20 Best Movies Of 2023

2023 is almost over, and in its wake it's left behind a staggering amount of movies, the best of which range from moody horrors to sweet little rom-coms, and animated mega-hits to sci-fi mindbenders. There's even been the odd murder mystery, political melodrama, and not one but five Wes Anderson projects for good measure.

It's been a great year, all told, full of daring tales and stunning directorial debuts, but it's also been twelve months of big changes. The Actors' and Writers' Strike spent months shaking the very foundations of Hollywood, whilst big franchises such as the MCU and Mission: Impossible have failed to bring profit or adulation.

There's a good chance 2023 represents a turning point in the way we make and consume movies - even Marvel has dialled back their upcoming output, with only one movie slated to release next year - which bodes well for the typically overlooked non-blockbuster films that tend to get buried by the box office year-after-year.

With that in mind, here's a celebration of this game-changing year's 20 greatest movies, starting off with some honourable mentions that didn't quite make the cut.

Quick note: The films included in this list are subject to a wide UK release date, so, whilst they surely would have made the cut, the likes of Poor Things, The Holdovers and The Boy & the Heron won't be included here. Watch out for next year's rundown, though!

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...