We’re coming to the end of the year, meaning it is time to look back on the year that was. This week I’ll be offering my 10 best in different categories. Stay tuned each day as I count down a new category leading up to New Year’s Eve. And join Eric and I on Saturday, December 30 as we share our Top 12 movies of the year on the This Week at the Movies podcast.

No. 10: Trolls Band Together
About: This third Trolls feature film wasn’t the best. Some of the story lagged and it’s a franchise that might be running low on magic. Still, it was entertaining. I like Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake in these lead roles, and the script as some fun with the premise. It’s a fun family movie.

No. 9: Leo
About: This Adam Sandler animated tale about an aging lizard seeking to break free from the classroom where he’s lived for decades dropped during Thanksgiving week. It was a sort of under-the-radar release, but I enjoyed the film a lot more than expected. Sandler is great as the voice of Leo, and I enjoyed the comedy and the arc of the story. It’s a cute little feature.

No. 8: Nimona
About: Another Netflix release, this one offered some interesting animation and a compelling story. I enjoyed the narrative here and the work of Chloe Grace Moretz as the lead voice. This was a creative and enjoyable animated feature.

No. 7: The Boy and the Heron
About: This film from Hayao Miyazaki features some beautiful animation and some powerful storytelling. I was drawn into the world and appreciated the craft that went into telling this story. The fact it’s this far down on the list is a testament to the strength of the animated features offered in 2023.

No. 6: Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
About: It was a big year for Netflix animated releases. This is the third on the list so far and the one I enjoyed the most. It is a follow up to the original from 2000. I enjoyed the style of animation here and the story. This is one that’s fun for the family and worth seeking out on streaming.

No. 5: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
About: We’ve seen several films about the turtles told in various ways. Yet, this new animated feature found a way to make their origin story seem fresh and original. I liked the humor, the style and the story here. This was an incredibly strong year for animated features and the Turtles was a big part of that.

No. 4: Suzume
About: It was also a varied year for animation. This feature, which was on Crunchyroll, had an interesting story and style. I wasn’t sure what to make of it when I started the screening, but by the end I was drawn into what Makoto Shinkai was doing. This was one of the best surprises of the year in animated films for me.

No. 3: Elemental
About: One of the few Pixar films to get a theatrical release in recent years, this one dropped in the heart of summer. It had a unique premise and a mysterious trailer. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I got was a story with plenty of heart and humor. I’ve seen it a couple of times and it has stirred me on each viewing.

No. 2: Wish
About: This Disney animated feature is a celebration of 100 years of Disney. As such, there are plenty of call backs and Easter eggs. That didn’t work for everyone, but I enjoyed the celebration. What lands it here on this list is the original songs, the voice work of Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine and the delightful story. I loved this theater experience.

No. 1: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
About: The first trip to the Spider-Verse was one of my favorite animated films of all time, so I wondered how the sequel would hold up. Turns out there was no need to worry. It isn’t as strong as the first installment, but it was still one of the best films I saw this year. In a strong year for animated features, this return to the world of Miles Morales and his universe of spider-friends is the best animated film I saw in 2023.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.