We looked at the films that hit us in the feels with emotions in our last awards. Now it is time to hard pivot to the other side of the spectrum with a look at the films that were a riot of fun. So today, I take a moment to champion those films that brought the joy, whether through upbeat action, one laugh after another, or that silliness that brings a smile to your face.

Our Highly Commended in 2023 are Anyone But You, Barbie, Blue Beetle, Cocaine Bear, Fast X, The Marvels, M3GAN, No Hard Feelings, Tetris & Wonka
Our Best TV Fun in 2023 are Aunty Donna’s Coffee Café: Season 1, Deadloch: Season 1, FUBAR: Season 1, Jury Duty: Season 1 & Letterkenny: Season 12

So, without further ado, these films brought fun in 2023. Be warned that there may be slight spoilers for the films in question.

The Nominees Are –

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

A rare film that works just as well if you don’t know the material they are adapting as those who are deep in the lore.

Polite Society

Sometimes in life, all you want to do is become a stuntwoman, oh and stop your sister from marrying into evil.

Red, White & Brass

How hard could it be to fake being a brass band for the Ruby World Cup? Very …

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Wait? Is that a Spider-Rex called Pter Ptarker? Yes. Is that not in the top 3 wildest things that happen in this film? Also, yes.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Unlike most adaptations, this film does not forget the teenage part of the title.

And the Winner is!!!!!

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Directed by – Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley
Story by – Chris McKay & Michael Gilio
Screenplay by – Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley & Michael Gilio
Based on – Dungeons & Dragons by Hasbro

It was a fantastic year for comedy in 2023; adult comedy returned, horror comedy surprised, and Hugh Grant continues to be Hugh Grant in several films. But there was one that cut through the rest for me, and that was Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. D&D was a film that I liked on my first viewing but got better with each re-watch. It is clear that the cast is having a ball. Chris Pine is in his element, and Michelle Rodriguez showed she has fantastic physical comedic chops. It gets silly at times, but it never loses its heart. If nothing else, it would be here for the shapeshifting escape from the castle. Take one last “Oh, Jarnathan!” on the road with you as you leave.  

   

By Brian MacNamara: You can follow Brian on Twitter Here, when he’s not chatting about Movies and TV, he’ll be talking about International Relations, or the Solar System.

What are your favourite cinematic moments from 2023?, let us know what you thought in the comments below, feel free to share this review on any of the social medias and you can follow us Here. Check out all our past reviews and articles Here, and have a happy day. 

Credits – All images used were created by the respective studios and artists of each film