In the early 2020s, the television (TV) industry seemed like it was preparing for a mass exodus of most of its flagship titles. Prestigious and influential masterpieces such as “Better Call Saul,” “Succession,” “Atlanta” and “Attack on Titan” all saw their beloved, years-long story arcs come to highly anticipated ends. Coinciding with a heavy production backlog due to the pandemic and strike-related issues, it seemed that after the last of these shows ended, audiences and creatives alike would struggle to find themselves enjoying the luxuries of so-called “peak TV.” Despite all these hurdles, we have fortunately been graced with a considerable influx of high-quality and irresistible series that seem to be paving the way for the next phase of television.

By the year’s end, 2023 arguably became one of the strongest years in film, as there was a plethora of striking works throughout the cinematic spectrum. Legendary auteurs continued to hone their craft across a wide range of stories and genres, and for once, there was no shortage of unique blockbusters. As is the case every year, there were more than a few films that slipped through the cracks and were only known to a niche in the moviegoing population. The following five titles are a fraction of such films.

“Attack on Titan” has finally come to an end after being on the air for over 10 years. The anime, based on the manga of the same name, tells the story of oppression, the cost of freedom and the endless cycle of violence. The series has gained immense popularity over its run, and due to its complex themes, it has sparked up discussions and debates that are still ongoing even after the final episode has aired.

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey did what most journalists only aspire to do – prove that the pen is mightier than the sword.