Remember that feeling of walking out of the theatre, watching a truly great film which left you wanting for more? From soaring superhero marvels to fun anime movies, from laugh-out-loud comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, the year 2023 had it all. Stories that moved, challenged, and inspired. Here is a list five must movies from 2023.
1. Oppenhiemer
A chilling masterpiece exploring the realms of science and morality.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr.
Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes
Oppenheimer, is a biographical drama chronicling the life and legacy of the “father of the atomic bomb,” J. Robert Oppenheimer, the lead scientist of the Manhattan Project which developed the world’s first nuclear weapons during World War II. Clocking in at a hefty three hours, it’s a dense and demanding watch, but one that ultimately rewards viewers with a profound and thought-provoking exploration of scientific ambition, moral responsibility, and the enduring weight of a single decision.
Cillian Murphy delivers an impressive performance as title character.The supporting cast is equally stellar, with Emily Blunt as Oppenheimer’s wife Kitty, Robert Downey Jr. as the enigmatic General Groves, and Matt Damon as the conflicted theoretical physicist Richard Feynman, all adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Nolan’s signature directorial style is on full display, with breathtaking visuals that transport viewers to the heart of the Manhattan Project and the devastating repercussions of its work. The film seamlessly blends historical accuracy with drama is both inspiring and thought provoking.
2. Killers of flower moon
A Haunting Portrait of Greed and Betrayal
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCapiro, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone
Runtime: 3 hours 25 minutes
Killers of the Flower Moon is a meticulously crafted and unsettling true crime drama set in 1920s Oklahoma depicting a string of mysterious murders within the wealthy Osage Nation after oil was discovered on their land. The film portrait greed, corruption, and the fight for justice against all odds.
The film boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, with veterans Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro delivering great performances.The on-screen chemistry between the characters enhances the storyline, filling the characters with a sense of depth and authenticity that brings them to life. Scorsese’s directorial brilliance is on full display and engaging storytelling keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
3. Spider-Man:Across the spider-verse
More verses, More spiders, More action in new dimensions
Director: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp powers, Justin K.Thompson
Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Braian Tyree Henry
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes
Buckle up! Miles Morales back to the big screen for another thrilling and visually-stunning Spider-Verse adventure. This is a sequel to the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).
The movie introduces new Spider-characters from parallel universes, including Spider-Woman Gwen Stacy and the brooding Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099. The voice cast led by Shameik Moore as Miles turns in strong performances, capturing the spirit of their characters.
Miles struggles with the responsibilities of being Spider-Man while also facing a dangerous new threat that has the power to destroy the multiverse.While the plot can feel a bit dense juggling the various web-slinging heroes, the movie handles the multiverse characters smoothly, with a stunning climax.
Overall, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse takes the franchise to new heights, building on the unique animation style and heart of the original. It tells a funny, moving, and exciting superhero story that both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy. The Spider-Verse continues to give audiences some of the most creative and thrilling Spider-Man adventures brought to the screen.
4. John Wick - Chapter 4
John Wick has run out of mercy, not bullets.
Director: Chad Stahleski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Laurence Fishburne
Run time: 2 hours 49 minutes
If you thought John Wick couldn’t get any more intense, Chapter 4 you couldn’t be more wrong. Keanu Reeves returns as Baba Yaga, the iconic assassin who you really don’t want to mess with, unleashing new levels of lethal vengeance in this action-packed sequel. This time he raises his bar, also the body counts.
Picking up where Parabellum left off, the disgraced Wick finds himself on the run with a massive $14 million bounty on his head. With enemies lurking everywhere, he seeks out an old contact named Marquis (Laurence Fishburne) to aid his mission of taking the fight directly to the shadowy High Table. What follows is a bullet-riddled global escape mission packed with knives, guns, and Wick’s unique brand of unflinching vengeance.
John Wick: Chapter 4 delivers arguably the most hard-hitting action spectacle the franchise has seen. This eye-popping trip builds upon The Continental universe while bringing Wick’s quest for vengeance to an unexpectedly emotional conclusion. For fans of ambitiously staged and masterfully-executed action cinema, Chapter 4 is an electrifying good time not to be missed.
5. Wonka
When imagination meets chocolate, every dream is possible.
Director: Paul King
Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Hugh Grant
Run time: 2 hours 49 minutes
Wonka is a prequel to the 1971 family classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory. Wonka is a perfect fun film with great visuals. Chalamet is perfect as Wonka, capturing both his eccentricities and sweetness. Read detailed review here.
