out, I didn’t need to worry. It’s a beautiful, moving and action-packed adventure that remains my favorite film of the year so far.

2. Past Lives
About: This film debuted at Sundance but went wide at the end of June. From writer/director Celine Song, this beautiful drama looks at love, friendship and the timing and decisions that impact it all. It’s deeply emotional and features some great performances, particularly from Greta Lee. It could well be a Best Picture contender.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
About: The highly anticipated follow up to the 2018 animated classic, this one expands the world and presents new challenges and new spider-people. It’s emotional and beautifully drawn, though it’s just half the story. Still, it is one of my favorite films of the year so far.

4. Air
About: Ben Affleck’s film about the team at Nike that landed Michael Jordan as a spokesman, creating an iconic brand is engaging and emotional. It might not be what you’re expecting from a film about marketing a shoe, but Matt Damon, Chris Messina and Viola Davis make it hum. It’s great from start to finish.

5. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
About: Based on the classic book from Judy Blume, this film from Kelly Fremon-Craig beautifully tells the story of Margaret and a year in her life as she struggles to understand God and how it relates to her family. This is a beautiful film for young women, but it should appeal to all audiences. I loved the adaptation and the emotion in it.

6. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
About: This documentary also debuted at Sundance and chronicles the life and career of Michael J. Fox, including his struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. It’s a wonderful celebration of his career and an emotional journey through the struggle he won’t let define his life.

7. Rye Lane
About: Another film that debuted at Sundance, this romantic comedy has beats you don’t expect. It streamed on Hulu this spring and it’s a delightful journey with some fun characters and a fun world.

8. Asteroid City
About: The latest from Wes Anderson is a colorful and quirky world built in the middle of the dessert. I loved Jason Schwartzman in the lead and the way this film is constructed.

9. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
About: One of the biggest surprises of the year for me, this one is a kick in the pants. I’m not familiar with the game, but I didn’t need to be to understand the humor and fun of this ride. Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez are great together.

10. Tetris
About: We’ve probably all played Tetris, but how many of us know the story behind the game? I sure didn’t, but this Apple TV+ original tells the story in a captivating and engaging way. Taron Egerton is great in the lead and this biopic really works.

And now, 10 more I liked this year!

11. The Flash
12. The Covenant
13. Polite Society
14. Creed III
15. Elemental
16. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
17. Shazam! Fury of the Gods
18. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
19. Luther: The Fallen Sun
20. 80 For Brady

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