30 best movies of 2023 you should watch before the year ends
From Barbenheimer to one of the scariest movies of the year. Have you watched all of them yet?
The best movies of 2023 range from box-office darlings like Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer to critically acclaimed indie movies like Past Lives and outstanding British debuts like How to Have Sex.
These are the movies you should watch before the year ends.
There are all kinds of movies to be found in this list, from animated gems like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to epic fantasy comedies like Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and must-watch horror movies like Talk To Me.
There are Marvel movies, gripping action sagas like John Wick, family adventures as entertaining as Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, independent movies for those looking for a challenging watch, Oscar-winning films like Women Talking and The Whale, and much more.
Don't miss out on the best movies to watch in 2023, as recommended by Digital Spy.
Leave the World Behind
One of Netflix's best movies of the year, Leave the World Behind is a gripping and intense apocalyptic thriller, based on the novel by Rumaan Alam.
Directed by Mr Robot's Sam Esmail, the movie follows Amanda (Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke) as they travel to a luxury home to spend the weekend with their children. When the owners – GH (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha'la) – show up to spend the night, the world starts trembling under their feet.
Many viewers are still thinking about the ending of Leave the World Behind, as well as wondering what the menacing deer mean or why Friends is featured. The answers, though, are not as clear as we'd hope.
How to watch: Netflix.
May December
Todd Haynes' new movie May December is as funny as it is disturbing, and most definitely one of the best movies of 2023.
Inspired by a shocking true story, the movie follows Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman), an actress doing research for her next role by disrupting the lives of Gracie and Joe (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton), a married couple whose relationship started buried in scandal — he was 13 and she was 36.
The leading trio deliver strong performances, with Riverdale's Melton stealing the show and being lined up for Best Supporting Actor in the next Oscars.
How to watch: Sky Cinema (UK) | Netflix (US)
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
The Hunger Games is back better than ever with this excellent prequel, which focuses on Coriolanus Snow's youth.
Many decades before becoming the ruthless president of Panem, Snow (Tom Blyth) is a student trying to ensure a promising future for himself, despite the poverty his family is living in after the war. As mentor of District 12's tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), he has an opportunity to rise through the ranks.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a spectacular and brutal return to the world of Suzanne Collins' books.
How to watch: Available for pre-order on Prime Video and iTunes in the US; streaming release date TBC.
Dream Scenario
The most unique premise of the year goes to Dream Scenario, which explores what happens when everyone starts dreaming about the same person.
That person happens to be an unmemorable professor of failed ambitions and deeper regrets, played by a remarkably funny Nicolas Cage. When he goes viral overnight, dreams turn into nightmares and fame turns out to not be as sweet as he thought.
Dream Scenario might not nail the ending, but it's still one of the most thought-provoking, strange movies of 2023.
How to watch: Unfortunately, it's not available to stream yet.
Anatomy of a Fall
Justine Triet's courtroom drama Anatomy of a Fall won the Palme D'Or at Cannes Film Festival this year, and it's easy to see why.
With powerful performances by Sandra Hüller and young actor Milo Machado Graner, the movie follows a woman defending her innocence after the mysterious death of her husband.
During the trial, their marriage is dissected like a corpse during a forensic exam – their secrets come to light, painting many versions of the truth. And what is the truth?
Shout out to Antoine Reinartz's hilarious turn as the prosecution lawyer.
How to watch: In UK cinemas now.
The Marvels
It might be remembered for being the lowest-grossing movie in the story of the MCU, but let's be fair — that's not a reflection of the movie's quality.
In fact, The Marvels is a delightfully fun, silly, action-packed intergalactic ride led by three great superheroes, Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan.
The ending of The Marvels sets up a new team for the franchise, while the mid-credit scene welcomes a highly anticipated new set of characters to the MCU.
How to watch: Soon on Disney+.
How to Have Sex
Among the UK's brilliant debuts this year, from Polite Society to Scrapper, Molly Manning Walker's How to Have Sex is a standout.
Starring Mia McKenna-Bruce, it's an exploration of the blurry boundaries of consent for young people.
The story follows teenager Tara as she travels with her friends Skye (Lara Peake) and Em (Enva Lewis) to Malia to party.
With a strong leading performance and a visually stunning production, How to Have Sex is one of the best British movies of the year.
How to watch: Unfortunately, it's not available to stream yet.
Bottoms
Sex comedies are back, with a new perspective, and the hilarious Bottoms is the perfect example.
Emma Seligman reunites with Rachel Sennott, after Shiva Baby, to take us back to high school, where two friends are willing to do whatever it takes to finally get laid – even starting a fight club.
The actions of PJ (played by Sennott) and Josie (The Bear's Ayo Edebiri) are as questionable as they are funny, channelling classics like Superbad and Booksmart, while offering a distinctive sense of humour.
And that last scene on the football field? Iconic.
How to watch: Unfortunately, it's not available to stream yet.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon is another masterpiece from legendary director Martin Scorsese.
The filmmaker delivers an epic western that blends his obsessions (as with his gangster movies, there are morally weak men involved in violent criminal plots) with a real story.
Based on David Grann's 2017 book about the true story of the Osage Murders in 1920s Oklahoma, the movie scored Scorsese's best opening in a decade, and could be Apple TV+'s best chance to snatch another Academy Award for Best Picture (after 2022's CODA).
How to watch: Prime Video, Microsoft Store and other digital retailers; to be released on Apple TV+ next year.
Past Lives
It's near-impossible not to fall in love with Celine Song's debut, one of this year's must-watch indie movies.
Past Lives follows Nora (played brilliantly by Greta Lee), who finds herself reconnecting with her childhood crush Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) while living a happy life with her husband Arthur (John Magaro). Separated when she emigrated from South Korea as a child, Nora and Hae Sung share something as beautiful as it is difficult to explain.
Song tells this story with staggering sensitivity and masterful visual skill, moving away from movie tropes to find a real human story.
Watch now: Prime Video | Microsoft Store | Apple TV+
Passages
Ben Whishaw, Franz Rogowski and Adèle Exarchopoulos star in this French romantic drama full of horniness and see-through clothes.
The story follows Martin and Tomas, a married gay couple who live in Paris, as they put their relationship to the test when Tomas begins a passionate affair with a woman named Agathe.
One of the most critically acclaimed movies of the year since its premiere at Sundance Film Festival, Ira Sachs' Passages is a clever exploration of love, relationships and sex.
Watch now: MUBI
Barbie
One of the biggest phenomena of the year, Barbie brought the pink madness to the box office while charming critics and sparking unending — and deeply entertaining — online conversation.
So, yes, of course it's one of the best movies of 2023, as well as one of Greta Gerwig's best movies.
Inspired by the long legacy of Mattel's doll, the movie follows the original Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) in her journey of self-realisation between Barbieland and the Real World. Ryan Gosling is a standout playing the original Ken, while the rest of the cast seem to be having the time of their lives.
After Barbie's ending we are left hungry for more, so we'll be checking out all the news about a potential Barbie 2, just in case.
Read out review of Barbie.
Watch now: Prime Video | Microsoft Store | Apple TV+
Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan's latest movie left us speechless. A three-hour epic biopic starring Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer is an incredible achievement.
Based on the true story of Robert J Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb, the movie takes us on an high-intensity ride where a group of scientists achieve the impossible. At its centre there's Oppenheimer's ethical conundrum, as well as his rivalry with Lewis Strauss (played by Robert Downey Jr).
Despite a questionable use of Florence Pugh's character, there's no denying Oppenheimer is an unmissable 2023 release, and one of Christopher Nolan's best movies.
Read our review of Oppenheimer.
Watch now: Prime Video | Microsoft Store | Apple TV+
Talk to Me
One of the year's most terrifying movies, A24's Talk to Me is a must-watch horror movie for those brave viewers who can survive it until the end.
Feature debut of Australian YouTube duo RackaRacka, aka twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, the movie follows a group of friends who learn how to summon spirits using an embalmed hand. Mia (played by Sophie Wilde) takes part in the action to distract herself on the anniversary of her mother's death, but things get... out of hand fast.
Talk to Me, which has an unexpected link to Bluey, is a treat for horror fans.
Read our review of Talk to Me.
Watch now: Netflix UK
They Cloned Tyrone
John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and The Marvels' Teyonah Parris are hilariously charming in Netflix's They cloned Tyrone, a smart, trippy sci-fi comedy destined to be a cult classic.
Directed by Juel Taylor, the story follows drug dealer Fontaine who, after he's killed by a rival, wakes up the next day as though nothing has happened. That mystery will lead him, pimp Slick Charles and sex worker Yo-Yo to uncover a secret scientific experiment happening in their neighbourhood.
Remember to stay until the very end, because They Cloned Tyrone has a post-credit scene that offers some important answers.
Read our review of They Cloned Tyrone.
Watch now: Netflix
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Following Oscar-winner animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was not an easy task, but this sequel absolutely blown us away.
Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) is back as Spider-Man in a high-stakes adventure where we see more of Gwen Stacy's (Hailee Steinfeld) and we meet the scary Miguel O'Hara (Oscar Isaac), aka Spider-Man 2099, who is tasked with protecting the multiverse no matter what. As the ending teases the third and final instalment of the trilogy (Beyond the Spider-Verse), we remain in awe of this animated piece of art.
Read our review of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Watch now: Sky Store | Prime Video | Microsoft Store
Reality
Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney is terrific in Reality, Tina Satter's directorial debut based on her 2019 stage play Is This a Room. It has quietly become one of 2023's best movies.
The story follows the interrogation of Reality Winner, a 25-year-old woman who, in June 2017, was confronted by the FBI at her home over the leaking of a classified report to the press. The tension builds up as the agents (played by Marchánt Davis and Josh Hamilton) perform the interrogation, and Sweeney's Reality fights back. It's a stunning one-location thriller.
Read our review of Reality.
Watch now: Prime Video | Microsoft Store | Apple TV+
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret is a heart-warming adaptation of Judy Blume's beloved 1970 novel of the same name, and a fantastic second feature for writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig after the equally captivating The Edge of Seventeen.
The story follows Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson), a 12-year-old girl who has to grow up fast as her family moves from New York to the Jersey suburbs and her life changes completely. The movie also focuses on Margaret’s mother, Barbara (Rachel McAdams), and her grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), as we see three generations of women finding common ground and comfort in a difficult situation.
Fremon Craig is truly a master of coming-of-age dramedies.
Watch now: Prime Video | Microsoft Store | Apple TV+
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Despite Marvel's recent box-office disappointments, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 stands up as a triumph. That's why it is so sad to say goodbye to James Gunn's trilogy just now, though the characters might pop up again in the franchise. Yes, we are already waiting to watch it again as it will be released on Disney+ soon.
This third instalment follows Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) desperately trying to save Rocket's life after their home was brutally attacked by Adam Warlock (Will Poulter). Despite this being a goodbye, the ending of Guardians 3 still leaves us with some unanswered questions.
Read our review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.
Watch now: Disney+
Evil Dead Rise
The new instalment in the Evil Dead franchise is one of 2023's best movies – and also one of the scariest.
Written and directed by Lee Cronin (The Hole in the Ground), the story centres on the reunion of estranged sisters Beth (Lily Sullivan) and Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland), but something truly evil (and dead) comes between them. A mysterious book found in the basement of Ellie's building allows flesh-possessing demons to spoil the party, as Beth and Ellie's three children will have to find a way to save the day. Pure horror fun.
Read our review of Evil Dead Rise.
Watch now: Netflix UK | Prime Video | Microsoft Store | Apple TV+
Mireia (she/her) has been working as a movie and TV journalist for over eight years. Based in the UK, she is a former deputy movies editor at Digital Spy, and previously worked for the Spanish magazine Fotogramas. Mireia's work has been published in other outlets such as Esquire and Elle in Spain, and WeLoveCinema and GamesRadar+ in the UK. She is also a published author, having written the essay Biblioteca Studio Ghibli: Nicky, la aprendiz de bruja about Hayao Miyazaki's Kiki's Delivery Service.
During her years as a freelance journalist and film critic, Mireia has covered festivals around the world and has interviewed high-profile talents such as Kristen Stewart, Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal and many more. She's also taken part in juries such as the FIPRESCI jury at Venice Film Festival and the short film jury at Kingston International Film Festival in London. LinkedIn
Movies Editor, Digital Spy Ian has more than 10 years of movies journalism experience as a writer and editor. Starting out as an intern at trade bible Screen International, he was promoted to report and analyse UK box-office results, as well as carving his own niche with horror movies, attending genre festivals around the world. After moving to Digital Spy, initially as a TV writer, he was nominated for New Digital Talent of the Year at the PPA Digital Awards. He became Movies Editor in 2019, in which role he has interviewed 100s of stars, including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, become a human encyclopedia for Marvel and appeared as an expert guest on BBC News and on-stage at MCM Comic-Con. Where he can, he continues to push his horror agenda – whether his editor likes it or not.
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