2023 was an interesting year for entertainment. Although there was a nice bundle of releases, the Sag Aftra Strike forced Hollywood and viewers to step back and recognize the unrightful treatment towards the cast and crew in television and film productions. After a four-month protest, a decision was made on November 9th to meet the demands of workers of all levels in the entertainment industry.
Now, we can look at top releases from this year, and it’s clear the family genre was a clear winner from vintage releases like The Hunger Games, Barbie, Super Mario Brothers, and even the highly anticipated live-action The Little Mermaid. Thrillers come in a close second with live-action of the Gen Z-obsessed Five Nights At Freddy’s franchise, a zillennial version of Taken, and a creative hood conspiracy story with Who Cloned Tyrone. Gen Z’ers were top of mind in those writing rooms.
With Christmas coming its way, holiday films are saturating our screens. Take a break and walk down movie lane with these releases from the year that’ll end up on streaming platforms to watch at home. Check out Girls United’s favorite film releases for 2023.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
The beloved franchise of The Hunger Games holds a special place in many of our Zillennial hearts. When the news hit the timeline that the prequel to the cult classic film would happen, it reignited the inner child in all of us. Through this film, we get an inside look at the origin story of 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow before he becomes the ultimate villain in The Hunger Games franchise.
Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé
If only we could go back to see the Renaissance concert again. Oh, wait? Beyoncé is one step ahead. The docu-film had fans break out their finest chrome looks to the theaters to experience the Renaissance. This time, we all had a front-row seat at the Club Renaissance section and, behind the scenes, looked at what it took to develop the globally impacted show of all time. Plus, any location with Blue Ivy is worth seeing.
The Perfect Find
Coming from the classic novel written by New York Times best-selling author Tia Williams, this romcom film takes us into the life of Jenna (Gabrielle Union), making her comeback in New York after experiencing a public breakup. Her world turns upside down after falling for a new guy (Keith Powers). The film brings a unique perspective for women looking to start over after a major breakup.
Bottoms
When the not-so-popular friend duo PJ and Josie create their plan to meet girls in school, it creates a friendship bond between the girls to fight against the student body. Ayo Edibiri and Rachel Sennott unite to create a comedic coming-of-age story for Zillennials worldwide. Not only does the film have timely references, but it allows the next generation to have a fresh and fun take on what it means to maneuver high school.
Five Nights At Freddy’s
The horror-focused video game was brought to life this October. As if animatronics weren’t creepy enough at Chuck E Cheese, the Five Nights At Freddy’s are taller, bigger, and real life. In the movie, fans get to experience the original story behind the franchise with twisted murders, lots of jumpscares, and an ending that assures viewers that a sequel is hopefully on the way.
Missing
From an Apple Macbook view, movies can be really good or stupid; however, Missing is exceptional. Storm Reid takes viewers on a wild goose chase to find her mother, played by Nia Long, from befriending a foreigner to doing her investigation. The person we least expect creates a thrilling ending that forces us never to allow our moms to vacation with someone new.
They Cloned Tyrone
There’s nothing more fun to talk about than a conspiracy theory. With so many crazy beliefs, it’s not too far-fetched to assume some of them actually exist. In the They Cloned Tyrone universe, protagonist John Boyega seemingly relives the same day until his acquaintance, played by Jamie Fox, sees him die. The two, alongside Teyonah Parris, experience the unthinkable underground of their neighborhood and battle unity and authority to reveal the truth to the world.
Barbie
If anyone has the perfect life, it’s Barbie. From her pink convertible to her pink mansion to her perfect friends and every day full of sunshine, the doll lives a carefree life most of us would die for. However, what happens when Barbie doesn’t want to be Barbie? Margot Robbie takes the dolls and fans on an adventure of the complexities of women, which features the viral and exquisite monologue cited by America Ferrera.
Super Mario Brothers
For most Gen Z’ers, our memories with the Super Mario Brothers return to Nintendo 64, the DS, and even the Wii. For our parents, the duo goes back to SNS, cartoons, and even the good old days at the arcade. All generations come together in the live-action Super Mario Brothers movie full of recognizable characters, easter eggs, and an unexpecting song that turns our favorite villain into a loveable antagonist for a moment.
Spiderman Across The Spiderverse
The sequel to the critically acclaimed Spiderverse franchise set the timeline on fire as Marvel fans followed Miles Morales’s next adventures. With the animation taken to the next level, the MCU is creating a significant build-up for the next phase of our favorite characters. With stars like Issa Rae, Brian Tyree Henry, and Daniel Kaluuya, the film has memorable cameos that connect to what’s next in the franchise.
The Little Mermaid
Aside from Halle Bailey making history by starring as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, she always set the tone for young Black girls to see themselves more in significant films and television shows. The reimagined classic gave the next generation hope for more inclusion and diversity in substantial films. As we reflect on the cultural impact many films had, we can’t forget how The Little Mermaid made us tap into our inner child to celebrate the progress Hollywood is making.