'Poor Things' to 'John Wick Chapter 4': Best Hollywood releases of 2023

As the year draws to a close, we revisit six incredible films Hollywood offered in 2023. From 'Oppenheimer,' to the critically acclaimed gem 'Past Lives,' here is a quick look at the list.

In Short

• Hollywood had a variety of films to offer in 2023.
• Safe to say, it was a good year for cinephiles.
• Here are six top releases of the industry.

The year is coming to a close, and we have finally drawn up a list of six incredible Hollywood films of the year. From the delightfully imaginative Poor Things to the superhit Christopher Nolan movie Oppenheimer, here are some of the best movies the industry had to offer in 2023.

Poor Things

Yorgos Lanthimos' latest release, Poor Things, is incredible filmmaking, which is a consequence of a liberated, imaginative mind. Lead star Emma Stone is a sight to behold as a woman who is trying to discover herself anew in a crude, unfair and complex world. Fantastic performances and a script tighter than the tightest rope make the movie a complete visual delight. An easy 10/10.

All of Us Strangers

The Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott film is a masterful examination of love and grief through a unique lens. But what ultimately grounds and powers that narrative is the lead stars' performance.

Oppenheimer

Irish actor Cillian Murphy's first commercial project as a lead, and that too in a Christopher Nolan film had a few issues, but everything took a backseat each time Murphy came into frame. His searing, exquisite portrayal of a tortured genius was bang on. Easily, one of the best performances of the decade.

John Wick Chapter 4

Yes, this Keanu Reeves features as a part of Best Hollywood releases of the year. After all, not every best release has to be high-brow, nuanced character study of a person (fictitious or otherwise). People should be allowed to experience pure entertainment in cinema halls, and a film that evokes such joy should be celebrated, no matter how unbelievable or incredulous the setting. John Wick's farewell was every bit as bittersweet and exciting as one was hoping for it to be.

Past Lives

Past Lives is Celine Song's debut feature as a director. But at no moment it feels like a half-baked, amateur attempt at movies. In fact, the love story it portrays has so many emotions packed in every sequence, that you feel like pausing every five minutes to decode the actors' expressions. Needless to add, Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro are tremendous.

May December

The Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman film is an uncomfortable watch that leaves you in complete awe of its performances. Referencing true incidents, May December is deliciously provocative and black-hearted. Sure, it is a commentary on 'unusual' celebrity couples, but it also speaks to May-December romances in general. A special shout-out to Charles Melton for giving a standout performance and holding his own despite the towering presence of the leading ladies.

Honourable mentions: Killers of the Flower Moon, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Published By:
Anvita Singh
Published On:
Dec 25, 2023