There’s a lot of movies that came out in 2023, and not all of them can be nominated for big awards, but that doesn’t make them any less good. Here are a few 2023 movies that weren’t nominated, that I still think everyone should watch!
Bottoms directed by Emma Seligman
Bottoms was one of my favorite movies of 2023. After 3 watches in theaters, and 2 watches at home, I can certainly say that it’s one of the funniest movies i’ve seen. With every rewatch, you can find even more details in the background that make it even more funny. It’s based around 2 lesbian girls starting a fight club to get their crushes to notice them. The movie has incredible performances from Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennot, both of which add so much to the movie. Marshawn Lynch is probably the funniest actor in this movie, and his improved jokes are so good. The movie has an interesting plot and it’s made perfectly hilarious by all of the actors.
Asteroid City directed by Wes Anderson
With a director who is well known for his style, it’s very expected with how this movie looks. Asteroid City is probably the most exaggerated Wes Anderson’s style has been. Bright colors, symmetrical frames, and a whirlwind of a plot. The only downside of this movie is the slightly confusing order of events. It’s a TV recording of a play within a movie, making it hard to keep track of what is real or not. But that confusion between reality and television is almost the point, with the play dragging you into the story behind the play, which is just as interesting. The set design and movement, while not huge or grand, are still interesting and keeps you engaged. The use of color is also engaging, with teal skies and orange deserts clashing against each other. The acting is also great, with a star studded cast and Wes Anderson’s usual leading actors, it’s no surprise that they gave a good performance. With their performances, they’re actors, playing actors, who are playing people, which makes a confusing chain of events and I can imagine that’s the reason why the incredibly well-made Asteroid City missed out on nominations.
The Iron Claw directed by Sean Durkin
The Iron Claw is a terribly sad true story based on the Von Erich family. The Von Erichs were a well known wrestling family, made up of six brothers. Death is a common theme, with the first brother dying as a child. That death sets the tone for the movie and the story builds around it and the supposed “Von Erich family curse.” In the movie, the writing team even left out one of the Von Erichs, worrying that it would get repetitive with too much death in the movie. The actors in this movie are incredible, and it’s probably the best performance High School Musical actor Zac Efron has ever given. Playing Kevin Von Erich, he shows the pain and emptiness of losing all of his brothers. This movie is devastating with death being followed by even more death.
Theater Camp directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman
Theater Camp is a fun, high energy mockumentary about a theater summer camp trying to survive being shut down. The characters are funny, and slightly stereotypical theater kids, but it’s hilarious. Molly Gordon directs and stars in it, alongside Broadway star Ben Platt. The youth actors are also incredible, making it an extremely fun movie from 2024.
Priscilla directed by Sofia Coppola
Sofia Coppola is a director with a very specific style of movies, and with the story of Priscilla, the wife of Elvis, seems to fit perfectly with her sense of storytelling. The movie is a rare example of telling the actual story behind Elvis, and his problematic relationship with Priscilla. It showcases the grooming, abuse, and emptiness that comes with being the wife of Elvis.
Dream Scenario directed by Kristoffer Borgli
Dream Scenario follows a mopey college professor named Paul, played by Nicolas Cage, as he is shot into fame by being the man showing up in everyone’s dreams. The movie also explores canceled culture as a whole, and how quickly someone good can turn bad in the eyes of the public. Dream Scenario is not necessarily a good movie, but it’s fun and that makes it worth it.
