Over the last four years, I’ve been covering the AFI Film Festival, and it has been a memorable experience every time I come out to Los Angeles. As I do every year, I share with you my favorite films from the festival. So check out my favorite movies and when you can check them out in theaters or on streaming platforms.

Sly

Excerpt from my review: My childhood was running up those infamous Rocky stairs in Philadelphia, and my adulthood was taking my wife to them and posing with the Rocky statue. That fictional character inspired many people with his actions and words, including me. Stallone had a significant impact on various stages of my life, and because of that, my journey with Sly was personal.

Not only is Sly one of the best documentaries of the year, but it’s one of the best movies of 2023. If you are like me and a fan of Stallone, this is a must-see documentary when it drops on Netflix.

Sly will be streaming on Netflix on November 3, 2023.

American Fiction

Cord Jefferson’s feature film debut is one of the best films of the year. How he balances the comedic tones with these honest issues that continue to stem across the world is poignant. Jeffrey Wright better be on his way to his first Oscar nomination with his fantastic performance as Monk. His co-star Sterling K. Brown should be honored because he carried a lot of the comedic weight on his shoulders. A must-see film.

American Fiction will hit theaters on December 15, 2023.

Leave the World Behind

Excerpt from my review: Leave The World Behind will be a SMASH-HIT for Netflix in the same vein as Bird Box. It will connect with audiences on many levels and has an ending that leaves you wanting more. An ensemble cast that delivers (Ethan Hawke is hilarious), a sharp, mysterious script from Esmail, and some truly haunting moments make Leave The World Behind one of the year’s biggest surprises.

Leave the World Behind will be released in select theaters on November 22 and streaming on Netflix on December 8, 2023.

The Bikeriders

Excerpt from my review: Every so often, a movie comes along that feels like it was made for me, and that is The Bikeriders. 20th Century Fox took the film off their slate as they await the ending of the strike, which I believe was a wise move because if they release this film in, say, March/April with a full-on press tour with this cast, this film will make them a lot of money. It has a massive general audience appeal to the film, and this needs to be seen on the big screen on the night it opens.

The Bikeriders doesn’t have a release date as of right now.

Maestro

I haven’t quite been able to put together the words for a review of Maestro yet. The film is easily one of the best directed, acted, and technical films of 2023. Bradley Cooper elevated his directing abilities from his first feature A Star is Born in a way that simply blew me away. His performance alongside Carey Mulligan, these two are true gem and should be in the front-runner conversation this awards season.

Maestro is In Select Theaters November 22 and on Netflix December 20.