Top 10 Movies of 2023: The Holdovers, Oppenheimer and More

2022 was a bummer for movies, but 2023 is looking up with women-led films, indie hits, and exciting debuts.

The year 2022 was a disappointment in terms of movies, with few titles that were genuinely loved. The future of movies as art, entertainment, and communal events was a concern for many. However, 2023 has brought a significant change in the movie landscape. Audiences are returning to theaters, and diverse stories are taking center stage. Women breaking free from societal constraints, as seen in films like "Poor Things," have become a prominent theme following the #MeToo and Time's Up movements.

Independent films have also gained attention, with outstanding documentaries and foreign-language films captivating adventurous audiences. First-time filmmakers have brought exceptionally strong voices and visions to original stories, such as A.V. Rockwell's "A Thousand and One," Jamie Dack's "Palm Trees and Power Lines," and Charlotte Regan and Raven Jackson's films about girls coming of age.

Notable films like Ava DuVernay's "Caste," Karen O'Connor, Miri Navasky, and Maeve O'Boyle's documentary about Joan Baez, and Ben Affleck's "Air" have made a significant impact. Tina Satter's film about Reality Winner and Celine Song's "Past Lives" have also garnered praise for their storytelling and performances.

The year also saw the release of Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," both of which received widespread acclaim. Other notable films include Justine Triet's murder mystery, Nicole Holofcener's dramedy, and Alexander Payne's picaresque set in the 1970s.

Cord Jefferson's adaptation of Percival Everett's novel "Erasure" has been hailed as a triumphant feature filmmaking debut, showcasing a sharply pointed satire with warm and appealing storytelling. Overall, 2023 has proven to be a year of revival for the movie industry, offering diverse and compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.