30 Best-Rated Movies from 2023

The year 2023 was an incredible time for movie lovers, offering a diverse slate of films that captured our imaginations and sparked conversations. From massive blockbuster events that brought everyone to the theaters to smaller, character-driven stories that touched our hearts, there was truly something for everyone to enjoy. This past year proved that creativity in filmmaking is alive and well, with directors and actors delivering some of their best work and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. The movies that made a splash came from all genres, including mind-bending science fiction, poignant drama, breathtaking animation, and thrilling action.

As we look back, it is clear that 2023 will be remembered as a standout year in cinematic history. Many films not only achieved success at the box office but also earned critical acclaim, taking home prestigious awards and topping year-end lists. Whether you were looking for a thought-provoking narrative, a visually stunning spectacle, or just a fun escape, the movies of 2023 delivered in a big way. This list celebrates the films that received the highest praise from critics and audiences alike, showcasing the best of what the year had to offer and reminding us why we love going to the movies.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2023)

This film continues the story of the legendary hitman as he uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. Before he can earn his freedom, he must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe. His journey takes him to New York, Paris, Japan, and Berlin, where he confronts old friends who have turned into foes. The movie is an action-packed spectacle filled with intense fight choreography and stunning set pieces.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ was directed by Chad Stahelski and stars Keanu Reeves in the title role. The cast also includes Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, and Laurence Fishburne. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious action sequences and visual style. It was also a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film in the franchise.

‘Creed III’ (2023)

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed has been thriving in both his career and family life. His childhood friend and a former boxing prodigy, Damian, resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison. Damian is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight, as Adonis must put his future on the line to settle the past.

Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut with this installment, while also starring as the protagonist. The film features Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, and Phylicia Rashad in key roles. The movie was praised for its compelling story and intense boxing sequences. It also marked the first film in the ‘Rocky’ franchise without Sylvester Stallone appearing as Rocky Balboa.

‘The Killer’ (2023)

The film follows a methodical and solitary assassin who, after a fateful near-miss, battles his employers and himself on an international manhunt. He insists this journey is not personal, but as the stakes get higher, his meticulous approach begins to unravel. The story is a stylish and suspenseful thriller that delves into the mind of a professional killer whose world is thrown into chaos.

Directed by David Fincher, ‘The Killer’ stars Michael Fassbender in the lead role. The supporting cast includes Tilda Swinton and Charles Parnell. The film was praised by critics for Fincher’s precise direction and Fassbender’s compelling performance. It explores themes of perfectionism and the consequences of a single mistake in a high-stakes profession.

‘The Holdovers’ (2023)

The story is set during the Christmas holiday of 1970 at a New England boarding school. It follows a cranky classics instructor who is forced to remain on campus to supervise a handful of students with nowhere to go. He forms an unlikely bond with a brainy but troubled student and the school’s head cook, who is grieving the loss of her son. Together, the three navigate their personal struggles and find a sense of family.

‘The Holdovers’ was directed by Alexander Payne and features a celebrated performance by Paul Giamatti. The cast also includes Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa in his debut role. The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its screenplay, direction, and performances. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, in particular, won numerous awards for her supporting role.

‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ (2023)

This film is a coming-of-age story based on the beloved novel by Judy Blume. It follows eleven-year-old Margaret Simon, whose family moves from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey. Raised without a single religious affiliation, Margaret embarks on a quest to discover her spiritual identity. At the same time, she navigates the challenges of puberty, new friendships, and the awkward journey into adolescence.

The movie was written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. It stars Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret, alongside Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates. The film was met with near-universal acclaim from critics, who praised its heartfelt tone and faithful adaptation of the source material. It was celebrated for its honest and humorous portrayal of the trials and tribulations of growing up.

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. The film brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure. The story is filled with magic, mythical creatures, and a strong sense of camaraderie.

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ was directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The ensemble cast includes Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, and Hugh Grant. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, who praised its humor, fun-loving tone, and exciting action sequences. It was lauded for successfully capturing the essence of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ (2023)

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet. They must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. He is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission, not even the lives of those he cares about most.

The film was directed by Christopher McQuarrie and stars Tom Cruise, who also performs his own death-defying stunts. The cast includes Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson. It received widespread acclaim for its breathtaking action sequences, intricate plot, and strong performances. The movie was celebrated as another outstanding entry in the long-running franchise.

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ (2023)

A woman is suspected of her husband’s murder, and their blind son is the only witness. The story unfolds as a gripping courtroom drama where the couple’s conflicting relationship is put on trial. The film explores the complexities of truth and the ambiguity of perception as the investigation and trial proceed. It skillfully blurs the line between fact and fiction, leaving the audience to question what really happened.

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ was directed by Justine Triet, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film stars Sandra Hüller in a powerful lead performance. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or. The movie went on to win numerous other awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and was lauded for its intelligent script and compelling performances.

‘Asteroid City’ (2023)

The film takes place in a fictional American desert town in 1955. The itinerary of a Junior Stargazer and Space Cadet convention is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. The story is framed as a play within a television program, creating a layered and stylized narrative. It features a diverse group of characters who are brought together by the convention and forced to confront the unexpected.

‘Asteroid City’ is directed by Wes Anderson and showcases his signature visual style and symmetrical cinematography. The movie boasts a large ensemble cast, including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Tilda Swinton. The film was praised for its unique storytelling structure, quirky humor, and visually stunning production design.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)

Our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life. If the mission is not completed successfully, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

James Gunn wrote and directed this third installment of the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series. The film brings back the main cast, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, and the voices of Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper. The movie was praised for its emotional depth, concluding the trilogy on a satisfying and heartfelt note. It was also commended for its visual effects and action sequences.

‘TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR’ (2023)

This concert film documents the massively successful global tour by the acclaimed singer-songwriter. The movie provides a cinematic view of the concert, which features music spanning all of Taylor Swift’s different musical eras. It captures the elaborate stage production, choreography, and energetic performances that made the tour a cultural phenomenon. The film allows fans to experience the highly sought-after concert on the big screen.

‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour’ was directed by Sam Wrench. It quickly became the highest-grossing concert film of all time, breaking numerous box office records. The movie was praised for its stunning cinematography and sound quality, which effectively immerses the audience in the live concert experience. It was celebrated for its grand scale and for capturing the magic of the live show.

‘Theater Camp’ (2023)

The film follows the eccentric staff of a scrappy theater camp in upstate New York. After their beloved founder falls into a coma, her clueless son must team up with the drama instructors to keep the camp afloat. The movie is presented in a mockumentary style, capturing the hilarious and heartwarming chaos of putting on a show. It is a loving tribute to the world of musical theater and the passionate people who inhabit it.

‘Theater Camp’ was directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman. It features a talented ensemble cast that includes Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, and Noah Galvin. The film received positive reviews for its witty humor, charming performances, and genuine affection for its subject matter. It was praised as a funny and endearing look at the joys of artistic expression and community.

‘Society of the Snow’ (2023)

This film tells the harrowing true story of the 1972 Andes flight disaster. When a plane carrying a Uruguayan rugby team crashes in a remote and inaccessible part of the Andes mountains, the survivors must resort to extreme measures to stay alive. The movie chronicles their incredible struggle for survival against impossible odds over more than two months in the brutal, frozen landscape.

‘Society of the Snow’ was directed by J.A. Bayona. The film was lauded by critics for its powerful storytelling and stunning cinematography. It was praised for its respectful and realistic depiction of the survivors’ ordeal and the difficult choices they faced. The movie was also Spain’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

A young boy named Mahito, yearning for his mother, ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning. The story is a semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death, and creation, told in tribute to friendship. Mahito’s journey takes him to a mysterious tower where he encounters a talking gray heron, leading him on an adventure into a fantastical realm.

This animated film was written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The movie was a major critical and commercial success, earning praise for its breathtaking animation and profound storytelling. It won numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film, making it the first non-English language film to do so.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)

Set in post-war Japan, this film depicts the country as it struggles to recover from the devastation of World War II. Just as Japan is at its lowest point, a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant, monstrous creature. This destructive force, born from nuclear power, threatens to plunge the nation into even deeper despair. The story follows a group of individuals who must come together to fight against this overwhelming threat.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ was written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The film received universal acclaim from critics worldwide, who praised its compelling human drama, stunning visual effects, and powerful direction. It was a massive box office success and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, becoming the first ‘Godzilla’ film to win an Oscar.

‘BlackBerry’ (2023)

This film tells the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone. It chronicles the journey of the two men who created the iconic device, charting their unlikely partnership and the innovative product that changed the way we communicate. The movie explores the challenges they faced in a ruthlessly competitive industry and the eventual downfall of their company.

‘BlackBerry’ was directed by Matt Johnson and stars Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton. The film received critical acclaim for its sharp writing, energetic pacing, and strong performances. Critics praised its ability to turn a story about business and technology into a compelling and entertaining comedic drama. Howerton’s performance, in particular, was singled out for high praise.

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023)

The film is set in 1920s Oklahoma and depicts the serial murder of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation. This string of brutal crimes came to be known as the Reign of Terror. The story is an epic western crime saga, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal. It follows the unlikely romance of Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, whose lives become entangled in the conspiracy.

This movie was directed by Martin Scorsese and features a star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances, especially Gladstone’s. It was nominated for numerous awards and was lauded as a powerful and important historical drama.

‘Rye Lane’ (2023)

Two twenty-somethings, both reeling from bad break-ups, connect over the course of an eventful day in South London. They wander through the vibrant neighborhoods of Peckham and Brixton, helping each other deal with their respective exes and potentially restoring their faith in romance. The film is a charming and energetic romantic comedy that unfolds in real time.

‘Rye Lane’ is the feature directorial debut of Raine Allen-Miller. It stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah, whose on-screen chemistry was highly praised by critics. The movie was celebrated for its witty dialogue, stylish visuals, and fresh take on the romantic comedy genre. It was praised for its vibrant depiction of South London and its feel-good story.

‘Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’ (2023)

This documentary chronicles the life of beloved actor Michael J. Fox, from his rise to stardom in the 1980s to his private battle with Parkinson’s disease. The film uses a combination of documentary, archival, and scripted elements to tell his extraordinary story in his own words. It offers an intimate and honest look at his career, his family, and his advocacy work for Parkinson’s research.

Directed by Davis Guggenheim, ‘Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie’ received critical acclaim for its optimistic and unflinching portrayal of its subject. The film was praised for its innovative storytelling and for capturing Fox’s trademark humor and resilience. It was celebrated as an inspiring and deeply moving portrait of a public figure navigating personal challenges with grace.

‘About Dry Grasses’ (2023)

A young teacher is hoping to be appointed to Istanbul after his mandatory duty in a small village. He loses all hope of escaping his gloomy life after being accused of misconduct by a student. However, his meeting with another teacher helps him to overcome his feelings of despair. The film is a profound and lengthy character study that explores themes of alienation, morality, and the search for meaning.

The movie was directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, a renowned Turkish filmmaker. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where its lead actress, Merve Dizdar, won the award for Best Actress. The film was praised by critics for its stunning cinematography, complex characters, and thought-provoking philosophical dialogue.

‘Past Lives’ (2023)

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are torn apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love, destiny, and the choices that make a life. The story examines the concept of “In-Yun,” a Korean term for providence or fate, particularly in relationships.

‘Past Lives’ is the directorial debut of Celine Song. The film stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro. It received universal acclaim from critics, who praised its beautiful and subtle storytelling, powerful performances, and emotional depth. The movie was nominated for several major awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

‘Fallen Leaves’ (2023)

Two lonely souls in search of their first love meet by chance in the Helsinki night. They try to build a relationship, but their path is hindered by the man’s alcoholism, lost phone numbers, and life’s general tendency to place obstacles in the way of those seeking happiness. This tragicomedy is a hopeful and gentle story about finding connection in a complicated world.

‘Fallen Leaves’ was written and directed by Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki. The film was celebrated by critics for its deadpan humor, minimalist style, and heartwarming story. It won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was praised as a charming and poignant addition to the director’s body of work.

‘Poor Things’ (2023)

The film tells the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by a brilliant and unorthodox scientist. Under the scientist’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.

‘Poor Things’ was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and stars Emma Stone in a widely acclaimed performance. The cast also includes Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe. The movie received rave reviews for its unique visual style, dark humor, and bold storytelling. Emma Stone won numerous awards for her role, including the Academy Award for Best Actress.

‘Perfect Days’ (2023)

The film follows Hirayama, a man who seems content with his simple life as a cleaner of public toilets in Tokyo. He follows a structured daily routine and his passions include music and books. He also has a fondness for trees and takes photos of them. Through a series of unexpected encounters, more of his past is gradually revealed. The story is a moving and poetic reflection on finding beauty in the everyday world around us.

‘Perfect Days’ was directed by Wim Wenders. The lead actor, Kōji Yakusho, won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his performance. The film was praised for its quiet, meditative tone and its profound and gentle celebration of ordinary life. It was also Japan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.

‘Barbie’ (2023)

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place, unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. When one Barbie starts to experience thoughts and feelings that are not so perfect, she embarks on a journey to the human world to understand the truth about her existence. Her loyal Ken joins her, and they both discover the joys and challenges of real life.

‘Barbie’ was directed by Greta Gerwig, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. It became a cultural phenomenon and a massive box office success, praised for its clever script, vibrant production design, and humorous exploration of themes like feminism and identity. The movie received numerous award nominations and was celebrated for its originality and wit.

‘May December’ (2023)

Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past. The actress’s presence forces the couple to confront the uncomfortable facts of how their relationship began and the choices they made. The film delves into the complexities of their dynamic as the lines between performance and reality begin to blur.

‘May December’ was directed by Todd Haynes. It features a talented cast led by Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton. The film received critical acclaim for its layered screenplay and outstanding performances, with Charles Melton earning significant praise and award nominations for his supporting role. It was noted for its campy tone and intelligent exploration of performance and exploitation.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Miles Morales is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most. The film is a visually stunning adventure that expands on the world introduced in the first movie.

This animated sequel was produced by a team of three directors. The voice cast includes Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, and Oscar Isaac. The film was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its groundbreaking animation, ambitious storytelling, and emotional depth. It is widely considered one of the greatest animated films ever made and was a major box office success.

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

This biographical thriller tells the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The film explores his journey as the director of the Manhattan Project, delving into the moral and ethical dilemmas he faced. It also covers his subsequent hearing after the war, where his loyalty was questioned.

‘Oppenheimer’ was written and directed by Christopher Nolan. It features an ensemble cast led by Cillian Murphy in the title role. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, earning praise for its direction, screenplay, performances, and cinematography. It was a dominant force during awards season, winning numerous accolades including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Let us know which of these 2023 movies was your favorite in the comments below.