First, I want to say I am so grateful for this year and all the love and support I’ve received in writing “What Whitney’s Watching”. In the almost 6 months since I’ve moved to Substack, I have had the opportunity to write on my own terms and read incredible works by other writers. There’s so much talent and passion in this space and I’m grateful to be a part of that. Even though 2023 has been fraught to say the least, this place has definitely been a bright spot.
So in celebration of 2023 finally coming to a close, I want to countdown the best of the best of 2023. While it would definitely be easier to make a worst of list, we’re going to keep it very “love and light” to wrap the year up. So here goes:
My Top 3 Books of the Year
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
One of the best reads of my entire life and the reason you are reading this newsletter in this current form today.
Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber
Incredibly important and liberating read. Usually I struggle to get through nonfiction but I loved every minute.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Brutal, heartbreaking, and deeply thought-provoking. I can’t recommend it enough.
My Top 5 Movies of the Year
Oppenheimer
By far the best film of the year. Thankfully, Nolan doesn’t wholly endorse the life and actions of Oppenheimer but makes a removed look at his life super engaging for the viewer nonetheless. Also, that’s Robert Downey Jr.’s Oscar to win.
Priscilla
Sofia Coppola is a national treasure.
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé
A beautiful profile of a once in a generation genius couched in fantastic performances and stunning visuals. I cried.
Stardust
Delightful and romantic fantasy romp that I highly recommend. We used to be a proper country that regularly produced sweeping fantasy romance epics with stacked casts and a fun, well-done story made for 65 million dollars. What happened to that?
Bottoms
Ayo is a genius and I would like to be her when I grow up (despite us being virtually the same age).
My Top 7 Anime of the Year
(I finally hit 100 anime watched (in my entire life) this year so you can trust that I’m an expert on this)
One Piece
Wano was a triumph of animation and story telling. I didn’t even mind the famous Toei story padding as much. Can’t wait for the anime to catch up the current place in the manga because I know the team will do a fantastic job.
Jujutsu Kaisen
The adaptation has seriously done the manga justice. The music has been absolutely incredible and the changes from manga to anime were needed and welcome.
Apothecary Diaries
I could rave about this show all day. I’m just having so much fun watching it and it’s the perfect salve for a year like 2023.
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
I’ve been watching this anime twice a year every year since 2015 and each and every watch is different. It just grows with you so beautifully. Hiromu Arakawa has started writing another story and I’m so excited to see how it goes.
Pluto
Definitely the surprise of the year. I hope I finish it one day.
Hell’s Paradise
Very solid anime and will probably be a contender for Best New Series at the Crunchyroll Awards (yes, I watch the Crunchyroll Awards).
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is only here because I’m grateful the show has finally come to an end. The greed of MAPPA has been staggering and I’m glad they can’t milk such a “sensitive” story anymore.
My Top 9 Songs of the Year
Kick Back - Kenshi Yonezu
This song was number #1 on my Spotify wrapped last year and this year. It will be number #1 next year as well. I cannot escape.
America Has a Problem - Beyoncé
She tapped into something very ancient and powerful to make this song. Prince would’ve loved it.
Baggy Jeans - NCT U
I don’t care that their songs are awkward and make no sense, this will never sound bad to me. However, there’s a reason I critique films and not music.
It Girl - Aaliyah’s Interlude
Probably the most fun song of the year. “Ugh, don’t call just text me”, randomly comes out of my mouth once a day.
Super Shy - NewJeans
You just gotta learn the dance.
Cobra - Megan Thee Stalion
So raw and emotional but I’m glad she was able to release it.
Angels in Tibet - Amaarae
I wish people still did dance-offs in clubs. This is what I’d pick for my song.
Sugarcoat (NATTY Solo) - Kiss of life
This song felt like listening to music at my cousin’s house in 2003. Can’t believe this is kpop no shade.
Killshot - Slowed + Reverb - Magdalena Bay
Killshot is about a year older than any other songs on this list but it’s here because it’s one of the greatest songs I’ve ever heard. Also the video they made for the live performances is just anime boys so I can’t be mad at that.
Love this wrap up!! (I added The Spear Cuts Through Water to my tbr list immediately it looks so good!) Also I read Ayo Edebiri improvised the whole scene when they’re walking back to the car in Bottoms & she’s going on about marrying the pastor guy and its an even funnier scene now