One of the benefits of film is that it is a visual medium, which means that it can do in a frame what it might take a book several pages of description to pull off. We see this the most in its ability to build worlds in front of our eyes.

These worlds could be great space operas exploring galaxies, a small period piece that looks back in time, or anything. But when every part of the film is used to tell a story, you know it is good.   

Our Highly Commended in 2023 are Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Oppenheimer, Tetris & They Cloned Tyrone
Our Best TV Worldbuilding in 2023 are Ahsoka: Season 1, Jury Duty: Season 1, Lockwood & Co.: Season 1, Pokémon Concierge: Season 1 & Silo: Season 1

So, without further ado, these films showed excellence in Worldbuilding 2023. Be warned that there may be slight spoilers for the movies in question.

And the Nominees are –

Asteroid City

I am not sure what sort of world can be a film about a play about a real event and still work. But it is a world that has been built upon impeccable foundations.

The Boy and the Heron

If there is one thing that Hayao Miyazaki always gets right, it is the building of the fantastical worlds that he is about to inhabit.

The Creator

There is not a moment where this film does not delight with some grand look at future world.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Wait, did that character just fail a dexterity save in the film … I think they did.

Godzilla Minus One

When it comes to a giant Kaiju stomping down town, you don’t need to do a lot of worldbuilding, but Godzilla said nope, we have something to say.

And the Winner is!!!!!

The Creator

Directed by – Gareth Edwards
Screenplay by – Gareth Edwards & Chris Weitz

I know that there are some very legitimate debates around The Creator, but I could not help but get captured by this world that they have created. Building directly upon real world environments helped ground the film for what is coming. Everything felt plausible in this world of the future, and I would like to see more of it.  

   

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