Ranked roundup
The best films of 2023
25 ranked · updated July 2026
The cinematic landscape of 2023 was defined by bold explorations of identity, moral complexity, and the relentless human spirit. From the mind-bending depths of the multiverse to the quiet, dignified beauty of daily routines, these selections represent the most powerful storytelling achievements that challenged and moved audiences this year.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 200 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to films released in 2023.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
This film earns its top spot through groundbreaking visual artistry that perfectly mirrors the complex internal struggle of defining one's own destiny.
Explores: Multiverse, Identity, Destiny vs Free Will.
Oppenheimer
A haunting exploration of scientific ethics, this masterpiece captures the devastating moral ambiguity inherent in the dawn of the atomic age.
Explores: Moral ambiguity, Scientific ethics, Cold War paranoia.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Gunn
James Gunn delivers a poignant conclusion to this trilogy by grounding cosmic stakes in the raw, universal experience of found family and grief.
Explores: Found Family, Loss and Grief, Redemption.
Society of the Snow
J. A. Bayona
This survival drama is a harrowing testament to human endurance, stripping away artifice to reveal the primal instincts required to survive against impossible odds.
Explores: Survival, Human Endurance, Cannibalism.
Sound of Freedom
Alejandro Monteverde
Driven by a commitment to moral courage, this biographical thriller sheds necessary light on the dark realities of global human trafficking.
Explores: Child Trafficking, Moral Courage, Redemption.
There's Still Tomorrow
Through its poignant social realism, this film masterfully balances post-war domestic struggle with a quiet, revolutionary spirit of women's empowerment.
Explores: Women's Empowerment, Domestic Abuse, Post-war Reconstruction.
Red, White & Royal Blue
Matthew López
This charming romance succeeds by subverting traditional royal tropes, providing a modern and heartfelt look at forbidden love within a high-stakes political environment.
Explores: Forbidden Love, Enemies to Lovers, Royal Romance.
My Fault
Domingo González
Anchored by the tension of clashing social classes, this coming-of-age story captures the volatile intensity of youthful rebellion and forbidden attraction.
Explores: Step-sibling relationship, Class differences, Rebellious youth.
John Wick: Chapter 4
Chad Stahelski
The film sets a new standard for action cinema, utilizing impeccable choreography to elevate a classic narrative of redemption and organized crime.
Explores: Assassins, Organized Crime, Redemption.
Gran Turismo
Neill Blomkamp
This underdog story effectively transforms a niche gaming hobby into a cinematic celebration of dream fulfillment and the grit required to overcome adversity.
Explores: Underdog Story, Overcoming Adversity, Dream Fulfillment.
Guy Ritchie's The Covenant
Guy Ritchie
A gripping military thriller, the film earns its place by highlighting the profound power of cross-cultural friendship and the heavy weight of sacrifice.
Explores: Loyalty, Sacrifice, Cross-Cultural Friendship.
Perfect Days
Wim Wenders
By finding extraordinary beauty in the mundane, this quiet character study serves as a meditative reflection on the value of routine and minimalism.
Explores: Minimalism, Finding Beauty in the Mundane, Routine and Ritual.
Nimona
Troy Quane
This vibrant animated adventure challenges societal norms through the lens of an outsider, offering a fresh and necessary perspective on acceptance and redemption.
Explores: Outsider Acceptance, Challenging Societal Norms, Redemption.
Dogman
Luc Besson
This neo-noir film provides a deeply moving look at an outsider narrative, emphasizing the redemptive power of companionship between a man and his dogs.
Explores: Animal Companion, Abuse Survival, Outsider Narrative.
Radical
This inspirational drama highlights the transformative power of educational reform, proving how unconventional methods can unlock potential in the face of systemic neglect.
Explores: Educational Reform, Overcoming Adversity, Empowerment.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Aaron Horvath
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: brotherhood, self-discovery, good vs evil.
Past Lives
Celine Song
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: Reconnection, Missed Connections, Fate vs. Free Will.
Flamin' Hot
Eva Longoria
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: American Dream, Underdog Story, Cultural Pride.
Robot Dreams
Pablo Berger
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: loneliness, friendship, loss.
Poor Things
Yorgos Lanthimos
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: Feminist Awakening, Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Societal Critique.
Taylor Swift | the Eras Tour
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: Career Retrospective, Musical Evolution, Live Performance.
Elemental
Peter Sohn
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: Opposites Attract, Cultural Differences, Finding Common Ground.
The Holdovers
Alexander Payne
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: Unlikely Friendships, Finding Connection, Grief and Loss.
Monster
Hirokazu Kore-eda
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: Single Motherhood, Childhood Trauma, Miscommunication.
Once Upon a Studio
A standout among the best films of 2023.
Explores: Disney Legacy, Nostalgia, Character Reunions.
Common questions
What are some of the best biographical dramas from 2023?
Notable biographical dramas from 2023 include 'Oppenheimer,' which covers the development of the atomic bomb, 'Sound of Freedom,' focusing on anti-trafficking efforts, 'Gran Turismo,' detailing a gamer's racing career, and 'Radical,' which depicts a teacher's unique approach to educational reform.
Are there any good LGBTQ+ romance movies released in 2023?
Yes, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is a prominent LGBTQ+ romantic comedy from 2023. It explores the forbidden romance between the son of the U.S. President and a British prince, navigating the complexities of their public and private lives.
Which 2023 movies are about survival and human endurance?
The film 'Society of the Snow' is a powerful survival drama that depicts the true story of a rugby team stranded in the Andes mountains, focusing on their extreme struggle for endurance and survival in the face of a disaster.