With 2023 coming to a close last month, 2024 begins. And with a new year, comes a new line of movies set to hit theaters.
While there are many movies that are highly anticipated and will be released this year, let us not forget to go back and remember all of the great movies that were released last year.
Barbie
The beloved Mattel toy line went to the big screen on July 21st, making it an obvious must-watch for those looking for new movies thanks to the recognizable name. I don’t feel like I need to explain what Barbie dolls are. Introduced in 1959, these toys are everywhere. Many people were left shocked at the direction the movie ended up taking, merging real-world problems with fictional worlds, mixed with a great cast left a wacky, comedic, though emotional viewing experience.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honors Among Thieves
Based on the iconic interactive storytelling game Dungeons & Dragons, released on March 31st this movie is packed with not only the flavor of playing the actual game but also a spectacular cast and plot that keeps you intrigued by what the world of this movie has to offer. A recognizable and funny cast along with the worldbuilding makes me feel this movie is an underrated must-watch.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
The third installment to Marvel Studio’s popular movie series, this movie was a perfect mix of comedy, and difficult-to-watch, tearjerking scenes. The movie has a different feel from most other movies released as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, being extremely emotional and character-driven. Every single iconic character in this movie has important and necessary development to their characters which leads to one of my personal favorite endings to any movie in the Marvel franchise as a whole.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
While technically a 2022 film, it was released so late into the year and was oddly such a fantastic movie that I am going to name it here anyway. Visually the film is stunning, some of the best animation I’ve seen in recent years of animation-based films. The story is equally great as it goes back to some of the more mature themes Dreamwork’s original Shrek movies had, using serious topics like death and anxiety. This is truly a great film and deserves a watch even if you aren’t into movies directed more towards children.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The sequel to the successful 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse blew away audiences on opening night, immediately being regarded as one of the best Marvel films, and even comic book films ever made. Complete with jaw-dropping visuals that mold 3D animation, comic book onomatopoeia as well as comic book color/shading styles together. The only negative thing I can say about this movie is that it is technically incomplete as the next movie, set to release sometime this year is supposed to be the ending to this spectacular trilogy.
These are the movies that were released last year that stuck out to me the most. Though there were plenty of other amazing titles released, easily making 2023 one of the best years for movies in recent years.
