I guess this list should have come before my “chocolate and kittens” post, in which I listed the sci-fi and fantasy movies and series coming in 2024. Apparently, my brain is working backwards. … Here are my favorite shows and movies of 2023:

Movies

My #1 favorite movie of 2023: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” I laughed, I cried, I saw it in the theater three times. I’ve already gone on and on about the Guardians in previous posts, so I’ll leave it at that.

Best fantasy movie that exceeded my expectations: “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” I have never played the game, and I knew almost nothing about the movie when I went to see it, which is often the best way to go into a movie. I was pleasantly surprised. D&D is a fun adventure with humor and heart – and Chris Pine. What’s not to love?

Favorite fantasy comedy: “Barbie.” The success of this movie based on a children’s toy will probably inspire a wave of copycats, but it’s not really about toys, and it’s not for kids (although apparently a lot of people thought it was, despite its PG-13 rating). Written and directed by the incomparable Greta Gerwig, it’s a moving film which is mostly for women, as it has a feminist message, but it’s also satirical and funny.

Favorite fantasy musical: “Wonka.” This movie, while simple and somewhat silly, touched my heart. I loved the hopeful message and the sweet friendship between Wonka and Noodle. The songs were well done, and Timothée Chalamet is the best Willy Wonka – better than Johnny Depp, and better than Gene Wilder. Yes, I said it.

Best animated movie: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” The animation in these movies is amazing. I’m looking forward to the next one, which was supposed to be coming out next year, but it’s been taken off the schedule for reasons unknown to me.

Honorable mention: “The Marvels.” I really liked this, as I mentioned a couple blog posts ago. It has badass women superheroes, Nick Fury, and the fantastic Flerkittens! So why is it just a runner-up? I felt like something was missing; it was too rushed. Reviewers praised its brevity (it is an hour and 45 minutes) but I suspect too much was left on the cutting room floor.

Series

My favorite thing on TV this year was absolutely, 100 percent, Season 2 of “Our Flag Means Death.” I guess it’s a bit of a stretch to call a pirate show science fiction or fantasy, but Rhys Darby does one scene in a mermaid tail, and there are some magical elements sprinkled in, so I say it counts.

The second season of “Loki” was so good. Tom Hiddleston is the best. Sophia Di Martino is also great as Loki variant Sylvie, and of course Owen Wilson and Ke Huy Quan are wonderful. Honestly, the whole cast was terrific, and the story, the style – really almost everything about this series was so fun and cool.

“Good Omens,” Season 2. Michael Sheen’s portrayal of the angel Aziraphale is so wholesome and lovely, and David Tennant is perfect as demon Crowley – his “apology dance” alone is worth the price of admission.

“The Last of Us.” I don’t normally care for horror, so for a zombie show to make my list of favorites is a big deal. Pedro Pascal navigates a post-apocalyptic world. And it’s based on a video game. Somehow it works.

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” Season 2. The new Trek series surprised me, in a good way. I thought it was kind of boring at first, but now I love it and can’t wait to see where it (boldly!) goes next.

Honorable mention: “Shadow and Bone.” I enjoyed this show until the disturbing cliffhanger finale in Season 2. Then the series was cancelled. Boo! I guess I will have to read the books if I want to know what happens. Or maybe I’ll just pretend it had a happy ending.

Well, that’s my Top 10 for 2023! I haven’t seen everything I want to see yet, so maybe I missed something that would have made the list. What were your favorites this year? Tell me in the comments or on my Facebook page! Happy new year,

~ * Shawna * ~

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