As 2023 comes to an end, tons of things are worth looking back on. The Detroit Lions are as good as ever. Not seeing this level of success since the 1960’s. We lost some beloved celebrities including Tina Turner, Jerry Springer, Matthew Perry and Jim Brown. The year is almost over, and we tend to look back in review. As always, a great thing to look back on is the best movies and shows of the year.

What makes a good movie and show? Many websites have their own panel of movie critics which grade thousands upon thousands of movies each year. These sites use various qualities and base their ratings on very specific things. As a movie buff, I find myself being fairer than most of these sites, yet critical when needed.

Critics and the Best Movies and Shows

Oftentimes it seems movie critics enjoy piling onto bad reviews because it’s trendy. Other times it seems critics love to love mediocre films. It’s quite an interesting dynamic when you study it closely. The evidence in this can be found on sites like rotten tomatoes where certain movies are adored by fans, yet critics will give it a score of 20%. That’s telling me that the critics made a mistake.

I grade my movies on a few different things. One being if the movie or show has a good on-screen performance. Is the acting good, average, or subpar? I also tend to look at the overall plot. Is the plot consistent, or if not consistent is it clear to the audience? Lastly what makes a good Movie and Show is the ability to make the viewer feel something.

There needs to be a level of human connection within. Whether the audience feels deeply saddened, enthusiastically happy or terrified. Media entertainment needs to provoke emotion in its audience. Continue reading to find out the best movies and shows of 2023 hand-picked by yours truly!

• Godzilla Minus One

  One of if not possibly the best movie I have ever seen. Godzilla Minus one is simply spectacular. Not only does this film pull through on being a great monster movie. It is truly terrifying and inspiring at the same time. The film follows a “failed” Kamikaze pilot at the conclusion of World War 2. The main character struggles with his own personal demons and internal failures while trying to build a life in the devastated post war Japan.

  Something that inspired me about this film was the level of patriotism on display for the Japanese to unite as a society to conquer yet another monster in the world. This movie is full of symbolism and deserves to be nominated for an Oscar.

• The Last of Us

  The Last of Us is a perfect adaptation from game to the big screen. With so many failed attempts at turning a compelling video game into a Tv series or movie. The Last of Us delivers on its promise on quality. Following an unlikely duo of Joel, A middle age Smuggler, and Ellie a very special and stubborn kid. The two of them navigate a dangerous post-apocalyptic world, hoping to find a cure to a fungus that kills all that it touches.

• Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3

  Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is compelling, action packed and tugs at the heartstrings. We finally get the origin story for Rocket the Racoon that we always wanted. Brace yourself however, as finding out where Rocket comes from may very well break you.

• Creed III

  Perhaps a surprising edition to this list. However, this film gave me similar vibes to another great boxing movie that came out in the last 10 years. “Southpaw” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s gritty, raw and unapologetic. Not to mention we also get to see Adonis Creed finally fully step outside of Rocky Balboas shadow and take center stage. Definitely one of the best movies of the year.

• Air

  Every sports fan and their family should give this one a watch. Air is a compelling watch for a few different reasons. While yes, the subject matter is Basketball, the main plot is about building a brand and believing in something. Or in this case, more specifically believing in someone. Nike was lacking in the early 1980’s and needed something big. Then along came Michael Jordan, this film follows the epic chase to sign Michael Jordan to a world altering shoe deal.

• Oppenheimer

  One of the most talked about films of the year, Oppenheimer. I think Oppenheimer worked so well because it covers something that never really was talked about in mainstream media. The insane lengths that the allied forces went to, in order to design a weapon that would end a war. Furthermore, it discusses if we were truly capable of using a weapon that would destroy so many. A powerful sentiment considering the world would never be same after the decision to build atomic weaponry.

• Ahsoka

  An incredible Tv series. Ashoka was deeply compelling, full of stunning visual effects and on-screen action, and did an unbelievable job at fan service. This show brought a beloved character from an animated series to life and opened the door for so many storylines to take shape in the Star Wars universe. Oh, and we see the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars.

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