Top10ner Movie Lists Films Lists

THE 30 BEST
FIILMS OF 2023

Welcome to our curated list of the 30 Best Films of 2023, part of an ongoing series celebrating the finest achievements in cinema each year. In 2023, the film industry delivered an eclectic mix of groundbreaking stories that captivated audiences worldwide. This year saw a remarkable blend of inventive blockbusters and bold indie films, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of both storytelling and visual artistry.

A defining moment of the year was ‘Barbenheimer,’ the simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer, which not only dominated the box office but also redefined what mainstream cinema could achieve. Meanwhile, Poor Things captivated with its imaginative narrative and striking visuals, embodying the bold creative risks that marked 2023.

Our rankings combine average ratings, critical acclaim, and audience reception to present a comprehensive view of the year’s best. As we count down, you’ll discover films that excelled in storytelling, technical achievement, and cultural impact. Join us in celebrating the 30 Best Films of 2023, and stay tuned for future installments as we continue to explore each year’s finest cinematic offerings.

Want to peek behind the curtain?

Click below to delve deeper into our rating system and learn all about the inner workings of our algorithm.

TRENDING LISTS

30

Rye Lane

2023 | 1h 22m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore69.868 / 100

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"'Cos even though it was low-res, I knew that dick."

DIRECTOR: Raine Allen-Miller

WRITERS: Nathan Bryon, Tom Melia

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Olan Collardy

STARRING: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah

GENRE: Romantic Comedy

Two twenty-somethings, both reeling from bad break-ups, connect over the course of an eventful day in South London – helping each other deal with their nightmare exes, and potentially restoring their faith in romance.

Rye Lane is a smart, funny, and heartwarming addition to the rom-com canon. The film’s fast-paced editing and lively cinematography bring a burst of personality and chemistry between its leads, making it a delightful watch set in the vibrant locales of South London.

29

The Promised Land

'Bastarden'

2023 | 2h 07m | DENMARK, NOR & GER | DANISH

Top10nerScore70.133 / 100

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"We're not dying for your damn heath project."

DIRECTOR: Nikolaj Arcel

WRITERS: Nikolaj Arcel, Anders Thomas Jensen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rasmus Videbæk

STARRING: Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, Simon Bennebjerg

GENRE: Period Drama, Biopic

Denmark, 1755. Soldier Ludvig Kahlen arrives on the wild land of Jutland to follow the king’s call to cultivate it, hoping to achieve wealth and honor. But Kahlen quickly makes an enemy in merciless landowner Frederik De Schinkel, who believes he is the sole ruler of the area.

The Promised Land is an epic Nordic tale with Western elements, led by Mikkelsen’s compelling performance. With stunning cinematography and convincing production design, this thrilling and visually ravishing film captures the harshness and hope of its historical setting.

28

The Taste of Things

'La passion de Dodin Bouffant'

2023 | 2h 15m | FRANCE | FRENCH

Top10nerScore70.682 / 100

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"Happiness is continuing to desire what we already have."

DIRECTOR: Tran Anh Hung

WRITERS: Tran Anh Hung

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jonathan Ricquebourg

STARRING: Juliette Binoche, Benoît Magimel

GENRE: Food, Period Drama, Romance

Set in France in 1889, the film follows the life of Dodin Bouffant as a chef living with his personal cook and lover Eugénie. They share a long history of gastronomy and love but Eugénie refuses to marry Dodin, so the food lover decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her.

The Taste of Things indulges our senses with an exquisite love story akin to French haute cuisine. Set in 1889, this historical romance, led by Binoche and Magimel, beautifully explores themes of love, beauty, and human connection, offering a deeply gratifying cinematic experience.

27

Barbie

2023 | 1h 54m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore71.021 / 100

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"I would never wear heels if my feet were shaped this way!"

DIRECTOR: Greta Gerwig

WRITERS: Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rodrigo Prieto

STARRING: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Will Ferrell, Ariana Greenblatt

GENRE: Satire, Absurdist Comedy, Portal Fantasy, Low Fantasy

Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

Gerwig’s Barbie is a visually dazzling comedy that smartly pairs meta humor with subversive storytelling. Clever, funny, and poignant, this film blends entertainment with a powerful commentary on patriarchy and feminism, making it one of the year’s standout comedies.

26

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

2023 | 1h 47m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore71.132 / 100

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"Yeah. Welcome to womanhood."

DIRECTOR: Kelly Fremon Craig

WRITERS: Kelly Fremon Craig

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tim Ives

STARRING: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Batese, Elle Graham, Benny Safdi

GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Family Drama

When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is an effervescent and refreshingly frank coming-of-age comedy-drama that does full justice to Judy Blume’s seminal novel. Set in the ’70s but feeling totally current, the film captures the magic and challenges of girlhood with a wonderfully sweet touch.

25

BlackBerry

2023 | 1h 59m | CANADA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore71.257 / 100

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"Why would anybody want a phone without a keyboard?"

DIRECTOR: Matt Johnson

WRITERS: Matt Johnson, Matthew Miller

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jared Raab

STARRING: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside, Cary Elwes

GENRE: Biopic, Comedy, Period Drama

Two mismatched entrepreneurs – egghead innovator Mike Lazaridis and cut-throat businessman Jim Balsillie – joined forces in an endeavour that was to become a worldwide hit in little more than a decade. The story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.

BlackBerry offers a terrifically entertaining look at the rise and fall of a generation-defining gadget. With sharp intelligence and devilishly entertaining humor, this comedy-drama chronicles BlackBerry’s dramatic journey, boasting solid performances and a consistent pace.

24

La Chimera

2023 | 2h 11m | ITALY | ITALIAN

Top10nerScore71.642 / 100

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"You're not made for human eyes."

DIRECTOR: Alice Rohrwacher

WRITERS: Alice Rohrwacher

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hélène Louvart

STARRING: Josh O’Connor, Carol Duarte, Vincenzo Nemolato, Alba Rohrwacher, Isabella Rossellini

GENRE: Drama, Magical Realism, Crime

Set in the 1980s in rural Italy, Arthur is mourning the loss of his love. A local group of graverobbers make use of his archaeological skills to find ancient tombs filled with artefacts, but Arthur uses the digs to search for the afterlife, of which myths speak, where he imagines reuniting with her.

La Chimera is a marvelous and magical tale by Rohrwacher, blending wild, improbable pursuits with her trademark magical realism. O’Connor delivers a magnificent performance, navigating a dangerous yet exhilarating world that keeps shapeshifting as the plot unfolds.

23

Fallen Leaves

'Kuolleet Lehdet'

2023 | 1h 21m | FINLAND | FINNISH

Top10nerScore72.071 / 100

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"That's not true. Swine are intelligent and sympathetic."

DIRECTOR: Aki Kaurismäki

WRITERS: Aki Kaurismäki

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Timo Salminen

STARRING: Alma Pöysti, Jussi Vatanen

GENRE: Drama, Romantic Comedy

In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles – from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.

Fallen Leaves is a poetic heartbeat of fleeting temporal happiness, beautifully crafted by Aki Kaurismäki. This understated yet warm love story between two lonely individuals struggling to break free from their dead-end lives emphasizes human resilience and the value of love.

22

Mission: Impossible
Dead Reckoning

Part One

2023 | 2h 44m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore72.149 / 100

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"What difference does *that* make?"

DIRECTOR: Christopher McQuarrie

WRITERS: Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Fraser Taggart

STARRING: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny

GENRE: Action, Spy, Thriller

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: to track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands.

Dead Reckoning proves the franchise remains thrilling with world-threatening stakes and epic set pieces. Featuring a terrific cast and beautifully shot stunts, it stands as one of the best action movies of the year, built around death-defying showcases of suspense and bravado.

21

Nimona

2023 | 1h 42m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore72.676 / 100

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"Arm-chopping is not a love language!"

DIRECTOR: Troy Quane, Nick Bruno

WRITERS: Robert L. Baird, Lloyd Taylor, Troy Quane, Pamela Ribon, Keith Bunin, Marc Haimes, Nick Bruno

STARRING: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul, Indya Moore, Julio Torres

GENRE: Sword and Sorcery, Computer Animation, Science Fiction, Comedy, LGBTQ+, Buddy, Family

When a knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona — a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.

Nimona taps into rich emotional veins with splendid animation and thoughtful allegory, delivering a deeply lovable adventure. With fast-paced action and trademark chaos, the film is a crisp entertainer, delighting with vibrant storytelling and an imaginative world.

20

There’s Still Tomorrow

'C'è ancora domani'

2023 | 1h 58m | ITALY | ITALIAN

Top10nerScore72.860 / 100

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"You can't hit her all the time. She'll get used to it!"

DIRECTOR: Paola Cortellesi

WRITERS: Furio Andreotti, Paola Cortellesi, Giulia Calenda

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Davide Leone

STARRING: Paola Cortellesi, Valerio Mastandrea, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Emanuela Fanelli, Giorgio Colangeli, Vinicio Marchioni

GENRE: Period Drama, Family Drama, Comedy

Delia is a typical housewife in post-war Italy, whose family is in turmoil over the impending engagement of beloved first-born Marcella. The arrival of a mysterious letter, however, will ignite Delia’s courage to face her abusive husband and imagine a better future.

There’s Still Tomorrow delivers a rich cinematic experience with ironic humor, musical scenes, and the vindication of women’s roles. With meticulous design, Leone’s impeccable camerawork, and a smartly defiant ending, this is storytelling with terrific confidence and panache.

19

About Dry Grasses

'Kuru Otlar Üstüne'

2023 | 3h 17m | TUR, FRA, GER & SWE | TURKISH

Top10nerScore73.607 / 100

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"Wherever you go, your problems go with you. "

DIRECTOR: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

WRITERS: Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Ebru Ceylan, Akın Aksu

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Cevahir Şahin, Kürşat Üresin

STARRING: Deniz Celiloğlu, Merve Dizdar, Musab Ekici

GENRE: Psychological Drama

A young art teacher hopes to be transfered to Istanbul after completing his mandatory duty in a remote village school in Anatolia. After accusations of innapropriate contact with a student surface, his hopes of escape fade and he descends further into an existential crisis.

About Dry Grasses is a profound psychological drama that delves into the complexities of the human condition. Nuri Bilge Ceylan offers a stark window into the conflicted soul of Anatolia, revealing just enough to invite judgment while keeping viewers in a state of introspection.

18

Robot Dreams

'La sociedad de la nieve'

2023 | 1h 42m | SPAIN & FRA | SILENT

Top10nerScore74.135 / 100

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'DO YOU REMEMBER THE 21ST NIGHT OF SEPTEMBER?'

DIRECTOR: Pablo Berger

WRITERS: Pablo Berger

GENRE: Animation, Fable, Slice of Life, Drama

Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of 80’s NYC. One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. Will they ever meet again?

Robot Dreams beautifully captures silent storytelling with a heartfelt tale of unlikely companionship set against the nostalgic 1980s NYC backdrop. Berger’s direction, inspired by Sara Varon’s comic, evokes a mix of joy and sorrow, crafting an animation that resonates deeply.

17

Society of
the Snow

'La sociedad de la nieve'

2023 | 2h 24m | SPAIN & USA | SPANISH

Top10nerScore74.794 / 100

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"Living and dead, as one."

DIRECTOR: J. A. Bayona

WRITERS: Bernat Vilaplana, J. A. Bayona, Jaime Marques, Nicolás Casariego Córdoba

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pedro Luque

STARRING: Enzo Vogrincic, Agustín Pardella, Matías Recalt, Esteban Bigliardi

GENRE: Survival, Biopic, Period Drama, Disaster

In 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which had been chartered to fly a rugby team to Chile, crashed in the heart of the Andes. Only 29 of its 45 passengers survived the accident. Trapped in one of the most hostile and inaccessible environments on the planet, they have to resort to extreme measures to stay alive.

Society of the Snow captures a harrowing true story with stunning technical prowess and emotional depth. Bayona’s direction transforms the tragic plane crash into a gripping survival drama, blending raw realism with a hopeful message of human resilience.

16

Guardians of
the Galaxy

Volume 3

2023 | 2h 30m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore75.030 / 100

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"ROCKET, TEEFS, FLOOR, GO NOW!"

DIRECTOR: James Gunn

WRITERS: James Gunn

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Henry Braham

STARRING: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Will Poulter, Chukwudi Iwuji, Sean Gunn

GENRE: Space Opera, Action, Superhero, Comedy

Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Steering the team into a more somber realm while maintaining its core of emotion and wit, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 concludes the trilogy on a captivating and enjoyable note. The film strikes a balance between depth and levity, offering a satisfying closure to the beloved saga.

15

The Iron Claw

2023 | 2h 12m | USA & UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore75.145 / 100

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"Tonight, I walk with my brothers."

DIRECTOR: Sean Durkin

WRITERS: Sean Durkin

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mátyás Erdély

STARRING: Zac Efron, Holt McCallany, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Maura Tierney, Lily James

GENRE: Biopic, Family Drama, Sports, Period Drama

The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

The Iron Claw combines powerful performances and a poignant real-life narrative to deliver a deeply emotional experience. Efron and McCallany shine in career-best roles, portraying the complexities of one of wrestling’s legendary families with both grace and intensity.

14

John Wick

Chapter 4

2023 | 2h 49m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore75.189 / 100

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"Friendship means little when it's convenient."

DIRECTOR: Chad Stahelski

WRITERS: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dan Laustsen

STARRING: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Ian McShane, Shamier Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick

GENRE: Action, Crime, Thriller

With the price on his head ever increasing, John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

John Wick: Chapter 4 delivers an unrelenting barrage of action, showcasing Keanu Reeves in his element as the unstoppable John Wick. The film dazzles with its choreographed violence, each sequence more jaw-dropping than the last, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

13

The Zone
of Interest

2023 | 1h 45m | UK, USA & POL | GERMAN

Top10nerScore75.436 / 100

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"The life we enjoy is very much worth the sacrifice."

DIRECTOR: Jonathan Glazer

WRITERS: Jonathan Glazer, Lukas Feigelfeld

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Łukasz Żal

STARRING: Christian Friedel, Sandra Hüller

GENRE: Period Drama, Slice of Life, War

The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife, Hedwig, strive to build a perfect life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp. When a promotion threatens to undo everything the family has built, Hedwig refuses to leave their dream home.

The Zone of Interest chillingly exposes the banality of evil, compelling viewers to confront the unsettling normalization of heinous acts. Glazer’s haunting exploration leaves a lingering sense of unease, emphasizing the horrors that unfold both on and off the screen.

12

All of Us Strangers

2023 | 1h 46m | UK & USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore75.636 / 100

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"I don't think that matters."

DIRECTOR: Andrew Haigh

WRITERS: Andrew Haigh

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jamie D. Ramsay

STARRING: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy, Jamie Bell

GENRE: Psychological Drama, LGBTQ, Magical Realism

One night in his near-empty tower block, Adam has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbour Harry, which punctures the rhythm of his everyday life. As a relationship develops between them, Adam becomes preoccupied with memories of the past and finds himself drawn back to the home he grew up in.

All of Us Strangers explores profound grief and love through a fantastical yet deeply human lens, leaving a lasting impact with its outstanding performances and compelling narrative. This psychological drama resonates, painting a vivid and singular portrait of emotional depth.

11

The Boy and the Heron

'Kimitachi wa dô ikiru ka'

2023 | 2h 04m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore76.779 / 100

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"I’m Not Afraid Of Fire."

DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki

WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui

STARRING: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Takuya Kimura, Shohei Hino

STARRING (ENGLISH): Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Karen Fukuhara, Gemma Chan, Christian Bale, Mark Hamill

GENRE: Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Isekai, Anime

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 Boy and the Heron is a soulfully animated gem, exploring thought-provoking themes with Miyazaki’s signature excellence. Boasting incredible animation and a satisfying story, it offers a thrilling journey for both young viewers and those contemplating deeper questions.

INTRODUCING...

THE TOP 10
BEST FILMS
OF 2023

10

Godzilla
Minus One

'Gojira Mainasu Wan'

2023 | 2h 05m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore78.700 / 100

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"That monster... will never forgive us."

DIRECTOR: Takashi Yamazaki

WRITERS: Takashi Yamazaki

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kōzō Shibazaki

STARRING: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Munetaka Aoki, Sakura Ando

GENRE: Kaiju, Period Drama

A kamikaze pilot faces a new threat on Ōdo Island. A colossal monster attacks, claiming the lives of warplane engineers. Burdened by guilt for failing to distract the creature and driven by personal redemption, he joins forces with veterans to confront the monstrous force, known as Godzilla.

Godzilla Minus One combines engaging human stories with spectacular kaiju action, offering both thrilling special effects and an entertaining narrative. It delves into dark historical passages, exploring complex human dynamics while boldly confronting moral complexities.

09

Poor Things

2023 | 2h 22m | IRELAND, UK & USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore79.762 / 100

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"I must go punch that baby."

DIRECTOR: Yorgos Lanthimos

WRITERS: Tony McNamara

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robbie Ryan

STARRING: Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott

GENRE: Black Comedy, Steampunk, Coming-of-Age

Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer 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 deftly blends dark comedy with poignant drama, anchored by a standout performance from Stone. Lanthimos crafts a whimsically macabre tale that challenges societal norms with wicked humor and visual flair, making it a must-watch for fans of offbeat cinema.

08

Killers of the
Flower Moon

2023 | 3h 26m | USA | ENGLISH/OSAGE

Top10nerScore79.806 / 100

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"Can you find the wolves in this picture?"

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese

WRITERS: Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rodrigo Prieto

STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, Scott Shepherd

GENRE: Period Drama, Crime, Biopic

When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one—until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

Killers of the Flower Moon delivers a poignant examination of America’s complex ties with Indigenous communities. Remarkable performances, stunning visuals, and a compelling narrative captivate audiences despite the film’s intimidating length, marking another triumph for Scorsese.

07

Anatomy of a Fall

'Anatomie d'une chute'

2023 | 2h 32m | FRANCE | FRENCH/ENG

Top10nerScore80.690 / 100

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"but it's still better to cry in a car than in a subway."

DIRECTOR: Justine Triet

WRITERS: Justine Triet, Arthur Harari

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Simon Beaufils

STARRING: Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado-Graner, Antoine Reinartz, Samuel Theis, Jehnny Beth

GENRE: Legal Drama, Family Drama

When her husband Samuel is mysteriously found dead in the snow below their secluded chalet, Sandra becomes the main suspect when the police begin to question whether he fell or was pushed. The trial soon becomes a psychological journey into the depths of Sandra and Samuel’s complicated marriage.

Anatomy of a Fall skillfully blends intricate procedural elements with compelling family drama, showcasing the formidable synergy between Hüller’s stellar performance and Triet’s peak artistic prowess. A captivating exploration of narrative depth and emotional resonance.

06

Monster

'Kaibutsu'

2023 | 2h 05m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore80.796 / 100

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"If only some people can have it, that's not happiness."

DIRECTOR: Hirokazu Kore-eda

WRITERS: Yuji Sakamoto

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ryūto Kondō

STARRING: Sōya Kurokawa, Hinata Hiiragi, Sakura Andō, Eita Nagayama, Yūko Tanaka

GENRE: Psychological Drama, Hyperlink Cinema

When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges.

Gently devastating in its compassion, Monster is a masterpiece of shifting perspectives. This psychological drama, with perfect performances from Kurokawa and Hiiragi, offers no easy answers, using bold visuals and pithy dialogue to deliver sharp social commentary.

05

The Holdovers

2023 | 2h 13m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore80.913 / 100

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"Well, uh, like I said... sharp kid, insightful."

DIRECTOR: Alexander Payne

WRITERS: David Hemingson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Eigil Bryld

STARRING: Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, Da’Vine Joy Randolph

GENRE: Christmas, Comedy, Drama

A curmudgeonly instructor at a New England prep school is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually, he forms an unlikely bond with one of them — a damaged, brainy troublemaker — and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam.

The Holdovers is a charming and thought-provoking dramedy that showcases Alexander Payne’s storytelling prowess. With Paul Giamatti delivering a heartfelt performance, the film’s nostalgic, dialogue-driven format offers a delightful and emotionally resonant experience.

04

Past Lives

2023 | 1h 46m | USA & KOR | ENG/KOREAN

Top10nerScore81.174 / 100

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"You dream in a language I can't understand."

DIRECTOR: Celine Song

WRITERS: Celine Song

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Shabier Kirchner

STARRING: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro

GENRE: Drama, Romance

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrest apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. 20 years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

Past Lives unfolds with emotional resonance as Greta Lee and Teo Yoo intricately weave a tale of profound connection. Celine Song’s debut is a mesmerizing achievement, effortlessly guiding audiences through a sublime narrative journey that exceeds expectations of maturity.

03

Perfect Days

2023 | 2h 04m | JAPAN & GER | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore81.338 / 100

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"Next time is next time. Now is now."

DIRECTOR: Wim Wenders

WRITERS: Wim Wenders, Takuma Takasaki

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Franz Lustig

STARRING: Koji Yakusho, Arisa Nakano, Tokio Emoto

GENRE: Slice of Life

Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and for books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past.

Perfect Days, led by Kôji Yakusho’s remarkable performance, is an absorbing slice-of-life drama that adds a quietly soaring gem to Wim Wenders’ filmography. With a keen feel for Tokyo’s texture and an avoidance of cliché, Wenders captures the city’s everyday beauty.

02

Oppenheimer

2023 | 3h 01m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.033 / 100

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"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan

WRITERS: Christopher Nolan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hoyte van Hoytema

STARRING: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Florence Pugh

GENRE: Biopic, Period Drama, Political Drama, War

The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

In Oppenheimer, Nolan showcases directorial prowess, seamlessly merging meticulous research with artistic brilliance. The film delves into Oppenheimer’s enigmatic life, offering a fresh perspective, enhanced by Murphy’s commanding performance and Hoytema’s breathtaking visuals.

01

Spider-Man

Across the Spider-Verse

2023 | 2h 20m | USA & CAN | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore86.887 / 100

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"Nah. I'm-a do my own thing."

DIRECTORS: Joaquim Dos Santos, Justin K. Thompson, Kemp Powers

WRITERS: Dave Callaham, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

STARRING: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Schwartzman, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson, Brian Tyree, Henry Lauren Vélez

GENRE: Portal Fantasy, Computer Animation, Superhero, Action, Comedy, Family

After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most.

Across the Spider-Verse is a visually stunning, exuberant adventure that explodes the idea of what a comic book movie can be. This sequel boldly embraces its kaleidoscopic multiverse, delivering a unique and masterful experience that defies expectations, and cements its status as…
The Best Film of 2023

HONORABLE MENTIONS

12th Fail2023
Air2023
All Your Faces2023
Bottoms2023
Creed III2023
Dream Scenario2023
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves2023
Mars Express2023
May December2023
Missing2023
Radical2023
Red Rooms2023
Scrapper2023
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem2023
Tetris2023
The Teachers’ Lounge2023
The Covenant2023
The Peasants2023
Theater Camp2023
They Cloned Tyrone2023

THANKS FOR READING!

We hope you enjoyed the list and discovered some inspiration for your next movie night.

Happy watching! And make sure to check out our other lists.

But, before you go, don’t forget to…

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