2023 wasn’t just another year; it exploded as a dazzling showcase of entertainment spanning multiple formats, as streaming services launched into hyperdrive, bombarding us with must-watch shows, while film studios delved into our collective childhood, rejuvenating classic franchises that both warmed our hearts and dominated the box office. As for the gaming world, selecting a top pick was like picking a single star in a universe of hits.
So, dive in as we dissect the year’s pop culture phenomena, from the cultural shockwave of Barbenheimer to the tear-jerking finale of your favourite season finale. We’ll crown the kings and queens of streaming, hail the heroes (and villains) who rocked the silver screen, and award the golden pixels to the games that kept us glued to our consoles.
But enough reminiscing, it’s time to crown the champions! Brace yourself, popcorn prepped, controllers charged – the Geek Culture Awards 2024 are here to celebrate the Best of Entertainment!
BEST MOVIE (Gold): Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, led by an exceptional performance from Cillian Murphy, is a cinematic tour de force that masterfully intertwines complex character building and non-linear storytelling. This biographical epic delves deep into the life of noted scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, brilliantly capturing the dualities of his character amidst the backdrop of the Manhattan Project.
Supported by a stellar cast including Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt, and elevated by Ludwig Göransson’s powerful score, the film offers a riveting, multi-faceted portrayal of one of history’s most enigmatic figures, solidifying itself as a monumental achievement in filmmaking that is deserving of first place.
BEST MOVIE (Silver): Barbie
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, transcends its playful premise to deliver a witty and profound exploration of feminism, identity, and societal norms. The film ingeniously uses the iconic doll to navigate through complex themes such as sexism, the fragility of masculinity, and the impacts of patriarchy, all while maintaining a delightful sense of humor and self-awareness.
With its vibrant Barbiecore aesthetic, a star-studded cast delivering memorable performances, and a narrative that balances insightful social commentary with light-hearted fun, Barbie proves to be an entertaining yet thought-provoking experience for all audiences. Gerwig’s skillful direction turns a seemingly simple story into a kaleidoscope of human emotions and societal reflections, making Barbie a standout film that is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Honourable Mentions: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Boy and the Heron, Killers of the Flower Moon, Gran Turismo
BEST STREAMING SHOW (Gold): Reacher – Season 2
Amazon Prime’s Reacher triumphantly returns for a second season, elevating Lee Child’s titular character with sharper writing, and Alan Ritchson’s remarkable portrayal of the military man turned drifter. The series, which dives deeper into Reacher’s military past alongside former Master Sergeant Frances Neagley, captivates with its blend of brutal, realistic action and a commanding presence by Ritchson, who embodies Reacher with a mix of forceful intensity and charming wit.
In a year filled with great streaming shows from Netflix, Disney+ and Apple TV+, the adaptation stands out for its excellent casting, well-choreographed action sequences, and a compelling narrative that doesn’t rely on elaborate budgets but rather on strong storytelling and character development.
BEST STREAMING SHOW (Silver): Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Apple TV’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the latest installment in the MonsterVerse franchise, skillfully blends monstrous mayhem with compelling human drama. Spanning 10 episodes, the series introduces two groups of characters across different timelines, intricately connected by the secretive organisation, Monarch.
With a narrative that alternates between post-Godzilla attacks and the discovery of Godzilla and other titans, the show offers a perfect balance of action and emotional depth. Enhanced by remarkable CGI and realistic worldbuilding, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters grounds the MonsterVerse in a way that appeals to both longstanding fans and newcomers, making it a standout series that competes with major franchises in depth, storytelling, and visual spectacle.
Honourable Mentions: The Last of Us, One Piece, Percy Jackson and The Olympians, The Glory
BEST GAME (Gold): Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Don your mask, heroes, this city needs you. Insomniac Games swings into a new era with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, an electrifying web-slinging extravaganza that explodes with heart-pumping action and emotional depth. Buckle up as Peter Parker and Miles Morales tag-team against Manhattan’s most notorious villains, their iconic powers amplified by sleek Web Wings and mind-blowing combat moves.
This 25+ hour web-crawler odyssey throws you headfirst into a vibrant New York City teeming with hidden secrets and pulse-pounding encounters. Whether you’re soaring through neon-drenched skyscrapers or weaving through labyrinthine rooftops, the city becomes your ultimate playground, every wall a canvas for your acrobatic justice. Prepare to spin a new legend in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the superhero game that redefines the genre.
BEST GAME (Silver): Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
FromSoftware and Bandai Namco throw down the gauntlet with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Forge your ultimate mech, then unleash hell on Rubicon 3, a planet crackling with political fury and a forbidden energy source. This isn’t your grandpa’s mech game, it’s a white-knuckled thrill ride of customisation, tactics, and gut-wrenching combat. No franchise knowledge needed, just a thirst for victory. Dive into a story of warring factions, ethical dilemmas, and explosive action. Fires of Rubicon is FromSoftware at its finest – a titan among giants.
Honourable Mentions: Baldur’s Gate 3, Pikmin 4, Alan Wake 2, Final Fantasy XVI
BEST GAME REMAKE (Gold): Resident Evil 4
The Resident Evil 4 remake by Capcom is a masterful reimagining of the survival horror classic, setting new standards in modern gaming. This remake enhances every aspect of the original, from a more fluid and dynamic control system to smarter enemy AI that challenges players in innovative ways. The game’s blend of action, stealth, and horror is paced impeccably, offering an unceasingly thrilling experience.
Visually and audibly stunning, the game leverages the RE Engine to bring its rural nightmare vividly to life. Not just a mere retouch, the remake enriches every facet of the game, making it more engaging and enjoyable, especially with the improved handling of companion Ashley and the revamping of memorable locations. With its enhanced combat mechanics, atmospheric world-building, and added replayability features, including New Game+ and upcoming DLCs, Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 remake, which now includes versions for Apple MacBooks and iPhone 14, transcends its legacy to deliver an unparalleled survival horror experience, becoming the new gold standard for the genre.
BEST GAME REMAKE (Silver): Dead Space
Claustrophobic corridors pulse with dread. Necromorph shrieks echo through the mangled hull of the USG Ishimura. Electronic Arts and Motive Studio’s Dead Space remake isn’t just a polished classic – it’s a bone-chilling plunge back into the abyss. This meticulously crafted reimagining amplifies the terror in every pixel, from Isaac Clarke’s desperate struggle to survive, to the viscerally detailed Necromorphs that stalk your every step. Prepare to scream as the Frostbite engine paints a horrifying masterpiece, where dismemberment becomes a strategic dance and zero-gravity becomes a twisted playground of terror. Forget nostalgia, this is a modern masterpiece of survival horror, surpassing its predecessor to become the definitive way to face your fears.
BEST INDIE GAME: Dave The Diver
Dave the Diver emerges as a delightful surprise in the indie game landscape, masterfully blending deep-sea diving adventures with sushi restaurant management. Dive headfirst into the kaleidoscopic Blue Hole, where you’ll spearfish vibrant fin-flappers, dodge jellyfish barrages, and uncover ancient sunken mysteries. On land, your cosy sushi bar awaits, with hungry patrons eager for your handcrafted salmon nigiri and playful octopus sashimi.
The gameplay loop is as addictive as a sea anemone’s grip, with seahorse racing, restaurant management, and a captivating storyline keeping you hooked. Sure, the boss squids might not put up much of a fight, but Dave the Diver is pure fun distilled into an underwater RPG, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment (and maybe a craving for sushi) long after you surface.
Honourable Mentions: Sea of Stars, Dredge, A Space for The Unbound
Head over to Geek Culture Awards 2024: The Best Of Tech to find out the tech products for the year 2023!
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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