2023’s Best And Worst Streaming Movies
I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season. For January, we’re going to recap the best and worst films of 2023. This year was good for movies and not great for television. I have to admit, I saw more films that I enjoyed this year than I hated, so that’s a big positive. I wanted to announce that in addition to my Streaming Wars column, I will also be starting a companion podcast where I can get more in-depth with the reviews and also include some streaming television reviews as well. The final details are still being hammered out, but expect to hear more in 2024 — stay tuned for that!
Without further ado drumroll… here are the best and worst streaming films of 2023!
Best Streaming Movies 2023
The Super Mario Brothers Movie:
The best animated movie of the year, in my opinion, plus it righted a lot of wrong from the live action film from the 90s. The voice acting is great, and the story is serviceable. (Streaming on Netflix)
Dungeons and Dragons:
Honor Among Thieves: Ok hear me out before you roll your eyes — you don’t have to be a level 7 dungeon master to enjoy this wildly entertaining film starring Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez — you really won’t regret it. (Streaming on Paramount+)
Killers of the Flower Moon:
Martin Scorsese’s epic about a series of murders of the wealthy Osage tribe will haunt you long after the film is over. Just a word of caution: it’s over 3 and half hours long so it meanders a bit for my taste, but Lily Gladstone gives a knockout performance, outshining Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro, which is a feat rarely done. (Available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple Tv)
John Wick: Chapter 4:
What can I say? It’s the best acton film of the year, heck, maybe even the decade. The action just keeps getting more and more spectacular with each film and this may have reached its zenith. (Streaming on Starz app)
Oppenheimer:
This is hands down Christopher Nolan’s finest film. The technical aspects are great along with the acting. It’s an important film that demands your attention. I’m sure it will get a lot of Oscar buzz and it will be well deserved. The only issue is that it didn’t cover the aftermath of nuclear testing in New Mexico and how it affected the people and the land here. NOTE: An interesting read is “Nuclear Nuevo Mexico” by Myrriah Gomez. It may polarizing to some but that’s the point. (Available to rent on Amazon Prime, AppleTV)
Worst Films of 2023
The Machine:
Comedian and Podcaster Bert Kreisher crashes and burns in his debut movie.
(Streaming on Netflix)
Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny:
Disney continues to destroy countless childhoods with their feckless cash grabs of rebooted franchises. (Streaming Disney+)
Fast X:
Stop making these movies!
10 is enough! (Streaming on Peacock)
Pain Hustlers:
I’m tired of bad films glorifying dirtbags who become wildly rich and successful at the expense of regular people. (Streaming on Netflix)
The Flash:
Marvel’s superhero golden goose is at long last dead and The Flash did its part in killing it.
(Streaming on Max)
