20 Best Movies Of 2023

21. Honourable Mentions

As noted, Wes Anderson brought the goods this year with the brilliantly funny Asteroid City, as well as some amusing short films for Netflix led by the charming Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.

Elsewhere, How To Blow Up A Pipeline gave audiences a galvanising call to arms regarding climate change, Annette Benning and Jodie Foster brought stunning authenticity to the sports drama Nyad, and Emma Seligman's riotous Bottoms brings new, over-the-top dimensions to the sex-fuelled teen comedy.

Some more underseen gems this year include the intoxicating character study Blue Jean, the uncompromising thriller Sisu, the quietly devastating courtroom drama Saint Omer, and the delightfully odd mind-eff Dream Scenario, which features a Nic Cage performance for the ages.

This has also been a big year for blockbusters, despite dwindling financial returns, with Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delivering enough to make up for their poor box office performances.

The list goes on (see also: Air, BlackBerry, The Beasts, Totem, The Creator, Saltburn, Priscilla, Babylon, Mutant Mayhem, Godzilla Minus One, Elemental, A Thousand And One, About Dry Grasses), but for now, let's dig into the top contenders...