Blockbuster movies returned in 2023, with several of them taking up the best of year prize. Although 2023 did not mark a sea change in the film industry, it did herald brighter days to come.
Five Nights at Freddy’s- October 27, 2023
Five Nights at Freddy’s, one of Google’s top trending movies of 2023, took over theaters and established a cozy place in popular culture. With a $80 million premiere, it broke box office records and was popular with large audiences thanks to its distinct blend of horror and comedy and subtle meta-leanings. Director Emma Tammi skillfully expanded the well-known video game mythology for the big screen while creating a wonderfully eerie atmosphere within the family-friendly pizza joint from hell.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves- March 31, 2023
It brought new life to the genre by deftly adapting the classic game into a cinematic fantasy full of fantastical settings and characters. With a fast tempo and an incredibly engaging ensemble, this popular movie makes the most of the enjoyment throughout the entire quest. Director Jonathan Goldstein skillfully blends humor, surprises, and genuine emotion with fantastical action scenes.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes- November 17, 2023
Thanks to masterful world-building, this electrifying prequel, which returns to Panem after almost ten years, sings.With its rich allegory, this volume offers the most expansive and breathtaking universe to yet. Ballad, which honors the franchise’s history while bringing new life to Panem’s resistance, is anchored by the captivating lead performance of series rookie Tom Blyth. This dystopian epic is a masterwork of sophisticated blockbuster cinematography.
M3GAN- January 6, 2023
Instead of adhering to clichéd horror tropes, the film created its own unique blend of spooky doll fright and astute parody of technological mishaps. The narrative also added emotional depth, which is absent from most horror movies. Driven by viral success and the greatest M3GAN memes before to its premiere, the film dominated Internet discussion with its inventive plot twists and thrilling conclusion.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3- May 5, 2023
Throughout the movie, Gunn maintains his own flair while taking the story to some very dark areas. This third installment features breathtaking sights and introduces the scary High Evolutionary, who is the best villain in the MCU since Thanos, all while being one of the funniest rides of 2023.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie- April 5, 2023
The film enthralled audiences of all ages. Early hype was generated by trailers and video that featured Chris Pratt’s enthusiastic portrayal of Mario. Along with Pratt, the actors of The Super Mario Bros. Movie brought deep dimension to the Mushroom Kingdom. Charlie Day played Luigi, Jack Black played Bowser, Anya Taylor-Joy played Peach, and Seth Rogen played Donkey Kong. With heart at its center, The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes audiences on a thrilling journey via vibrant colors, hilarious antics, and nostalgic fun.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse- June 2, 2023
Following the Oscar-winning film Into the Spider-Verse (2018), which astounded with its creative animation. The sequel, though, goes above and beyond expectations. Driven by Shameik Moore’s poignant portrayal as Miles Morales, the movie delivers contagious delight while reaching deep emotional depths.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour- October 13, 2013
The Eras Tour, which captured Swift’s incredible live performance, introduced her inspiring show to general audiences. In the end, the movie made a lot more money than the one-time concert record debuts of Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber. The Eras Tour effectively highlights the immense commercial power that women can wield both in front of and behind the camera, much like fellow 2023 sensation Barbie.
Oppenheimer- July 21, 2023
Oppenheimer looks behind the scenes to show the complex humanity underneath scientific advancements that changed civilization, starring longtime collaborator Cillian Murphy in a career-best role as the mysterious physicist. A masterful visual tapestry that is equal parts personal character study and suspenseful historical drama is created by Nolan and legendary cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema through intimate yet expansive images of pre- and post-World War II America.
Barbie- July 21, 2023
Barbie, released in July, broke more records and created more excitement than any other blockbuster. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who play Barbie and her unappreciated friend Ken, respectively, create a magical coming-of-age story based on the beloved Mattel toy. Instead of being a corny cash-grab, what could have been a kitschy cash-grab delves deeply into themes of female empowerment and pursuing identity outside of social limits. Barbie, with her deft layering, became the global phenomenon of 2023, grossing over one billion dollars.
