My Top 20 Films of 2023

Head to www.squarespace.com/karsten to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code karsten
---
Merch: karstenshop.com/
Instagram: / karstenrunquist
Twitter: / runquistkarsten
BUSINESS INQUIRES:
[e-mail]
Thank you for watching! :)

[@KarstenRunquist]

what bout you?

[@harryom3497]

Oppenheimer

[@maddiem76]

asteroid city!!! 💙💙💙

[@FreshTillDeath56]

You didn't like Spiderverse?!

[@moviefan1007]

Either killers of the flower moon or poor things

[@bepis1791]

Past Lives imo, but KOTFM comes close

[@chocolatecookie2786]

I think that this year showed us people are more aware about the quality of a film and the rise of mid budget movies

[@zerere_]

I will build a shrine for mid budget movies

[@RobVespa]

It didn't and the majority of films have always cost less money.

[@chocolatecookie2786]

@@RobVespa what does that mean

[@antlerbraum2881]

I love a good mid budget movie

[@chocolatecookie2786]

@@antlerbraum2881 me too it forces the artists to be more creative and ingenious

[@SteveDCM]

You know it’s a good year when film

[@Kpoping727official]

What's this even supposed to mean 😂😂

[@Pancrasio-it9qd]

​@@Kpoping727officialXD

[@birthdaybatter815]

It’s one of the years for sure.

[@IntenseTheKing]

thank you

[@user-oq6pq6jw7w]

No no… let him cook

[@Comporio]

I see a lot of people saying how this was a terrible year for hollywood, and that may be true with the metric shit tone of box office failures, but this year seems like a great turning point so that maybe we can start getting some original films in the cinemas again, akin to that of the 90s.

[@Music_Movie_Fan_]

This year is time for Drama Hollywood Movies ... Blockbuster and Superheroes movie is fade away....

[@karimzakaria9621]

This was the best year for films since 2019 in my opinion. Sure the Superhero genre kinda died away, but so many quality films came out this year

[@thecorkster1992]

It truly just goes to show how truly great Fantastic Mr Fox is to reach Karsten’s #1 spot 4 years in a row! Fantastic list KR!

[@Prodbyjah464]

What has fantano done to comment sections

[@The-Legend-of-P]

@@Prodbyjah464?

[@enviisyk]

fantano ass comment

[@superflashyariel3835]

Dunkey ahh comment💀

[@MajorMovieBroadcast]

2:13 Number 10 - Past Lives 3:07 Number 9 - Anatomy of a Fall 4:13 Number 8 - The Boy and the Heron 5:07 Number 7 - Showing Up 6:13 Number 6 - Oppenheimer 7:45 Number 5 - Fallen Leaves 9:08 Number 4 - Passages 10:36 Number 3 - Killers of the Flower Moon 12:06 Number 2 - Poor Things 14:12 Number 1 - May December

[@Leftistattheparty]

[@Jed_Elias]

Why would you do this? Why? Bro probably spent hours putting this video together and now most people probably won’t watch it because you already listed everything here. Like, if this is a personal thing you do to not watch the whole video, that’s fine. But this is just so disrespectful to creators who spend hours on these types of videos. Maybe that’s just my opinion, but this just feels wrong somehow.

[@lxxy2612]

@@Jed_Eliasor after watching the video and being unable to find the letterboxd link they use this to write all the names down to watch later

[@siddharthverma8975]

Other movies in this list include... Infinity pool The holdovers Barbie How to have sex Rye lane Blackberry Priscilla Beau is afraid theatre camp Asteroid city Mentions... spider verse, all of us strangers, dream scenario, monster, rotting in the sun,Godzilla minus one,the killer, bottoms are you there God? It's me Margaret

[@damienbailey7375]

@@Jed_Eliaspersonally I appreciate it greatly. I made it to number 5 before I realized I'm just not going to agree with the guy making the video on much. Then I came across this comment, saw a movie I actually agree with being on the list, and decided to finish the video because of it.

[@jaredvlogs8891]

looking back, isn't it crazy how many good films came out this year?

[@ericgarner6001]

Holdovers was my favorite of the year (probably of the decade so far) no question! No movie this year resonated with me and connected to me to the characters more than it did! In a year full of spectacle/epics (a lot of which did not resonate with me as much as did with a lot of folks) it was so refreshing to get a grounded, relatable, human story about the different kinds of loneliness many people experience (unrequited love, parental neglect, loss of a loved one)!

[@rebeccag8589]

100% agree!

[@rue__s]

Mine too! Shocked to not see it in Karsten's list, it was the most heartwarming yet the emotional film for the holidays! I agree with rest of the list from the films i've seen with May December, Past Lives being my top 3.

[@NaomiVirshbo]

That is EXACTLY how I felt as well!! ❤ I’m so happy to hear that it touched you too, and I’m delighted to see Holdovers receive some love!

[@kristinalfc5846]

​@rue__s cause it does what it sets out to do but it's hardly original, at certain points I grew quite bored because I could tell what plot/character's beat was going to be played next

[@bellagrinbergs6920]

So happy blackberry got onto the list, such a great movie and glenn howerton deserves so much more recognition. He killed that role!

[@jmwilliams88]

The thing I love about Karsten’s lists are the recommendations of films I hadn’t heard of. There are lots of expected titles in the top 10. The gold is in honorable mentions and lower 10

[@Sharpe1502]

After rewatching May December for the 3rd or 4th time and still finding new details, I moved it to my favorite of the year. Honestly, on rewatch, the most heartbreaking scene to ME is when Joe is telling Liz about raising Monarchs and he’s so excited to talk about it and it makes you realize that this is probably the first time he’s been able to talk freely about something he’s passionate about without feeling judged and that just made me so sad.

[@saifmahmudishtiakshushaan462]

The overall physicality of Charles' performance is just remarkable and really proves the fact that Joe is a child in a grown man's body. Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore were great as always but Charles blew me away

[@TheTeacupsandsaucers]

Having just finished watching May December I honestly cannot for the life of me understand why people are praising this film. It just felt icky - not the subject matter itself (which is inherently gross) but the way it was portrayed in this movie. It felt like the whole movie was a joke at the victim’s (Joe, and ultimately Villi) expense. If I hadn’t read other peoples reviews on this I never would have guessed this was meant to be a satire. It just feels like an entirely shallow, superficial and condescending take on a tragic real life story and it was unclear what, if anything, we were meant to take away from the movie than what we already knew going into it.

[@criticalcoffee]

As a Finn, it warms my heart that people are checking out Fallen Leaves! Kaurismäki definitely deserves the recognition.

[@hellsbbgurl]

may december is unforgettable. haynes, moore and portman at the peak of their power. melton frankly gave a star making performance; shattered my heart.

[@reflectsonlife]

Agree with every word of this.

[@hyess4640]

I loved the way you described oppenheimer and showing up (i didn't even know about this one, thanks for your service), really great video!!

[@Kpoping727official]

2023 was a surprising good year for films

[@davidhowell5585]

Thank you for giving Playing Robots Into Heaven a nod. I loved that album so much and no one is talking about it

[@protoplasma2953]

Oppenheimer is my #1 this year. I’ve watched it 4 times and honestly, it might just be my favorite movie of all time, perhaps tied with La La Land. I’m glad it’s grown on you.

[@karimzakaria9621]

I was hyped for Oppenheimer based on the premise and trailer, but it blew my expectations. One of the greatest movies I've ever watched in theaters and it gets better with every rewatch.

[@leopoldbunn309]

Thank you Karsten for your videos. I highly regard your channel as it demonstrates a deep selection of films that I would not know about or attempt to view without your personal observation of it. With regards, Happy New Year and keep an eye on the wheels going round.

[@pinkreboot]

amazing video as always karsten, i hope you have an awesome 2024!🎉

[@ian4487]

I was so psyched when you said Playing Robots into Heaven because that is my album of the year as well. Pleaseeee make a video on it, would love to hear your thoughts. There is something so beautiful about the way James blends his voice with the electronic instrumentation on the album. "Loading" and "Fire the Editor" are just on another level of artistry for him. The title track as well is just absolutely mesmerizing.

[@introxgrunt]

The Holdovers was without a doubt my top film of the year. I haven’t had a film make me feel that way in a long time.

[@MC-wc8mi]

Yes! EVERYTHING you said about Past Lives especially "comforting but devastating." I just rewatched it today and it hit harder this time. Thanks for including it your Top 10! Can't believe it's her first film.

[@rafaelcruz9973]

As you got to the top of the list, I was scared that May December wasn't gonna make it, but you got it at number 1! This is by far the movie that has provoked me the most this year, I just can't stop thinking about it and I'm still waiting to watch Poor Things and Zone of Interest to see if they can top the list

[@brynnorelse]

poor things is insane i can't recommend it enough

[@DeathwingProductions320]

Definitely feel like zone of interest will hit my number one spot when it is released

[@selinsucu6284]

awesome selection! after watching your channel for several years now, the zone of interest will make your list for sure i think

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

The Holdovers rose to first place for me this year right after seeing it, blew me away by how simply great it is, it feels like it’d have been a household christmas classic if it released a few decades ago. Love ur list, so many of the films outstanding films were mentioned and ones I think many of us loved. Also Talk To Me, How To Blow Up A Pipeline, Reality and A Good Person are films i really liked as well. This fall/christmas season has been insane for how many new amazing movies released just before the year’s end.

[@picvegita]

I found your work through stumbling upon your Succession podcast "Succ off" and I'm grateful I did. You are an enjoyable listen, hearing your thoughts on media is a joy. Keep up the good work and be well.

[@annarescigno4235]

I love that you put all the different soundtracks of the films while you were talking abt them!!

[@owenfelton]

we have the same #1 and 2! i still have a few films left to see but i really can't imagine anything topping may december. i also agree that the annoying discourse around it is a perfect testimony to how well it blends tones and provokes the viewer. i think it had the exact effect that haynes intended which is a clear sign of how damn good it is. instant classic for sure.

[@ViaEarly]

i’m so happy may december is getting so much recognition. one of my close friends was the executive producer for it and for about a year he had been talking to me about it becuase he was so excited. i’m so happy you enjoyed the film, it really was amazing and i am so proud of what my friend accomplished

[@dabby8084]

Iron Claw def deserves a spot

[@calvin7978]

Def my #2 besides Flower Moon

[@FragglevisionReturns]

Have to mention Riceboy Sleeps, which premiered at festivals in 2022 but widely released this year. It's about a Korean mother and son trying to get by in Canada in the 90s, and that's all I want to say because I want people to go into it blind.

[@mouse3110]

I haven’t heard anybody talking about it until now but I lovee that movie

[@seanlee8220]

Definitely my pick for one of my favourites of all time - it felt incredibly personal and surreal to be represented on the screen

[@themilanguy1]

thats probably in my top 3 for this year. cant wait to rewatch it and cry for 2 hours

[@HuongNguyen710]

i watched it at a festival this year too and it's in my top 10 but i haven't heard anyone talking about it at all

[@pizzamacaroni2]

i love you for doing this every year Thanks for all the additions to my list

[@recetasfaciles2816]

So good to see the boy and the heron on the top ten. Other list i've see didn't mention it which was strange for me, because we're talking of Miyazaki, one of the biggest masters of cinema.

[@elicraig2601]

i did not expect cocaine bear to be in the top 3

[@Pancrasio-it9qd]

XD

[@AKeinonen]

Thank you. I wanted to see fallen leaves make it into the top 10. My favourite of the year and even shot in the area I live in.

[@whaatbaand]

Thank you for making this video!

[@t-virus7098]

Though I haven’t watched as much films as I would love to, I really think Poor Things was truly a masterpiece this year. I really think that not only was the film just confident in its direction, it also sets as an example of what can be done in the beauty of cinema.

[@FatTonysRavioli]

I’d put Iron Claw up there with the best of them this year. & What a year it has been

[@QuestionsIAskMyself]

You should do a video of your favorite scores/ soundtracks or books you would like to see adapted into films❤

[@filmbrokiller]

100% agree with May December!!! great list, I definitely need to get around to some of these :D

[@ruffcriminal]

May December #1?? I'll have to watch it. Poor Things is in my top spot, followed by Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon, Asteroid City, Boy and the Heron, Iron Claw

[@valentinaphung1835]

i love your videos karsten. thank you!

[@trinaq]

Barbenheimer was THE cultural event of the year. I'm glad that I got to see both on the big screen. Past Lives and May December also receive my vote.

[@jamesnorth6372]

Except Barbie sucked and shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence as Oppenheimer.

[@GareBare90]

I'm waiting for next month to put in my list as I'm waiting to watch the Zone of Interest and American fiction. Also, you have me at Bjork!

[@moviehusbands]

Can't wait to see what you think of Zone of Interest

[@soxman444]

This was a legendary year; hard to think of one in my lifetime that tops it

[@charpkun]

Appreciate the list, and the economy of words for why each film is worth watching

[@fabriziomendezapuy1131]

Hey man! Love ur videos and your content❤❤

[@NateGH36O]

I was so worried at the end that The Zone of Interest wasn't on your list. Idk about top 10, but I'm sure that The Zone of Interest will make this way onto your list after you see it. The sound design is arguably better than Oppenheimer's, and besides Killers it might be the most important film of this year.

[@ErnestCalderon]

wow great thoughts on May December. really made me appreciate the film more

[@JordanNMovies]

Great list Karsten…ironically this being my busiest year w/work and what-not…I still managed to watch a good amount of the Top 20. Haven’t seen Passages, How to Have Sex, Fallen Leaves and Blackberry yet but plan to. And ironic, cause I finally saw May December earlier this week on Christmas. Another great year for film. Here’s to some more in 2024.

[@matthewsimmons8378]

Karsten if you happen to see this, seek out Close Your Eyes if you can. It's Victor Erice's (Spirit of the Beehive) first film in 30 years. Beautifully contemplative about memory, film, and loss. Feels tonally and pace-wise similar to Drive My Car.

[@travisspazz1624]

May December has barely stayed with me at all and Showing Up was definitely good nyquil. Anatomy of a Fall, now that's a movoe that's stuck with me.

[@Marcusml333]

I watched Infinity Pool because of you, and it was a really good decision since I really liked it. I'm definitely considering watching a lot of the other movies on your list here.

[@IamMe11200]

oh wow im so surprised you mentioned fallen leaves, i’m finnish and ive never heard anyone talk about finnish films. not even finnish people talk about them lol. also, i know finnish is a very hard language, but your pronounciation is 😂😂 i couldnt understand what you said at first haha. but so glad you’re talking about it!

[@MC-wc8mi]

Love that May December is at the top of your list!

[@mr_bridou6507]

As a french, there is some movies I would have love to see in this list and I don't know if there aren't because there weren't distributed in your country or because you didn't like them enough to put them in. But movies like Mars Express (the best animated movie of the year by far for me), Simple comme Sylvain (a movie from Québec which is simple yet beautiful and really funny) or Le règne animal. Also Perfect Days from Wim Weinders is in my top 3 easily. But it's great to have different tastes and opinions, I didn't see some movies in your list and I will go watch them right away. And I can't wait for May December to release in french cinemas !

[@AH-bm5xs]

I haven’t seen Poor Things, Zone of Interest, All of Us Strangers, Boy and the Heron, etc yet, but here’s my top 10 currently… 1. Oppenheimer 2. Anatomy of a Fall 3. Killers of a Flower Moon 4. Past Lives 5. 20,000 Species of Bees 6. May December 7. Beau is Afraid 8. Blue Jean 9. Across the Spider-verse 10. The Holdovers

[@dandelves]

Oppenheimer for BP, but also watched KotFM and will be watching The Holdovers in a couple of weeks (UK). Has been a great year for film 🎥

[@stephencagan3652]

Glad you *came* around to Saltburn at #1

[@TUMNIAISETU]

Fantastic n° 1!! Absolute Masterwork.

[@alonsorivasfdez.441]

You have to watch The Zone of Interest, its amazing

[@Bulldozer4000]

Some stuff on this list isn't releasing in my country until next year like Poor Things (impossibly excited for this one), but out of everything I saw this year it has to either be Perfect Days from Wim Wenders (for its slow, thoughtful and heartfelt mediations on life following a very lovable, layered main character), or The Holdovers from Alexander Payne (for having just incredibly good character writing and being cozy as all hell). Being honest, the best one I saw this year was by far Aftersun, but that's technically a 2022 movie so it doesn't really count.

[@Tyoxy]

Great list!

[@roawr59]

I didn't expect your #1

[@VoOrT3xX]

What a year for french movies ! Definitely more interesting than anything made in the US at the moment. And you haven't seen the Taste of Things yet. That's a fucking banger

[@jerryjm2]

The zone of interest was great this year too

[@madz2013]

What a crazy year it's been for movies. I used to have a dream of being a movie reviewer but never explored it. This year has renewed that dream. I just wish people still blogged because I hate my own voice and don't know how to edit videos.

[@lucyromanoff654]

You should go for it and make a blog!!

[@madz2013]

@@lucyromanoff654 That means a lot that you said that! Maybe I will! I guess I've always assumed no one would read it just because blogs aren't very popular anymore.

[@cappucappu9441]

Me in my head anticipating only what you thought about May December for your what I watched in December video and that Poor Things would at least be in your top 3 if not the top spot. I literally got out of bed like WTF THE PLOT TWIST HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@MovieNostalgiaEdits]

Love your videos!

[@michaelenglish1992]

YES to that James Blake album. So underrated. His best.

[@adamkeesling794]

You gotta watch Perfect Days!! Completely took me for a ride in the most subtle way

[@jedidiahmarada]

can't wait to watch Poor Things!

[@ozymandias2540]

Zone of interest is by far my favorite movie of the year. Absolute masterpiece

[@anairam22]

everyday i check if the torrent for it is out 😢

[@mackielunkey2205]

Damn imagine if we got the Poor Heron Zone triple feature on the same day.

[@RAUFFUS_0]

@@anairam22 please let me know when it does lol here in brazil it is only scheduled to be released on february, i can't hold it for much longer!!

[@amirleo2051]

That's the holy Trinity, I don't get tired of waiting​@@mackielunkey2205

[@wiilli4471]

@@anairam22 uh how about you actually pay for it like a normal person to support the studio?

[@JimNgStunts]

Ah what a year for animation! I see you have Across The Spider-Verse and The Boy & The Heron, but I just want to add two more to that list - Takehiko Inoue's "The First Slam Dunk" and Yuzuru Tachikawa's "Blue Giant". Both absolutely amazing movies, one about basketball, and the other about jazz. Hope you get to check those out!! 😀Happy New Year man!

[@landondefever1187]

As someone whose #1 and #2 are Poor Things and May December, I've never felt so compelled to high five someone virtually for having great taste haha

[@owenhuyge]

My top 7 in no particular order past #2: 1. The Boy and The Heron 2. Asteroid City -Priscilla -Oppenheimer -May December -Showing Up -Past Lives I saw a lot more than these but there aren’t enough that I was in love with for me to make a full list.

[@osmanyousif7849]

I’m surprised to see Michael Mann’s Ferrari didn’t make honorable mention, yet. But in any event, I definitely recommend one of your next videos be a ranking of his filmography, because considering the fact that he did so many impressive movies (The Last of the Mohicans being my favorite….), I’d like to see which one you would say is his #1.

[@christianlourenco9452]

I didn't watch much this year, only 7 movies but by far and away my favorite movie of the year was The Iron Claw. It gutted me emotionally.

[@hannahhovey3210]

so glad i get to see the five nights at freddy’s movie in the top spot! truly peak cinema of this year

[@freak.920]

1. zone of interest 2. poor things 3. may december 4. anatomy of fall 5. oppenheimer 6. the boy and the heron 7. past lives 8. mi - 7 9. the killer 10. killers of the flower moon And the holdovers ( but couldn't find the ranking for that )

[@subconscious_studios]

the score of may december was easily the best of the year with its pounding piano melody

[@Stuie299]

Linoleum was easily my favorite movie of the year. I can't for the life of me figure out why it's not being talked about more. If you have Hulu please give it a chance.

[@thePANDEMlC]

I have no top list. But I'd say Beau, Past Lives, Barbie, Minus One and Poor Things are definitely up there somewhere. There's a lot that aren't on streaming, aren't in theaters and haven't gotten any hopes of a release soon so idk when I'll ever get to them. Zone of Interest and All of Us Strangers being some.

[@smartwater598]

Past lives is overhyped and overrated

[@mmattbtw]

Thank you for including Asteroid City 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

[@kubahavelka9556]

Glad to see Rebel Moon in the honorable mentions... It's probably a top5 material for me tho

[@mixtapewrecker]

I would like to add Bottoms to my list, it was such a refreshing movie to watch from my pov

[@jacotromp59581]

Although these was many great movies in 2023, there was only 2 movies that I enjoyed from start to finish. They got me to actually pay attention to everything and every scene. I didn't pick up my phone once during the running time. They are The Killer and No One Will Save You. They may not have been the best of the year, but I enjoyed them more than any other movie so yeah, they are my top 2 films of the year. Your list is very good and your top 10 is well explained. Keep up the great channel

[@FishDuhhh]

Finally my end of the year binge watch list

[@erickmorales25]

Interesting list you got, Karsten. Anyways, here are my Top 20 favorites of 2023: 1. Deep Sea 2. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse 3. Past Lives 4. Beau is Afraid 5. John Wick: Chapter 4 6. The Killer 7. The Boy And The Heron 8. Perfect Days 9. The Holdovers 10. Godzilla Minus One 11. Napoleon 12. Suzume 13. Killers of the Flower Moon 14. The Iron Claw 15. Menus-Plaisirs: Les Troisgros 16. Oppenheimer 17. Music 18. Society of the Snow 19. The Eternal Memory 20. Jawan

[@joeylumbreras7801]

Waiting for the day when Karsten talks about Bluey. But awesome list!!

[@crazyawesomegirl90]

ah such great movies this year!!!

[@steve_santiago]

Only having Godzilla Minus One as an honorable mention is fighting words. You know that, right?

[@ludwig7022]

I think Across the Spider-Verse should've at least cracked the top 15 imo, but I respect every pick above it as well so eh.

[@nochannelmusician769]

100% my movie of the year, I was grinning ear to ear the whole time watching it

[@evyalley]

This was awesome and I love your pics but PLEASE tell me you’re gonna do a “What I Watched In December” video?

[@ms_cfb]

First end of year list I've seen w/o The Iron Claw. Any chance we see a review of it?

[@ConorOG]

that new james blake album is so great

[@isaacmartinez6904]

I am surprised to see Fallen Leaves on this list. I should take a look on this amazing movie.

[@kubahavelka9556]

Love to see that someone enjoyed Infinity Pool as much as me