Another less-than-shocking inclusion in Barack Obama’s list of 2023’s top films is Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” the story of the titular theoretical physicist and his development of the first atomic bombs. Considering the importance of this event in American history, such a politically charged movie definitely makes sense for Obama’s list.
Next up is the Jeffrey Wright-starring literary satire, “American Fiction,” another film that definitely feels at home in Obama’s wheelhouse. The rest of the picks, however, are somewhat surprising. The French courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Fall” compels its viewers to decide the truth behind a death for themselves, while “Monster” is a Japanese film exploring a mother’s concern over the erratic changes her child is undergoing.
Rounding out the list are three more entries. The intimate drama “Past Lives” explores the changing relationship between a man and a woman over 24 years, while “Polite Society” follows an East Indian martial artist determined to save her sister from an arranged marriage. Finally, the family drama “A Thousand and One” focuses on a mom trying to raise her child after a prison stint.
The list came with a statement from Obama commending both the hard work of writers and artists over the course of 2023, as well as their victories following the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. While there has been no shortage of films and television to watch this year, cinema enthusiasts will no doubt be happily adding many of these films to their own lists.
