This is a Top 20 Movies of 2023 post, so obviously we must start with \u2026 Taylor Swift<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Seriously.<\/p>\n Go back to October, when the devastating SAG-AFTRA strike<\/a> was still in full throttle. High-profile projects like Dune 2<\/em> had been jettisoned to 2024; the films that were being released couldn\u2019t benefit from proper promotion. An industry that had barely emerged from the pandemic seemed on life support. Only true cinephiles cared about going to the movies.<\/p>\n Then Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour<\/em><\/a> arrived.<\/p>\n The concert movie was nearly three hours in length and offered exactly zero minutes of backstage footage from her mega-selling tour. Whatever. Fans who did catch the live show clamored at the chance to relive their summer memories \u2014 and those who missed it were afforded a front-row seat at a fraction of the cost. The audiences didn\u2019t just passively sit and watch as if it were an eat-your-vegetables period piece, either. They sang and danced and turned it into a joyous $150-million-grossing interactive experience.<\/p>\n Now, Swift happens to be a celebrity of unparalleled popularity at the moment. Go ahead and name a comparable actor who can draw in crowds of that magnitude \u2014 and don\u2019t say Tom Cruise<\/strong> or Leonardo DiCaprio<\/strong>. (Ahem: Disappointing ticket sales for Mission: Impossible \u2014 Dead Reckoning Part I<\/em> and Killers of the Flower Moon<\/em>.) Not even the great Beyonc\u00e9<\/strong> could pull off a similar box-office feat with her own well-reviewed Renaissance Tour<\/em> concert flick<\/a>.<\/p>\n Still, even after The Eras Tour<\/em> hits streaming, belting out \u201cCruel Summer\u201d alone on the couch is bound to yield diminishing returns. Queuing up your favorite movie with a few clicks may be convenient, but there\u2019s still something enormously satisfying about taking in a film on a big screen. And when that film actually delivers on its promise . . .?! The communal endorphin rush can\u2019t be denied.<\/p>\n Enter this year\u2019s Top 20. Admittedly, none of these picks prompted live sing-a-longs. Yet they all succeeded in striking a chord from deep within. (And, because this is still 2023, several picks are available to watch at home right now.) Go check them out. Or, put it this way: Baby just say yes.<\/p>\n Want to know how to think out of the (pink) box? Take the seemingly-perfect doll (Margot Robbie<\/strong>) and wake her up to the harsh gender-imbalanced realities beyond the utopian Barbieland. But director Greta Gerwig<\/strong>\u2019s smart modern comedy<\/a> truly resonated with kids of all ages because its impactful messaging came wrapped in delightful candy-colored entertainment. Plus, Ryan Gosling<\/strong> proved he Ken do it all. (Max on December 15<\/a>; available for purchase on digital and on-demand)<\/p>\n In his sophomore directing effort, Bradley Cooper<\/strong> takes on iconic West Side Story<\/em> composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Yet this is no ordinary womb-to-tomb biopic. Using artful construction and a towering score from the musical genius himself, Cooper focuses on Bernstein\u2019s troubled decades-long romance with the beguiling Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan<\/strong>). Not pitch perfect<\/a>, but pretty darn close. (In select theaters; Netflix on December 20)<\/p>\n For this blistering satire \u2014 which won the top prize at the Toronto International Film Festival \u2014 a frustrated academic and author (a never-better Jeffrey Wright<\/strong>) decides to single-handedly rail against an industry that tends to celebrate Black storytelling with traumatic and poverty narratives. Amid the outrageously funny moments, it shines as a relatable and poignant family melodrama. Bravo. (In theaters December 22)<\/p>\n A historical foot note in which a Nike marketing whiz (Matt Damon<\/strong>) attempts to sign Michael Jordan to a shoe contract in 1984 has inspired a totally terrific movie. In fact, considering that Air Jordans now epitomize corporate American culture, it\u2019s a minor miracle director Ben Affleck<\/strong> (who also plays Nike CEO Phil Knight) delivered such a shaggy underdog story about gumption, optimism and faith. (Prime Video)<\/p>\n There\u2019s a reason audiences were blown away (sorry!) by Christopher Nolan<\/strong>\u2019s epic. Despite a heady subject matter \u2014 the creation of the atomic bomb \u2014 and challenging non-linear three-hour-long narrative, it\u2019s a fascinating and technically excellent look at one of the most important chapters in 20th century history. A first-rate ensemble<\/a> that included Cillian Murphy<\/strong>, Robert Downey Jr.<\/strong>, Matt Damon<\/strong> and Emily Blunt<\/strong> helped too. (Available for purchase on DVD, digital and on-demand)<\/p>\n Confirmed: The Palme d\u2019Or winner from the Cannes Film Festival is no esoteric sleep aid. On the contrary, this thriller in which a German novelist (Sandra Huller<\/strong>) stands trial for the murder of her possibly depressed husband crackles with twisty intensity. Featuring a blind boy that maybe can\u2019t be trusted, a hero of a dog and an ending that begs for deep analytical discussion. (In theaters)<\/p>\n Cheers to a sensitive 1970-set tale about damaged souls who push each other through disappointment. Paul Giamatti<\/strong> is an ultra-curmudgeonly teacher at an all-boys boarding school tasked with watching a student (Dominic Sessa<\/strong>) over Christmas break. Along with the school\u2019s grieving cafeteria manager (Da\u2019Vine Joy Randolph<\/strong>), the trio forge a bond during the most wonderful \u2014 albeit loneliest \u2014 time of the year. And they do it without resorting to easy sentimentality. (In theaters and available for purchase on digital and on-demand)<\/p>\n This tender romance and Sundance gem spans 24 years and two continents. Nora (Greta Lee<\/strong>) and Hae-Sung (Teo Yoo<\/strong>) are childhood friends in South Korea who reconnect as adults. But because life is messy, Nora is now married and knows that, despite the pair\u2019s palpable chemistry, she just can\u2019t chuck her reality to fulfill her fantasy. (Right?!) This realization only makes the pair\u2019s wide-ranging conversations more poignant and bittersweet. (Available for purchase on digital and on-demand)<\/p>\n Barbie channels Frankenstein in this buzzy and beyond-unhinged stunner. Emma Stone<\/strong> delivers a career re-defining performance as Bella Baxter, an unhappy wife brought back to life with a new brain in 19th century Europe. She proceeds to embark on a journey of sexual discovery and liberation. Be forewarned that the latest from director Yargos Lanthimos<\/strong> (The Favourite<\/em>) is odd to the extreme with a perverse sense of humor. It\u2019s also stuffed with joy. (In theaters)<\/p>\n A beyond-unconventional love story is the basis for a riveting character study<\/a> with off-kilter comedic energy to spare. Gracie (Julianne Moore<\/strong>) and her much-younger husband (Riverdale<\/em>\u2019s Charles Melton<\/strong><\/a>) are still trying to shake the stigma of their illicit 90s-era liaison. Then a TV actress (Natalie Portman<\/strong>) swoops into town to shadow Gracie for an indie film. The film plays like both a twisted thriller and a nefarious satire on celebrity. (Netflix)<\/p>\n Here\u2019s your basic 90s-era thriller complete with bloody period sex, forbidden workplace romance, male jealousy, uncomfortable misogyny, alcoholism, erectile dysfunction, corporate gameplay, finance mumbo jumbo, a pushy New York mother and totally bonkers last scene. So, how are you not streaming it right now?! (Netflix)<\/p>\n The well-worn Judy Blume<\/strong> novel that got us all through middle school also got through the adaptation process with flying colors. Just like the original bittersweet coming-of-age source material, the recently uprooted sixth-grader (Abby Ryder Fortson<\/strong>) tries to find her place in the world. Though set in 1970, every moment still rings painfully yet hilariously true. You must, you must, you must seek it out. (Streaming on Starz; available for purchase on digital and on-demand)<\/p>\n The solid fact-based courtroom drama isn\u2019t nearly as grim as the title implies. After a funeral home owner (Tommy Lee Jones) finds himself mired in a bad business deal, he enlists the help of flashy lawyer (Jamie Foxx). Despite their unlikely partnership, the two figure a way to make it work while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice. Those issues aside, the movie surprisingly excels as a rousing crowd-pleaser. (Prime Video)<\/p>\n No doubt there\u2019s lots to admire about Martin Scorsese<\/strong>\u2019s sprawling epic, which examines the tragic true story behind a series of murders in Oklahoma\u2019s Osage Nation in the 1920s. Start with sturdy performances from Leonardo DiCaprio<\/strong>, Robert De Niro<\/strong> \u2014 always so intimidating as The Bad Guy \u2014 and standout Lily Gladstone<\/strong><\/a>. Even at 206 minutes, the story moves briskly; certainly faster than last year\u2019s interminable Avatar<\/em> sequel. So where was that gut-punch moment? (Available for purchase on digital and on-demand)<\/p>\n Wake up and listen up: An indie focusing on a mild-mannered biology professor is a wildly imaginative comedy and thought-provoking social satire. Nicolas Cage<\/strong>\u2019s Paul Matthews is the definition of average \u2014 until he starts popping up in people\u2019s dreams. Even when the narrative takes a more sinister turn, the knowing laughs never stop. And in a career spanning more than 40 years, Cage gives one of most endearing performances to date. (In theaters)<\/p>\n Julia Louis-Dreyfus<\/strong> plays a neurotic New York City writer \u2014 as if there are any other kind! \u2014 and devoted wife and mother. All is sufficiently fine in her little world until she overhears her therapist husband (Tobias Menzies<\/strong>) criticizing the quality of her unsold new novel. This breezy effort from writer-director Nicole Holofcener<\/strong> (Enough Said<\/em>) astutely examines what and how we choose to fib to protect the people we love. And for all its laughs, not once does the movie resort to wacky sitcom-like hijinks. (Available for purchase on digital and on demand)<\/p>\n This legit feel-gooder centers on the remarkable real-life feat of athlete and journalist Diana Nyad (Annette Bening<\/strong>). After turning 60, she decides to free-swim the 110 miles from Cuba to Key West. No faux Disney princess, Nyad can be controlling and arrogant \u2014 especially to her best friend and coach (Jodie Foster<\/strong>). But these qualities work in her favor as she sets out on her historic swim. Inspirational rah-rah fare aside, two bona fide movie stars show how an adult friendship can go the distance. (Netflix)<\/p>\n If Elvis<\/em> presented the King of Rock \u2018n Roll as a razzle-dazzle music icon struggling with his demons, this drama plays like the other side of the record. The softer side. And a necessary one<\/a>. Using delicate touch, writer and director Sofia Coppola<\/strong> shows how a teen Priscilla (Cailee Spaeny<\/strong>) was wooed by significantly older rock star Elvis Presley. Beyond the pretty dresses and nail polish, there\u2019s a transfixing and tart portrait of marital loneliness. (In theaters)<\/p>\n You have successfully subscribed.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n Because of the dual strikes, this wickedly entertaining comedy<\/a> was undervalued at the box office. Maybe it\u2019s fitting? Nonetheless, buy in to the hard-to-believe true story of the Boston finance misfit (Paul Dano<\/strong>) who took on The Man by sinking $50,000 into GameStop stock. The cast, which also includes Seth Rogen<\/strong>, Sebastian Stan<\/strong>, America Ferrera<\/strong> and Pete Davidson<\/strong>, are all winners. (Available for purchase on digital and on demand)<\/p>\n Hey, it\u2019s the anti-Barbie doll! But this weird little demon still delivered both laughs and thrills. Bring on the sequel<\/a>. (Available for purchase on digital and on demand)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"From](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/From-Barbie-to-Oppenheimer-to-M3gan-and-Everything-In-Between-See-the-Best-Movies-of-2023-barbie.jpg?w=1000&quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>1. \u2018Barbie\u2019<\/h3>\n
2. \u2018Maestro\u2019<\/h3>\n
3. \u2018American Fiction\u2019<\/h3>\n
4. \u2018AIR\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"From](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/From-Barbie-to-Oppenheimer-to-M3gan-and-Everything-In-Between-See-the-Best-Movies-of-2023-oppenheimer.jpg?w=1000&quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>5. \u2018Oppenheimer\u2019<\/h3>\n
6. \u2018Anatomy of a Fall\u2019<\/h3>\n
7. \u2018The Holdovers\u2019<\/h3>\n
8. \u2018Past Lives\u2019<\/h3>\n
9. \u2018Poor Things\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"From](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/From-Barbie-to-Oppenheimer-to-M3gan-and-Everything-In-Between-See-the-Best-Movies-of-2023-may-december.jpg?w=1000&quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>10. \u2018May December\u2019<\/h3>\n
11. \u2018Fair Play\u2019<\/h3>\n
12. \u2018Are You There, God? It\u2019s Me, Margaret\u2019<\/h3>\n
13. \u2018The Burial\u2019<\/h3>\n
14. \u2018Killers of the Flower Moon\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"From](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/From-Barbie-to-Oppenheimer-to-M3gan-and-Everything-In-Between-See-the-Best-Movies-of-2023-Loser.jpg?w=1000&quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>15. \u2018Dream Scenario\u2019<\/h3>\n
16. \u2018You Hurt My Feelings\u2019<\/h3>\n
17. \u2018NYAD\u2019<\/h3>\n
18. \u2018Priscilla\u2019<\/h3>\n
Thank You!<\/h3>\n
19. \u2018Dumb Money\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"From](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/From-Barbie-to-Oppenheimer-to-M3gan-and-Everything-In-Between-See-the-Best-Movies-of-2023-megan.jpg?w=1000&quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>20. \u2018M3Gan\u2019<\/h3>\n