It took me a while to type up my lists of movies and TV shows for the year, and now here it is January and I haven't gotten around to naming favorites. Let's bang this out.
Best Movie - This one is tough. I know everyone is raving about Oppenheimer and Barbie, but I didn't love Oppenheimer, and I haven't yet had a chance to see Barbie. So for my favorite film of 2023, I'll name a movie I actually forgot to include on my list of the movies of 2023: Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse. The film had some very strong opinions on those who lash out against creative changes to content because it “isn't canon”, and I view that as an indictment of toxic fandom, even if the sentiment was cleverly understated. Plus, seeing Donald Glover as The Prowler was pretty awesome, especially for those of us who saw him mention a nephew to Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming and knew that it was Miles Morales. (explained)
Best Show - There isn't much competition for this slot in my mind. The fourth season of For All Mankind, even though I haven't finished watching the entire thing, easily earns my choice for the best show of 2023. I enjoyed the second season of What If...? quite a bit as well.
Best Video Game - Early in the year, I'd have expected that X-Com 2 would be my personal game of the year. And that's a good one which I'll certainly be going to back to again. But I spent a huge chunk in the middle of 2023 playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and that game wins. I've also got to give an honorable mention to Slay the Spire, which has become my new phone game of choice, bumping out Neuroshima Hex for the time being.