For many people, video essays have become a staple alternative on YouTube for TV shows and movies.
The idea of hour-long video essays is now so popular that many are willing to spend their time hearing about a topic or a story that might not have much impact to their life. It's just that good.
So as 2023 finally comes to a close, here are some of the best video essays that came out this year:
1. 'Man in Cave' (Reupload)
Any of Internet Historian's videos is a good start for many people just starting to dive into the world of video essays.
Mixing internet memes, witty comments, and truthful recollection of past events, the Man in Cave is an emotional roller coaster as to how an entire village try to set free a man from the grips of the earth.
Another recommendation from Internet Historian is his video on No Man's Sky, Fallout 76, and the Costa Concordia disaster.
2. 'Making Sense of Evangelion'
Anime fans also have a space in the video essays trend.
The video discusses the cultural relevance of Neon Genesis Evangelion, a 1995 anime that still continues to amass fans from all over the world for its disturbing yet intriguing story filled with a subtle look into the creator's mental health.
3. 'MyHouse.WAD - Inside Doom's Most Terrifying Mod'
What is a video essay list without a creepypasta? Horror stories are a staple in video essays and MyHouse.WAD is no exception.
Power Pak's deep-down discussion of the creepy mod will give viewers another rabbit hole to jump into. Just a bit of warning, some details of the story may not be suited to all viewers.
4. 'UNPACKING SICKNESS AS A BEAUTY TREND'
Mina Le is one of the well-known names in the field of beauty-related video essays and "Unpacking Sickness as a Beauty Trend" might be her best video for this year.
Filled with drama and intrigue, the 23-minute video essay (yes, it is short) provides a clearer look into almost impossible beauty standards set by society for young women and how businesses exploit it.
5. 'Plagiarism and You(Tube)'
Saving the best for the last, hbomberguy's latest video essay is a top recommendation for this year.
The channel is well known for putting out insane but interesting takes on niche questions, like where does the oof sound from Roblox came from?
If your intention is to dive into an all-new rabbit hole, then this video essay is for you. The video is four hours long and there is not a single boring moment.
This video is sure to wake up some people to the cruel reality of the content mill on the internet.
