When one hears the term “classic film,” they likely think of something much older, usually by several decades. Take some of the best films of the 70s, 80s, and 90s for example, which are commonly referred to as such. This is not exclusive to one particular genre, but can be found across the entirety of the cinematic world, exploring a variety of topics and stories for various types of fans. Still, the term “classic” means that any self-proclaimed cinephile should definitely see them.
However, “classic” doesn’t always have to mean the film is several decades old. In fact, modern classics come out every year. They might not be seen as such just yet, but hey, most aren’t deemed classics until they’re old enough.For now though, moviegoers can rest assured that these movies of 2023 are destined to become classic–because they practically are already, even two short years later.
10’The Super Mario Bros. Movie'
Directed by Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic
After the 90s produced a disastrous adaptation of the hit Nintendo series, hopes weren’t exactly high for 2023’sThe Super Mario Bros. Movie, especially with the bizarre choice to castChris Prattas the titular hero. This doesn’t make sense at first, given how Mario doesn’t really talk a whole lot in the video games, instead making a series of silly noises or brief catchphrases with a thick Italian accent.
That said, while critics weren’t super thrilled with the movie, audiences absolutely adored it. The animation was beautiful and the movie perfectly embodied the spirit of the video game series that fans love so much. On top of that,Jack Black, who plays the villainous Bowser, produced the hit song “Peaches” for the movie, which became one of the most popular love songs of the year. For its soundtrack, star power, and overall spirit,The Super Mario Bros. Moviedid an unexpectedly remarkable job and is destined to become a favourite of future generations.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.
9’Elemental'
Directed by Peter Sohn
Elementalmight not be the finest movie Pixar has ever made, but it is definitely one of its most unique, forgoing the studio’s typical artstyle and presenting agorgeously-animated storyabout spirits that represent the traditional elements of water, earth, air, and fire. It was a surprising shift in focus for the animation company, and though it didn’t receive as much attention as other Pixar flicks, it was perfectly enjoyable, if not as flawless as some more renowned Pixar flicks.
Like many other films the studio has produced, it is a kid-friendly movie that comes with a series of life lessons applicable to both kids and adults, one that is easy to grasp and that resounds with any generation, no matter how many years go by. Like pretty much any other Pixar flick,Elementalis destined to become a piece of nostalgia for many, and will be a classic film that will be remembered fondly in the years to come.
Directed by Greta Gerwig
2023’sBarbiewas a film that was not at all like what anyone expected out of it. While many anticipated a live action movie that embodied the girlish spirit of the original animated film series based on the toy line, what they got instead was a surprisingly mature flick that was intended for an older audience of kids rather than the typical target audience of very young children. The movie still maintained its brand’s themes of female empowerment and opportunities for women, but was surprisingly deep in many aspects beyond that.
Part of the reason it got so famous is due to it’s hilarious release date, which coincided withOppenheimer, a drastically different film in both tone and target audience, which sparked numerous internet memes. That aside though, the movie was surprisingly enjoyable for even non-fans of the toys, with men and women of all ages enjoying the film despite initial apprehension.There’s no doubt that this will stand the test of time as an unlikely classic.
A beloved doll, known for her perfect life in an idyllic, colorful world, finds herself on an unexpected journey when she starts to feel out of place. Seeking answers, she leaves her fantastical home and steps into the real world, where she experiences the highs and lows of human life. With the help of new friends, she navigates the challenges of identity and purpose, discovering the importance of authenticity and inner strength.
7’Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'
Directed by Joaquin dos Santos, Kemp Powers, & Justin K. Thompson
The firstSpider-Versemovie was a real hit, which meant its 2023 sequel was bound to be a success amongst anxious fans. Once again following Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in a 3D-animated superhero adventure,Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verseemerged after Sony’s deal with 20th Century Fox about sharing theSpider-ManIP, once again exploring the idea of multiple universes within the series' canon.
For fans wanting a change of pace from the MCU, this movie is perfect, as it exudes so much more love for the franchise than many MCU films, which are often criticized as feeling heavily manufactured and far too similar to each other. Each frame of the animation is unique and colourful, and the animated format delivers a truly singular experience that can’t really be found anywhere else. It might not be as good as its predecessor, but it’s still a masterpiece that should absolutely be seen by any superhero fan.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
6’Poor Things'
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Based on a 1992 novel of the same name,Poor Thingsis a sci-fi romance starringEmma Stoneas Bella Baxter, a woman in Victorian England who possesses the body of a dead woman, and the brain of the woman’s unborn child after both perished in a tragic and untimely manner. Bella may look like an adult, but she is forced to essentially “grow up” as she learns language and discovers things about the world, lacking many of the typical adult functions.
With a star-studded cast and a truly twisted and disturbing plotline,Poor Thingshas one of the most macabre aesthetics in recent cinema, with Emma Stone slipping comfortably in one of her most bizarre and interesting roles of her career. It might not be incredibly popular, but reviews were excellent, and it’s easy to say thatPoor Thingswill likely become a bit of an underrated classic in the romance and sci-fi genres.
Poor Things
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
TheMission: Impossiblefranchise is always super thrilling with its death-defying stunts, sneaky infiltrations, and wicked gadgets, but the 2023 film might just serve as the greatest one in the franchise. The film is the first of two movies meant to serve as a conclusion to the franchise, and brings backTom Cruiseas IMF agent Ethan Hunt on his most dangerous mission yet.
A lot of theMission: Impossiblemovies are already considered classics, from the 90s original to the various films that have cropped over the course of the 2000s and 2010s, and spy movie fans just can’t seem to get enough of them. With each subsequent film, directorChristopher McQuarriehas made it his own personal mission to get bigger and bigger, never disappointing his dedicated fanbase.With a conclusion like this, it’s hard to deny that this movie will be a landmark movie in the espionage genre.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
4’Killers of the Flower Moon'
Directed by Martin Scorsese
DirectorMartin Scorseseis sort of known for producing numerous classic films, many of them about similar themes. Typically, he revels in crime-comedies or crime-dramas, directing memorable films such asGoodfellas,Casino, andThe Wolf of Wall Street. They’re almostguaranteed to succeed in the box office, because almost every single one of Scorsese’s films are good, if not excellent, no matter how similar they all are.
Killers of the Flower Moonis a little bit of a change of pace for him, as it’s not a modern mobster flick, but rather a Western, which many wouldn’t expect from Scorsese. Since it’s a relatively new and unfamiliar style for him, it doesn’t do quite as well as some of his other flicks, but it’s still a really good movie starring many of Scorsese’s closest associates, such asLeonardo DiCaprioandRobert DeNiro. Oozing with his signature flair,Killers of the Flower Moonis likely to be just as legendary as the rest of the famous director’s filmography.
Killers of the Flower Moon
When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one - until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.
3’The Boy and the Heron'
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Much like Martin Scorsese or Pixar, the Japanese animation firm Studio Ghibli seems to be nearly incapable of creating a bad movie, and their latest effort is further proof that even after all of these years in the business, they’ve still got it. DirectorHayao Miyazakireturns to take the reins in this fantasy animation set during World War II, blending magic and war in one deeply emotional adventure.
The Boy and the Heronis not onlybeautifully scored, but as always, beautifully animated, with every single line exuding compassion and love for its medium. Studio Ghibli is not just known for their breathtaking animation, but also for their subtle undertones and subtexts, each film addressing societal problems or coming-of-age lessons that every child needs to learn.It’s heartfelt, beautiful, and brilliant in nearly every aspect, meaning this film will likely be considered just as much of a classic as some of the other films produced by the studio.
The Boy and the Heron
2’Godzilla Minus One'
Directed by Takashi Yamazaki
Godzilla Minus Oneis one of the latest installments in the film franchise that has been running for over 70 years, featuring everyone’s favourite atomic lizard. This time, Godzilla isn’t destroying Tokyo, but is emerging for the first time in the final days of the Second World War, appearing to fight the Japanese as their forces dwindle and the Allied troops close in around their homeland.
This proves to be a really interesting setting for one of the originalkaijumonsters, and marked a return to its roots as the franchise was once again handled exclusively by Japanese filmmakers rather than migrating to Hollywood. It’s a film that isn’t just visually impressive, but one that stands apart from every other film in the franchise due to the unique way it is handled, and the distinct change of tone and setting, leaving a truly remarkable experience that stands tall as one of the best movies in the series, and one thatwill surely be deemed a classic by the filmgoers of the future.
Godzilla Minus One
Post war Japan is at its lowest point when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster, baptized in the horrific power of the atomic bomb.
1’Oppenheimer'
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan’s biopic ofJ. Robert Oppenheimer(Cillian Murphy) is easily the best and most popular movie of 2023, largely in part due to Murphy’s exceptional portrayal of the beleaguered scientist. As many already know,Oppenheimerfollows the Manhattan Project, a top-secret military operation during thefinal days of World War IIin which the United States sought to develop a weapon so devastating that it would force the last remaining Axis country, the Japanese Empire, to surrender, thereby winning the war.
Murphy portrays the inner turmoil and profound guilt Oppenheimer became known for after he lead the development of the atomic bomb, a weapon of disastrous proportions that was capable of killing tens of thousands and levelling an entire city in the blink of an eye. The war drama film is long, but worth every minute.Combine this with the fact that it comes from Christopher Nolan, who turns pretty much everything he works on to gold, and you’ve got the recipe for a classic that will likely be remembered decades from now.
