The year 2023 has already seen some fantastic films hit the big screen. From action-packed blockbusters to intimate indie dramas, there have been quality movies released across a variety of genres. With so many great options to choose from, here is a look at the 10 best movies of 2023 so far.
Top Grossing Blockbusters
- Top Gun: Maverick: The long-awaited sequel to the 1986 classic, Top Gun: Maverick brings back Tom Cruise in the starring role. With incredible aerial stunts and a nostalgic return to the Danger Zone, this blockbusterthriller has wowed audiences while bringing in over $700 million worldwide.
- Avatar: The Way of Water: James Cameron’s first Avatar sequel has blown away expectations, utilizing groundbreaking 3D technology and visual effects. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana reprise their roles in this fantasy adventure set over a decade after the original film.
Critical Acclaim for Dramas
- Tár: Cate Blanchett gives a tour de force performance as a renowned conductor whose reputation unravels. Directed by Todd Field, this psychological drama has earned widespread critical praise.
- The Banshees of Inisherin: Martin McDonagh’s tragicomedy set in 1920s Ireland has been hailed as “a masterpiece” by critics. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star as two lifelong friends at an impasse.
- Everything Everywhere All at Once: The indie hit of the year, this mind-bending sci-fi comedy explores the multiverse through Michelle Yeoh’s stressed out laundromat owner. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, it’s a critical and fan favorite.
Must-See Documentaries
- Navalny: This CNN Films documentary chronicles Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his 2020 poisoning, examining how he challenged Vladimir Putin’s regime.
- Moonage Daydream: A cinematic tribute to David Bowie, featuring stunning concert footage and a kaleidoscopic look at the legendary musician’s creative genius.
Promising Early Oscar Contenders
With many presumed Oscar contenders still to come in late 2022, these films are already garnering awards season buzz:
- The Fabelmans: Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical drama about his early days making films as a child.
- Women Talking: Adapted from Miriam Toews’ novel, this is a powerful drama about women in an isolated religious colony responding to systemic abuse.
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery: Rian Johnson’s Knives Out sequel sends Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc to solve a new murder mystery on a billionaire’s private island.
The Year Still to Come
While 2023 has already delivered an impressive slate of movies, some of the most anticipated films have yet to be released. Still ahead are blockbusters like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and sequels to popular franchises like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Awards favorites like Babylon, starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, and Damien Chazelle’s period epic Babylon will also vie for Oscar attention. But so far, 2023 has proven to be a stellar year for quality cinema across genres.
