What a year 2023 has been! It was the year that got everyone safely back into movie theaters with a little known phenomena called ‘Barbenheimer.’ It was the year that television based off of video games (see The Last of Us and Twisted Metal) were actually…great? It was the year that animated content reemerged, from movies like The Boy and the Heron, Suzume and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to shows like Blue Eye Samurai, Scavengers Reign and Invincible. It was the year reggaeton went fully mainstream, with continued ascents of the likes of Bad Bunny, Becky G, Yandel, Ozuna, Karol G, and more, while relative newcomers like Peso Pluma, Ralphie Choo, Son Rompe Pera and Natanael Cano rose to deserved prominence. It was the year of the writer’s strike that likely got a favorite show canceled or a movie you were really looking forward to pushed back to 2024 (Dune 2, sigh). It was also the year that Taylor Swift was almost literally everywhere, from live concerts worldwide to movies theaters to football games to commercials to SNL and probably even your dreams or nightmares. It was quite the year indeed.
Pop culture in 2023 was, like recent years, also an exercise for all of us in time management. It remains difficult to determine what shows, movies and music to select and spend time with in the deluge of content. To make matters worse, it’s increasingly difficult to even know on which platform to choose for any actual selection as the streaming wars, with price hike subscriptions and the growth of ads within, is ongoing. Perhaps the best question is how does one choose? Is it based on the cultural zeitgeist, the recommendations of friends, family or coworkers, is it based on whatever the platform you subscribe to has as options, pure random discovery, or, ‘best of’ lists like this one? If it’s the latter, and decision paralysis has moved in to your house and unpacked their suitcase, well great, as hopefully this helpful best of pop culture list of lists (which features the 10 best movies, 10 best tv shows, 10 best albums and 10 best songs) is the aid you need, unless of course you want podcast tips, as this is not the place…sorrrrrry!
Anyway, now on to my ‘best of 2023’ lists. Yes, I do realize that rankings can be an exercise in futility as art isn’t a competition, but it is an exercise I do annually. Through deliberate and meticulous time spent in all things pop culture, below is my list of the best of what the year 2023 had to offer in film, television and music. Simply put, if I found it to be great and worthy of recommending to you, it belongs here. Please enjoy!
The 10 Best Movies of 2023
Honorable Mentions:
THE QUIET GIRL, INFINITY POOL, BLUE JEAN, SICK, COCAINE BEAR, BROKER, SISSY, REALITY, 65, JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4, BEAU IS AFRAID, A MAN CALLED OTTO, REALITY, KNOCK AT THE CABIN, SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, CLOSE, THE BEASTS, AIR, LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND
10. KILL BOKSOON
John Wick better watch out for Boksoon, a cool, calm and collected single mother who can go toe-to-toe with anyone in her path. Watch out!
9. PAST LIVES
This semi-autobiographical story from director Celine Song on her directorial debut is equal parts beautiful and thought-provoking. And that cast, especially Greta Lee, is spot on!
8. SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING
This French film is beyond absurd. From giant turtles and secret bunkers to weird story vignettes and super heroes that are mostly just ordinary and egotistical; say yes to this fun film.
7. MAY DECEMBER
A must-see film based on real events that is as unsettling as it is intriguing, especially as it’s brought to life by the powerful acting trio of Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and (especially) Charles Melton.
6. M3GAN
Not just the best horror movie of the year, but also a tremendously fun and surprising movie that deserves your full attention. Also, when did Allison Williams become the horror “it” girl?
5. KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON
Sure each new Martin Scorsese film seems to be increasingly longer in run-time, but they are also consistently and completely immersive, beautifully shot and well-crafted masterpieces. Bravo!
4. BARBIE
How Greta Gerwig had the audacity to make not just a Barbie movie, but an absolutely fantastic one that became a well-deserved pop cultural moment (that hasn’t stopped), is beyond me. Wow, what a movie!
3. OPPENHEIMER
Few directors can reimagine a seemingly straight-forward series of real life events that led to the creation of the atomic bomb, but as we all should know by now, Christopher Nolan is no ordinary director.
2. SICK OF MYSELF
The blackest of black comedies that is cringe at its absolute best. Kristoffer Borgli is the best director you’ve likely not heard of, but listen you should as this film, as are his others, is extremely impure gold!
1. REVOIR PARIS
A good film invites viewers in, a great one is so immersive that you feel what the characters feel and you lose yourself. This film, carried by ever underrated Virginie Efira, is equal parts moving and captivating.
The 10 Best TV Shows of 2023
Honorable Mentions:
SANCTUARY (Netflix), BARRY (HBO Max), TED LASSO (Apple+), DAVE (FX/Hulu), SILO (Apple+), LOVE & DEATH (HBO Max), THE TRAITORS (Peacock), THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES (HBO Max), SURVIVOR (CBS), IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA (FX/Hulu), THE MANDALORIAN (Disney+), GEN V (Amazon Prime), PHYSICAL: 100 (Netflix), CULPRITS (FX/Hulu), TWISTED METAL (Peacock), THE BEAR (FX/Hulu), PARTY DOWN (STARZ), THE OTHER TWO (HBO Max), FARGO (FX/Hulu)
10. THE CURSE (Paramount+ with Showtime)
It should be difficult to root for any of these truly loathsome characters in what is an amazingly awkward and absolutely bonkers show, but watch you should and root for them I guess you could…I think.
9. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (FX/Hulu)
A hilarious, no-holds-barred riot of a great time that gets better and better with each season. Throw in Guillermo’s big secret and the chaos that ensues and you have pure comedic excellence.
8. SUCCESSION (HBO Max)
It’s a dog-eat-dog world and in this world, everyone, even cousin Greg, can bite. I dare you not to enjoy this series, especially this fourth and final season, that has dialogue sharper than any canine tooth!
7. BLUE EYE SAMURAI (Netflix)
Terrific world-building with spot on animation, amazing voice casting and an eternally surprising storyline yields a wholly engaging and enthralling good time. What will season 2 bring???
6. FOUNDATION (Apple TV+)
No platform is delivering better sci-fi then Apple TV+ right now (see Silo, Severance, Invasion…) and this Isaac Asimov inspired series is the cream of the Lee Pace emperor crop top. What a show!
5. THE WHEEL OF TIME (Amazon Prime)
The recasting of Matt Cauthon’s character aside, this series is a near pitch-perfect adaptation of Robert Jordan’s acclaimed fantasy novel series that is somehow even better in its second season.
4. RESERVATION DOGS (FX/Hulu)
The third and final season of a show that highlights the Indigenous community through deeply intimate storytelling and terrific cast of young and old indigenous actors was the richest yet. Wow.
3. THE GLORY (Netflix)
A pitch perfect season that is one of the greatest revenge shows ever made. Simply prestige tv at its absolute peak. Look away if you dare but beware of getting burned (literally).
2. THE LAST OF US (HBO Max)
The simple conceit of a man and a child navigating an apocalyptic world shouldn’t be this good, especially one based on a video game, but this enthralling show is HBO Max at its best.
1. BEEF (Netflix)
Not only was BEEF the best show this year, it is one of the best miniseries ever. This rule-breaking, nontraditional, dark comedy is a well-acted mini-masterpiece. Drive safe, y’all! Or else…
The 10 Best Albums of 2023
Honorable Mentions:
Quaranta, Danny Brown; Sweet Justice, Tkay Maidza; So Much (For) Stardust, Fall Out Boy; Resistencia, Yandel; Blondshell, Blondshell; Like..(Deluxe)”, Ice Spice; SUPERNOVA, Ralphie Choo; Mañana Será Bonito, Karol G; BUSINESS IS BUSINESS, Young Thung; Génesis, Peso Pluma; Starcatcher, Greta Van Fleet; Ends & Begins, Labrinth; Baby Gravy 3, BABY GRAVY; Hadsel, Beirut; MID AIR, Paris Texas; Crazymad, For Me, CMAT; nadie sabe lo que va a pasar manana, Bad Bunny; Chimborazo, Son Rompe Pera; I Love You, I’m Trying, Grandson; RUSH!, Måneskin; Scarlet, Doja Cat
10. The Jaws Of Life, Pierce The Veil
This highly energetic, always evolving band is post-hardcare punk rock at its absolute best. I double dog dare you not to get hooked!
Standout Tracks: “Pass The Nirvana,” “Emergency Contact,” “The Jaws of Life,” “12 Fractures”
9. Desire, I Want To Turn Into You, Caroline Palochek
Caroline, the co-founder of the band Chairlift, knows how to make great music. With an enviable voice, engaging lyrics and irresistible beats, this this is what avant-pop is all about.
Standout Tracks: “Sunset” “Bunny Is A Rider,” “Fly to You,” “Welcome To My Island”
8. Nata Montana, Natanael Cano
An artist at the forefront of 21st century corridoes tumbados (aka “trap corridos”), Cano is elevating the Mexican folk song tradition with aplomb. The sky is the ceiling here.
Standout Tracks: “Pacas De Billetes,” “AMG,” “Mi Bello Angel,” “Mas Altas Que Bajadas”
7. Terror, Tianna Esperanza
It’s nearly impossible to believe that Tianna is only 22 as she has an old soul with (seemingly) a lifetime of pain and joy from which to draw inspiration. And that voice, my oh my.
Standout Tracks: “Terror,” “Buy You A New Attitude,” “Three Straight Bitches From Hell,” “Granada”
6. AMAR (Deluxe), BigXthaPlug
H-Town is fast becoming a hotbed for rap, and with artists like BigXthaPlug exploding onto the scene with an intoxicating The Notorious B.I.G.-esque bravado, I can certain see why. Heyyyy!
Standout Tracks: “Texas,” “Thick,” “I Know,” “Levels,” “Whip It”
5. The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We, Mitski
What can be said about Mitski that hasn’t been said already? She is the indie queen who can’t stop won’t stop evolving as she grows more and more comfortable in her own skin.
Standout Tracks: “The Deal,” “Bug Like an Angel,” “My Love Mine All Mine,” “Heaven”
4. Ten Paces, Ruen Brothers
This British duo deserves so much more recognition then they get, especially on the Western-inspired album that features soaring vocals that fly onward like the elusive flight of the Condor.
Standout Tracks: “Hi-Yo,” “The Fear,” “Free As the Birds,” “Don’t Know What’s Come Over You”
3. Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, Lana Del Rey
I’m not sure why it took 9 albums for me to appreciate the music of Lana Del Rey, but on an album that unfurls more on each listen, this is well worth your time. We really should give a damn what she does!
Standout Tracks: “A&W,” “The Grants,” “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd”
2. Cracker Island (Deluxe), Gorillaz
Damon Albarn is a musical genius. On this upbeat and energetic album, that features the likes of Beck, Bad Bunny, Stevie Nicks, Thundercat, Tame Impala and more, Gorillaz delivers again and again and…
Standout Tracks: “Silent Running,” “Oil,” “Cracker Island,” “Tormenta”
1. Complete Mountain Almanac, Complete Mountain Almanac
Love at first listen (and on each subsequent listen, of which there maaaaany). This concept album, built around each song telling the story of a month by an Americana supergroup, is worthy of praise!
Standout Tracks: “February,” “May,” “August,” “March,” “October”
The 10 Best Songs of 2023
Honorable Mentions:
“Frontman,” Hamish Hawk ft. Anna B. Savage; “Wait On Me,” THEY ft. Kacey Musgraves; “TANGOS DE UNA MOTO TRUCADA,” Ralphie Choo; “Attention,” Doja Cat; Greatness,” “PUNTO G,” Quevedo; “Terror,” Tianna Esperanza; “Greatness,” Quavo; “Pass The Nirvana,” Pierce The Veil; “Robrash,” TR/ST; “Green Honda,” BENEE; “What It Is,” Doechii; “Blame Brett,” The Beaches; “Sunset,” Caroline Polachek; “Never Ending Song,” Conan Gray; “get him back!,” Olivia Rodrigo; “Number 9,” Miguel ft. Lil Yachty; “Change of Heart,” Margo Price ft. Sierra Ferrell, “Whammy-O,” The Go! Team; “Texas,” BigXthaPlug; “The Deal,” Mitski; “Salad,” Blondshell; “Collect,” TORRES
10. “Yandel 150,” Yandel ft. Feid
This heartbreak song dedicated to a woman who works in a nightclub is the standout track on Puerto Rican sensation Yandel’s album Resistencia. Reggaeton at its best.
Standout Lyric: “Mi amor, a las dos paso por ti ve arreglándote.”
9. “Everybody’s Safe Until…,” Paris Texas
Louie and Felix, who together comprise the band Paris Texas, deliver this confoundingly interesting earworm that, like the accompanying music video, just sticks with you.
Standout Lyric: “There’s people tryna kill me, other than me (hey).”
8. “Kill Her Freak Out,” Samia
Samia has one of the sweetest voices that is filled with honesty, yearning and tongue-in-cheek aggression that draws you in. Lyrics like these delivered by anyone else wouldn’t work, but this does!
Standout Lyric: “And when you get passive, I like to imagine,
You listening to worship songs on your iPod.”
7. “The Feels,” Labrinth
3:17 minutes of pure emotional bliss from none other than Labrinth, a.k.a. one third of the supergroup LSD. Simple, sublime.
Standout Lyric: “I’m in my feels, way up in the clouds somewhere now.”
6. “COLD SUMMER,” Wesley Joseph
This aspiring filmmaker turned avant-R&B and hip hop artist delivered my surprise hit of the year.
Standout Lyric:“Demons in my head, singing in duet (uh),
And they looking at me wondering what coming next (uh)”
5. “A&W,” Lana Del Rey
Clocking in at 7:13 minutes, the longest track on Lana Del Rey’s standout album is also her best. Wow!
Standout Lyric: “It’s not about havin’ someone to love me anymore,
This is the experience of bein’ an American whore.”
4. “You Need Jesus,” BABY GRAVY
I dare you not to move to this heavenly banger from BABY GRAVY (bbno$ and Yung Gravy). Got Jesus?
Standout Lyric: “You need Jesús, fake news.
Prance around the club with the Quaaludes.“
3. “Kill Bill,” SZA ft. Doja Cat
Contemporary R&B this is not. SZA’s terrific collaboration with Doja Cat is a spiritual successor to Eminem and Dr. Dre’s track “Guilty Conscience.” Ahhhhh ahh, temper temper!
Standout Lyric: “You was out of reach,
You was at the farmer’s market with your perfect peach.“
2. “Silent Running,” Gorillaz ft. Adeleye Omotayo
The power and fragility that Adeleye Omotayo brings to THE standout track from Gorillaz’s terrific Cracker Island album is perfection. If not for the song by TALK below, this would 2023’s best song.
Standout Lyric: “Y si hoy llevo la ropa fake, Es porque soy la más real.”
1. “Run Away to Mars,” TALK
The best song of 2023 comes in the form of Ottawa musician Nick Durocher, who created this mournful ballad during the pandemic. What an absolute stunner from an artist with something to say.
Standout Lyric: “What If I run away to Mars? Would you find me in the stars?
Would you miss me in the end? If I run out of oxygen?”
Previous “Best Of” Articles:
Best of 2022
Best of 2021
Best of 2020
Best of 2019
Best of 2018
Best of 2017
Best of 2016
Best of 2015
Mikethatmiller 