The Most Popular Narratively Stories of 2023
A viral internet campaign, a sacred club for women in the porn industry, crooked Chicago policemen, Wall street spies and more. Here are our readers’ favorites from this year.
As the year draws to a close, we can confidently state that 2023 was a fantastic one for Narratively stories. Even though we adore them all, a few received particular recognition from our readers. They took us to unexpected places, showed that joy can sometimes be found in the strangest corners and highlighted the importance of community. We are thrilled to present our top stories of the year below.
5. The Greatest Game Ever Played Behind Barbed Wire
Story by Lisa Heyamoto
Imprisoned in a WWII internment camp, these Japanese-American teens held tight to their love for America’s pastime—building a diamond in the desert, and fielding a championship team for the ages. Note: This story won the Grand Prize in the inaugural Narratively Profile Prize!
4. The Gutsy Undercover Cop Who Took Down Chicago PD’s Most Crooked Crew
Story by David Howard
A Black sergeant was the only one willing to take on a risky FBI mission targeting drug-dealer-extorting cops. He reveals how he did it—and why it was shut down before he got to the white guys.
3. The Sisterhood of Sex and the Quest for Porno Power
Story by Hallie Lieberman
Directors with gross demands. Feminists branding them as brainwashed. Five ’80s porn stars were over the not-so-sunny side of the Golden Age of Porn. So they banded together and changed everything.
2. The First Guy to Break the Internet
Story by Emma Madden
It was the halcyon days of social video, eons before TikTok, and one gung-ho idealist had a simple plan to change the world. His Kony 2012 campaign crushed the internet—and nearly crushed him, too.
1. My High-Flying Life as a Corporate Spy Who Lied His Way to the Top
Story by Robert Kerbeck
He was just looking to make rent when he stumbled into a part-time gig stealing secrets from Wall Street elite. He made millions once he realized how desperate humans are for someone who will actually listen.