11 Best TV Shows and Movies of 2023
11 Best TV Shows and Movies of 2023
By: Hardy Greene
Despite the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes this year, 2023 was still a year full of exciting media. From major box office hits to critically acclaimed television shows, the entertainment industry delivered some of its best work in recent history amid the controversy. The following are our picks for the 10 best TV shows and movies from the year.
Movies
1. Oppenheimer
Coming from legendary director Christopher Nolan, this biopic of famous scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer made a massive splash at theaters. The film follows Oppenheimer throughout his life, education, contributions, and controversy.
2. Barbie
With the highest box office numbers of the year, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was an instant classic. Starring Margot Robbie, the movie created a cultural phenomenon that spanned generations.
3. Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse
Across the Spider-Verse is the second movie of the animated “spider-verse” trilogy. This movie, currently ranked as the 28th greatest film ever by IMDB, utilizes exciting visuals and phenomenal storytelling to keep viewers entertained.
4. Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon is the most recent film directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie follows an investigation into the murders of the Osage people in the 1920s. Scorsese brings an elite cast, keeping with the expectations his films bring.
5. Asteroid City
Asteroid City is yet another fun film from Wes Anderson with a star-studded cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, and a number of other A-listers. It is a great, light watch that does feel good like only Wes Anderson can.
Television
6. The Bear
Following up on a landmark first season, season two of The Bear does not disappoint. The show is spearheaded by the phenomenal performance of Jeremy Allen White. Character growth and a constantly deepening plot keeps viewers locked in as they follow the development of Carmy and his family restaurant.
7. The Last of Us
This post-apocalyptic series is based on the award-winning video game franchise of the same name. The show follows a collapsing society dealing with the onset of a zombie apocalypse. The first season released early in the year, and has fans yearning for season two.
8. Yellowstone
A TV show that has garnered a massive amount of attention since its premiere in 2018, Yellowstone follows the Dutton family as they are forced to defend their massive Montana estate. With dynamic characters and high stakes, the drama of Yellowstone is unmatched in the modern television lineup.
9. Barry
Barry is an HBO dramedy that follows a hit man moving to LA. This show closed in 2023 after running for four seasons over five years, earning a number of major awards along the way, including nine primetime Emmys.
10. Invincible
Invincible is an animated series starring a superhero teenager. Although animated, this show is entirely for adults. With voices of stars like J.K. Simmons, this show has quickly garnered critical and commercial acclaim. Season two released this year, and the next season is set to release in 2024.
11. Succession
The last on our list, Succession is a series that follows a family-owned media juggernaut. The plot is catalyzed when the father steps down from the company, leading to a war for control amongst his children.
If you are looking for something to watch over the holidays, you could not go wrong with any of the above. Keep reading Square Magazine on our website and follow our Instagram @um.squaremagazine.
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