The best movies and TV series of 2023 according to experts

As every December, the New York Times has published the lists of the most appreciated films and TV series of the year, according to its main film and television critics. Regarding the big screen, Manohla Dargis and Alissa Wilkinson each selected ten films. Both journalists especially liked Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese, Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan, and Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros. The latter is a documentary directed by Frederick Wiseman, presented out of competition at the last Venice Film Festival, and it narrates the dynasty of a French family of Michelin-starred chefs. In the selections of the three main TV critics of the Times – James Poniewozik, Mike Hale, and Margaret Lyons – some highly followed series in Italy are included, such as Succession, The Last of Us, and The Bear. Among the most appreciated but mostly known to the U.S. audience are South Side and Reservation Dogs, available on Disney+.

The Best Films of 2023

According to Manohla Dargis, 2023 has been an excellent year for cinema. The journalist recalled how the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon contributed to the industry's recovery from the crisis caused by the pandemic, all while the Hollywood screenwriters and actors strike was ongoing. Dargis expressed some discomfort with the excessive number of superhero films, even referring to "superhero fatigue." However, she noted that contemporary cinema, according to the Times journalist, has proven capable of attracting mass audiences without necessarily relying on Marvel-like stories. Alissa Wilkinson, on the other hand, observed that 2023 was the year when many films skillfully addressed the theme of evil, more than other art forms. The U.S. critic cited the ethical dilemmas in Oppenheimer and the inherent violence in the film Anatomy of a Fall (still in Italian theaters), directed by Justine Triet. In her selection, the second place is occupied by the cinematic debut Past Lives, described as «brilliant and moving.» Directed by Celine Song and presented at the Sundance Film Festival, Past Lives «grabs your heart and won't let go,» according to Wilkinson. The film, nominated for five Golden Globes, tells the story of childhood friends who lose and find each other, unfolding across different timelines. Finally, among the must-watch films of 2023, the two critics mention, among others, Asteroid City by Wes Anderson, Godland by the Icelandic Hlynur Pálmason, Priscilla by Sofia Coppola, and Poor Creatures! by Yorgos Lanthimos – the latter awarded the Golden Lion, the most prestigious prize at the Venice Film Festival.

The Best TV Series of 2023

Regarding TV series, the three main TV critics at the Times did not each make a personal selection but divided the tasks: they chose the best series overall in 2023, the most beautiful ones that concluded this year, and the most interesting ones outside the United States. Among the various selected contents stands out Beef, available on Netflix. It has been defined as «a good story about people getting mad,» capable of portraying class differences and tensions between personalities from different countries. Three other series recommended by the Times and available in Italy are Jury Duty, Inseparables, and I'm a Virgin, all present in the Amazon Prime Video catalog. The first combines reality and comedy in an «innovative» way, according to critic James Poniewozik: a real person is summoned to be part of a fake jury, composed only of actors. The production successfully ensures that the protagonist remains unaware, resulting in a surprising outcome. Inseparables, on the other hand, is a psychological thriller, a well-executed adaptation of David Cronenberg's 1988 film. I'm a Virgin, finally, follows the adventures of a 13-year-old African American who is four meters tall, weaving «a politically and relentlessly entertaining tale that incorporated superhero mythology and anticapitalist critique,» writes the Times. Among the special mentions by the three critics are also Sex Education and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (praised for its humor), both available on Netflix.