If 2022 saw a return to normality for the first time since 2019, in 2023 cinema took a beat to consolidate. And if 2022 was really all about Top Gun: Maverick, in 2023 the pie got divided up rather more evenly. Australian box office dominated by “Barbienheimer” with the international smash hit Barbie taking out top spot, with Oppenheimer at no. 3. They were separated by the surprise success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie at no. 2; and followed by the totally expected success of Avatar: The Way of Water (a 2022 release whose earnings continued into 2023) at no. 4. The top five were rounded out by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Once again, audiences seemed keen on sequels, remakes and reboots. Places 6, 7, 8 and 9 in the top ten were all in those categories (John Wick: Chapter 4, The Little Mermaid, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish). At least no. 10 was an original – Disney-Pixar’s Elemental.
Box office returns yielded some surprising results. For example, the gentle Tom Hanks drama A Man Called Otto (no. 21) outstripped the flashy superhero adventure The Marvels (no. 24). And the bonkers Cocaine Bear (no. 31) did far better than the much-hyped Shazam: Fury of the Gods (no. 42).
On the international awards circuit, the Oscar went to (one of our favourites) Everything, Everywhere, All at Once; with Michelle Yeoh making history as the first Asian-American best actress winner. At Cannes, Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall (releasing in Australia on 25 January 2024) scooped the Palme d’Or, with the Grand Prix going to Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest (releasing 22 February) and the Special Jury Prize awarded to Fallen Leaves (14 February) by Cannes favourite Aki Kaurismäki. Incidentally, both Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest featured German actress Sandra Hüller, who surprisingly didn’t win the best actress prize. In Venice, the Golden Lion went to Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things (out now); while in Berlin, the Golden Bear was awarded to a documentary, Nicolas Philibert’s On the Adamant. Closer to home, the Sydney Film Prize went to another documentary, The Mother of All Lies by Asmae El Moudir.
But beyond box office or awards, the movies are what you make them. If you can’t get enough Jason Statham, then go for it. If you love nothing more than a costume drama, frock up and get out to one. And, if possible, go to a cinema. I know the temptation of just waiting a few months (or recently, sometimes just days) for a movie to leave cinemas and appear on streaming, but they’re totally different experiences – and both worth embracing.
With that in mind, here are our critics’ lists of the top 10 films of 2023.
Greg King
1. Close
Beautiful film from Belgium about the friendship between two young boys. But when bullies at school misinterpret their friendship it leads to tragedy. Fine natural performances from the two young leads.
2. Till
Powerful drama exploring racism and prejudice and a blatant miscarriage of justice in America’s deep south. Based on a true story, this is a powerful howl of outrage that makes you angry.
3. Maestro
Bradley Cooper directs this impressionistic biopic about Leonard Bernstein, the best-known American composer of the 20th century. Cooper is superb as Bernstein and Carey Mulligan matches him all the way as his wife.
4. The Old Oak
This may well be the last film from veteran British director Ken Loach, whose careers spans six decades. The Old Oak is a humanist drama about community, refugees and their plight and belonging. Most of the cast is non-professional, but Loach draws good performances from them.
An ode to the lost art of cinema projection and an evocative celebration of cinema culture, this charming drama from India is infused with the same love and passion for cinema and its transformative power as the classic Cinema Paradiso.
6. Oppenheimer
Epic biopic about Robert J Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Christopher Nolan’s film explores Oppenheimer’s life both before and after the Manhattan Project. Cillian Murphy inhabits the character but it is Robert Downey jr who leaves the biggest impression.
7. Poor Things
The latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos this dark and bonkers comedy follows the extraordinary life and journey of self-discovery and sexual liberation of an unconventional heroine. Poor Things is arguably his most accessible and entertaining film to date. Gorgeously shot by Robbie Ryan it is a film not easily forgotten.
Timely and engaging documentary about John Farnham traces his career but centres around the recording of his “comeback” album Whispering Jack and its iconic anthemic hit You’re The Voice. Lots of interesting interviews and archival footage.
9. Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story
Documentary about the late music icon Michael Gudinski, founder of Mushroom Records, who was such an important figure in the Australian music industry for fifty years. Full of wonderful interviews and lots of archival footage. And plenty of music.
10. Saltburn
The sophomore feature from writer/director Emerald Fennell, this is a dark comedy thriller about obsession, sex, power, and a desperate desire to belong. It’s a debauched variation of The Talented Mr Ripley meets Brideshead Revisited.
David Edwards
1. Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer is a monumental film. This is the art of cinema writ large. It might test you at times, it might not be as much fun as Barbie, it might even confuse occasionally; but in the end, it’s all worth it.
2. Broker
The Broker is yet another triumph for Hirokazu Kore-eda and a worthy addition to his canon. This intimate story of an unconventional family proves to be profoundly enjoyable cinema.
3. Tár
Tár is a triumphant return to the cinema for director Todd Field. An intensely intellectual film, it wants to engage its audience at a deeper level. So this is not an easy movie, but it is an astonishing movie.
4. Theater Camp
For anyone who’s ever had a dream, Theater Camp is essential viewing. This wildly entertaining mockumentary from co-directors Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman pays homage to Christopher Guest, but with more heart and less snark.
5. Saltburn
Emerald Fennel’s sophomore film is a heady mix of the outrageous (in the literal sense) and the brilliant. For all its divisive elements, Saltburn delivers when it matters.
Cédric Jimenez’s gripping dramatisation about the aftermath of the 2015 Paris terror attacks is the perfect antidote to superhero bloat.
7. Past Lives
Writer-director Celine Song delivers a stunning debut with Past Lives. This thoughtful, compelling film gives a fresh voice to the migrant experience, while also working as a contemplative character study.
8. Godland
Inspired by a series of photographs of Iceland’s remote wilderness, director Hlynur Palmason’s Godland is a visually stunning film and presents some striking imagery. You can almost feel the cold.
9. Dumb Money
Dumb Money isn’t a grand film dissecting the American Dream. It is however a really enjoyable film about little guys sticking it to the big guys.
10. Biosphere
Did you go to Everything, Everywhere, All at Once and think, “yeah, but it could be a bit weirder”? If so, then you need to seek out Biosphere; Mel Eslyn’s quirky but provocative film about the end of the world (or is it?).
Alex First
1. Oppenheimer
There are so many threads and characters here. Three hours is a long time, but Nolan doesn’t waste a frame. Each scene is another piece of a highly political and, at times, deeply personal puzzle.
2. Tár
Tár requires concentration to follow all the threads, but it is well worth the effort. This is undoubtedly one of the great films of the past decade.
3. The Whale
The Whale is the film that has excited me more than any other since lockdown. While the story itself is remarkable, the acting has me champing at the bit to recommend it.
4. Poor Things
Poor Things deserves high praise for its wild plotting, buoyant characterisations and creative execution. I was left giddy with delight. Unquestionably, it is among the year’s boldest and finest offerings.
5. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is a trailblazer, a movie unlike any other I have seen. It’s wonderful, warm and wondrous.
6. Aftersun
While a film for selective tastes, Aftersun is one of the films of the year – a genuine piece of movie magic.
7. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse
Mesmerising graphics and non-stop, often helter-skelter, action mark the thrilling new Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which has no shortage of dark edges.
8. Saltburn
Emerald Fennell’s film leaves an indelible impression. Prepare for a wild and wicked ride.
9. Maestro
Maestro is a feast for the senses that will hold particular appeal for those with an artistic bent.
10. The Crime is Mine
The French comedic crime caper The Crime is Mine is a scrumptious delight.
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David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television
