There have been many movie releases this year that have shocked the masses and captivated audiences around the world. 2023 has been filled with some of the best action movies including Mission Impossible: Fallout Part 1, John Wick Chapter 4, Fast X, The Meg 2, and many more. Horror movies have been sweeping the theaters with 4 movies this year receiving scores of over 75% by professional critics. With The Exorcist and Saw franchises returning to the screen later this year, horror movies will be at an all-time high. Many students of SUNY Cortland feel some rank higher than others.
I asked students and classmates around campus this week what they thought about this year’s movie releases and which stood out to them – you might be surprised by some of their answers.
Senior Jack Cleary felt that Oppenheimer should be considered first among others this calendar year. “I think without a doubt Oppenheimer released by Christopher Nolan was the best movie of the year. Great score, a phenomenal script, and is very informative of the past. Overall I’d give it a 9 out of 10.”
Senior Gerald Gentile had a different opinion on the matter. “I think that Mission Impossible was the most exciting and most enjoyable movie for all fans. Tom Cruise killed it once again and it is a must-see. I am holding out though for the new Martin Scorsese film Killers of the Flower Moon later this year. It should be another masterpiece.”
I believe some of the better, more exhilarating movies in recent times have come out this year. Fantasy, action, and horror movie lovers here in Cortland will be very excited for films this year already released and some yet to be released.
Sophomore Michael O’Leary had a different opinion on his favorite movie of the year. “I saw a lot of movies in theaters this year and a few after release at home and there are a few I’d put at the top. I’m a big horror fan so seeing the 6th installment of Scream -really brought me back. Very reminiscent of the earlier movies. I also really enjoyed the Australian horror flick Talk To Me.
As far as new movies coming to theaters, the fantasy dystopian series The Hunger Games is coming back to the cinema with its new release on November 17th with The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. 8 years since the franchise’s last release, director Francis Lawrence is looking to add another to the collection and storm the box office while at it.
Super Hero lovers have also been blessed with an amazing roster of movies this year including Shazam 2: Fury of Gods, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, and Blue Beetle. Additionally, the animated film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem was released over the summer and was highly reviewed by audiences for its amazing animation and exceptional voice cast.
With multiple critically acclaimed movies still on the cusp of release, SUNY Cortland students are in for a treat this year. So if you haven’t been keeping up with all the newest hit releases this year, it’s the perfect time to get some popcorn, gather some friends from your dorm hall, and start watching!