Best of 2023: List of Best Movies, TV Shows, Songs, Books and More Here

As the curtain falls on 2023, a mere 15 days usher in the dawn of 2024. Culture aficionados grapple with an array of unforgettable cinematic journeys, gripping TV sagas, melodious albums, captivating literature, artistic masterpieces, and even the intriguing A.I.-crafted SpongeBob spectacles that held the rapt attention of discerning reporters, astute editors, and visionary visual journalists throughout the year. These are not merely fleeting moments but indelible imprints that have etched themselves into our collective consciousness.

As we bid a fond farewell to the year gone by, let us delve into the crème de la crème of 2023. Join us in a reflective exploration of the paramount achievements in film, television, music, literature, and beyond, encapsulating the very essence of what made this year truly exceptional.

List Of Best Movies, TV Shows, Songs, Books and More

Here is a list of the Best of 2023 including movies, TV Shows, songs, books and more:

1. Art - Havah

Creator: Shahzia Sikander

Location: Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park is currently showcasing the inaugural public project by the esteemed Pakistani American artist Shahzia Sikander, titled "Havah... to breathe, air, life." This compelling creation consists of a remarkable pair of female figures, captivating viewers until June 4. One of these sculptures is positioned atop the adjacent Courthouse of the Appellate Division, First Department of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, as captured in the image above during the mid-installation phase. The second monument adorns Madison Square Park itself, featuring an augmented-reality element that assists visitors in identifying its majestic counterpart soaring in the vicinity.

2. Theater - The Engagement Party 

Written By - SAMUEL BAUM

Directed By - DARKO TRESNJAK

Under the direction of Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak, "The Engagement Party" unravels the tumult that disrupts the opulent setting of the intimate engagement celebration for the affluent young couple, Josh (portrayed by Jonah Platt) and Katherine (embodied by Bella Heathcote). This compelling production, which originally premiered at Connecticut's Hartford Stage in 2019, is now gracing the stage at the Gil Cates Theater within the Geffen Playhouse, with performances scheduled through November 5.

Featuring intricate characters, a thoughtfully crafted set design, and a script brimming with surprises, "The Engagement Party" radiates brilliance akin to its prominently showcased jewel. This theatrical experience promises an engaging narrative that captivates audiences, offering a blend of complexity and unexpected twists that elevate it to a shining gem within the realm of stage productions.

3. Cultural Juggernaut - Barbie/Oppenheimer

Directors - Craig Mazin/Neil Druckmann

In 2023, the epitome of pop culture can be encapsulated in a single word: "Barbenheimer." The simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer on July 21 transformed into an organic cinematic celebration, marking a noteworthy holiday in the film realm. Months preceding this event were ablaze with fervent discussions online, and legions of movie enthusiasts flocked to theatres for their Saturday double-feature indulgence, some even donning thematic attire. Barbenheimer stands as an exemplar of successful counterprogramming, delivering a captivating and intellectually stimulating dual cinematic experience.

For those contemplating a replication of this phenomenon at home, recommendations abound to commence with Oppenheimer, creating a cinematic progression akin to a sophisticated "dessert after dinner" affair. The films experienced an explosive opening weekend, amassing a staggering $302 million in total revenue, thereby securing the accolade of the fourth highest-grossing industry weekend ever recorded in North America, according to CNN.

To date, the financial success of Barbie transcends borders, accumulating a formidable $1.4 billion worldwide. Simultaneously, Oppenheimer has garnered substantial acclaim, boasting a financial milestone of $950 million.

4. Non Fiction - Killers of the Flower Moon

Directed By - Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese's directorial prowess came to the fore with "Killers of the Flower Moon," debuting at the esteemed 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023. This cinematic marvel found its theatrical release in the United States on October 20, 2023, courtesy of Apple TV+ in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, gracing IMAX screens for an enhanced viewing experience. Garnering a global box office tally of $155 million, the film has emerged as a critical darling, earning accolades for Scorsese's adept direction, compelling screenplay, impeccable production values, seamless editing, breathtaking cinematography, evocative musical score, and stellar performances by a cast led by luminaries such as DiCaprio, Gladstone, and De Niro. However, the film's elongated runtime didn't escape critique despite its overall acclaim.

Basking in its triumphs, "Killers of the Flower Moon" claimed the prestigious title of Best Film at the National Board of Review and secured a spot among the top 10 films of 2023 as acknowledged by the American Film Institute. Its brilliance has further been recognized with seven Golden Globe nominations, including the coveted category of Best Motion Picture – Drama, affirming its stature as a cinematic masterpiece of the year.

5. Animated - The Boy And The Heron

Directed By - Hayao Miyazaki

On July 14, 2023, Toho unveiled "The Boy and the Heron" to Japanese audiences in a theatrical spectacle that transcended conventional cinema boundaries. The film, showcased in traditional theatres and premium formats like IMAX, marked a deliberate departure from conventional promotional strategies. Ghibli, the creative force behind the production, opted for a unique approach by withholding any trailers, images, synopses or casting details in anticipation of the Japanese premiere. The sole revelation preceding the unveiling was a solitary poster, shrouding the cinematic experience in an air of mystery.

This unorthodox strategy did not detract from the film's impact. Instead, "The Boy and the Heron" garnered widespread critical acclaim and amassed a global box office revenue exceeding $102 million. Recognizing its cinematic excellence, the film earned nominations across various prestigious awards, including considerations for Golden Globe Awards in the categories of Best Animated Film and Best Original Score. The intentional silence surrounding its promotion only added to the allure, cementing "The Boy and the Heron" as a cinematic gem that spoke volumes through its artistic merit.

6. Film - Past Lives

Directed By - Celine Song

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, "Past Lives" made its theatrical debut in the United States on June 2, 2023. Critics universally lauded the film, showering commendation upon Celine Song for her adept screenplay and direction, the captivating visual style, and the stellar performances delivered by Lee, Yoo, and Magaro. This cinematic masterpiece secured its place among the top ten films of 2023, as acknowledged by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.

The acclaim didn't stop there. "Past Lives" amassed a multitude of accolades, garnering five nominations at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, including a nod for Best Motion Picture – Drama. Rotten Tomatoes, the influential review aggregator, reflects the widespread acclaim with a remarkable 97% positive rating from 255 critics, boasting an impressive average score of 9.2/10. The consensus on the website aptly captures the essence of the film, hailing it as a "remarkable debut" for writer-director Celine Song, where the bonds between sensitively portrayed characters serve as a backdrop for poignant observations on the human condition. Metacritic, employing a weighted average, solidifies the film's standing with a score of 94 out of 100, based on evaluations from 51 critics, indicating nothing short of "universal acclaim" for this exceptional cinematic endeavour.

7. Book - The Bee Sting

Author: Paul Murray

Paul Murray unveiled "The Bee Sting," a compelling novel published by Macmillan. This literary work delves into the intricacies of the Barnes family from Ireland, vividly portraying their dysfunctional and hapless lives. The narrative artfully allocates segments to each of the four family members, providing a nuanced exploration of their individual experiences. The literary acclaim for "The Bee Sting" was swift and significant. The novel earned a coveted spot on the shortlist for the 2023 Booker Prize, a testament to its literary merit and storytelling prowess. Further solidifying its standing in the literary landscape, the book clinched the prestigious An Post Irish Book of the Year award, underscoring its impact and resonance within the literary community.