Top 20: Favorite Movies of 2025

Like every year, I created a list of my favorite films. It’s based on Dutch release dates, so you might see some movies on this list that are originally from 2024, but came out in 2025 in The Netherlands. And you will miss movies, because they will be released in 2026 or I just simply haven’t seen it yet. Since I don’t get to see EVERY film. I thought it was a pretty solid movie year. Here is my list, my 20 favorite films of 2025.
 

20. Paddington in Peru
Kicking of the list with the world’s most polite bear. If any film on this list resembles a warm hug, it’s this one. Although not as impactful as the previous two, “Paddington in Peru” proves that everyone’s favorite bear is still the gold standard for family cinema. Moving the action from London to the landscapes of the Amazon. Whimsical and witty, while adding a thrilling adventure in Peru. A perfect film for a family movie night. Or for anyone who just loves Paddington, like me. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

19. Saturday Night
Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” is an engaging underdog story that captures the chaos of the 90 minutes leading up to the debut episode of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. It’s an energetic somewhat nerve-wrecking film, in real-time,  showing us the messy magic of television. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

18. The Thursday Murder Club
This might not be seen as one of the best movies of 2025, but this is personal. As a big fan of Richard Osman’s book series, I absolutely needed this film. And it’s a delightful and witty adaptation of the bestselling novel. It captures the heart, humor and suspense of its source material. An old-fashioned, cozy murder mystery. And when I was skeptic about Pierce Brosnan as Ron, I was pleasantly surprised. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

17. Ocean with David Attenborough
The first of two documentaries on this list. And when it comes to nature documentaries, David Attenborough is the master. “Ocean with David Attenborough” is a profoundly important film that serves as a powerful call to action for the planet’s future. Released to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 99^th birthday, the film pairs his rich, timeless voice with spectacular cinematography of vibrant coral reefs and deep-sea wonders. While it delivers a sucker punch by exposing the horror of industrial overfishing and habitat destruction, it masterfully balances this despair with a ray of optimism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

16. Warfare
“Warfare” is an uncompromising and unforgettable masterclass in tension. With a traditional narrative, the film uses a real-time structure to recreate a harrowing 2006 Navy SEAL mission with so much realism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

15. Fantastic Four: First Steps
I had high hopes for this movie and really looked forward to seeing it. And it didn’t disappoint. The retro-futuristic 1960s world feels both nostalgic and entirely fresh. The film is visually stunning and the ensemble cast have the best chemistry, with Vanessa Kirby as the heart of it all, delivering an emotionally powerful standout performance. I was a bit tired of Marvel, but this movie proofs they are not dead yet. READ MYFULL REVIEW HERE.
 

14. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
The final film in the series, or so they say, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The perfect blockbuster, high-stakes emotional callbacks, jaw-dropping stunts. Tom Cruise in peak form, whether he is dangling from a plane or navigating an underwater submarine sequence. While the film is nearly three hours long, it pays off with an amazing final act and a heart-pounding conclusion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

13. Nosferatu
Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is a magnificent horror film, that reclaims the vampire as a source of pure sinister nightmare fuel. Shifting the focus to Ellen Hutter, a wonderful performance by Lily-Rose Depp, capturing the visceral terror of a woman in thrall to an ancient evil. Bill Skarsgård embodies Count Orlok, with a super creepy performance. It’s an immersive fever dream, as almost all of Robert Eggers’ films are. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

12. Companion
“Companion” is a clever, original sci-fi horror comedy, that successfully subverts expectations at every turn. Sophie Thatcher is magnetic as Iris and Jack Quaid is equally impressive, delivering a performance that seems like the nice guy, but is eventually far from that. I think this was my biggest surprise this year and a film that will probably be overlooked by a lot of people. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

11. How to Train Your Dragon
As a fan of the animation, I was so excited to see it being turned into a live-action movie. Was it necessary? Probably not, but I’m glad it exists. It is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging live-action reimagining that breathes new life into the beloved animation. The film captures the heart and soul of the first story while offering a more grounded mature tone. Mason Thames is well cast as the earnest, awkward hiccup and his chemistry with Nico Parker’s Astrid is present. Gerard Butler plays father Stoick, who he also provided the voice for in the animated version. And John Powell’s  iconic score is also in it, which is one of my favorite scores of all-time. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

10. A Real Pain
As two mismatched cousins tour Polan to honor their late grandmother, their old tension resurface against the backdrop of their family history. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who alongside Kieran Culkins also stars in it. Culkin won an Academy Award for his role, well-deserved. A smaller film with a ton of emotion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

9. Frankenstein
The story of “Frankenstein”, based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley, has been told so many times. But somehow Guillermo del Toro is the director that was made to do it too. He managed to create a faithful and emotionally resonant adaptation of the book. Jacob Elordi was a surprising choice for the monster, but his performance was amazing. A deeply human portrayal of the Creature. And Oscar Isaac is riveting as a tormented arrogant Victor Frankenstein. The gothic atmosphere is right up del Toro’s alley. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

8. Sinners
This movie is best viewed with having no prior knowledge of the plot. This movie will definitely blow your mind. Twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, open their own club in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. Leaving their troubled lives behind, they are trying to start over, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Director Ryan Coogler reinvents a horror subgenre through a rich Southern Gothic lens. Michael B. Jordan delivers a career-defining dual performance, anchoring the story that masterfully blends horror with a look on Black American history and the power of community. One of the two films on this list that Inhave rewatched already. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

7. Sing Sing
A group of prisoners form a theater group. Not your traditional prison drama, but a hopeful testament to the redemptive power of art. Coleman Domingo delivers a riveting and unforgettable performance as Divine G, a wrongfully convicted man who finds his humanity through a prison theater program. The film is authentic, mostly because of the unique ensemble cast, featuring real-life alumni of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program playing fictionalized versions of themselves. “Sing Sing” is a authentic and powerful film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

6. Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
I was surprised to see that it didn’t get the best reviews. People were disappointed, because it didn’t follow the standard formula of a biopic. But I believe that’s the power of this film, because we have seen that type of biopic way too many times. In “Deliver Me from Nowhere”, we focus on a more unknown part of Bruce Springsteen’s life, during the making of his album “Nebraska”. When everyone around him want to make an album with hits, Springsteen just wanted to write these personal songs, no hits, no tour. It’s a raw, emotional and hauntingly beautiful film, with a great performance from Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen. Went to see it with my dad, a Springsteen fan, and we both really loved every minute of it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

5. Materialists
I expected a standard romcom, merely went to see it for the cast. And I’m not a lover of romantic comedies, with a few exceptions here and there. But director Celine Song made a mature deconstruction of the modern romcom. Dakota Johnson’s character is layered and as a professional matchmaker she is caught in a fascinating ideological tug-of-war between two vastly different men: a wealthy, polished suitor played by Pedro Pascal and a scruffy, soulful ex played by Chris Evans. The story touches on some tough themes, creating depth for both the characters and the stories. Loved it more then I expected. For the fans of typical, predictable romcoms, this is not the one for you. That’s why I loved it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

4. John Candy: I Like Me
I don’t think a documentary has ever ended up this high on my end-of-the-year list. If you didn’t grow up on John Candy movies, you will probably not feel the same while watching this film. “John Candy: I Like Me” is a heartfelt and heartbreaking documentary that serves as the definitive tribute to a one-of-a-kind comedy legend. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film masterfully weaves together never-before-seen home videos with interviews from stars like Steve Martin, Dan Ayrkoryd, Catherine O’Hara and Tom Hanks. This documentary had me in tears within the first five minutes. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

3. Weapons
This is the year’s “what the fuck did I just what”-movie. Directed by Zach Cregger, who also made “Barbarian”. He gives us an original, surprising and shocking horror film. The story is told in a non-linear structure, where an entire elementary class disappears, aside from one kid, with no explanation whatsoever. Weirdly wonderful and unforgettable. READMY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

2. One Battle After Another
“One Battle After Another” is a bold and exhilarating crime thriller, from director Paul Thomas Anderson. He manages to combine nerve-shredding thriller with satire. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an inspired performance that is very reminiscent of The Dude from “The Big Lebowski”. Newcomer Chase Infinity really steals the show and Sean Penn is one of the most disgusting, awful characters I’ve seen this year. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.  
 

1. Wake Up Dead Man
The last 2025 movie I watched this year ended up being my favorite. I saw most of the films in my top 5 at the very end of the year. “Wake Up Dead Man” is a brilliant third entry in Rian Johnson’s whodunit “Knives Out” franchise. It’s masterfully blending the series’ signature wit with a darker, more contemplative tone. While Daniel Craig remains as charismatic as ever, Josh O’Connor delivers a standout performance as the earnest Father Jud, who serves as the film’s emotional anchor. The atmospheric gothic church is the backdrop of this well-crafted murder mystery. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

Honorable mentions: Better Man, Baby Girl, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Steve, Thunderbolts, F1, 28 Years Later

Top 20: Favorite Movies of 2024

Like every year, I created a list of my favorite films. It’s based on Dutch release dates, so you might see some movies on this list that are originally from 2023, but came out in 2023 in The Netherlands. And you will miss movies, because they will be released in 2024 or I just simply haven’t seen it yet. Since I don’t get to see EVERY film. I thought it was a pretty solid movie year. Here is my list, my 20 favorite films of 2024.
 

20. Juror # 2
A 12-member jury must decide whether a suspect is guilty of murder. Eleven jurors immediately think so, but one members doubts it. This is the classic premise of “12 Angry men”, but it gets a nice twist in “Juror # 2”. This will questions your morals and ethics, which makes it for a very exciting viewing experience. Clint Eastwood stated this will be his last directed film and he ends on a high note. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

19. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Tim Burton is the king of gothic horror comedies and “Beetlejuice” from 1988 was a breakthrough film. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is the long-awaited sequel. Where you first think it will give us much of the same, you are very wrong. It was a joy to see old and new characters in this entertaining film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

18. The Zone of Interest
Chilling film about Nazi leader Rudolf Höss, who lives with his family right next to Auschwitz. An “average” German family, desperately pretending that the tragedy taking place behind the walls of the camp does not exist and has nothing to do with them. Rock-solid, impressive film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

17. Longlegs
My WTF-film of the year. Rookie FBI-agent Lee is assigned to the search for a serial killer who has struck sporadically for decades. The hunt for a serial killer will appeal to a large audience and horror fans will not be disappointed, but “Longlegs” is not for everyone. It’s an unusual film with a slow pace and much focus on atmoshere. In the end, you’re left speechless and thinking “what did I just watch”. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

16. A Quiet Place: Day One
A prequel to the successful “A Quiet Place” (2018). Here we see what happened on day one. Because we are switching from the countryside (fairly quiet) to New York (very loud), it makes for a original new viewing experience. It could be easily viewed without having to see the other two movies, but I would recommend watching them first. Although not as great as the previous films, I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

15. Young Woman and the Sea
Set in the roaring 20s, we meet Trudy Ederle, who became the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel. Based on a true story, that really amazed me. Daisy Ridley does a fantastic job as Trudy and also a small yet memorable role for Stephen Graham, who is a personal favorite of mine. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

14. Speak No Evil
An American remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. An American couple meets a British couple on holiday. The Americans are invited by the other couple to visit them at their country home in England. There is a constant feeling of unease and that makes this film very good. “Speak No Evil” is an exciting, dark, psychological thriller. With a noteworthy performance by James McAvoy. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

13. The Iron Claw
If you want to see a story about a heartbreaking family tragedy, “The Iron Claw” is your movie. We follow the unfortunate Von Erich family, a family of wrestlers. Brothers Kevin, Kerry, David and Mike all gain fame in the ring, following in the footsteps of their father and now coach, Fritz. For dad, wrestling is all there is and he makes no secret of who his favorite is of his sons. Zac Efron plays an amazing, unexpected role. This film will break your heart, especially when you learn it’s based on a true story. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

12. Rebel Ridge
From the first minute, in which the African-American Terry is run off his bicycle by a bunch of white cops, this action thriller puts you on the edge of your seat. Terry is on his way to court to post bail for his incarcerated cousin, but the police distrust him and confiscate his money. But Terry does not back down. Pulp, suspense and social drama is blended perfectly and makes “Rebel Ridge” for a rare intense and compelling whole. I loved lead Aaron Pierre, but also Don Johnson, as the corrupt police chief. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

11. Deadpool & Wolverine
Did you really think I wouldn’t put this movie on my list? This film was everything I hoped for and more. Lots of meta-jokes and rampant action. If you’re not familiar with the Marvel Universe, especially the more old school Marvel, you will not enjoy it as much. Because pop culture references will be flying all over. I loved it because of it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

10. Women of the Hour
Reality is often stranger than fiction. In 1978, a man who would later be convicted of murdering and raping six women (though the actual number is probably much higher) entered an American dating show, and won. “Woman of the Hour”, directed by Anna Kendrick, revolves around this bizarre fact. Although the story focusses on his victims and the woman who narrowly escaped him. And that last part is why this film is so strong. The film makes painfully clear how much women know that danger is never really far away in this world, while men feel so free that a serial killer dares to participate in a dating show. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

9. Caddo Lake
The misty wetlands of Caddo Lake, with its winding waterways and ancient cypress trees, provide the setting for this thriller. One evening, a young girl disappears without a trace on the lake. Her sister discovers this has something to do with previous disappearances in the area. “Caddo Lake” is best to watch without knowing too much about the plot. It has some mind-blowing plot twists and remains intriguing until the very end. Really strong mystery. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

8. Twisters
This film would win the “most surprising film of the year” award. The film “Twister” came out in 1996 and was a success, but it’s not that people were asking for a sequel. And it certainly didn’t need one. Am I glad they did eventually make one? YES! I was surprised at how much I actually loved this film and I can see myself rewatching this film multiple times. It’s a disaster movie, with excellent actions sequences, but it has so much more layers to it. And you actually care about the characters. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

7. Poor Things
The movie that gave Emma Stone her well-deserved second Academy Award. Bella is the adopted daughter of surgeon Godwin Baxter, whom Bella calls God for short. Bella is God’s most successful experiment. Bella’s brain is far behind on her body. It’s an overwhelming film from director Yorgos Lathimos. Often hilarious, but also poignant and intriguing. Weird, but the good kind. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

6. Blink Twice
Like the previous mentioned “Caddo Lake”, “Blink Twice” is also best experiences without knowing too much about it. And with this film, there is no way you can ever predict where it’s heading. In this wonderful directorial debut by Zoë Kravitz, we meet waitress Freida, who is invited to the private island of a tech entrepreneur. What seems like a luxurious free trip, turns out into something complete unexpected. You have no idea what’s going on, but there are subtle hints and a constant ominous feeling that make you sure something is very wrong. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

5. Inside Out 2
Almost 10 years after the first “Inside Out” movie came out, we meet young Riley as she is now a 13-year-old girl ready for new, more complex emotions such as anxiety, jealousy and shame. When the new emotions show up in Riley’s head, a power struggle between the old and new soon ensues. The concept remains strong, and the humor and morals as well. Pixar did it again! READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

4. The Holdovers
Comedic drama set on the nearly empty campus of an upscale boarding school. It’s winter 1970, almost Christmas, and everyone is going home. Except for a handful of poor kids and staff. Among them the grumpy and strict professor Paul Hunham, cook Mary Lamb and student Angus. A lost trio who eventually learn wise lessons during their forced stay on campus. This film warmed my heart. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

3. Dune”: Part Two
Probably the favorite of many people this year. And I understand why. Frank Herbert’s novels have been previously adapted by David Lynch. For many it hit a cult status, but trying to put such a complex, long story into one film just didn’t capture it all. That’s why Denis Villeneuve decided to create three films, with the second one picking up where the first part ends: Paul Atreides and his mother Jessica manage to escape the barbaric attack of the Harkonnens just in time, which spells the downfall of Atreides family. They join the Fremen, the clever deser dwellers on planet Arrakid, with whom Paul plots to avenge his family, welcoming him as thei long-awaited messiah. Like its predecessor, “Dune: Part Two” is a beautifully crafted, grand and sensuous cinematic spectacle. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

2. American Fiction
Intelligent satire about literature teacher and author Thelonius “Monk” Ellison, who writes a fake book to hold a mirror up to the white literary world and their obsession with stereotypical black books. The film is a kind of satirical Trojan Horse. The overt criticism of the book community of the early 2000s masks a sly meta-commentary on Hollywood’s current obsession with “Oscary-baity middle films” about the personal struggles of the elite. Jeffrey Wright was amazing as Monk and I absolutely loved everything about this film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

1. The Wild Robot
After a crash, an advanced robot washes up on a desert island. Lacking humans to serve, the machine gradually learns to coexist with a motley crew of wild animals. Based on a book by Peter Brown, the film is original. But also adorable, beautifully designed, with successful humor and a warm, wise moral. I don’t think I ever picked an animated film as my favorite of the year and it’s not even by Disney. “The Wild Robot” made me feel every emotion and I urge everyone to see it, young and old! READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

Honorable mentions: Good Grief, La Sociedad de la Nieve, Mothers’ Instinct, Monkey Man,
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. Challengers, Lonely Planet
 

Top 20: Favorite Movies of 2023

 I only had a handful of five-star movies this year. It was an average movie year. But with some real stand-outs. Like every year, I created a list of my favorite films. It’s based on Dutch release dates, so you might see some movies on this list that are originally from 2022, but came out in 2023 in The Netherlands. And you will miss movies, because they will be released in 2024 or I just simply haven’t seen it yet. Since I don’t get to see EVERY film. Here is my list, my 20 favorite films of 2023.
 

20. Knock at the Cabin
If only you make the right choice, the world can be saved from destruction. That is roughly the message of four equally kind of terrifying unannounced visitors who knock on the door of the remote forest couple, where an eight year-old-girl and her two dads are vacationing. They give them an impossible proposition. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, finally back with a strong thriller. I was especially impressed with Dave Bautista’s performance in this film. Based on a book by Paul Tremblay. READ MY FULL REVIEWHERE.
 

19. Babylon
Hollywood, 1926. The stars of silent films are still shining brightly, but a year later, the first talking movie (“The Jazz Singer” by All Jolston) will turn Hollywood relations completely upside down. And end the careers of veteran Jack Conrad and exuberant newcomer Nellie LaRoy. Whirlwind, eighty-million-dollar, more than three-hour spectacle from director Damien Chazelle, who made favorites “La La Land” and “Whiplash”. It’s both a jazzy ode to the magic of cinema and cutting satire on the debauchery of Hollywood. Enchanting and repulsive at the same time. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

18. The Angel Maker
This Danish crime thriller came as a total surprise. We follow Laura, a detective specializing in cyber-crime, who is called back to work after a woman is found dead, holding a memory card. Together with her new partner Jesper, they find a disturbing video of a man killing a naked woman. Scandinavian crime thrillers are known to be dark and raw, and “The Angel Maker” is no exception. It’s very graphic and the ending left me speechless and with my jaw dropping to the floor. Hidden gem. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

17. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
After six “Mission: Impossible” films, you would think it’ll be hard to come up with any fresh ideas. As such, the plot of the seventh installment, centered around a runaway AI program, is on the bland side. Fortunately, however, this is offset by the personal mission of leading man Tom Cruise to continually outdo himself. Because yes, there are some matchless stunts and action scenes that will be very memorable. The scene on the train was amazing! Also fine addition of Hayley Atwell as a crafty thief. Not the best in the still ongoing series, but I highly enjoyed it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

16. Saltburn
An Oxford student struggles to fit in with the rest of the students. Until a charming and aristocratic classmate invites him to spend the summer with him and his eccentric family. This film is edgy, raunchy and daring. The most WTF-movie I’ve seen all year. Some scenes make you feel vicariously embarred and uncomfortable. It’s provocative and anything but subtle. I would want to recommend this film, but I don’t know to whom. Because this is not a film for everyone. You are warned. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.  
 

15. A Man Called Otto
Otto is a bitter, grumpy man ever since his wife died. He is done with life, until a new family movies into his street. They see the good in him. Based on the best-selling novel “A Man Called Öve”. Tom Hanks plays the titular Otto and everyone knows how much I love him. Just a very heartwarming movie, a warm hug in movie form. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

14. The Equalizer 3
After quitting his job as an assassin in the service of the government, Robert McCall leaves for Southern Italy. He is trying to live an anonymous, peaceful life, until he sees his new friends being threatened by local crime bosses. He decides to protect his friends by taking on the mafia.  Denzel Washington once again manages to bring out two sides of McCall. A likeable, trustworthy man, but also a cold-blooded killing machine. The tone of this third installment is different from the other two, but it fits the film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

13. A Haunting in Venice
Kenneth Branagh’s third film based on an Agatha Christie book, and with him as Hercule Poirot. The previous “Murder On the Orient Express” was fine, “Death on the Nile” was simply disappointing. “A Haunting in Venice” is based on the book “Halloween Party” and follows the inspector taking some time of in Venice. When he is invited to a séance, he is there to proof that the medium is a fake. When a death occurs, Poirot has to get back to work, someone in this Venetian house is a murderer. This is my favorite of Branagh’s Hercule Poirot films, simply because it has a different take on the murder story by adding a horror-element to it. Very atmospheric, entertaining and a clever mystery. I don’t really understand why the average rating of this film is so low, I loved it. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.  
 

12. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Through a pipe system under Brooklyn, plumber brothers Mario and Luigi are catapulted into another world. In the process, Mario enters the Mushroom Kingdom of Princess Peach. And Luigi into the dark lava world of King Bowser. Defeating him requires the help of Donkey Kong. The storyline is wafer-thin, but I didn’t care. Its nostalgia, it’s fun, it’s enjoyable and a real rollercoaster ride. And they choose the perfect voice actor for one of the characters. Jack Black is killing it as Bowser. Fun for the entire family, but mostly for the ones who grew up playing the videogames. READ MY FULL REVIEWHERE.
 

11. The Boogeyman
After a strange man invades their home, a psychologist’s daughters are plagued by a shadow monster. The longer their fear of it is denied, the bigger it gets. “The Boogeyman” is loosely based on a short story by Stephen King and it’s one of the best horror movies I have seen in a while. What scares me the most in movies like this is what you don’t see. The makers of “The Boogeyman” understand this perfectly. It’s an inventive supernatural psychological horror film that unfolds slowly but aptly. READ MYFULL REVIEW HERE.
 

10. John Wick: Chapter 4
John Wick finds himself hunted down by yet another group of hitmen as he dares to take on the new leader of crime sect The Table. Is this movie over the top? Yes. Unbelievable? Definitely. But also incredibly energetic and despite the three-hour runtime, not boring for a second. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

9. Missing
Now that you can stay in touch everywhere and everything is trackable, how can you still lose someone? That’s the premise for the all-digital search of 18-year-old June (freat performance by Storm Reid) for her single mother. Who hasn’t come home from her trip to Colombia with her new boyfriend. It’s sounds like a standard missing person thriller, but because we follow it all through the eyes of all sorts of media formats (computers, phones, cameras, etc.) this film is really unique. In 2018 there was “Searching”, which was also a favorite of the year, “Missing” manages to do the same for me. The film has several nice twists, and manages to be surprising. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

8. Barbie
Barbie lives in Barbieland, lead by women. Seemingly perfect, but one morning something is off. Barbie believes she needs to leave for the real world to search for answers. There, together with Ken, she discovers that in the real world men are in charge. Which will have major consequences for Barbieland. The film’s many messages (inclusivity, feminism, patriarchy) were clearly important to director Greta Gerwig, which make for an interesting viewing. I think most people went into this film with different expectations. I knew what to expect and loved what the movie had to say. And that monologue by America Ferrara will stay with me forever. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
 

7. Killers of the Flower Moon
In the early 1920s, dozens of members of the Osage tribe were murdered after oil was found on their land. Among the victims were many Osage women, who were remarkably often married to white men. This monumental film adaptation of David Grann’s nonfiction books of the same name is about one such couple: Mollie and Ernest Burkhart. The not too savvy Ernest is a nephew of rancher William hale, who turns out to be the mastermind behind the Osage murders. Director Martin Scorsese descends deep into the soul of capitalist America. And impressively played epic drama. Over 200 minutes long, but they fly by. READ MYFULL REVIEW HERE.
 

6. Asteroid City
As is often the case in Wes Anderson films, several realities intertwine in this one. But the main one takes place in Asteroid City, a remote desert town in the 1950s. there, an alien suddenly lands, which will forever change the lives of a handful of characters currently residing in Asteroid City. Shot in pastel tones, this ode to the misfits, which Anderson packed with well-known actors for whom he wrote a host of delightfully quirky and dryly comic characters. Wes Anderson is one of my favorite directors, I just love his style, it’s so unique and he is like no other. Most people don’t understand my love for Anderson, but “Asteroid City” is just everything I hoped it would be. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

5. EO
Every year there is this one movie on the list that probably no one has seen. This year it’s “EO”. Circus donkey EO is freed by animal activists and meets the many faces of man during a life of adventure. EO serves as a working donkey, is transported, ends up in a horse clinic and in the paradisical garden of an Italian villa. EO dreams of his friend Magda, has nightmares, wanders around a surreal fairytale forest. Pure film poetry by Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski. A film that portrays us humans as being shitty. Conclusion: most people suck. A very important movie that left a lasting impression on me.  READY MY FULL REVIE HERE.
 

4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Oscar winner “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018) set the bar for animated films exceptionally high. Can this sequel match it? Yes it can! Miles and Gwen go from one universe to another and meet hundreds of new Spider-characters. As a creative person myself, I applaud movies like this. It’s full of creative finds, many different animation styles, this movie is visually mind-blowing. It’s such a unique animation, a new benchmark within the medium. A-MA-ZING! READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

3. Oppenheimer
Impressive biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the ‘father’ of the atomic bomb. From his student days in England in the 1920s, where he learned about Bohr and quantum mechanics, to the secret interrogations in the 1950s, when the celebrated scientist was suspected of communist sympathies. All by pass, but center of gravity is the development, construction and detonation of the atomic bomb in Los Alamos, new Mexico. As always with Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” has become a visual spectacle , but Nolan also grants us a glimpse into the tormented mind of Oppenheimer himself, who knew that after his invention, the world had changed forever. Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. give memorable and outstanding performances. READ MY FULL REVIEWHERE.
 

2. The Banshees of Inisherin
We meet Pádraic and Colm, two friends on the fictional island of Inisherin. It is 1923 and a civil wat is raging on the mainland, but that is nothing more than the backdrop to the war that will ensue between Pádraic and Colm when Colm cancels the friendship overnight. Pádraic does not understand and refuse to accept Colm’s decision. Even when the latter threatens to cut off his own fingers if Pádraic continues to harass him. By director Martin McDonagh, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, it’s just a wryly comic and tragic as the director’s other movies. And just as good. Love everything about it. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Director James Gunn concludes his trilogy about Marvel’s wackiest superhero team with dignity. The film zooms in on the history of Rocket (my favorite Marvel character), which is a surprisingly grim and emotional story (many tears were shed, and with many tears I mean that I cried like a baby). I knew it as soon as the end credits started rolling: this is my favorite movie of 2023. Not because it’s the best movie.No. Because this series is so dear to my heart and the third installment hit all the right nerves and gave me everything I needed. It’s an important movie for animal rights, showing us how cruel mankind is to them and nature. And that most people are dicks. An emotional rollercoaster: funny, exciting, sad, entertaining as hell. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is my favorite movie of 2023. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
 
Honorable mentions: Nyad, Leave the World Behind, The Whale, Creed III, Reptile, The Last Voyage of the Demeter