From 'Oppenheimer' to 'Barbie,' here are 2023's best movies and how to watch them now

The number of movies released this year inched higher than previous years in post-pandemic America, according to Statista.

But that number is still nowhere near the pre-pandemic numbers of 2019, and it shows.

Blockbusters were fewer, and this year’s domestic gross — currently at $8.3 billion and counting — is still $3 billion off the movie business’s all-time high of $11.9 billion in 2018. Thank “Barbie,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” for doing much of the heavy lifting this year.

The pandemic helped fuel the hunger for content and, sensing an easy buck, the studios happily obliged, bypassing theaters (out of necessity for that period) and burning some of the best properties in the process. For the record, Disney is rectifying that by releasing three of its streaming-only animated films from Pixar, including the wonderful “Soul,” in theaters in 2024.

But ultimately, there was a problem with the streaming-only strategy. The numbers to support the streaming gold rush were never there, and the economics didn’t mesh with audience expectations, resulting in a lackluster year for movies.

Part of me gets why some would prefer to stream movies over seeing them in the theater. Why would we do that when we can enjoy the solitude sans cell phone lights, incessant talking and high concession prices? I personally have a more-than-adequate setup in my home that includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and a couple other bells and whistles.

But for a film with any type of buzz, I want to experience it with an audience. Period. No, my wife, sons and mother do not count.

And Hollywood is getting back to that, slowly but surely. The result in 2023 is decidedly mixed. From where I sit, there are only a couple of films I can consider the “best” of 2023.

There are more than a few, however, that I consider my favorites from this year — a couple based on pure nostalgia, others based on sheer originality and still others based on artistry from filmmakers who continue to display excellence in the craft.

Also, keep in mind that my viewings are in no way indicative of all that’s been released this year. There are plenty of smaller films that haven’t or won’t make it to this area.

That being said, here are my favorites from 2023:

'Oppenheimer' (Universal)

Director Christopher Nolan takes what would have been a rote biopic in the hands of most directors and crafts a story of intrigue that not only explores the man behind the development of the atomic bomb – Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) – but also wrestles with the morality of the bomb’s development and its reach across history.

How to watch: 4K Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and available for purchase at various digital storefronts; no streaming yet.

'Killers of the Flower Moon' (Paramount/Apple)

Martin Scorsese explores one of the greatest injustices in this country’s history as members of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma are murdered and exploited for their access to oil money. The entire enterprise was headed by William Hale (Robert DeNiro), the sleazy head of a ranching family, and his nephew Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio).

'Killers of the Flower Moon' review: A return to form for Martin Scorsese

How to watch: Only available for purchase on digital storefronts; no streaming or physical media.

'Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse' (Columbia)

This film explores the adventures of Miles Morales as he deals with life as a superhero. It strikes the right tone, and the animation captivates. It was the best superhero film of the year.

How to watch: 4K Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray Disc, DVD, or stream on Netflix.

'The Holdovers' (Focus Features)

Director Alexander Payne last worked with Paul Giamatti on “Sideways” in 2004. The result then: an Oscar-worthy film about a schlub living his life. The result now: an Oscar-worthy film about a schlub history teacher trying to live his life while babysitting Christmas break “holdovers” at an upper crust New England prep school.

'The Holdovers' review: Paul Giamatti, Alexander Payne deliver, George Thomas writes

How to watch: Available on assorted digital storefronts for purchase; no streaming or physical media yet (set to release in July 2024).

'Rustin' (Netflix)

“Rustin,” the story of a gay civil rights icon in the 1960s, likely won’t make a lot of “best” lists. It is a fairly by-the-book biopic about Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo) and his ability to organize and carry out the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington D.C. It does, however, feature at least one best: a wonderful, nuanced performance from Domingo in the title role. For those who’ve not seen it, it’s definitely worth checking out.

How to watch: Stream on Netflix.

'American Fiction' (Amazon MGM Studios)

“American Fiction” is based on a novel about an African-American college professor (Jeffrey Wright) whose novels can’t find an audience because they’re not viewed as “Black enough.”

After yet another rejection, he pens a novel filled with stereotypes, bad grammar, absentee fathers and drug abuse that becomes a bestseller and award winner.

The plot sounds simple, but there are layers of complexity to this film that can run the gamut from hilarious to heartbreaking, and it’s all anchored by Wright’s captivating performance.

How to watch: Releasing in theaters nationwide Dec. 22.

'Barbie' (Warner Bros.)

Director Greta Gerwig presents a brilliant skewering of gender stereotypes through the eyes of the quintessential pop culture symbol that represented perfection to much of the American public. It’s intelligent, and the production pops off the screen. It also features engaging performances from Margot Robbie as the Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken.

'Barbie' review: Movie puts satire in place of glitz as it skewers gender roles

How to watch: 4K Blu-ray Disc, Blu-ray Disc, DVD, or stream on Max.

'Maestro' (Netflix)

Bradley Cooper gives a mesmerizing performance while diving into the life and motivations of one of the most preeminent conductors of classical music ever, Leonard Bernstein. It’s not just enough to admire Cooper’s acting and directing; you must also appreciate his commitment to the role, especially in one stand-out scene where his passion pours out onto the screen.

How to watch: It has a limited theatrical run, with the only local showing at the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights. It will debut on Netflix Dec. 20.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: From 'Barbie' to 'Oppenheimer,' these were the best movies in 2023