Going to the movies has always been a popular activity to do with friends and family, especially within the past year. There were a variety of popular new movies released in 2023, such as Barbie, Oppenheimer, and The Hunger Games. Many of these movies made their way into Chamblee students’ lists of favorites.
“I loved Barbie because I thought it was really funny, and the message was good,” said Sadie Godwin (‘26).
The movie was not merely about a children’s toy; many felt that it conveyed a meaningful message to girls around the world.
“Barbie was one of my favorites because it was an entertaining movie; it also showed how women are treated in the real world. It shows how not everyone is perfect,” said Tanaya Dave (‘25).
Barbie was a popular movie this year because of the wide range of emotions it inflicted upon audiences.
“I went with my friends and it was really fun. We would laugh together at some scenes, and some scenes were moving and meaningful. It was just a really good experience,” Godwin said.
While the experience of watching the movie was fun for many, there were other parts about the story that stood out to viewers.
“One of my favorite parts was when Barbie gets introduced in the real world,” said Dave.
At the end of the movie, Barbie and Ken’s relationship took an unexpected turn.
“I really liked when Ken would sing, but I didn’t really like how Barbie and Ken didn’t end up together. I understand why they did that, but I really wanted to see them together,” said Godwin.
Released on December 19, 2023, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes became another 2023 favorite.
“I loved The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. My favorite parts were when Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray were together,” said Chelsea Azar (‘26).
This movie was based on the novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins; it is a prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy.
“My favorite movie of 2023 was probably The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes because it gave a different insight to President Snow and his background story. I found it super interesting to watch,” said Shreya Sehgal (‘26).
There were a variety of different characters throughout the movie: in the arena, in the districts, and in the capital.
“Some of the characters were kind, some were funny, and some were really annoying, and I wanted to punch them,” said Azar.
Many thought that the casting for the movie was great and that the actors and actresses did an excellent job.
“Tom Blyth did a great job in his role as Coriolanus Snow. Rachel Zegler did great too; she has a great voice,” said Azar.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes was loved by many because it is a romance story as well as a dystopian story.
“I have to admit, when Lucy Gray and President Snow first met and then their entire story played out, it was really interesting. I think that storyline was probably my favorite,” said Sehgal.
While most of the storyline was enjoyed by many viewers, many also disliked how the story ended.
“I didn’t like how Lucy Gray just ran away at the end. Her character was really built up and then she just disappeared,” said Sehgal.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is another popular movie released in 2023. Since many didn’t get the chance to attend an Eras Tour concert in-person, the movie gave them the chance to see the concert a different way.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour was my favorite movie of 2023. I didn’t get to go to the concert, and it was really fun to see it with my friends. It was cool to basically go to the concert without having to pay $400,” said Mallory WIlliams (‘26).
Unlike most movies, this was a film version of a concert rather than a movie with a storyline.
“It wasn’t a movie, it was like an actual concert. It was more fun and upbeat,” said Williams.
Released on the same day as Barbie, Oppenheimer was another popular movie released last year.
“My favorite movie of 2023 was Oppenheimer. It was my favorite because it was really well-made and had some of the best acting performances ever seen. It’s a very timely movie for the time that we’re in now. The prospect of nuclear war is very real, and it’s important for people to know and respect that power,” said Ashrith Narayan (‘24).
Oppenheimer is a movie based on the creation of the atomic bomb and the people that helped create it.
“I thought the characters were very well written, and they were all historically accurate,” said Narayan.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, another popular movie of 2023, was released on June 2nd as a sequel to the movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
“My favorite movie last year was Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. I liked the way they planned it all out. Some other movies nowadays have a black main character, but Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse really knocked it out of the park,” said Terrance Richards (‘26).
From Oppenheimer to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, many Chamblee students loved all kinds of movies released in 2023. While it was a great year for movies, 2024 looks promising as well with Mean Girls and Dune: Part Two coming to theaters soon.
