Movie Lover's Unite!
With the curtains closed on another year of cinematic brilliance, it's important to acknowledge how 2023 gifted us with a collection of storytelling marvels that even the most avid movie enthusiast might not have had the chance to see. 2023's movies offered a diverse array of lenses through which we could experience the art of storytelling.
From the blockbuster hits to the tearjerking dramas that tugged at the heartstrings. Then the mind-bending thrillers that challenged our perceptions to the hidden gems that flew under the radar. In this article, Hollywood Branded discusses their favorite films of 2023 that you should put on your list to watch during your next movie night.
scream VI
The sixth installment in the iconic slasher franchise follows a new Ghostface killer targeting the survivors of the Woodsboro murders after they’ve moved to New York City for a fresh start. The survivors, including sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter and twins Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin, are joined by news reporter-turned-author Gale Weathers and survivor-turned-cop Kirby Reed as they team up with new friends Quinn, Ethan, and Anika to figure out who's stalking and threatening the group.
Set against the fast-paced hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, Scream VI features non-stop action, twists, and one hell of a finale. Although missing the iconic lead actress, scream queen, and final girl who started it all - Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott - for the first time ever, Scream VI still delivers an enjoyable film and one of the best sequels in the franchise to date. Scream VI is available to stream now on Paramount+.
Photo Credit: Reddit
barbie
No movie had a bigger year than this film here! Starring Margot Robbie as titular Barbie and Ryan Gosling as the Ken, this female-directed (Greta Gerwig) film cemented itself as a part of cinematic history with its honest commentary on the detrimental effects of patriarchy on feminism, identity, and interpersonal relationships; and its star-studded cast, timeless archival designer fashion callbacks, pastel set design, and unmatched marketing campaign.
In summary, the iconic film follows Barbie as she experiences an existential crisis, leading her to question all she’s ever known about her world and existence as she travels from Barbieland to the real world in search of answers. Meeting mother-daughter humans Gloria and Sasha along the way, Barbie, Ken, their doll friends, and the human duo learn a lot of each other and themselves in the process. Although the film deals with heavy themes, its simultaneously provides moments full of humor, empowerment, and reflective honesty that remind us we are all Ken-ough. Barbie is available to stream now on Max.
Photo Credit: The Movie Database
a haunting in venice
Although not as heavily marketed as its predecessors Murder on the Orient Express or Death on the Nile, this thriller film based on the novel written by the mother of mystery Agatha Christie is still a heart-pounding addition to the Hercule Poirot film franchise. Set in post-World War II Venice, Italy on Halloween, the story revolves around retired detective Poirot as he reluctantly attends a seance in Venice, Italy. When one of the guests is murdered at the allegedly haunted residence while the seance is being held, Poirot is compelled to come out of retirement and put his detective skills back to work while simultaneously facing the demons from his past and the eerie shadows that lurk about the palazzo.
Unlike its predecessors, this film features a supernatural twist to its murder mystery - but as always, a whodunnit reveal you won’t see coming! A Haunting in Venice is available to stream now on Hulu.
Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios
the hunger games: the ballad of songbirds & snakes
This dystopian action film is the fifth installment in The Hunger Games film series, as well as its first prequel and the best addition to the franchise since 2013’s Catching Fire. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes follows a young Coriolanus Snow, the last hope for his failing lineage, as he mentors and develops feelings for the doomed female District 12 tribute during the 10th annual Hunger Games. Set 64 years before the events of the first film and the rebellion of the Mockingjay, the film's story dives into Snow's journey through childhood and adolescence, plus his family's involvement in the creation of the Hunger Games, all the while portraying his descent into evil and exploring the complexities behind his character's morals.
Applauded for its mature themes, the film also features multiple musical integrations and subtle homage to the four Jennifer Lawrence-led films that came before it. With a extensive look into the life of Snow before he was the dictating President of Panem, Hunger Games fans are eagerly banding together and requesting prequels for the fan favorite characters of Haymitch Abernathy and Finnick O’Dair. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is available to watch now in theaters - streaming TBD.
Photo Credit: 20th Century Studios
Movie night awaits!
Why spend hours scrolling through expansive catalogs when you’ve got four fabulous movie picks at your fingertips here? Whether you’re in the mood for horror, thrill, comedy, drama, mystery, action, or all of the above - the four aforementioned films have you covered. When it comes to movie night, each of these films has something for everyone, so grab your snacks of choice, get cozy, and prepare to be transported to an unforgettable experience.
Already watched the four films listed above? Here are more enjoyable films from 2023 that you should see: M3gan, Plane, John Wick Chapter 4, Fast X, No Hard Feelings, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Insidious: The Red Door, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part I, Oppenheimer, The Little Mermaid, Talk to Me, The Equalizer 3, Retribution, The Nun II, Saw X, The Exorcist: Believer, Five Night’s At Freddy’s, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Anyone But You, and Wonka.
Eager To Learn More?
Check out more entertainment picks from the Hollywood Branded crew!
- A Guide to the Top Christmas Movies of 2023
- Streaming Shows To Watch in 2023
- HB Round-Up: Best of 2022
- Year In Rewind: The Best Celebrity/Brand Collabs 2020-2021
- The Best Holiday Ad Campaigns of 2020
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