Just like that, another impressive year in cinema is officially behind us. And I have to admit, we’ve been spoiled with the plethora of high quality movies that have been released this year, not only in North America but also internationally.

2023 was a year of highlights. In the calendar year alone I watched 123 new releases, 101 of which were watched in theatres. I survived the summer of Barbenheimer, braving the opening day crowds for the coveted double feature. I dove head first into the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) experience, catching 24 movies in the span of 10 days. And, most importantly, I managed to document almost every minute of it in this blog, something I am personally quite proud of. If you’ve been joining me on this journey, thank you for indulging me and my little hobby. I’m hoping that my blog has introduced you to one or two films you may have missed otherwise. If you’re new here, welcome! 

Now, on the eve of the Oscar nomination announcements, I’m finally ready to reflect back and reveal my Top 30 personal favourite movies of 2023.

A few usual disclaimers:

This list is personal to my own taste. I acknowledge that movies at the top of my list may not be objectively the “best” movies, or the best movies for everyone, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Also, there will notably be a severe lack of horror on this list. Horror is just a genre I don’t do well with (quite sadly, because there are some incredibly smart and amazing horror movies out there that I wish I had the courage to watch). 

So let’s jump into our list, starting with #30 to #21. 

#30: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

We start off with the only MCU film to make it on the list this year, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. The final chapter of the franchise focuses in on the tragic backstory of Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Racoon, a story filled to the brim with trauma, hardship, and loss. It’s this focus on character and relationship that has always made James Gunn’s Guardians franchise a standout. The film is not perfect by any means; in particular a focus on Rocket means that many others in the ensemble, and many newly introduced characters, aren’t quite given enough to do. But the end product is still filled with some truly heartfelt moments and top-notch action sequences, making this a perfect send-off to James Gunn and the Guardians of the Galaxy creative team.

#29: Afire 

In what is likely the total opposite of the MCU, at #29 on my list is German director Christian Petzold’s latest movie Afire. This is my first foray into the work of the director, with a movie that is the second of Petzold’s to be loosely inspired by the elements of water, earth, fire, and air. In Afire we follow Leon, our rather insecure and narcissistic protagonist, as he struggles to write his next manuscript. What unfolds is an impressive character study that explores the personal trappings that make us blind to the problems around us, even the most cataclysmic. Petzold creates an impeccably atmospheric tone that is mesmerizing right up to its rather startling conclusion. It’s a bit of a slow burn, and Leon’s character can be outright frustrating at times, but Petzold’s intention in these choices is certainly quite clear. It’s a fascinating watch indeed.

#28: The Creator

Coming in at #28 is a movie I have been a somewhat vocal proponent of, especially after the release of Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon, which I feel sadly pales in comparison. The Creator, coming from director Garreth Edwards, is a fantastic original sci-fi film that is timely in its exploration of artificial intelligence, taking place in a dystopian future where a war against AI is ongoing. Edwards brings his now-signature gritty sci-fi aesthetic, as seen previously on Rogue One, and combines them with some truly breathtaking visuals. It falters a bit in its plot, and doesn’t quite know what it ultimately wants to say when it comes to our relationship with AI. But it’s nonetheless well worth a watch for anyone like me who wasn’t quite satisfied with Rebel Moon. 

#27: Quiz Lady 

Quiz Lady won’t go on to win any major awards, and it’s not exactly innovating the buddy comedy space, but it’s certainly one of the best feel good comedies that I’ve watched in a long while and perfect for anyone who has grown up with siblings. Awkwafina stars as Anne who must team up with her estranged train-wreck sister Jenny, played by Sandra Oh, to figure out how to cover their mother’s gambling debts. Awkwafina and Sandra Oh are both stellar, playing against type in a bit of a role reversal. While not all the jokes land, Quiz Lady is still filled with some genuinely funny moments, but also some genuinely heartwarming ones as well, particularly in its final gameshow sequence. And I definitely rewatched that final gameshow sequence a couple of times.

#26: Godzilla Minus One

In a year filled with incredible Japanese releases, coming in at #26 is Godzilla Minus One, a modern Japanese take on the Godzilla Kaiju movie. Taking place in post-WWII Japan, we get a glimpse of a country in recovery that must now brace itself for a new crisis that emerges in the form of Godzilla. In comparison to its American movie counterparts, this movie is very Japanese, particularly in its slightly over-the-top acting and melodrama (nothing that will bother anyone who is used to watching Asian dramas). But what makes this movie exceptional is its focus on character, as it hones in on the experience of its protagonist and his found family. While I didn’t quite connect with the characters as much as some critics, I still acknowledge that it’s a surprising refreshing take on a franchise that is truly seeing a resurgence in its 70th year. 

#25: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

I have to give some love to my #25 movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, a movie that continues to get lost in the shuffle amongst the other incredible animated movies that have come out this year. I stand by that this might be the best iteration of the TMNT franchise thus far. The voice acting is impeccable, with a young cast that perfectly captures the endearing and naive teen spirit of the turtles. Couple this with an animation style that is completely different from what we’re used to, but equally beautiful and inspired, and you have an incredible animated feature for the whole family. While it’s not as revolutionary as some of the other animated movies on this list, it’s still well deserving of a watch and some love!

#24: The Boy and the Heron

Coming in at #24 is The Boy and the Heron, the latest and possibly last from visionary director Hayao Miyazaki. Full disclosure, I am not the biggest Studio Ghibli fan, having only watched a handful of the Ghibli movies since childhood. But I will admit that this one is an impressive animated feature. The magic and whimsy of Studio Ghibli is on full display, coupled with a story that is deeply thought-provoking, philosophical, and beautifully visualized. It’s truly an excellent end cap to a well-respected and prolific career. But personally I can’t say I’m as hyperbolically positive as some of the critical reviews I’ve seen online. This one just didn’t stick with me as much as I was hoping coming off of the premiere at TIFF. That’s not a knock at the movie at all, just my experience as only a minor Ghibli fan, which is why this one lands a bit further down on my top 30 list. 

#23: Suzume

Maybe coming in a bit controversially at #23 is Suzume, another Japanese animated feature from yet another visionary director Makoto Shinkai. Suzume follows the journey of high school student Suzume who is sent on a journey to save her country from supernatural forces that only she can see. Japan continues to be ahead of the game when it comes to creating visual spectacle on screen, and Suzume truly delivers on that front. But what moves Suzume just ahead of The Boy and the Heron for me are the moments of calm between the big epic set pieces. On her journey Suzume is met with an immense amount of love and hospitality, and it’s this warmth of human spirit that carries Suzume forward on her mission. While I’m relatively new to feature length Japanese animation, Suzume lands itself solidly on my list at #23. 

#22: The Holdovers

At #22 is Alexander Payne’s latest The Holdovers. It almost feels blasphemous to put this so low on my list, particularly given all the positive buzz and critical acclaim this movie has garnered thus far, but here we are. The Holdovers follows Professor Paul Hunham, student Angus Tully, and school cook Mary Lamb, who are forced to spend Christmas break together at Barton Academy and in turn develop with each other a profound sense of empathy, connection, and family. It’s a beautiful movie indeed, that is lead by three amazing performances in its unlikely trio consisting of Paul Giammati, newcomer Dominic Sessa, and Da’vine Joy Randolph, who’s chemistry unfolds over the movies runtime. I can fully understand why this movie is receiving so much love this awards season, but for whatever reason the movie did not quite resonate with me emotionally in the same way as some of the other movies on this list. Maybe I’ll reconsider on a re-watch.

#21: Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person

After hearing some positive buzz coming out of TIFF, I managed to catch this one in its limited release at the Lightbox and I’m a bit surprised at how much I liked this movie. From Quebecois director Ariane Louis-Seize, the film follows Sasha, a young vampire who is too sensitive to kill, and Paul, an empathetic teenager with suicidal tendencies who wants to give up his life for hers. After the two meet, they make an agreement and spend the night fulfilling Paul’s final wishes. This movie may put some people off as it may not be what you expect – it’s neither a super quirky comedy nor a gore driven vampire flick. Instead it’s more in line with a tender rom-com, featuring two awkward teens, played brilliantly by Sara Montpetit and Félix-Antoine Bénard, who find personal understanding in their mutual, albeit very different, adolescent struggles. While it’s not so groundbreaking of a movie in that regard, it’s a movie right in line with my sensibilities, earning it a spot at #21 on my Top 30 list. 

Now onto the middle of the pack, with #20 to #11: 

#20: Society of the Snow

This one was a bit of a surprise and a late edition to the list, but I would be remiss to not include Spain’s international best feature Oscar pick Society of the Snow, from director J.A. Bayona. Following the real-life events of the 1972 Uruguayan flight crash in the Andes Mountains, we follow the trials and tribulations of its survivors who must cling to each other for hope. This movie may not be for the faint of heart, as what unfolds on screen can be quite uncomfortable to watch at times. But for those who stick it out you are left with a tale of hope and human triumph. The movie is filled with an incredible young cast of actors, and the sound design is probably some of the best I’ve heard in years. I’ll be honest, it’s not the type of movie that I would watch again, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And for that reason it lands at #20. 

#19: Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse

Across the Spiderverse is yet another amazing and revolutionary addition to the animation landscape, and another iconic chapter in the Miles Morales animated story as we continues to its eventual conclusion in Beyond the Spiderverse. I think Across the Spiderverse manages to capture most of the magic of its predecessor, Into the Spiderverse – the kinetic energy, the genius melding of animation styles, and the emotional underpinnings are all present in full force. But in comparison to its predecessor it’s just not as tight of a package, and succumbs to a bit of the trappings of an “in-between” movie. It’s still a spectacle to be had on the big screen, and for that reason it makes it to #19 on my list. 

#18: Origin

Coming in at #18 is Ava DuVernay’s Origin, an extremely late entry to this list due to its theatrical release run starting on January 19th, 2024. This movie had been, up to this point, nearly impossible to see as a lay person, and nearly impossible to get a pulse on as a movie fan. After premiering in Venice it was added late to the TIFF line-up after the festival had already begun. And despite it being in awards contention for 2023, a late January release date did not do it any favours. On top of that, for those like myself who are unacquainted with the book it is based on (Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent), the artfully directed trailer just ends up feeling incredibly cryptic. And it’s too bad really because Origin is a fantastic and beautifully crafted movie.

Ava DuVernay takes on a monumental task of directing a movie based on a non-fiction socio-anthropological book that draws connections between systemic racism in America, the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, and the caste system of India. But somehow she not only manages to capture the books themes, but also smartly grounds them in the emotional journey of its real life author, Isabel Wilkerson, portrayed by the phenomenal Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. It’s an exceptionally intelligent and Oscar worthy movie that may lean a little bit too academic and over-long for some movie-goers. But it’s a shame that it’s getting lost in the shuffle as a result of its odd release strategy. 

#17: Flora and Son

With Flora and Son, director John Carney brings us yet another incredible addition to the music-filled, coming-of-age, sub-genre that he may have inadvertently started and may be the only person contributing to at this point. I still have vivid memories of renting Once at Blockbuster in 2007 and being completely enraptured in the music, the story-telling and Carney’s indie sensibilities. In many ways Flora and Son seems like a modern evolution of what Carney does best. Flora and Son follows a troubled mother-son relationship that is healed through the mutual love of creating music. You can feel the joy and passion that emanates from Carney as he speaks about the movie and his songwriting process. It’s truly a sweet and immensely charming movie.

#16: Saltburn

Oh Saltburn. Let me just start by saying, yes it’s a bit of a weird movie at times. But director Emerald Fennell has a way of creating these stylized, slightly sinister, and ultimately engrossing worlds that is just such a pleasure to watch on screen. The movie follows Oliver, a down on his luck student, who is invited by his wealthy classmate Felix to his family’s estate for the summer. But all is not what it seems and what unfolds is a series of unfortunate and mysterious events. From the gothic aesthetic, to the clever script, and the completely committed cast (in every way possible), Saltburn is one hell of a ride through the reckless and sociopathic lives of the young British elite. It’s one of the more captivating movies for me this year, and has sparked many a conversation. So for that reason it lands on my list at #16. 

#15: Barbie

While I want to touch on these movies separately, it’s hard not to talk about Barbie and Oppenheimer together. Between the Barbenheimer phenomenon and with both movies having so much momentum in the awards season, it does feel like the two will remain unlikely companion pieces for years to come. While neither are my top movie of the year, it’s rare to see two high quality movies with fully realized visions come out and take the box-office by storm. For that alone both movies deserve every accolade coming their way. 

Barbie makes it to my #15 spot for many great reasons. The first third of the movie, the Barbieland sequence, is absolutely perfect, from the incredible production design, sensationally catchy music, and the pitch perfect performances from its stellar ensemble. Director Greta Gerwig manages to capture a perfect tone for the movie, which deftly walks that line between reverential and satirical in a way that I truly don’t believe any other writer-director could achieve. But what doesn’t move Barbie higher up on my list is that I don’t think it quite sticks that landing, something that became more apparent on rewatch. That said, this movie is still one of the best movies made so far in the 2020s and well deserving of its spot on my top 30 list. 

#14: Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer ultimately edges out Barbie on my list by just a little bit to take my #14 spot. For me, this is probably the best Christopher Nolan movie, with it feeling like he picked the best parts of his past movies and learned from all his previous challenges and mistakes. For that alone I think he more than deserves the Best Director Oscar win. In Oppenheimer we still get Nolan’s signature wide-format visuals, stellar performances, and a riveting focus on the inner turmoil of its protagonists. But we also get the intricately weaved time-bending story-telling that feels more streamlined and more digestible than past features, and a bombastic sound design that feels more restrained in the most perfect ways. I think in comparison to Barbie, Oppenheimer has better withstood the test of time, and for that reason it lands slightly higher on my list at #14. 

#13: Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Similar to the Barbenheimer experience, the Dungeons & Dragons movie makes it to #13 on my list in part to the moviegoing experience it provided. I watched the D&D movie twice in theatres, with both of my active D&D groups in tow. It’s something special to be able to experience the movie together, especially a movie which truly honours the essence of what makes D&D fun. The lighthearted, bordering juvenile tone, accentuated by the slightly over-the-top villain performances, perfectly captures the vibe of a real D&D game. Being able to watch the action live and see all the spells we know and love, all while witnessing the clever nods to real D&D mechanics, made the experience even that much more special. You could tell that a lot of care and passion went into this project from writer-director team John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. Many thanks to the creative team for making a high-quality D&D movie a reality. 

#12: May December

I was lucky to be able to watch this one in theatres on 35 mm at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto prior to its Netflix release. I didn’t know much of what to expect going in, but left the theatre in utter awe, particularly of the acting in the movie. May December follows the story of couple Gracie and Joe, played by Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, who had a sexual relationship 20 years ago when Joe was only 13 years old, and an actress Elizabeth, played by Natalie Portman, tasked with portraying Gracie in the movie recreating their story. Through the process we delve deeper into the psyche of the couple, as we learn more about the nuances of Gracie’s personality and as Joe starts to come to terms with what happened to him as a child. Both Julianne Moore and Charles Melton are absolutely incredible in their portrayals of their multi-layered characters. But I’ll take some time to give kudos to Natalie Portman, who has mostly missed out on the awards season, who somehow manages to be an actress playing an actress playing a person. I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie and the calibre of acting it brought on screen. 

#11: Anatomy of a Fall 

Just making it outside my top 10 list is Cannes Palme D’Or Winner Anatomy of Fall from director Justine Triet. Following the suspicious death of her husband Samuel at their snowy chalet, we follow the journey of Sandra as she navigates the French court system after she is accused of his murder. Anatomy of a Fall is an absolutely brilliantly written movie that unravels its mystery piece by piece as the court case continues. From the music and sound design, to the intricate script, to the incredible performances helmed by lead Sandra Hüller – this is the type of movie that will captivate and spark many a conversation. The movie is a bit on the long side at 2h 32 minutes, but moves quickly like a good mystery novel. It’s a definite strong recommendation from me. 

And now for the moment you have all been waiting for, the top 10. 

#10: American Fiction 

Kicking off our top 10 is the TIFF 2023 People’s Choice Award Winner American Fiction. I’m so excited to include a genuine comedy on this list, that still offers insightful and intelligent commentary in addition to its real laughs. American Fiction follows the story of Thelonius “Monk” Ellison, a novelist-professor who writes a hyper-stereotypical “black” book as satire, only for the book to be unexpectedly met with high praise and sales. The satire is balanced with family drama that highlights the complex family dynamics of the Ellison family, and ultimately serves to ground and humanize the film. Jeffrey Wright helms an absolutely incredible ensemble cast, which includes the likes of Erika Alexander, Sterling K. Brown, Issa Rae, and Tracee Ellis Ross. It’s smart, powerful, relevant and an absolute pleasure to watch.

#9: Rye Lane

At #9 is a movie I slept on way too long, premiering at Sundance all the way back in January 2023. Rye Lane is a genuinely fresh take on a romantic comedy, and an incredible directorial debut from Raine Allen Miller. The movie follows the unconventional meet-cute of Dom & Yas in South London as they help each other work through the baggage of their individual bad break-ups and in the process make a real and authentic connection. Rye Lane is kinetic, lively and colourful in the best ways, but also intelligent enough to pause and slow down in the moments that need them. This is complemented by a perfectly curated soundtrack and an vibey score that creates this dream-like quality throughout. It’s a complete package and a well deserved addition to the top 10 list.

#8: The Eternal Memory

Adding some documentary love to our top 10 list is The Eternal Memory, which again premiered at the 2023 Sundance Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary. In The Eternal Memory, Chilean director Maite Alberdi follows renowned journalist Augusto Góngora, who is in the late-stages of dementia, and his life partner Paulina Urrutia, a former culture minister, as they navigate the challenges of his illness. This documentary holds a special place in my heart as a geriatrics specialist, particularly as it’s a rare movie that showcases the disease with such grace and tact, focusing on the love, tenderness and humour that binds its protagonists together. It’s also so rare to see a depiction of dementia that focuses on the caregivers journey. This one is an incredibly beautiful and moving portrayal and a must watch for anyone who’s ever been affected by dementia. 

#7: Monster 

The latest from director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Monster, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, is likely my favourite Japanese dramas to be released in recent years. It’s a movie that takes all the best parts of a Kore-eda film and packages them to perfection – a critical lens on human nature, a focus on love and family, the playful perspective of children, and Kore-eda’s signature contemplative melancholy. Monster follows Saori, a single mother attempting to understand what is happening to her son at school. In this feature Kore-eda cleverly plays with perspective, allowing the mystery to unfold not just from Saori’s viewpoint, but also from the perspective of her son’s teacher and her son himself. The swapping of perspective builds tension, which ultimately pays off in its emotional and cathartic conclusion. It’s an exceptional feature from an exceptional director and has been high on my list since catching it at TIFF in September. 

#6: Riceboy Sleeps

I would be remiss to not include this special Canadian movie on my top 10 list. Premiering in 2022 at TIFF, and winning the coveted Platform Prize competition in the process, Riceboy Sleeps from director Anthony Shim follows the journey of So-Young, a Korean single mother who moves to Canada to raise her son Dong-Hyun. What unfolds is a beautiful and, at times, tragic story that highlights the importance of family and support, particularly in times where it’s so easy to feel isolated and alone. Riceboy Sleeps is an immigrant story that feels so distinctly Canadian in a way that I can’t fully describe, and as such feels so deeply resonant as a person of Asian descent growing up in Canada in a way that I haven’t seen on screen before. I can’t recommend this movie enough. 

#5: Poor Things

Poor Things is the type of movie that just really stuck with me after watching it in mid-December, and the more it sat with me the more I felt that this movie is indeed a masterpiece. Poor Things follows the journey of Bella, a woman transplanted with the brain of an infant, as she discovers more and more about herself and the workings of the world around her.

I’ll admit that this is another movie that could be considered “weird”, which may be a turn off for some, particularly those not acquainted with director Yorgos Lathimos’ absurdist tendencies. But every aspect of the film just feels perfect – from its intelligent and nuanced script, its beautiful and architectural production design, its incredibly expansive visuals, its multitude of actors delivering career best performances, and its wonderfully jarring and eclectic score. It’s one of many movies this year that feel like a complete vision and deserves every bit of praise it has been getting.

#4: All of Us Strangers 

Coming in at #4 is All of Us Strangers, a beautiful, absolutely devastating, and yet also deeply therapeutic, film. Written and directed by Andrew Haigh, and premiering in August at the Telluride Film Festival, All of Us Strangers follows the story of lonely London screenwriter Harry as he attempts to gain understanding and closure about his parents who died when he was a child.

The movie features an incredible cast which includes Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, and Claire Foy, all incredibly talented actors who deliver amazingly nuanced performances. Andrew Scott in particular is such a standout in this, showcasing his ability to connect with his cast members and bring authenticity to such a multitude of difficult moments he’s tasked with portraying. There is something so healing about a movie like All of Us Strangers in its way of depicting and guiding us through the most difficult conversations and moments in life. And it’s these moments that exemplify the real power of the medium of film. 

#3: The Breaking Ice 

Having watched this movie at TIFF in September, I struggled with whether or not to include this on my list in the absence of a North American release. In general I try to only include movies that have officially been released, but after the film was chosen as Singapore’s entry to the upcoming Academy Awards I knew this was the time to include the movie on the list.

This movie may not be for everyone, but at a time in my life where a coming of age story still hits emotionally, this movie was absolutely captivating. The Breaking Ice follows the story of three young twenty-somethings, Haofeng, Nana, and Xiao, who meet in Yanji, China, a cold border city near North Korea, that serves as a reprieve from their own personal struggles. The film perfectly encapsulates the journey of personal frustration, catharsis and, ultimately, self discovery. Director Anthony Chen talked about trying to be less regimented in his filmmaking, and as a result he manages to capture some moments of pure youthful bliss, joy and freedom amongst a backdrop of bleak melancholy. Coupled with a melodic and ethereal score, as a friend put it, the movie feels like a fever dream. If you ever have a chance to watch this movie I hope you will enjoy it! 

#2: Scrapper

Coming in at the penultimate spot is yet another incredible movie coming out of Sundance 2023, Scrapper. If it wasn’t abundantly clear already, I am such a sucker for the films curated for the Sundance Film Festival – they just have a way of making me feel…blissful.

Scrapper follows the journey of 12-year-old Georgie, portrayed by breakout star Lola Campbell, as she lives her life alone before being unexpectedly reunited with her estranged father Jason, played by the always incredible Harris Dickinson. It’s the type of movie that starts out simple, comedic, and a bit offbeat in its film style, but then hits you hard with tenderness and emotion as the story unfolds. And indeed there is something so genuinely touching about the story, which explores the ideas of being resilient while still being okay with relying on the people around you. The chemistry between the two leads is absolutely phenomenal, and watching their relationship grow is like watching magic unfold on screen. These are the types of movies that I love and for that reason Scrapper is #2 on my list. 

#1: Past Lives

For the second year in a row my #1 spot goes to a movie that premiered in the first quarter of the year, but just sat with me throughout the whole year and throughout multiple rewatches, having initially premiered at Sundance in January 2023.

Past Lives follows the story of Nora and her childhood friend Hae Sung, spanning 24 years and Nora’s immigration to the US, as they reconnect and contemplate what their relationship could have been. It’s a quiet movie that focuses its time on its characters and the conversations between them. The script is beautifully nuanced, and feels incredibly and authentically real. And the idea of past lives, that fate is a culmination of a multitude of interactions over a multitude of lifetimes, is such a powerful and universal concept to explore. Celine Song’s direction, in her directorial debut no less, is masterful, giving her actors room to breathe and live in the moment. It’s a truly remarkable movie, the movie I’ve probably thought about the most all year, and well deserving of my #1 spot.  

I should add that I have the slightest of personal connections with the director, having attended the same high school when she lived in Canada. Witnessing someone from your hometown go on to achieve such excellence is just so unbelievably inspiring. And, while I didn’t realize this fact until after watching the Canadian premiere at TIFF in May 2023, it certainly furthers my resolve in my #1 pick.

And that’s a wrap! 

2023 was honestly such a phenomenal year in movies, and beyond my wildest expectations as a film lover. A testament to this was just how difficult a task it was to narrow my list down to my top 30, especially when you acknowledge the calibre of filmmaking I had to leave off.

Looking back at my list from 2022, it’s interesting to see how my tastes have shaped and evolved. To me, this year’s list feels much more authentic; my top 10 in particular feels filled with movies that are not only exceptionally well made but ones that also speak to my own personal sensibilities. That partly stems from just having a larger quantity of films to choose from. But I’d also like to think it stems from having a better understanding of the type of movies that I enjoy, and from making more efforts to fervently seek out those types of films when the opportunity arises. Because I don’t know what it is – there’s just something about a good coming of age film that still resonates with me to this day despite being well into my 30s.

On that note, I’ll end by acknowledging that we’re close to the 1 year anniversary of my blog, and I am so looking forward to what year 2 has to offer. Who knows what will top my list for next years’ “Year in Cinema”. Until then, I’ll see you at the movies 🙂