Inspired by Aaron’s ranking of the movies he and his partner have watched, I decided to make a post with my movies too! I might’ve not watched many films in 2023, and certainly cannot compare with Aaron & Matt, but from those 14 (13) that I did watch, let’s see how I’ll rank them.
Ps.
I won’t be counting Mamma Mia! (2008), since it was a re-watch, and because it’s generally one of my favorite movies of all time, it’d be unfair to compare it to the new movies I’ve watched. So I’m not including it in this ranking (as it would easily be number 1).
13th place
Suzume (2023)
Animation is great, but the romance took too much screen-time and the story overall isn’t that amazing. Makoto Shinkai ran out of ideas, is copying himself and doesn’t want to admit it, basically.
12th place
Flushed Away (DreamWorks, 2006)
It is a fun movie but the story & execution didn’t hook me as much, also because I don’t ship the couples. I do love the references to other media, though!
11th place
The boy and the heron (Ghibli, 2023)
Great animation & soundtrack, as expected from Ghibli, but everything else fell rather flat. Particularly because of the protagonist’s indifference and lack of emotional response to everything happening.
10th place
Barbie (2023)
It is technically a good movie with a good message, and quite entertaining here and there, but also quite stressful to get through, especially Ken’s scenes. Considering the message is gender equality, 80% of the movie was so full of misogyny, that I would have had liked to pause it (watched it in the theatre though).
The OST is great, especially Billie‘s song. And I loved the dance scene with all the guys at the end.
Still, though, there are too many scenes I didn’t like, so not really re-watch worthy.
9th place
Elemental (Pixar)
As I mentioned in my review, I do overall like this movie and totally don’t mind that Pixar doesn’t always drop a masterpiece. The animation truly is amazing as well. However, compared to the other movies I’ve watched, it just wasn’t that good.
8th place
Teenage Kraken (DreamWorks)
It is certainly not the best from DreamWorks and I did have a hard time deciding whether Elemental should be ranked before or after this. But it was fun overall and is much more underrated than Pixar’s new movie. I was a bit disappointed in the story, though.
7th place
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Although I really like this movie, at the same time I wouldn’t want to watch it again.
“Why is it ranked so high then?” Well, it is well-made, with high quality. But it’s one of the movies that will simply leave you empty at the end, with no words to describe the ride. Also it’s a bit gory, and if you’re an animal-lover, it gets a bit emotional.
6th place
Red, white & royal blue (2023)
I didn’t like the whole coming-outs much, as well as the rest of the drama, but given they’re both children of the 2 most famous people worldwide, it is understandable. The ending was moving, the actors were great and I liked the “lower quality” from a production POV.
5th place
Drifting home (Ame o tsugeru hyōryū danchi) (2022)
Genuinely didn’t expect this anime to become one of my best animes I’ve ever watched, but here we are. The animation is Makoto-Shinkai-level and I bet you, if it were from him, it had been the most scored anime in 2023. The synopsis may sound a little weird, but don’t worry, it doesn’t get cringe, which anime is often known for! It’s actually quite emotional, the characters aren’t annoying and well-scripted with nice, atmospheric music.
4th place
MLP EG: Forgotten Friendship (2018)
Technically it’s not a movie and more of a long episode, but I’m counting it anyways. Gotta be one of my favourite chapters from Equestria Girls in the My little Pony franchise. I especially loved the story revolving Wallflower and her song “Invisible”.
3rd place
Bros (2022)
Finally a queer movie that’s also with queer actors. The writers are queer too, so it’s a realistic representation of the gay/queer world, particularly the hook ups.
As rom-coms aren’t my thing, I did have to get used to the atmosphere, but it was enjoyable overall.
2nd place
Everything everywhere all at once (2022)
Quite an unexpected movie, in a good way. So much happening, I don’t know where to start. But it has queer rep and a hetero couple that I really rooted for. The soundtrack is amazing, and so is the vfx. Truly something.
A film that needs to be experienced, so best is, if you go in with not many expectations/info!
1st place
Strange World (Disney, 2022)
The first openly gay character in Disney and as a protagonist! Plus, it’s an animated movie with gorgeous artwork, as well as an interesting world that tackles real-life problems such as climate change.
Very disappointed in the marketing because this movie truly deserves to be seen and be popular.
