The 20 Best Netflix Movies of 2023, Ranked

With films running the gamut of genres, countries, and styles, Netflix released some certifiable gems throughout 2023.

For years now, Netflix has been pumping out high-quality movies. Some of the most recognizable projects of 2023 were released exclusively on the platform — with more than 100 options to choose from, this list aims to shine light on the best.

A few of these were made by high-profile directors, and even more of them feature star-studded casts. International films will be included on the list, and even then, a few titles are likely to appear unfamiliar. But for the most part, audiences should recognize the majority of these Netflix originals, if not by name, then by description. All that said, these are 20 best Netflix movies of 2023, ranked.

A crime thriller, Reptile was directed by Grant Singer from a script he co-wrote with two people: Benjamin Brewer and Benicio del Toro. The former isn't likely to ring many bells — his work is well-noted, nonetheless — while del Toro is among the best and most famous actors of his generation. On top of helping pen the screenplay, he also stars as Detective Tom Nichols in a phenomenal performance; Nichols is tasked with solving the murder of a young and successful real estate agent in the film. Conspiracies unravel from there, with Reptile boasting just enough tactics of high-quality filmmaking to warrant a spot on the list.

A Great Cast and Ending Make Reptile Stand Out

Including Justin Timberlake and Alicia Silverstone, the cast performs to perfection, especially Del Toro. And although this isn't the most acclaimed Netflix original of 2023, audiences tended to enjoy it a lot. The standout ending led to a spike in Google searches around its release, with viewers interested in learning more and finding out who is the titular reptile . We break it down in the miniature video essay below:

Watch Reptile

19 Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Chicken run: dawn of the nugget.

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Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is among the best animated films of the year, a stop-motion project from the great Aardman Animations that picks up right where its predecessor left off. A chicken named Ginger — voiced by Thandiwe Newton — finds a bird sanctuary where her flock can live in harmony. The protagonist has settled down with her beau Rocky (previously voice by Mel Gibson, now by Zachary Levi), with the birth of their daughter Molly kicking off the plot.

A Long-Awaited Sequel Is a Delight

Like the first Chicken Run (2000), this sequel consists of charming characters that each share an endearing dynamic with the next. The story works well, with the wit of its script being highlighted by back-and-forth dialogue, and the underlying question of the film (where does our food come from?) sparking interesting conversations with kids and families. A hilarious stop-motion outing, Dawn of the Nugget shines bright in the shadows of the original. You can watch our interview with star Zachary Levi below:

Watch Chicken Run 2

18 Extraction 2

Extraction 2--.

Among the best action films of 2023 is Extraction 2 , which picks up nine months after the events of its predecessor. Protagonist Tyler Rake has recovered from his injuries suffered in his prior mission, and now follows a new agenda: rescue a woman and her two daughters from a high-security prison in Georgia.

Incredible and Lengthy Action Sequences

With Chris Hemsorth reprising his role as Tyler Rake, the cast also boasts famous names like Olga Kurylenko and Idris Elba. They all see an over-the-top action thriller come into convincing fruition, with critics and audiences alike citing Extraction 2 as the superior movie in the franchise. The filmmakers certainly intended to outdo themselves, creating one of the best openings of all time in action history, a 21-minute one-take action sequence that is truly symphonic. Given its success, a third entry in the franchise is likely inevitable.

Watch Extraction 2

17 Sister Death

A Spanish supernatural horror film, Sister Death was directed by Paco Plaza from a script he wrote alongside Jorge Guerricaechevarría. For those unfamiliar: Sister Death is a loose prequel to Verónica (2017), made by the same director albeit with another co-writer. And while Veronica is more acclaimed, the project at hand features plenty worth writing home about.

A Sophisticated Spanish Horror Film About Religious Women

The plot hones in on a teacher of an all-girls school in the 1940s. She harbors supernatural abilities, and soon after arriving at the former convent, she unravels a trove of mysterious and creepy secrets regarding the quasi-convent. It's well executed from start to finish, with a carefully curated color palette and brilliant shot selection highlighting the quality of Sister Death as a whole. It may not be the scariest movie of the year, but it's one of the most confidently made.

Watch Sister Death

With Colman Domingo as the lead, Rustin chronicles the real-life story of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Among the supporting cast are names like Chris Rock, Audra McDonald, and Jeffrey Wright, with everyone involved providing powerful performances in a particularly poignant project. The film shines a light on Rustin as he helps organize the March on Washington, with the film exploring the man's complicated life balancing his gay identity and musical passion with his fight for civil rights.

An Important Biopic About Black History

Directed by George C. Wolfe , this stirring biographical drama shines light on Bayard's involvement with the 1963 March on Washington. The influential Civil Rights leader helped Martin Luther King Jr. organize The Great March, and until the film's final frame, Colman Domingo portrays the figure with palpable passion and poise. Although it may have flown under your radar, Rustin is nonetheless a high-quality biopic that deserves a spot on the list. You can check out our interview with Domingo below:

Watch Rustin

15 El Conde

Directed by Pablo Larraín from a script he co-wrote alongside Guillermo Calderón, the black comedy horror film El Conde features dialogue in English, French, and Spanish. It was produced in Chile, with the title translating to "The Count" in English. And as a satire, this movie shifts realities to portray Augustus Pinochet as a 250-year-old vampire.

A Unique Political Horror Satire with a Vampire Dictator

As the lead character seeks death, a disturbing plot plays out that deals heavily with themes of fascism. For those unfamiliar: Augustus Pinochet was a former Chilean dictator whose reign lasted longer than anyone else in the region's history. Jaime Vadell shines as the lead, and as a whole, El Conde features impressive tactics of technical filmmaking that result in a high-quality Netflix original from 2023.

Watch El Conde

14 Fair Play

Written and directed by Chloe Damont in her feature film debut, Fair Play features a talented, up-and-coming actress named Phoebe Dynevor alongside an established performer named Alden Eherenreich. An erotic psychological thriller , the film follows an engaged couple who keep their relationship a secret while working for the same law firm. Once one of them receives a promotion, the couple's relationship deteriorates at an enticing pace, resulting in a well-made and bitter romantic thriller from start to finish.

A Dark Look at Power Imbalance in Relationships

Critics were mostly positive in their reviews for Fair Play , and justifiably so. The film goes to some dark places in exploring the way power and success infects relationships and distorts our desire for others. Although this is among the lesser-known movies under the Netflix banner to release in 2023, it's without a doubt among the best, as well.

Watch Fair Play

Related: The Best Romance Movies of 2023, Ranked

13 Love at First Sight

A romantic comedy, Love at First Sight was directed by Vanessa Caswill and cleverly adapted by Katie Lovejoy from Jennifer E. Smith's novel The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight , with its plot following a 20-year-old student named Hadley Sullivan. She meets Oliver Jones at an airport, and the two form a quick bond that develops into a budding relationship. Hadley is played with passion and charm by Haley Lu Richardson, while the talented Ben Hardy shows up as Oliver.

A Cute Rom-Com for Realists

Interwoven statistics about their relationship are implemented via narration — Jameela Jamil informs audiences about the chances of the leads meeting in an airport, and the probability that their families have mutual friends. Though somewhat gimmicky, the narrative device provides great intelligence to the script and grounds the rom-com in statistical realism. But really, Love at First Sight is defined by the electricity of its character dynamics.

Watch Love at First Sight

12 The Deepest Breath

A documentary as suspenseful as a thriller, The Deepest Breath focuses on a freediver named Alessia Zecchini as she attempts to break a world record. She does so with the assistance of safety diver Stephen Keenan, with whom she develops a close relationship outside the ocean's depths. The on-screen investigation is a project like few of its kind.

An Incredible Deep Dive Into Water and Heartbreak

Heart-pumping in one moment and heartbreaking in the next, The Deepest Breath resonates from various emotional perspectives as a suspenseful sports documentary, a romance, and a thriller all at once. And from the film's first scene, its technical brilliance is on full display. From the intensity of its sound design to the beauty of its visuals, this documentary excels across the board of as one of the most impressive documentaries of the entire year.

Watch The Deepest Breath

11 The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

A short film by Wes Anderson — one of America's most acclaimed auteurs — The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar features Benedict Cumberbatch in the charming lead role. Following Fantastic Mr. Fox , this is the second project of Anderson's to be adapted from the literary works of Roald Dahl . And like the first adaptation, a star-studded cast sees the project come into idiosyncratic fruition.

Wes Anderson's Short Film Feels Huge

It's an absurd plot, following a rich man who seeks out a clairvoyant guru to learn the latter's ability to see without the use of his eyes. On top of Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar, it features Ben Kingsley as the guru, along with Ralph Fiennes as Roald Dahl. Other actors include Dev Patel and Richard Ayoade, with everyone involved rattling off enough whiplash-inducing dialogue to fill an entire feature film. Regardless of length, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is among the best projects of 2023.

Watch The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

10 Kill Boksoon

A South Korean action thriller, Kill Boksoon follows an assassin who is renowned in her field due to her 100% success rate. Her name is Gil Bok-Soon, played by Jeon Do-yeon, and she balances the life of a single mother while also fulfilling her contracts. It's a compelling plot, even if it mirrors several other assassin movies that have been released throughout the years.

Multifacted Characters and Aesthetics

The dichotomy of personalities presented by the protagonist should endear audiences to Gil Bok-Soon from the film's first few scenes. And story aside, Kill Boksoon also excels in every fathomable facet of filmmaking. With engaging action sequences and brilliant direction from auteur Byun Sung-hyun, this goes down as one of the most thrilling projects of the entire year. Another successful mission for Netflix.

Watch Kill Boksoon

9 You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Based on Fiona Rosenbloom's 2005 novel of the same name, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah was adapted by Alison Peck. In the director's chair was Sammi Cohen, with both creatives putting in essential work behind the scenes. And while their names aren't likely to ring any bells, film fans will be pleased to know that Adam Sandler is featured among the primary cast.

Adam Sandler's Family Affair

With his whole family among the cast, Sandler provides one of the funniest efforts of his career. Featuring a fairly straightforward plot, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah shines in its performances, with both of Sandler's daughters (named Sadie and Sunny) proving capable of leading a Hollywood comedy. And with intelligent dialogue exchanged by memorable characters, the project as a whole should be held in high regard.

Watch on Netflix

Related: The Best Movies of 2023, Ranked

8 The Killer

David Fincher and Andrew Kevin Walker returned to their thriller roots with The Killer , starring Michael Fassbender as an assassin. After one of his hits goes wrong, the enigmatic killer sets out internationally on a quest for revenge . Others among the cast are Tilda Swinton and Charles Parnell, with each name performing brilliantly in their respective roles.

David Fincher and Michael Fassbender Spellbind

A triumph of atmospheric storytelling, The Killer captures a thrilling essence in its first frame thanks to spectacular shot selections and a carefully curated color palette. Fassbender gives one of the greatest performances of his career, with director David Fincher proving once again why he's one of the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood today. The Killer deserves its flowers with a spot on the list.

Watch The Killer

7 Wingwomen

A heist film by Mélanie Laurent — who also stars as Carole, and even co-wrote the script — Wingwomen (2023) features a talented array of performers all throughout its cast. On top of Laurent, there's also Adèle Exarchopoulos, Manon Bresch, and famous actress Isabelle Adjani. Quite the star-studded crew, with every name involved giving life to a project that runs the gamut of emotion.

The Best Action Comedy You've Never Heard Of

It's not just action-packed, but also hilarious. And frankly, the pregnancy of Laurent's protagonist produces plenty of poignant plot points before the film's final frame. From the rapport of the characters to the back-and-forth nature of the dialogue, Wingwomen deserves far more love as a high-quality heist film from France. It's among the finest films of the year, and audiences hardly know it exists.

Watch Wingwomen

6 May December

May december.

Some of the year's best acting is featured in May December . Directed by Todd Haynes, it stars Julianne Moore alongside Natalie Portman and Charles Melton, with the former's character based on Mary Kay Letourneau. For those unfamiliar: Letourneau was found hooking up with one of her students, a thirteen-year-old named Vili. During her prison sentence, she gave birth to two of Vili's daughters. After her release, the two married. Quite a controversial affair, with the nationwide scandal providing a great basis for a movie plot.

May December Is a Master Class in Acting

In May December , the characters have different names. Moore's character is called Gracie, while her partner (played by Melton) is named Joe. Meanwhile, Portman plays Elizabeth, an actress who's set to play Gracie in a movie. The plot is compelling on paper, and even better with execution. Everyone provides perfect performances, and as a whole, May December is one of the year's absolute best. Check out our interview with Portman and Moore below:

Watch May December

5 Ballerina

Among the highest-rated films on the list is Ballerina , written and directed by Lee Chung-hyun. It boasts a rare approval rating of 100% on critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes , with industry pundits citing its dazzling visuals and engaging soundtrack as a stylish backdrop for some truly memorable action sequences.

A Perfect South Korean Action Film

Thought-out shot selection, great choreography, convincing performances — everything comes together to create a compelling overall action product that follows a former bodyguard who seeks revenge for the murder of her friend. Chung-hyun directs both Jeon Jong-seo (the protagonist) and Kim Ji-hoon (the villain) to absolute perfection, with Ballerina going down among the finest films by everyone involved.

Related: Best Korean Thriller Movies, Ranked

Watch Ballerina

An animated science-fiction stint, Nimona is set in a fantasy world inspired by the Middle Ages. It features Chloë Grace Moretz in the eponymous role, with Riz Ahmed voicing a knight named Ballister. The former is a shapeshifter who sets out to prove Ballister's innocence when he's framed for a crime he didn't commit.

An Animated Classic About Identity

With thrills and twists galore, this is among the greatest animated films of the year. On top of a compelling plot that's inspiring for anyone who feels like their identity is worth more than how people view them, Nimona also features a dazzling style of animation, with smooth tactics of continuity editing piecing the product together. Critics and audiences alike hold Nimona in high regard, and it's easy to see why. Check out our interview with star Riz Ahmed below:

Watch Nimona

Directed by Bradley Cooper with Josh Singer as his co-writer, Maestro also features Cooper in the co-starring role, just like his previous film, A Star Is Born . Appearing alongside him is Carey Mulligan; the pair portray American composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre. The real-life figures were married, with Maestro depicting their complicated relationship.

A Tender Study of Relationships

The film puts a spotlight on the performances of its leads, while its script also manages to tap into the basic human condition and why relationships are so difficult. Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer crafted one of the year's most acclaimed scripts with Maestro , chronicling the life and legacy of an important 20th-century talent.

Watch Maestro

Starring Annette Bening as the eponymous character, the divisive Nyad also features Jodie Foster in arguably her best performance in 30 years. The film follows the based-on-real-life Diane Nyad as she attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida, while Foster's Bonnie Stoll acts as her coach each stroke of the way. And to bolster the cast's name value, Rhys Ifan also appears. But the aforementioned stars steal the show, forming one of the greatest rapports from any two performers of the year.

Jodie Foster Gives One of Her Greatest Performances

Among the most talented actresses of her generation, Jodie Foster was born to play Stoll, just as she was meant to portray Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1993). This is one of her all-time greatest performances, and even then, Bening's efforts are just as impressive. They both deserve recognition once the Oscars roll around.

Related: NYAD Screenwriter Julia Cox Says She Was ‘Blown Away’ by Annette Bening’s Performance

1 They Cloned Tyrone

They cloned tyrone.

Directed by Juel Taylor in his feature film debut, They Cloned Tyrone stars John Boyega, Teyonah Paris, and Jamie Foxx as characters in a '70s-style universe who uncover a government conspiracy regarding the cloning of humans. Despite not quite getting the accolades and attention it deserved at the time, They Cloned Tyrone should be considered among the highest-quality titles of the year.

A Genre Mash-Up Excels at Every Fathomable Facet of Filmmaking

A witty script comes into perfect fruition by dint of convincing performances and a keen sense of direction. A science-fiction mystery thriller with comedic undertones, the dynamic They Cloned Tyrone has the kind of sharp, fast dialogue that gives you whiplash; it's combined with slick and quick storytelling with well-timed editing. Beneath the surface, it's also thrilling, poignant, and emotionally gripping the whole way through. Fans would be wise to keep their eyes on director Juel Taylor. You can check out our interview with the cast below:

Watch They Cloned Tyrone

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100 Best Movies on Netflix Ranked by Tomatometer (May 2024)

In our world of massive entertainment options, who’s got time to waste on the below-average? You’ve got a subscription, you’re ready for a marathon, and you want only the best movies no Netflix to watch. With thousands of choices on the platform, both original and acquired, we’ve found the 100 top Netflix movies with the highest Tomatometer scores! Time to get comfy on the couch!

New top movies this month: The Edge of Seventeen, Liar Liar, Shrek, Traffic.  Notably, L.A. Confidential is currently streaming, which recently topped our list of the 300 best movies of all time .

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His House (2020) 100%

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L.A. Confidential (1997) 99%

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Miss Juneteenth (2020) 99%

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The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020) 99%

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Under the Shadow (2016) 99%

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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) 97%

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Dolemite Is My Name (2019) 97%

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Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) 97%

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Mudbound (2017) 97%

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Paddington (2014) 97%

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I Lost My Body (2019) 97%

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Roma (2018) 96%

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Atlantics (2019) 96%

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) 96%

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Life of Brian (1979) 96%

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To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018) 96%

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Outside In (2017) 96%

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The Irishman (2019) 95%

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Marriage Story (2019) 95%

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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) 95%

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It Follows (2014) 95%

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They Cloned Tyrone (2023) 95%

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The Sea Beast (2022) 95%

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The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023) 95%

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Klaus (2019) 95%

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The Power of the Dog (2021) 94%

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Moneyball (2011) 94%

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The Lost Daughter (2021) 94%

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X (2022) 94%

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The Edge of Seventeen (2016) 94%

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Emily the Criminal (2022) 94%

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Private Life (2018) 94%

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Traffic (2000) 93%

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Hustle (2022) 93%

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Enola Holmes 2 (2022) 93%

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Cam (2018) 93%

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Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022) 93%

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Baby Driver (2017) 92%

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Da 5 Bloods (2020) 92%

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The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017) 92%

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The White Tiger (2021) 92%

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The Squid and the Whale (2005) 92%

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Jurassic Park (1993) 92%

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El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019) 91%

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Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) 92%

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Nimona (2023) 92%

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The Little Prince (2015) 92%

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Set It Up (2018) 92%

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1922 (2017) 92%

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Uncorked (2020) 92%

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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) 91%

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Phantom Thread (2017) 91%

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May December (2023) 91%

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The Gift (2015) 91%

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Beasts of No Nation (2015) 91%

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Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood (2022) 91%

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High Flying Bird (2019) 91%

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Happy as Lazzaro (2018) 91%

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Gerald's Game (2017) 91%

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You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023) 91%

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Orion and the Dark (2024) 91%

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The Willoughbys (2020) 91%

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National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) 91%

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The Imitation Game (2014) 90%

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All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) 90%

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Society of the Snow (2023) 90%

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The Kindergarten Teacher (2018) 90%

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On Body and Soul (2017) 90%

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Bonnie and Clyde (1967) 90%

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The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) 89%

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The Big Short (2015) 89%

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The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) 89%

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The Two Popes (2019) 89%

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Amadeus (1984) 89%

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Oxygen (2021) 89%

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Always Be My Maybe (2019) 89%

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Mary and The Witch's Flower (2017) 89%

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I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017) 89%

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Paddleton (2019) 89%

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Shrek (2001) 88%

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Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021) 88%

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I Am Mother (2019) 89%

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Donnie Brasco (1997) 88%

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Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) 87%

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Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021) 87%

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My Father's Dragon (2022) 87%

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The Breaker Upperers (2018) 87%

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Vivo (2021) 86%

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Lady Chatterley's Lover (2022) 86%

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Munich: The Edge of War (2021) 86%

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Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) 85%

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Fair Play (2023) 85%

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The Wonder (2022) 85%

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Shortcomings (2023) 85%

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The Deepest Breath (2023) 85%

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Hacksaw Ridge (2016) 84%

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Waves (2019) 84%

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Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) 84%

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The Matrix (1999) 83%

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Liar Liar (1997) 83%

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Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021) 84%

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Dumb Money (2023) 84%

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The Swimmers (2022) 83%

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Wendell & Wild (2022) 80%

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Role Models (2008) 77%

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Godzilla (2014) 76%

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Dawn of the Dead (2004) 76%

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Despicable Me 2 (2013) 75%

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The Professional (1994) 74%

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The Best 2023 Netflix Movies, Ranked

Who's ready to binge?

Fontaine, Yo-Yo, and Slick Charles looking at clone body in They Cloned Tyrone

Netflix releases hundreds of original movies each year, in every genre imaginable. It’s not quantity over quality, either, as there are some excellent options available, with A-list casts and A+ storytelling. Some of the streamer’s films have even seen some love from the Academy come awards season . This year was no different, but it can definitely be overwhelming trying to figure out which direction you want your movie night to go. We’re here to help with a ranking of the 15 best 2023 Netflix movies.

This year’s crop includes family-friendly fare, action, documentaries, romantic comedies and plenty of drama from actors including Bradley Cooper , Adam Sandler , Natalie Portman , Chris Hemsworth and more. Don’t spend your night scrolling through all the options your Netflix subscription has to offer. Add these to your queue, throw the popcorn in the microwave and hit Play. 

Ben Hardy and Haley Lu Richardson in Love at first Sight

15. Love At First Sight

Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy star in Love at First Sight , a film adaptation of the beloved Jennifer E. Smith book. This adorably quirky love story sees Hadley and Oliver start to form a connection on a flight from New York to London — a flight Hadley wouldn’t have even been on had she arrived at the airport four minutes earlier. What’s more unlikely than their meeting is that they’ll ever see each other again. But fate has a way of intervening, it seems, and this rom-com left us hoping that Netflix will do more romances like this one in the future.  

Chris Hemsworth stands ready to fight in a jail riot in Extraction 2.

14. Extraction 2

Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake in this sequel that is somehow even more thrilling than the 2020 original . Extraction 2 sees the black ops mercenary working hard to return to form (after nearly dying in the first movie) in order to take on a new assignment with personal and deadly stakes. This film is a shot of pure adrenaline and is easily one of the best action movies of 2023 . I had to forcibly unclench my jaw several times during the “instantly iconic” 21-minute prison break scene . 

Phoebe Dynevor in Fair Play

13. Fair Play

Fair Play is not a fun watch, with its gritty exploration of how corporate greed, personal ambition and gender politics expose the ugliest side of its protagonists’ relationship. Colleagues Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke ( Alden Ehrenreich ) are engaged in a secret romance, but their personal and professional dynamics shift after Emily gets a promotion they thought was going to Luke. Dynevor and Ehrenreich give utterly gripping performances in the erotic thriller that refuses to blink, especially when the tension rises to the most uncomfortable levels. 

Pamela Anderson in Pamela, a Love Story

12. Pamela, A Love Story

Pamela: A Love Story opens with its subject popping a home video of her and ex-husband Tommy Lee into a VHS player — it’s just not the one at the center of every other story about the Baywatch bombshell. In this stunning documentary, Pamela Anderson tells her own story, getting real about her upbringing, career, marriages, children, the infamous sex tape and how much the Pam & Tommy series hurt her . But that doesn’t mean she’s willing to relive her pain, as she refuses to read the diaries she gives to the filmmakers. Her scars have been ripped open again and again, and this documentary shows a woman who chooses every day not to be a victim. 

Michael Fassbender in The Killer.

11. The Killer

Audiences who fired up their Netflix accounts to see David Fincher ’s action thriller The Killer were perplexed when Michael Fassbender’s unnamed assassin spent the first chunk of the film reciting an inner monologue of the platitudes he abides by on the job. We should know not to doubt the filmmaker though, as the killer’s agenda takes a turn after a job goes wrong. The style of The Killer is unmistakably Fincher, who pairs up again with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for a brilliant score. Prepare for a slow burn to start, but you won’t be disappointed in this one. 

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Mahershala Ali and Julia Roberts in Leave the World Behind

10. Leave The World Behind

In Leave the World Behind , Sam Esmail takes an A-list cast of Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke and Kevin Bacon and drops them in the middle of the end of the world. But how do you know it’s the end of the world with no access to media or information? The uncertainty, distrust and altogether bizarre circumstances that befall the Sandford and Scott families make this one of the best horror movies of 2023 — and not just because the apocalypse might mean losing our access to on-demand Friends reruns. 

Sunny Sandler as Stacy in You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah

9. You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah

Adam Sandler has been trying new things in his career for a while, and this year he’s on a Netflix roll , with two of his projects geared toward younger audiences earning spots on this list. The first, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, stars the whole Sandler clan in one of the best coming-of-age movies in a long time . Parents will find plenty of humor and heart in this YA novel adaptation that celebrates the power of friendship. 

Leo

Leo targets an even younger audience, as Adam Sandler and Bill Burr voice two longtime class pets. The titular talking iguana wins over the elementary school students, as he imparts the wisdom he’s gleaned from watching decades of fifth-graders come and go. There’s some serious subject matter in play here, with conversations about mortality, but some really good lessons too. Sandler’s comedy also lends itself well to fifth-grade sensibilities, making for some A+ jokes and musical numbers.

Ralph Fiennes in The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar

7. Wes Anderson's Roald Dahl Collection

Following Wes Anderson’s 2009 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox , the famed director has returned with four short films — The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar , The Ratcatcher , Poison and The Swan . The first of these — also the longest at around 40 minutes — premiered to much acclaim at Venice Film Festival, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character. Regular Anderson collaborator Ralph Fiennes appears in all four shorts .

The style of the four offerings is unmistakably Wes Anderson, with scenery and set pieces being changed out as the characters break the fourth wall to narrate Roald Dahl’s stories. The dialogue is quick, the settings colorful, and each short is a creative endeavor worth checking out.

Colman Domingo in Rustin

Colman Domingo is one actor who might be looking at an Academy Award nomination this season for his role as the titular character in Rustin . This biographical drama tells the story of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin — and particularly his role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. The movie provides new context to an important moment in our country’s history, making it one of our writers’ favorite movies about the civil rights movement . It gives long-overdue recognition to a man who was often overlooked because of his sexuality. 

The Deepest Breath

5. The Deepest Breath

The Deepest Breath takes viewers inside the world of freediving, where divers hold their breath for several minutes while plunging to terrifying depths. Specifically the story centers around Italian freediver Alessia Zecchini and her attempts to break a world record with the help of coach-turned-lover Stephen Keenan. This documentary often feels more like a thriller — with hints of a love story — and in the same vein as 2018’s Free Solo , you’ll find that you’re having to remind yourself to keep breathing. 

Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx and John Boyega in They Cloned Tyrone.

4. They Cloned Tyrone

They Cloned Tyrone was a big surprise this year in how it crossed over into so many genres and managed to master them all. This sci-fi flick from Juel Taylor in his directorial debut is an amazing callback to 1970s Blaxploitation , a sharp commentary on race and also one of the funniest movies of the year . John Boyega, Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx star as our unlikely heroes, who uncover a government cloning conspiracy. Great performances and smart writing combine for a movie that only gets better on the rewatch. 

Bradley Cooper in Maestro

Bradley Cooper dons multiple hats for Maestro as director, writer and star. The biopic focuses on American composer Leonard Bernstein and his complicated relationship with wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). An ambitious look at the man behind the music, Maestro sees career-best performances from Cooper and Mulligan, and it’s all but guaranteed to be all over the Oscar ballots. 

Nimona

One of the most moving films of the year, Nimona tells the daring story of Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), a knight who teams up with the titular shapeshifter (Chloë Grace Moretz) after being accused of murdering his queen. The graphic novel adaptation is all the stronger for not shying away from weightier topics, and combined with its gorgeous animation and emotionally impactful story, Nimona will strike a chord with viewers of all ages. 

L to R: Julianne Moore as Gracie Atherton-Yoo with Charles Melton as Joe.

1. May December

In a movie starring Academy Award winners Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, you might be surprised to hear that it’s Riverdale actor Charles Melton’s performance in May December that’s garnering the most Oscar buzz. Melton plays Joe, who was in seventh grade when he became involved with Moore’s Gracie a couple of decades earlier. Portman plays the actress Elizabeth, who visits the couple for research before portraying Gracie in a movie about the scandal. May December is darkly funny and often uncomfortable. Bordering on campy, this compelling character study will stick with you long after the credits roll, making it our choice for the best Netflix movie of the year. 

If these Netflix originals weren’t on your radar this year, hopefully we’ve given you some inspiration for your next at-home movie night. It’s never too early to get a start on next year, either, so take a look at the 2024 Netflix movie schedule to see what films might make this list next year! 

Heidi Venable

Heidi Venable is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend, a mom of two and a hard-core '90s kid. She started freelancing for CinemaBlend in 2020 and officially came on board in 2021. Her job entails writing news stories and TV reactions from some of her favorite prime-time shows like Grey's Anatomy and The Bachelor. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Journalism and worked in the newspaper industry for almost two decades in multiple roles including Sports Editor, Page Designer and Online Editor. Unprovoked, will quote Friends in any situation. Thrives on New Orleans Saints football, The West Wing and taco trucks.

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The best Netflix movies of 2023

We bet most of you haven't seen all 20 of these Netflix movies...

The best Netflix movies of 2023

It’s been a tricky year for Netflix. After a 2022 in which the streaming giant lost subscribers for the first time ever, 2023 has seen it struggling to rebalance.

As anyone who found themselves priced out of their preferred Netflix tier or who had their favourite show unceremoniously cancelled will tell you, that response hasn’t always been silky smooth.

Fortunately, Netflix has continued to turn out original movies at a decent clip. Indeed, we’d argue the general quality of Netflix's Originals movies has taken a turn for the better, if anything.

The following list of the best 2023 Netflix movie releases shows an impressive amount of range, including gothic whodunnits, glossy South Korean martial arts extravaganzas, sweet-natured comedies, and tense auteur-driven thrillers.

Which of these 2023 Netflix movies was your favourite? Be sure to vote below.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

1 . Pain Hustlers

David Yates took a break from directing Harry Potter movies to make this scathing take on America’s opioid epidemic. Emily Blunt carries the movie (doesn’t she always?) as Liza Drake, a struggling single mother and exotic dancer who in a moment of desperation accepts a questionable job offer from a would-be pharma bro (Chris Evans). Drake’s unlikely corporate success is offset by the very real damage being done by the product she is shilling.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

2 . The Pale Blue Eye

In this gothic whodunnit, Christian Bale plays Victorian detective Augustus Landor, who is called in to help solve the case of a creepy killing at a US military academy. Before too long, Landor comes to call upon the services of a young and unusually observant cadet named Edgar Allan Poe (yes, the author) played by Harry Melling. Needless to say, all is not as it seems, with dark deeds and questionable motives in every direction. The Pale Blue Eye is deliciously overwrought stuff, and it’ll keep you guessing until the end.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

3 . Bank of Dave

Based on a true story, Bank of Dave certainly wins the ‘feel-good vibes’ prize for 2023. British character actor Rory Kinnear plays Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick, who took on the London establishment in a bid to secure a banking license and serve his local community following the 2008 financial crash. Bank of Dave is a time-honoured underdog story with all the requisite charm, not to mention a fair amount of resonance in light of the current cost of living crisis.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

4 . The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Wes Anderson’s take on a Roald Dahl short story stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a rich man who studies clairvoyance in a bid to cheat at cards. If you like your movies short and to the point, there was no better option in 2023 than The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. At just 39 minutes long, it’s shorter than most Netflix TV series episodes. Despite that fact, it crams an awful lot of charm and typical Andersonian craft into its stunted running time.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

5 . The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die serves as both a movie spin-off and a neat conclusion to the beloved Netflix series based on Bernard Cornwell’s historical fiction novels. In particular, it proves to be a fitting send-off for its rough and ready main character, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, played by German actor Alexander Dreymon. For one last time, our conflicted hero finds himself a pivotal piece in the ongoing struggle to unite England and force out the encroaching Danes.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

Annette Bening plays Diana Nyad, a real life long distance swimmer who set out to swim the 103 miles from Cuba to Florida in 2013 at the age of 60. Based on the swimmer’s autobiography, the film captures the gruelling, borderline delusional commitment it took for Nyad to pull off the feat. An overqualified supporting cast includes Jodie Foster as her best friend and former lover, and Rhys Ifans as the grizzled boat captain tasked with guiding her along the shark-filled route.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

7 . May December

May December might be a late addition to the end of year considerations, but it’s managed to attract plenty of attention in a short space of time. The latest film from Todd Haynes (Carol, I’m Not There, Far From Heaven) stars Natalie Portman as a Hollywood actor cast to play the part of a woman (Julianne Moore) with a scandalous past. As Portman’s actor observes her subject’s family life, emotional fissures are exposed and lines are inevitably crossed.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

8 . Kill Boksoon

This extravagantly shot South Korean action movie takes the well worn (and unmistakably John Wick-ish) concept of an elite assassin turning against the shady organisation that reveres them, and applies a disarmingly domestic twist. Said killer is Jeon Do-yeon’s Gil Bok-soon, a middle-aged single mother who struggles to connect with her teenage daughter. While the film’s extended fight scenes are both plentiful and imaginatively choreographed, there are also plenty of quiet character moments to help give the brutal beat downs some extra bite.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

9 . They Cloned Tyrone

They Cloned Tyrone packs an awful lot into its two hour running time. Starting out as a nod to the gritty exploitation movies of the ’70s, it soon morphs into a raucous sci-fi action-adventure. It also sports a phenomenal cast, with John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx playing a trio of criminals embroiled in a creepy cloning conspiracy. Writer-director Juel Talor (Creed II) shoots with considerable panache, while the film’s blend of action, comedy, and sharp social commentary gives it a unique flavour.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

10 . Leave the World Behind

Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke star as a jaded American couple who decide on a whim to take their two teenagers on a vacation to a swanky Long Island Airbnb rental. Shortly after arrival they start experiencing power and telecommunication issues, while the alleged owner of the house (played by Mahershala Ali) turns up with his daughter (Myha’la) and asks to stay. What unfolds is a distinctly tense, uneasy, and painfully relevant thriller as our starry cast struggles to get along while their world seemingly collapses around them.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

11 . Jung E

Superstar South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound, Psychokinesis) here turns out a thoughtful sci-fi thriller in which a climate-ravaged future Earth has taken its resource-based quarrels into orbit. Into this protracted war steps an AI-driven super-soldier, created by a scientist (played by the late Kang Soo-yeon) using the personality of her dead mother. It’s a tale that relies far more on family dynamics and emotional beats than the fantastical premise might suggest.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

12 . El Conde

Pablo Larraín follows up his bold take on Princess Diana, Spencer, with this black and white oddity. El Conde is a dark fantasy horror and a satire about Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. In this telling, the murderous general is a 250-year-old vampire who stalks the skies of Santiago, all while contending with a contentious family life and a murderous butler. It presents a unique slice of alternative history, and is one of the most imaginative send ups of fascism that you’re likely to see.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

13 . Maestro

Bradley Cooper’s lavish biopic of composer Leonard Bernstein centres on the great man’s complex home life, in which his marriage to actor Felicia Montealegre (played by Britain’s own Cary Mulligan) frequently came into conflict with his homosexuality. Cooper may have attracted criticism for his choice of prosthetic nose and inherent non-jewishness, but Maestro is otherwise a beautifully written, shot, and performed tribute to one of the most influential musical artists of the 20th century.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

14 . You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Describing a film as a light comedy starring Adam Sandler and his real life teenage daughters is a sure fire way to warn a lot of people away (and, to be fair, attract a bunch of others). But You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah is an absolute delight, whichever side of the great Sandler divide you fall on. Based on a book by Fiona Rosenbloom, it details the emotional trials and tribulations of a young Jewish American girl as her family plans her coming-of-age party.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

15 . Nimona

One of the most original animated movies of 2023, Nimona is a delightful mish-mash of sci-fi and fantasy elements, with a charming hand-drawn art style and a bold handling of LGBTQ themes. Chloë Grace Moretz plays the part of a shape shifting teenager, while Riz Ahmed plays a disgraced knight out to clear his name. They make for a chaotically fun pairing as they set out to right the wrongs done against them. Disney could certainly learn a thing or two on all fronts.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

16 . The Killer

Michael Fassbender came out of his extended hiatus (he’s been off racing cars) to play the role of a fastidious, dorkily attired assassin fighting to maintain his highly ordered life. When a major hit goes wrong, Fassbender’s amoral antihero finds himself on the other end of the sniper scope, forcing him to hit back. David Fincher brings his familiar flair for violence and his keen eye for dissecting toxic masculinity to what could, in other hands, have been a fairly run-of-the-mill revenge thriller.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

17 . Fair Play

This slick Netflix drama stars Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich as a power couple working at the same Manhattan hedge fund. When Dynevor’s character gets a promotion ahead of her partner, the dynamic of their seemingly idyllic relationship changes, with jealousy and gender expectations rearing their ugly heads. It might technically belong to that most vapid of 90s genres, the erotic thriller, but director Chloe Domont’s sharp debut has more than enough meat on its bones to start conversations.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

Directed by Tamil upstart Atlee, this Hindi-language action thriller is packed full of ludicrously OTT action set pieces. It also casts Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, fresh from his comeback success in Pathaan, in not one but two roles. Khan plays both ex-commando Captain Vikram Rathore and his son Azad. It’s a one-man acting showcase, albeit surrounded by plenty of big budget explosions and hair-raising feats. Switch your brain off and wallow in the madness.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

19 . Rustin

Rustin tells the criminally overlooked story of Bayard Rustin, a gay black civil rights activist and friend of Martin Luther King during the ’60s. Plagued by vicious rumours surrounding his relationship with King, Rustin sets out to plan a march on Washington, but is faced by resistance from within as well as without the movement. While the film itself is fairly workmanlike, the story Rustin tells most certainly isn’t, nor is the central performance from Colman Domingo.

The best Netflix movies of 2023

20 . Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

This belated sequel to the beloved Aardman original has been more than two decades in the making. There have been some controversial cast changes (Julia Sawalha and Mel Gibson making way for Thandiwe Newton and Zachary Levi) along the way, but the end result is another supreme slice of British stop motion animation from the masters of the form. Having found their way to a utopian bird sanctuary after breaking out of ‘prison’ in the first film, our heroes find that they must break back in if they want to protect their way of life.

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Stream one or more of these fantastic films before 2023 ends

A collage image showing shots from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Guardians of the Galaxy 3

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  • Best of the rest

It's time to bid adieu to 2023 – and that means it's also time to reflect on the year's line-up of great (and not-so-great) movies.

With that in mind, we've compiled a definitive guide of the best films of the past 12 months, with critically acclaimed and money-spinning new movies aplenty to watch on the world's best streaming services (you can also read our best shows of 2023 article if you're after something more long-form).

Below, you'll find sections for each streaming giant and the films that deserve your attention before 2024 arrives. For those of you worrying that we've only covered films that launched exclusively on streaming platforms, fret not. There's a section at the end for theatrical-only releases that are worth watching, and, where applicable, we reveal where you can stream them, too.

So, without further ado, here's TechRadar's 38 best films of the year. Happy holidays!

Best Apple TV Plus movies of 2023

Flora & son.

Recently, Apple has made a habit of releasing fantastic, award-winning movies in the latter part of the year – 2022's Best Picture Oscar winner CODA , for instance – and Flora and Son could be the latest flick to join such esteemed company.

The intimate Irish musical comedy-drama is a stunning piece of cinema that'll make you laugh, cry, and feel joy all at once. With powerhouse performances from leading duo Eve Hewson and Jack Reynor and an emotive and relatable story, expect Flora and Son to make a play for some of 2024's top film prizes.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Okay, it's technically a joint Apple-Paramount Pictures enterprise and isn't actually on Apple TV Plus yet, but Killers of the Flower Moon will arrive on the streamer sometime next year, so it deserves its place here.

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Regardless of whether it should be part of this category or the theatrical releases later, Killers of the Flower Moon would've made it onto our end-of-year list anyway. Martin Scorsese's latest crime epic, a western set in 1920s Oklahoma, shines a light on US corporate greed, deeply embedded racism born out of jealousy and spite, and the callous treatment of the Osage Nation. A brutal, dramatic, and heart-breaking movie, buoyed by Lily Gladstone's stunning performance in particular, is arguably Scorsese's best work in years.

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie

Few docufilms earned a place in our 2023 best movies guide, but given the poignant atmosphere Still generates, we had to include it.

Focusing on iconic actor Michael J. Fox and his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease Still is a powerful piece of media that paints the legendary Back to the Future star as more than the hero he's portrayed as. It's an unforgettable documentary that illuminates the joy of life as much as the somberness of the illness Fox combats every day. An inspirational 90-minute film that – yes, it's an oversight on our part – we'll be adding to our best Apple TV Plus movies list shortly.

After *ahem* putting the building blocks in place for this flick in mid-2020, Apple's Tetris – a biographical thriller that told the tale of the massively popular video game's creation and the Cold War-era copyright battle that ensued – made its TV Plus debut earlier this year.

And it racked up quite the *double ahem* score upon release. The Taron Egerton-starring film currently holds 82% critical and 87% audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes, which proves even video game-based biopics are seemingly immune from the game-movie curse that plagued the entertainment industry for decades. A fun film that did the business after having things *triple ahem* stacked against it.

Honorable mentions: Sharper , Stephen Curry: Underrated , The Velveteen Rabbit

Best Disney Plus movies of 2023

After being dubbed by some critics as the worst Pixar movie ever made, it might surprise you to see Elemental on this list. So, why is it? Well, because it's actually a good movie that, upon its streaming release, broke Disney Plus' most-watched movie record .

It's not a top-tier Pixar film – read our Pixar movies ranked article to see where we placed it – nor is it one of the 36 best Disney Plus movies we've seen, but Elemental has a lot going for it. In typical Pixar fashion, it delivers an emotion-filled narrative, is wildly creative, and some of the visuals are drop-dead gorgeous. Just one look at the kinetic nature of flame-based character Ember and the fluidity of water-based individual Wade should be enough to prove Pixar is still one of the best in the business when it comes to beautifully animated movies. One of just two Disney-developed films to come out of 2023 with its head held high.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

The only one of three Marvel movies in 2023 that was a) critically and commercially successful and b) fantastic yet poignant, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 was a perfect trilogy capper for the MCU 's beloved ragtag of spacefaring misfits.

A Marvel Phase 5 film that wasn't afraid to push the boundaries of what's possible for a PG-13 flick – those Rocket flashbacks were really tough to watch – Guardians 3 was also as funny, heartfelt, action-packed, and bizarrely imaginative as we'd hoped. It did a wonderful job of simultaneously acting as a springboard for more Guardians of the Galaxy adventures to come and a worthy send-off for some of its cast and director James Gunn (Gunn's now leading development on Warner Bros' rebooted DC Cinematic Universe ( DCU )). If there's a more consistently terrific MCU film trilogy than the Guardians one, we've yet to see it.

Honorary mentions: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny , The Little Mermaid , World's Best

Best Hulu movies of 2023

No one will save you.

Per Rotten Tomatoes, general viewers weren't totally enamored with this unusual take on the archetypal alien invasion story. But we think No One Will Save You was visually and narratively unique enough – its somewhat anti-climactic ending will throw you for a loop, to be fair – to merit greater recognition from its worldwide audience (it's available on Disney Plus internationally).

Led by an impressive performance from Kaitlyn Dever – the talented star does all the heavy lifting in this Hulu flick – No One Will Save You is a fraught sci-fi thriller that packs as much of an emotional punch as it does from action and tension-filled perspectives. With a 93-minute runtime, it doesn't outstay its welcome, either.

Despite the fact it stars two heavyweights in Sandra Oh and Awkwafina, we'll admit we weren't enthused by Quiz Lady 's trailer. 

Oh, how wrong we were to judge it on its two-minute teaser. Quiz Lady is a delightful comedy equipped with multiple laugh-out-loud scenes and a surprisingly touching plot that allows its stars to showcase their impressive acting range. It won't be for everyone but, if we learned anything from dismissing Quiz Lady before it was even out, it's that you should watch it before you form an opinion. One to add to our best Hulu movies guide? You betcha.

What can we say about Rye Lane that hasn't already been said? Considering the superlatives that have been thrown its way since its May 2023 debut, not much else.

A quintessentially British film, Rye Lane is a hilarious yet achingly human story about two 20-somethings who find solace in each other after both experiencing break-ups and partake in a couple of (read: many) capers along the way. Sure, it might sound clichéd and schlocky, but Rye Lane is a beautiful flick that champions Black excellence, twists the rom-com formula on its head, and comes packaged with an infectious vibe that'll make you look at life differently once the credits have rolled. One of 2023's biggest surprises.

Honorable mentions: Boston Strangler , Clock , Flamin' Hot

Best Max movies of 2023

We umm'ed and aah-ed about including the highest-grossing movie of the year (and one of the best Max movies ) on this list. But, in the end, we felt it had enough to guarantee itself a spot.

We jest, of course, there was no way Barbie wasn't going to make an appearance here. Not only did it financially outshine every other film with its eye-watering $1.5 billion global haul, but it's also an amusing, vibrant, and highly entertaining movie that's as thematically rich and emotionally engaging as it is enjoyable. Ryan Gosling stole the show as Ken, Margot Robbie proved (if it was ever in doubt) she's a top acting talent, the set design was stunning, the soundtrack infectious (if 'I'm Just Ken' doesn't win 2024's Best Song Oscar, we riot)... everything about Barbie was nigh-on perfect. Life in plastic truly is fantastic. And, with Max's subscriber woes continuing, Barbie 's streaming debut couldn't have come soon enough .

Blue Beetle

Like Marvel, the soon-to-be-deceased DC Extended Universe ( DCEU ) ensured Warner Bros' superhero franchise had a 2023 to forget. Indeed, with films including Shazam!: Fury of the Gods and The Flash bombing at the box office (at the time of writing, the jury is still out on Aquaman 2 ), the DCEU's rebirth under Gunn and Peter Safran is a necessity.

But there was one – again, Aquaman 's sequel notwithstanding – DC film deserving praise. Who would've thought Blue Beetle , the least high-profile DCEU flick of the year, would be its savior? Indeed, with positive critic and audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers clearly enjoyed what it had to offer. Sure, its origins-centric plot was a rehash of what we've seen countless times before in the superhero genre, but there was plenty to like about Blue Beetle, which is out now on Max . Namely, the genre's long-overdue authentic Latin American representation, plus its pleasing blend of creative action, belly-laughing humor, and heightened drama. We'll take more of Jaime Reyes' adventures in the DCU, Messrs Gunn and Safran.

Considering it was developed by Amazon Studios subsidiary MGM, Creed III could've found a spot in our Prime Video section. With Warner Bros distributing it internationally, though, we felt it best to place it here.

The third entry in the Rocky franchise's spin-off is a testosterone-fuelled sports drama that might be the best film in the Creed series so far. In our Creed III review , we said it "punches above its weight without its star attraction" (that being Rocky icon Sylvester Stallone) and "delivers a one-two punch of style and substance to largely break free of the Rocky series' commanding presence". Its biggest issue? Its association with troubled actor Jonathan Majors – antagonist Damian Anderson – whose career appears to be over after he was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Majors was fired by Marvel as Kang the Conqueror in the wake of his conviction, too .

Honorable mentions: Evil Dead Rise , Saltburn , Wonka

Best Netflix movies of 2023

Extraction 2.

Sometimes, you can't beat a frenetically paced, explosive action movie – and Netflix delivered the goods with Extraction 2 in mid-2023.

The heart-pounding follow-up to 2020's Extraction (shocking, we know), this Chris Hemsworth vehicle ensured the streaming giant's burgeoning action-movie franchise is going from strength to strength. Whether it's Extraction 2 's bruising one-shot sequence that took four months to shoot , the unrelenting pace of its physically demanding story, or the fact that the combined efforts of both Extraction films helped the movie series make Netflix history , Extraction 2 showed its predecessor wasn't a mere flash in the pain for the world's leading streaming platform. With another sequel and potential Extraction TV spin-off also in development, there'll be more Tyler Rake in our lives pretty soon.

The second feature film directed by Bradley Cooper, Maestro looks like it'll be Netflix's big hope on the 2024 awards circuit.

And with good reason. It's been praised by anyone who's watched it, the biographical drama – which depicts acclaimed US composer Leonard Bernstein's (Cooper) relationship with his wife Felicia Montealegre (the incomparably brilliant Carey Mulligan) – earning rave reviews from all corners of the industry. Like cinematic poetry in motion, one of 2023's new Netflix movies is a deeply intimate story that fizzles and cracks equally with musical pomp and bravado. Stick it on your watchlist.

Nimona arrived to little fanfare when it made its Netflix debut in mid-2023, but the cyberpunk-cum-fantasy movie didn't take long to steal our hearts with its empathetic plot, crude humor (as crude as it can be for a family-friendly film), gorgeous visuals, and believably rich characters.

Its PG rating allowed it to tackle some pretty dark topics – parts of its final act are a heart-breaking visual representation of depression and societal isolation – that might make it unsuitable for the youngest viewers. But Nimona's ability to find the right balance between its weighty subject matter, frolicking and slapstick action, suspenseful and tender drama, and stirring queer representation make it a cut above many other animated films. Easily one of the best Netflix movies of the year.

They Cloned Tyrone

If you haven't watched They Cloned Tyrone yet, a) what are you doing? and b) go, rectify that immediately. No, we're not messing around here. It might have gone under the radar – it arrived on Netflix on the same day (July 21) that cultural phenomenon Oppenheimer opened – but the John Boyega-starring sci-fi comedy-mystery film is an absolute treat. 

Honestly, our words don't do justice to one of the most mind-bending, underrated 70s-era Blaxploitation flicks we've seen in a long, long time. Not convinced? Go and read our exclusive They Cloned Tyrone interview with Boyega to learn more. Then, go and stream it. Then go and read our They Cloned Tyrone ending explained article to find out more about what the heck happened in its final moments from Boyega himself. Not only is it one of the best films on Netflix in 2023, but one of the year's best movies, period.

Honorable mentions: Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget , El Conde , Kill Boksoon , Leo , Leave the World Behind , Love at First Sight , NYAD , You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah

Best Paramount Plus movies of 2023

Dungeons and dragons: honor among thieves.

You wait years for a good Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) movie, and then very few people go and see it.

Those of you who watched Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves in theaters and/or on Paramount Plus will know how good it is. The on-screen chemistry between its main cast members – including Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Hugh Grant – is second to none, while its DnD references are plentiful, its action and humor highly entertaining, and its story wholesome. An underappreciated big-screen offering that requires a bigger audience.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning – Part One

Like They Cloned Tyrone , Mission Impossible 7 wasn't as successful as it should've been because, just one week later, the cinematic juggernaut known as Barbenheimer made its presence known.

That doesn't mean Tom Cruise's penultimate outing as everyone's favorite CGI fugitive, Ethan Hunt, isn't worth your time, though. In our Mission Impossible 7 review , we called it the "electrifying summer movie that cinemas need right now" as theaters worldwide struggled to sell tickets. Of course, Barbenheimer changed that, but Cruise and co. still put out an action-heavy, globetrotting, and high-stakes adventure that'll set your pulse racing when you watch it on Paramount's streaming service. And you will watch it because you'll want to be caught up on its story before the eighth Mission Impossible flick brings the curtain down on Hunt's near-30-year journey in 2025.

With its predecessor giving the cult horror movie series' a new lease of life in 2022, Scream VI continued the franchise's upward trajectory with a blood-curdling new entry in early 2023.

With the series' razor-sharp meta storytelling as frightening as ever and a new setting and characters ripe for another murder spree from everyone's favorite slasher villain Ghost Face, Scream VI doled out another narratively clever but no less gruesome (and funny!) installment for the long-running horror franchise. One of the best Paramount Plus movies to stream today – and, with Scream VII in development (though without Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega), you might need to watch it to stay up-to-date on its multi-film story arc.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

With 2019's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse changing the animated genre game, Paramount decided its latest attempt at creating a marvelous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film needed a (pizza) slice of the new-age animation pie.

The result is a visually arresting coming-of-age tale that puts the 'teenage' aspect of heroes in a half shell's latest cinematic outing front and center. Emboldened by its own wholly original animated flair, a sincere story about adoptive family, creative action, and punchy jokes, Mutant Mayhem is a thunderously enjoyable return for Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Order yourself an authentic Italian-style pepperoni pizza and guzzle it down while you stream this charming flick.

Honorable mentions: 80 For Brady, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

Best Peacock movies of 2023

Five nights at freddy's.

Another film that was trounced by critics upon release, the long-gestating Five Nights at Freddy's movie makes it onto our list based on its audience reception and unexpectedly great box office performance.

Indeed, despite launching simultaneously in theaters and on the NBCUniversal-owned Peacock platform, the horror movie, based on Scott Cawthon's massively successful indie game series namesake, grossed almost $300 million globally. That made it Blumhouse Production's most profitable flick ever and will likely ensure numerous sequels are greenlit. A campy, 80s-style slasher that'll make you think twice about messing around any Chuck E. Cheese-like animatronics, it's an easy enough watch to maintain your attention.

Five Nights at Freddy's film adaptation wasn't the only delightfully cheesy horror movie of 2023. Buoyed by that iconic dance number that appeared in its first trailer – a cringe-laden boogie that went viral on social media sensation TikTok – M3GAN proved to be another unexpected smash hit for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse.

It didn't do much differently from countless other fright-inducing flicks centered around artificial intelligence (AI), but M3GAN 's appeal lies in its unapologetic silliness (see the aforementioned dance as proof of that), plus its ability to marry surprisingly comedic moments and gruesome chills to thrill and entertain. One of the best horror movies of 2023 .

Oppenheimer

We've mentioned Barbenheimer a couple of times above, and this is the second, far more serious half of 2023's most significant cinematic event. At three hours long, Christopher Nolan's latest film epic Oppenheimer will test your runtime patience. The biographical thriller's subject matter – an embellished retelling of the atomic bomb's creation – also makes for a difficult watch. 

But, spurred on by Nolan's masterful cinematography and penchant for physical effects, coupled with Oppenheimer's absolutely stacked A-list cast – all of whom are at the top of their game (special mention to Cillian Murphy for his breath-taking and potentially award-winning turn as the titular theoretical physicist) – it's an absolute masterpiece. A film that deserves multiple viewings to be appreciated and one that'll likely shake up the order of our Christopher Nolan movies ranked piece.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The final film of 2023 that divided critics and casual film fans into two distinct camps (the former disliking it, the latter loving it), The Super Mario Bros. Movie deserves its place here for being the second highest-grossing film of the year alone.

In our view, though, it's also a very enjoyable family-friendly flick. Universal and Illumination's animated take on the legendary Nintendo mascot's beloved game series – and the various characters, worlds, and franchises Mario has spawned since – is a phenomenal love letter to the character's illustrious history. There are Easter eggs aplenty, fun-filled set pieces, an all-star voice cast (let's not talk about Chris Pratt's divisive Mario voice, though), and an original song from Jack Black that's sure to give Barbie 's 'I'm Just Ken' a run for its money at next year's award ceremonies. A dazzling Super Star of a video game movie that's sure to get a sequel or five, based on The Super Mario Bros. Movie 's post-credit scenes .

Honorable mentions: Cocaine Bear , Eileen , Trolls Band Together

Best Prime Video movies of 2023

Like Tetris , a movie chronicling the creation of the first pair of Nike Air Jordan basketball sneakers doesn't sound all that appealing. And yet Air is an engrossing slam dunk of a biographical sports drama you won't want to miss.

Thanks to Alex Convery's crackling script, Ben Affleck's artistic direction, and the lively performances of its A-list cast, Air scored surprisingly high among us, our fellow critics, and general audiences. Indeed, it left every ounce of creativity on the court to give us one of the best Prime Video movies of 2023. You'll need to pull a trick shot on us to even attempt to convince us to change our minds.

A Million Miles Away

Another drama-filled biopic now, albeit one that shoots for the stars in different ways to Air. This Michael Peña-starring film about José M. Hernández's dream to become a real-life astronaut is intoxicatingly inspirational and confirms that, if you have a burning lifelong ambition to do something, you'll find a way to achieve your goal.

A beautifully shot movie with excellent performances from its predominantly Latino cast – the film's true-to-life Mexican representation is a joy to behold – A Million Miles Away will have you weeping tears of joy by the time its credits roll. A truly heart-warming Prime Video flick.

Jamie Foxx has had an eventful year (to put it mildly) off-camera, but he's still starred in two of the best movies of the year – Netflix's They Cloned Tyrone and this Amazon Original that reaffirms our love for a classic David versus Goliath story.

Based on true events, The Burial is a crowd-pleasing and intelligent courtroom drama that places two juggernaut actors – Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones – at the heart of its narrative and allows them to showcase their substantial acting chops. You'll laugh and occasionally get choked up, which are always signs of a good movie. Case closed.

Red, White, and Royal Blue

Red, White & Royal Blue wasn't on our bingo card to be one of Prime's best films of 2023. Based on its trailer, it looked like a pretty formulaic rom-com – but, once again, its positive reception upon release proved us wrong.

An amusing and adorable movie, the fictional tale of a US president's son and a member of the British Royal family starting a secret gay romance is a triumph, and we don't just mean from a genuine LGBT-plus representation viewpoint. You might wonder what all the fuss is about after 15 or 20 minutes but, by the time its final scene rolls around, you'll have spent much of its runtime smiling, chuckling, and feeling full of heart. A sweet and sexy flick unafraid to be as real as possible.

Totally Killer

Back to the Future meets your favorite 70s or 80s slasher in Totally Killer , a rollicking sci-fi horror mashup that has tons of fun with its twist on the timeless, well, time-travel story.

It's a tad tropey in places, especially with its plot beats that appear like they've been pulled verbatim from classic horrors like Halloween . Mostly, though, Totally Killer is a witty and slick multi-genre offering that doesn't come across as contrived or glib in its premise and conventional horror movie character design. A funny and suspense-riddled film that might become a spooky season staple for years to come.

Honorable mentions: Cassandro , Merry Little Batman , Sitting in Bars With Cake , Somebody I Used To Know

2023's best of the rest movies

Where to stream: AMC Plus (US), rent or buy (Australia), unavailable in the UK

Completing our 2023 triumvirate of movies telling the tale of a product's creation, BlackBerry is a smart and surprisingly funny feature film documenting the rise and fall of the generation-defining mobile phone.

Starring It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia 's Glenn Howerton and How to Train Your Dragon 's Jay Baruchel, the highly entertaining IFC Films-distributed flick's framing as a workplace dramedy works well, as does its positioning as a bizarre funeral-style send-off for the once-beloved gadget. It doesn't *ahem* dial it in. In our BlackBerry review , we called it "a bittersweet comedy with a sting in its tail, and a stark reminder that innovation waits for no one". 

Where to stream: MGM Plus (US), unavailable in the UK and Australia

Rowdy male-centric teen comedies used to dominate the movie landscape but, in recent years, it's been riotous female-fronted flicks, such as 2019's Booksmart , that have become the norm.

2023 saw the release of two such movies, Joy Ride and Bottoms , but the latter edges out a place on our best movies list. A fresh, sardonic take on the classic high school comedy, Bottoms is clever, hilariously crude, and even a touch violent (albeit played for laughs) on occasion. A biting riposte to its male contemporaries and a must-see production before 2024's Mean Girls musical remake dominates the conversation.

The Boy and the Heron

Where to stream: only available in theaters

Billed as legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki's final film – spoiler, it isn't anymore – The Boy and the Heron is another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, i.e. one of the world's leading animation studios.

As weirdly creative and wonderfully realized as many of Miyazaki's other seminal works, The Boy and the Heron soulfully explores its deep-seated themes through a rich and expectedly quirky animated lens. This is yet another example of the excellence Miyazaki and Ghibli demand from every single one of their projects. If this had been the famous filmmaker's final hurrah, what a way it would've been to bow out. Another uniquely elegant and strange gem in Ghibli's glorious crown.

Godzilla: Minus One

Like The Boy and the Heron , this Toho-developed movie is still a theatrical exclusive at the time of writing. But you should stomp your way to a nearby movie theater to watch Godzilla: Minus One because, frankly, it's one of the best kaiju movies we've seen in a long time – and we're including Legendary's Monster-Verse films here, too.

With a story anchored on engaging and relatable characters – Apple's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters TV show has somewhat addressed this specific Monster-Verse flaw, though – as well as outrageously stunning visuals and action, Godzilla: Minus One gives the iconic kaiju a movie that, like its titular protagonist, will stand the test of time.

John Wick: Chapter 4

Where to stream: Starz (US), Prime Video (UK and Australia)

Everyone's favorite dog-loving assassin made his long-awaited comeback this year, and his last (or latest, depending on who you listen to) cinematic outing is arguably his best.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is, in our view, a fittingly stylish and blood-bath-based send-off for the character. It's brutal, extravagantly over-the-top, and lays down even more in-universe John Wick lore that's ripe for exploration in prequels, sequels, and present-day spin-offs alike. Skip the first of those side projects – The Continental: From the World of John Wick – and wait for the Ana de Armas-starring Ballerina , stream Chapter 4 over and again, or read our John Wick movies in order guide instead.

Where to stream: rent or buy worldwide via Amazon, Microsoft Store, Google Play, and YouTube

One of two A24-developed movies to make this list, Past Lives is a spectacular feature debut from Celine Song that puts a mature and sensitively handled South Korean spin on romantic dramas.

Full disclosure: Past Lives will make you weep but in a strangely juxtaposing manner. An uplifting yet melancholic tale about the notion of destiny, love, the life choices we make, and how they're beautifully intertwined despite the heartache we feel when we have to let someone go. A mesmeric and touching film.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Where to stream: Netflix (US), rent or buy (UK), Prime Video (Australia)

We're just going to say it: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a masterpiece. Its story is heroically compelling, its complex characters fully realized, its visuals breath-taking, humor and action well put together, and its soundtrack is an absolute banger. What isn't there to love about this animated Spider-Man endeavor, which is one of the best superhero movies of all time?

Okay, the crunch conditions its VFX team was under to get it out of the door put a dampener on things, and we seriously hope they won't be subjected to that during production on its sequel Beyond the Spider-Verse . That glaring issue notwithstanding, Across the Spider-Verse is a titan of the superhero film genre. See where we ranked it in our best Spider-Man movies guide.

Where to stream: Netflix worldwide

One of the most creative horror movies in years, Talk to Me left us spellbound with its creepy ambiance, gory nature, and freaky jump scares.

Bolstered by an unpredictable plot, visionary direction from first-time feature film directors RackaRacka – otherwise known as twin brothers Danny and Michael Phillipou – and a terrifyingly good cast, Talk to Me will have you on the edge of your seat from the outset. An incredibly effective and chilling fright-fest that eschews clichés in favor of telling a compelling, unsettlingly terrific original movie.

Honorable mentions: Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret , Fallen Leaves , Fast X , The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes , Joy Ride , Polite Society , Poor Things , Saw X , Sound of Freedom , Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot .

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

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top movie review 2023 netflix

The 15 Best Netflix Movies of 2023

The streaming platform delivered awards contenders, animated crowd-pleasers and plenty of hidden gems

John Boyega in "They Cloned Tyrone," Julianne Moore in "May December" and Sunny Sandler in "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah"

From password-sharing crackdowns to disappearing content and the rise of FAST channels, streaming transformed in 2023 . But one thing remained the same: Netflix is still the biggest game in town .

Naturally, the king of streaming had plenty of new movies this year, even with a strike-lightened schedule : awards contenders, feel-good comedies, dark thrillers, even a canceled one-time Disney animated movie and a new David Fincher film. There was a lot to keep up with this year.

So if you’re wondering what to watch and looking for the best Netflix movies of 2023, here’s a curated list of our picks.

Natalie Portman in May December

May December

Todd Haynes’ “May December” is the movie of the year for me; a fearless, completely compelling character drama that’s uncommonly comfortable with holding opposing truths and letting the audience decide. The audacious comedic drama is directly inspired by the true tabloid tale of Mary Kay Letourneau, who seduced and sexually assaulted her student only to bear his children and marry him after prison time for her crime — screen counterparts played by Julianne Moore as Gracie and revelatory breakout Charles Melton as her young, wounded husband, Joe. But Haynes and his creative collaboratives are far too astute to play it straight. Samy Burch and Alex Mechanik’s inspired script broaches the thorny through the perspective of an equally narcissistic actress, Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), who has been hired to play Gracie. A duel of the delusional divas for the ages, and both Oscar winners make a meal of their material, but it’s Melton who’s poised to be an awards darling with his sorely tender, movie-stealing performance. — Haleigh Foutch

The Killer

Stick to the plan. Our nameless assassin (played by Michael Fassbender) utters these words in the sardonic voiceover that runs throughout David Fincher’s “The Killer.” Of course, what he is thinking and what he actually does are two different things. After he botches a job in Paris, accidentally murdering his intended target’s comely dominatrix instead, Fassbender’s killer is sent on an international quest for revenge. Charles Parnell, Tilda Swinton and Arliss Howard pop up along the way. Fincher ruthlessly subverts the “cool guy assassin” tropes that have been around since at least Jean-Pierre Melville’s “Le Samouraï” and are still trotted out today in things like Keanu Reeves’ “John Wick” saga. (This is a killer who dresses like a German tourist and who buys his tools on Amazon.) It’s also a darkly funny commentary on the gig economy, as the killer both interacts with gig workers and is one himself, a freelance psychopath through and through. As directed by Fincher, “The Killer” is expertly precise, boasting some of the year’s most immersive cinematography (courtesy of Erik Messerschmidt) that uncomfortably puts you in the shoes of a maniac, backed by a nerve-jangling score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Ruthless (and ruthlessly entertaining), “The Killer” is what happens when Netflix gives a true artist the space and resources they need. And then leaves them alone to do their worst. – Drew Taylor

"They Cloned Tyrone" (Photo courtesy of Netflix)

They Cloned Tyrone

A drug dealer, a pimp and a prostitute stumble onto a government conspiracy – it’s not the set-up for a joke, though “They Cloned Tyrone” is self-aware enough to acknowledge it sounds like one. Jules Taylor makes a striking directorial debut with his sharp-witted genre blender, starring John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris as the unlikely trio who tumble down the rabbit hole when they discover the very tenets of their neighborhood, the fabric of their lives – church, music, food, family – are all just a means of control. Churning through Blaxploitation tropes and name-dropping cinematic references at Tarantino-speed, “They Cloned Tyrone” has a non-stop soundtrack and some of the year’s best world-building (and visual gags) via production design. It’s a sci-fi conspiracy treat that knows, loves and acknowledges the many genre sandboxes it’s playing in, while bringing something all its own to the space. – HF

"The Last Dragon," "Foxy Brown" and "Blacula" (Photo credit: TriStar Pictures and American International Pictures)

Happiness for Beginners

Adapted from the book by Katherine Center , the goofy, heartfelt “Happiness for Beginners” follows Helen (Ellie Kemper), a woman fresh out of a terrible marriage and Jake (Luke Grimes), the best friend of Helen’s brother who as it happens has been in love with her since they were children. After signing up for a hiking adventure through the Appalachian Trail, Helen’s solo, self-discovering mountain trip takes a turn when Jake signs up for the same trip. A kooky group of campers experiences the fresh air and whimsical bond that comes from surviving the elements together, and Jake’s admission of his feelings for Helen turns out to be just one of many obstacles to overcome. – Dessi G omez

top movie review 2023 netflix

Pablo Larraín, director of “Spencer” and “Jackie,” took his latest off-kilter biography into truly uncharted territory, telling the story of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet — not as a real person who died in 2006 and who, in his life, oversaw the death and enslavement of thousands of people. Instead, Larraín conceived him as an ageless vampire (played, with aplomb, by Jaime Vadell), whose children (fascists in their own right) are squabbling over his inheritance while a nun they’ve hired (Paula Luchsinger) attempts to kill him. Photographed by Edward Lachman in luxurious black-and-white and featuring a twist so insane that we wouldn’t dare ruin it here, “El Conde” is a hypnotic rumination on the depths and banality of evil. It also has some cool vampire shit you’ll probably like too. – DT

You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah. (L to R) Samantha Lorraine as Lydia Rodriguez Katz and Sunny Sandler as Stacy Friedman in You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah. Cr. Scott Yamano/Netflix © 2023.

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

It’s a family affair, and the whole Sandler bunch is downright charming in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.” Adam Sandler plays dad to his real-life daughter Sunny Sandler, who stars as Stacey Freidman, a girl staring down her oncoming Bat Mitzvah (and all the adolescent awkwardness that comes with it) when she fractures her friendship with BFF Lydia ( Samantha Lorraine ). Popular girls, cute boys and all the familiar coming-of-age foes threaten to pull them apart for good, but the bonds of friendship and family aren’t so easy to shake. It’s so, so sweet and endearing, a full-on family film win for Netflix and for the Sandler family. –  HF

"Leave the World Behind"

Leave the World Behind

Netflix’s apocalyptic thriller “Leave the World Behind” is getting a lot of guff for being depressingly cynical, but I think that’s a surface-level read on the material, which is honestly quite refreshing and optimistic for the genre. Based on the book of the same name, directed by “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail, “Leave the World Behind” stars Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as a well-off couple who take their family to a rental home out of the city for the weekend. But their getaway is cut short when a father and daughter (Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali and “Bodies Bodies Bodies” star Myha’la) arrive amid a widespread blackout and say the house is theirs. Set against a backdrop of pervasive dread, “Leave the World Behind” is a nightmarish thriller about collapse, but it has endless faith in its characters’ humanity. Twisty-turny and infused with paranoia, it also has some of the most cleverly constructed set pieces of the year and an ending you won’t soon forget. – HF

top movie review 2023 netflix

“Nimona” almost didn’t make it to the screen. Originally a Disney picture, the invigorating animated film was scuttled when Blue Sky got shuttered. Thankfully, Netflix stepped in to save the day. Based on ND Stevenson’s webcomic-turned-graphic novel, the film features the voices of Chloë Grace Moretz as the title shape-shifter, Nimona, a devil may care creature longing to be loved for who she is, even if that changes every day, and Riz Ahmed as the unwitting villain with a heart of gold, Ballister Blackheart. Though “Nimona” abandons much of the idiosyncratic story in the outstanding source material, it keeps the core character dynamics and the broad strokes of Stephenson’s innovative old-fashioned yet futuristic world of knights, kingdoms, heroes and villains. It’s handsomely animated and heartfelt, but the film’s real superpower is the core message of unreserved acceptance and fearless love. – HF

reptile-benicio-del-toro-alicia-silverstone

Reptile had some brutal reviews when it debuted on Netflix, but it was also a huge hit. Call me a man of the people because I really dug the stylish, if overstuffed, crime drama. Benicio Del Toro gives one of the most absorbing performances of the year as a rigid, hard-boiled detective who gets tangled up in overlapping crime cases after being assinged a gruesome murder case. Slow and steely, “Reptile” certainly takes its time, but I loved the details, textures and pockets of personality in this one, so the extra time to breathe and turn things over didn’t bother me a bit. Also a highlight: Alicia Silverstone’s prickly, sexy, unexpected performance. – HF

"Leo"

Netflix released a few Adam Sandler movies this year (in fact, there’s another one on this list), but only one where he starred as a 75-year-old iguana. And that’s got to mean something. In “Leo,” the title character — a classroom pet — realizes that he doesn’t have much time left. He launches a plan to get taken home by one of the kids and escape once he’s there. But soon, something else happens – he starts to listen to the kids and offer them advice, helping them out with the tribulations of their lives. His desire to leave subsides, replaced with a greater sense of purpose. Oh, and there are songs. Directed by longtime Sandler collaborators Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, and David Wachtenheim, with songs by Smigel, “Leo” is the kind of brightly animated, warm-hearted feature whose emotional depth sneaks up on you. – DT

top movie review 2023 netflix

Starring Rob Lowe and Johnny Berchtold and Adapted from Pauls Toutonghi’s 2016 book of the same name, “Dog Gone” tells the charming story of John Marshall (Lowe) as he searches for his son Fielding’s (Berchtold) missing fur baby, Gonker. Lowe imbues his character with Chris Traeger’s “Parks and Recreation” optimism and enthusiasm. John remains determined to find the lost pooch in a touching film shortened from the title, “Dog Gone: A Lost Pet’s Extraordinary Journey.” Directed by Stephen Herek, the film was written by Nick Santora, who produced alongside Jeremy Kipp Walker. Lowe executive produced. – DG

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

It took 23 years. But the chickens are back. In “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” instead of being a chicken-filled riff on “The Great Escape,” the team at beloved British studio Aardman Animation use “Mission: Impossible” as a springboard. This time, instead of busting out of a country farm, the chickens attempt to break into an industrial farming situation. You can expect all the Aardman hallmarks – witty wordplay, inventive visual gags and some of the most jaw-dropping animation you’re ever likely to see, alongside a more thoughtful, nuanced approach to how we consume and prepare food. Like all of their films, it’s a handcrafted gem of an animated film, full of inventiveness and heart. (It was directed by Sam Fell, a longtime Aardman alum who also directed the genuine masterpiece “ParaNorman” for Laika.) Hopefully, it doesn’t take another 23 years for them to make a third film. – DT

Ember (Leah Lewis) and Wade (Mamoudou Athie) in Pixar's "Elemental"

Your Place or Mine

While it didn’t make TheWrap’s best romance movies of 2023 , “Your Place Or Mine” took viewers on a classic rom-com adventure just in time for Valentine’s Day. From “The Devil Wears Prada” scribe and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” producer and showrunner Aline Brosh McKenna, the film stars Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon as Peter and Debbie, who have been best friends ever since a one-night-stand years ago. Nevertheless, their bond always has one questioning if the other has the same romantic feelings. When Peter volunteers to watch Debbie’s son while she finishes her masters accounting program in New York, where she ends up meeting handsome publisher Theo Martin (Jesse Williams) and bonding with him over books. The publishing and book-lover details, like visiting NYC’s “The Strand” bookstore and stopping by a Little Free Library scream Reese Witherspoon, who runs a book club and production company Hello Sunshine, which adapts books to films and television. Come for the chaotic comedy and heartfelt drama and stay for the movie’s “The Cars” soundtrack. – DG

sister-death

Sister Death

2017’s “Verónica” is one of the best Netflix original movies and certainly one of its scariest. The fact that director Paco Plaza returned for an equally disturbing prequel was extremely exciting. And the fact that nobody seemed to care, even though this one was equally unsettling, was very disappointing. This movie is set in 1949 Spain, where a young nun (Aria Bedmar) arrives at a convent that teaches young girls. Soon, she uncovers an undying evil at the convent that threatens her very existence. The less said about the actual plot, the better; it’s much more rewarding just to watch the movie cast its unnerving spell. (And, yes, you discover the movie’s connection to “Verónica” in its closing moments.) You can tell that Netflix probably asked for something in the vein of “The Nun,” but Plaza delivered something far more bizarre and terrifying. – DT

top movie review 2023 netflix

Love at First Sight

Jameela Jamil narrates the Netflix film adaptation of Jennifer E. Smith’s novel, “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight,” in which Hadley Sullivan (Haley Lu Richardson) meets Oliver Jones (Ben Hardy) in a chance encounter after she misses her flight to London by mere minutes. The two connect over the nine-plus hour flight across the pond, Hadley heading to her dad’s wedding and Oliver heading to his mother’s live eulogy reading before she dies of cancer. Hadley first approaches her father’s new marriage with a closed mind because she can’t forgive him for walking out on her and her mother, but words of Oliver’s echo in her mind and eventually influence her to open her mind to her new stepmother. Oliver’s life brightens with Hadley in it, and if anything, this movie proves that opposites can attract. — DG

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The best Netflix movies of 2023, ranked

  • Insider compiled 2023's top Netflix original movies based on critics' rankings from Rotten Tomatoes.
  • The list includes films with an 80% or higher score and at least 25 reviews.
  • The top movies include "May December," "The Killer," and "They Cloned Tyrone."

Insider Today

Note: Rotten Tomatoes scores were current at the time of publication and are subject to change. In the event of a tie, the movie with more reviews was ranked higher.

17. "Sly"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 81%

Netflix synopsis : "His love of film began as an escape from a rocky childhood. From underdog to Hollywood legend, Sylvester Stallone tells his story in this documentary."

"Worshipful, relatively brief bio offers such fascinating details, we're left wanting more," Richard Roeper wrote for the Chicago Sun-Times .

16. "Leo"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Netflix synopsis : "Adam Sandler is a lizard named Leo in this coming-of-age musical comedy about the last year of elementary school as seen through the eyes of a class pet."

"Brightly animated and with moments of surprising insight, there's a warm likability to Leo that radiates, for those still in the classroom and those who left it long ago," wrote The Guardian's Benjamin Lee .

15. "El Conde"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 82%

Netflix synopsis : "After living for over two centuries, Augusto Pinochet is a vampire ready to die... but the vultures around him won't let him go without one last bite."

Peter Travers of ABC News said the satire, which portrays the former president of Chile as a vampire, "speaks scarily to the undying nature of tyranny."

14. "Money Shot: The Pornhub Story"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 84% 

Netflix synopsis : "Featuring interviews with performers, activists, and past employees, this documentary offers a deep dive into the successes and scandals of Pornhub."

Critics agree this is a fascinating, well-made documentary on one of the internet's most popular websites without demonizing the subject or its users .

For the New York Times, Natalia Winkelman writes , "Here is a documentary that casts a clear eye on the offenses of an industry driven by capitalism while never losing sight of the workers whose safety and success should be that profession's number one priority."

13. "Rustin"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 84%

Netflix synopsis : "Activist Bayard Rustin faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington."

Colman Domingo has been nominated for best actor at the Golden Globes for playing the titular role in the biopic.

Manohla Dargris wrote for The New York Times , "Every so often an actor so dominates a movie that its success largely hinges on his every word and gesture. That's the case with Coleman Domingo's galvanic title performance in 'Rustin.'"

12. "The Deepest Breath"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Netflix synopsis : "Two passionate freedivers find purpose in one of the world's most extreme sports — and a kindred spirit in each other. But their bond soon gets deeper."

"'The Deepest Breath' rivals Free Solo as one of the most anxiety-inducing extreme sports documentaries ever," writes Maxwell Rabb for the Chicago Reader .

11. "The Killer"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 85%

Netflix synopsis : "After a fateful near miss, an assassin battles his employers — and himself — on an international hunt for retribution he insists isn't personal."

"The Killer is not Fincher's best; it's more of an offbeat character study with impressive production values than a fully realized drama," Moira MacDonald wrote for the Seattle Times.

10. "Nyad"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 86%

Netflix synopsis :  "Athlete Diana Nyad sets out at 60 to achieve a nearly impossible lifelong dream: to swim from Cuba to Florida across more than 100 miles of open ocean."

"Bolstered by the splashy performances of Bening and co-star Jodie Foster, "Nyad" is the kind of crowd-pleasing true story that will make audiences stand up and cheer," wrote IndieWire's Kate Erbland .

9. "Fair Play"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Netflix synopsis : "An unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund pushes a couple's romance to the brink, threatening to unravel far more than their recent engagement."

The film was nominated for the dramatic grand jury prize at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

"This workplace psycho-romance traces the resentments that can asphyxiate a couple when one partner's career escalates as the other's falters, and it does so in the service of a bigger picture," writes Stephanie Zacharek for Time magazine .

8. "Wham!"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Netflix synopsis : "Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons."

The critical consensus is that the documentary offers a fun and " worthwhile " look at the rise and sudden dissolution of the '80s band that struggled with fame.

7. "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 91%

Netflix synopsis : "BFFs Stacy and Lydia are both planning epic bat mitzvahs. But it all unravels when a popular boy — and middle school drama — threaten to ruin everything."

John Nugent wrote for Empire Magazine , "The rare teen movie that recognizes crushes are never as important or powerful as BFFs — and one that marks an intriguing new direction for Adam Sandler's Happy Madison productions."

6. "May December"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Netflix synopsis : "Decades after their scandalous relationship made headlines, a couple starts to unravel when a famous actor arrives to research them for new film."

Alison Willmore writes for New York Magazine , "Todd Haynes's latest is a brilliant ode to female toxicity that begins at a place of camp and ends at one that's closer to horror."

5. "American Symphony"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 93%

Netflix synopsis : "In this deeply intimate documentary, musician Jon Baptiste attempts to compose a symphony as his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, undergoes cancer treatment."

TheWrap's Steve Pond wrote , "'American Symphony' is about the creation of art in the face of pressure, tragedy and heartbreak, and about the tension between the glory of creation and the pain of living. It manages to capture the glory but it never ignores the price."

4. "Nimona"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 95%

Netflix synopsis : "A knight framed for a tragic crime teams with a scrappy, shape-shifting teen to prove his innocence. But what if she's the monster he's sworn to destroy?"

"'Nimona' tells its story tenderly, poignantly and offers up a parable on learning not to fear those who are different from you and demolish the pious barriers that separate us," writes Randy Myers for the San Jose Mercury News .

3. "They Cloned Tyrone"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Netflix synopsis : "An eerie series of events leads an unlikely trio down a rabbit hole into a sinister neighborhood conspiracy. John Boyega stars opposite Teyonah Parris and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx in this pulpy comedic sci-fi caper directed and co-written by Juel Taylor."

Whelan Barzey wrote for Time Out  the film's "satirical unpacking of the Black community's cornerstones – food, music and religion – thrillingly tackles the uncomfortable idea that outsiders gain more from these institutions than the Black community itself."

2. "Pamela, A Love Story"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 96%

Netflix synopsis : "In her own words, through personal videos and diaries, Pamela Anderson shares the story of her rise to fame, rocky romances, and infamous sex tape scandal."

The 2023 documentary, directed by Ryan White, received two 2023 Emmy nominations for outstanding documentary and outstanding music composition for a documentary series or special.

Salon's Alison Stine hailed the doc for "presenting a more thoughtful, haunting and emotional side of Anderson's story."

1. "Mars One"

top movie review 2023 netflix

Rotten Tomatoes : 97%

Netflix synopsis : "Following a tense election, a tight-knit family works to navigate life changes while chasing separate goals — including a secret dream to live on Mars."

After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and becoming Brazil's Oscar entry at the 2023 Academy Awards , Ava DuVernay's distributor Array Releasing purchased the film . Through a deal with Netflix, the film began streaming on the service in January.

"'Mars One' nimbly centers each of its four main characters, elegantly weaving their stories into a poignant familial whole," wrote Jude Dry for IndieWire . "All relatable, flawed, and charming in their own ways, they antagonize each other without anyone losing their humanity."

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

top movie review 2023 netflix

  • Main content

The 20 Best Netflix Original Movies of 2023

From The Killer to May December , the streamer closed the year on a stellar—and possibly awards-worthy—note.

preview for Leave the World Behind – trailer (Netflix)

If you're also a theater-averse individual, I'm willing to bet that your first stop on a weekday night is Netflix . And you know what? It's been a pretty stellar year in film for the streamer. With the help of stars such as Myha’la Herrold, Julianne Moore, and Bradley Cooper, and more, Netflix closed the year on a stellar—and possibly awards-worthy—note. Looking for a lighthearted comedy? Try Sandman’s You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah . Want a thriller? The Killer is waiting for you.

Is a drama more your speed? Look no further than Maestro and American Symphony . Below, we’ve rounded up the 20 best Netflix original movies of 2023. Enjoy, folks.

David Fincher's latest thrill ride, The Killer, will leave you breathless. The film stars Michael Fassbender as The Killer, a nameless assassin who—after butchering a hit job—has to clean up his own mess. Come for the image of Fassbender pounding a McDonald's combo, and stay for what's easily the greatest fight scene of the year.

With Maestro , Bradley Cooper could be primed to nab the Best Director nomination that eluded him at the 2019 Academy Awards— when he went unrecognized in the category for A Star Is Born . His newest acting-directing effort, Maestro , follows the life of American conductor Leonard Bernstein. As his career takes off, Bernstein meets and falls in love with Felicia Montealegre, a Costa Rican actress.

In theaters

Leave the World Behind

What would you do if the world suddenly came to an end? In Leave The World Behind , two families are forced to rely on each other during an unexplained apocalypse. To make matters worse, they’re trapped on Long Island in a vacant beach town, without cell service or access to the news. In other words? Pure chaos. As if we would expect anything else from an adaptation of a Rumaan Alam novel.

American Symphony

American Symphony follows Jon Batiste's quest to compose his first symphony. That dream is interrupted when his partner—the author Suleika Jaouad—learns that her cancer has returned. While battling her diagnosis, Jaouad and Batiste work together to complete each other's works of art. "I feel like we’re living a life of contrasts, Jaouad says in the film." It’s true—they are. Still, they find a way to create beauty in the face of hardship, while loving each other along the way.

May December

Want to see Todd Haynes get weird—again? Well, set aside two hours for May December . Here's the first thing you should know: May December is a work of fiction, but it’s based on Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau’s real-life courtship—which landed the

Letourneau in jail. (In short: Fualaau was a minor when they met.) We won't spoil anything more about May December from here, but rest assured—it features Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, and Charles Melton at the height of their powers.

You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Ah, teenage angst is alive and well! You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah is a touching coming-of-age film starring Adam Sandler’s whole family. The movie follows Stacy Friedman (Sunny Sandler) during the months leading up to her bat mitzvah. Stacy has the whole night planned out, but her party goes awry when she and he best friend fight over a popular boy in their class.

Mixed by Erry

Mixed by Erry is an Italian film that chronicles the lives of an aspiring DJ and his two brothers in the 1980s. When Luigi D’Oriano (AKA Erry) wants to make it big, he decides to smuggle mixtapes across Naples as a shortcut to stardom. Somehow, the scam turns him and his brothers into beloved record producers. But their fame is threatened when authorities investigate their rise to the top.

John Mulaney: Baby J

OK, this isn't exactly a movie, per se, but can you make an exception for John Mulaney ? The comedian's latest Netflix special, Baby J , comes five years after he took a break from performing. Shot in February 2023 at the Boston Symphony Hall, Baby J sees Mulaney return to his comedic roots. He tells wild stories, reckons with his past, and makes people laugh along the way.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in this whimsical Roald Dahl adaptation as Henry Sugar, a wealthy man with far too much time on his hands. One day, he decides to gamble for fun. But first, he has to figure out how to cheat without getting caught. Really, though, all we have to tell you is that this is a Wes Anderson-directed project .

The Deepest Breath

Directed by Laura McGann, The Deepest Breath is one of the most striking adventure-sports documentaries since Free Solo . The film follows the world of deep-sea diving, which, yes—is exactly as terrifying, impressive, and beautiful as you'd think.

Heart of Stone

Heart of Stone is a spy thriller that stars Alia Bhatt, Gal Gadot, and Jamie Dorman. The film follows the group as they play lethal super-spies, who are tasked with fighting the worlds most ruthless criminals. It's a Netflix action romp, if we've ever seen one!

They Cloned Tyrone

John Boyega, Jamie Foxx , and Teyonah Parris star in They Cloned Tyrone , a sci-fi thriller that's just as fun as it sounds. In this film, a series of strange events brings the trio together and forces them to uncover a government conspiracy. With yet another Esquire digital cover star ( the indomitable Boyega ) stealing the show, we highly recommend you don't miss this one.

Pamela, a love story

Pamela Anderson finally shared her truth in Pamela, a love story . In this documentary, the legendary actress and model takes viewers through her early career, marriages, scandals, activism, and yes, the tape. Pamela, A Love Story gives viewers an unfiltered, empathetic look at the life of one of Hollywood's most infamous stars.

Luther: The Fallen Sun

Your favorite Idris Elba -played detective is back, friends. The critically acclaimed psychological thriller ran for five seasons on BBC from 2010 to 2019. Now? We have (at least) one last dance with John Luther via a new film, thanks to Netflix.

Bill Russell: Legend

Another year, another stellar portrait of a sports GOAT. It doesn't get much better than Bill Russell: Legend , where the also-great director Sam Pollard explores the legacy of the Boston Celtics icon.

In The Mother , Jennifer Lopez plays a retired assassin who comes out of hiding to protect her estranged daughter—who suddenly finds herself in danger.

Your Place or Mine

Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher kept the rom-com industry alive with their new flick, Your Place or Mine . In this film, the actors play Debbie and Peter, two best friends with polar-opposite personalities. After they decide to swap houses–and lives!—for a week, the two discover that they might be exactly what the other needs.

This sci-fi-thriller takes place in 2194, after a catastrophe nearly destroys the earth. A civil war breaks out amongst the remaining survivors—which leaves revered general Major Jung-e in a coma. Jung-e’s brain is donated to a science lab called Next Generation, and converted into an AI robot that can continue leading the war in a simulation. Meanwhile, her daughter begins working for Next Generation so she can access her mother's brain and discover national secrets. It's a doozy, people, but well worth your time.

Murder Mystery 2

In a sequel to this particular Sandman special, Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston play detectives Nick and Audrey Spitz. Murder Mystery 2 delivers the goods—a brand-new, hilarious investigation, as well as plenty of Sandlerian antics.

Extraction 2

At long last, we managed to extract Extraction 2 from the Netflix vault. Listen, we hardly remember Chris Hemsworth's action-thriller, because it debuted about a month after the start of the pandemic. But Hemsworth wouldn't stop posting pictures from the set of Extraction 2 –and now, it's finally here, explosions and all.

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Behold, 18 of the Most Anticipated Netflix 2023 Movies

top movie review 2023 netflix

By Savannah Walsh

Maestro Heart of Stone Pain Hustlers and Luther The Fallen Sun.nbsp

How do you measure a year? By the movies, of course. While  Vanity Fair  has already compiled its  most anticipated films of the year , the full list of  Netflix 2023 movies has just been unveiled with an eclectic mix of action, drama, and a few good old-fashioned rom-coms to follow January’s slate . Some of the titles sound AI-generated—we’re looking at you ghost adventure starring  Jennifer Coolidge  and  Jennifer Lopez -led vigilante caper. While others boast Oscar-winning pedigree with new films from  David Fincher ,  Wes Anderson , and  Bradley Cooper  on the way.  Regina King  stars as trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm.  Gal Gadot  brokers global peace ( for real this time ). And  Adam Sandler  makes  all  of the new movies. Ahead, a preview of the most intriguing, anticipated, and flat-out surreal movies headed to Netflix in 2023. 

We Have a Ghost (February 24)

This film has  everything —ghosts, “social media sensations,” CIA targeting, and performances from both  David Harbour  and  Jennifer Coolidge . Say no more.

Luther: The Fallen Sun (March 10)

Luther The Fallen Sun

Luther: The Fallen Sun

Idris Elba ’s hit detective series, which earned him four Emmy nominations, is coming to life on the big screen (or small screen  again , depending on where you watch Netflix). In the film adaptation, “a gruesome serial killer is terrorizing London while brilliant but disgraced detective John Luther (Elba) sits behind bars.” Naturally, the titular hero makes a valiant prison break to save the day in an adventure co-starring Oscar nominee  Cynthia Erivo  and  Andy Serkis . 

Murder Mystery 2 (March 31)

Murder Mystery 2

Murder Mystery 2

All hail  Adam Sandler . In 2023, he has three films headed to the streamer, including a galaxy-set drama called  Spaceman  alongside  Carey Mulligan  and an animated musical where he stars as a 74-year-old lizard named  Leo  (naturally). But Sandler’s most anticipated title is undoubtedly  Murder Mystery 2 , a follow-up to his  highly-watched  2019 action comedy with  Jennifer Aniston  that welcomes new cast members including  Jodie Turner-Smith  and  Mark Strong . 

The Mother (May 12)

The Mother

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Jennifer Lopez  joins the ranks of  Liam Neeson  and  Halle Berry  with her own vigilante action film, directed by live-action  Mulan  filmmaker  Niki Caro . She stars as an assassin who emerges from hiding “to protect the daughter that she gave up years before, while on the run from dangerous men.”

Heart of Stone (August 11)

Heart of Stone

Heart of Stone

On the heels of  Wonder Woman ,  Gal Gadot  is poised to save the day again, this time as a global intelligence operative, who is apparently “the only woman” standing between world peace “and the loss of its most valuable—and dangerous—asset.” The stakes could not be higher . 

The Perfect Find (Summer 2023)

In this new rom-com  Gabrielle Union  has got it all— a high-powered career, fruitful bank account, and that pesky old “ticking biological clock.” But will she “risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance?” We sure hope so!

Damsel (October 13)

Damsel

Millie Bobby Brown  continues her lucrative reign at Netflix ( Stranger Things ,  Enola Holmes ) with an action-adventure co-starring  Angela Bassett ,  Robin Wright , and  Ray Winstone . The official synopsis teases a “fire-breathing dragon” and ancient family debt—no room for damsels in distress around here. 

Pain Hustlers (October 27)

Pain Hustlers

Pain Hustlers

The  wild world of pharmaceuticals is the setting of  David Yates ’ ( Harry Potter ) next film, which tells the tale of “a dangerous racketeering scheme” engineered and perpetrated by the likes of  Emily Blunt ,  Chris Evans , and  Andy Garcia , oh my.

The Killer (November 10)

Directed by  David Fincher . Starring  Michael Fassbender  and  Tilda Swinton . Titled  The Killer  and centered on an “international manhunt.” Consider us sold. 

A Family Affair (November 17)

A Family Affair

A Family Affair

Attention romantic comedy hive : a new meet-cute tale about a young woman ( Joey King ), her mother ( Nicole Kidman ), and her movie-star boss ( Zac Efron ) is coming from director  Richard LaGravenese ( The Last Five Years ).

NYAD (Fall 2023)

Who else smells a potentially Oscar-nominated leading actress performance? Four-time Academy Award nominee  Annette Bening  and two-time winner  Jodie Foster  lead this biopic of marathon swimmer  Diana Nyad , who became the first person to complete the treacherous “Everest of swims,” from Cuba to Florida at age 64. Directors  Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi  and  Jimmy Chin , who won a little gold man for their  2019 documentary  Free Solo , add an extra dose of awards pedigree. 

Leave the World Behind (December 8)

Leave the World Behind

Leave the World Behind

Sam Esmail , the mind behind critically-acclaimed TV series including  Mr. Robot  and  Homecoming  enlists an all-star cast including  Julia Roberts ,  Ethan Hawke ,  Mahershala Ali , and  Industry ’s  Myha’la Herrold to lead this mystery. Set in Long Island on a family vacation, two families are threatened to be torn apart (perhaps by each other) in an atmospheric survival tale. 

Rebel Moon (December 22)

Rebel Moon

After leaving his  often turbulent days at DC behind,  Zack Snyder  has helmed a galaxy-centered odyssey about “a peaceful colony” that gets “threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius.”  Sofia Boutella ’s Kora is dispatched the save the day with the assistance of a cast including  Charlie Hunnam ,  Anthony Hopkins , and  Djimon Hounsou . 

Monkey Man (Late 2023)

Little is known about this upcoming thriller, other than it ominously centers on a “world enmeshed in corporate greed and eroding spiritual values.” The man entangled in that very peril is played by  Dev Patel , who stars alongside  Sharlto Copeley  in his directorial debut. 

Untitled Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl Film (Late 2023)

Separately, any new project from Oscar-nominated filmmaker  Wes Anderson  or adaptation of a Roald Dahl work would make a splash. But together, this secretive collaboration—which centers on a series of whimsical short stories, including Dahl’s  The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar  and stars the likes of  Benedict Cumberbatch  and  Sir Ben Kingsley —is instantly one of the year’s most eagerly-awaited new titles. 

Rustin (Late 2023)

Rustin

Fresh off  his Emmy win for  Euphoria ,  Colman Domingo  stars as Bayard Rustin, the gay civil rights strategist who helped mastermind the 1963 March on Washington and was a trusted confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. The film boasts quite a buzzy behind-the-scenes with  Barack and  Michelle Obama as producers, Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black ( Milk ) as the screenwriter and Tony winner  George C. Wolfe ( Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom ) as director.  Chris Rock, Audra McDonald,  and  Jeffrey Wright  are among the starry supporting players. 

Shirley (Late 2023)

Regina King ’s  longtime dream  of starring as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman and first Black woman to run for president of the United States, is becoming a reality thanks to Oscar winner  John Ridley  ( 12 Years a Slave ) who directs a starry cast including  Lucas Hedges ,  André Holland , and  Terrence Howard . 

Maestro (Late 2023)

Maestro

For his directorial follow-up to 2018’s  A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper stars as real-life composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein alongside Carey Mulligan as Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre,  Sarah Silverman  as his sister, Shirley,  Maya Hawke as his daughter  Jamie, and  Matt Bomer  as one of Bernstein’s love interests. If Cooper’s shocking physical transformation isn’t enough to draw you in, perhaps Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese as credited producers will.

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best netflix movies 2023

100 Best New Netflix Movies in 2023

By Tudor Leonte

What are the best movies on Netflix ? Whether looking for popcorn entertainment, a heartbreaking drama, or a good laugh, Netflix fans know the streamer has content to suit every taste. The streaming era is arguably at its highest, with every streaming platform putting in its best efforts to catch the subscribers’ attention and keep them glued to their screens. Here’s a complete list of the best new Netflix movies you can watch in 2023.

Best movies on Netflix that are out now

The following Netflix movies are out now; you can watch them with your subscription.

Kill Boksoon

The Byun Sung-hun-directed movie is one of the most pleasant surprises of 2023 to date. Led by appreciated South Korean actress Jeon Do-yeon, Kill Boksoon is an action-packed thriller that follows a woman struggling to balance her life as a mother and a killer for hire. Sung-hun pays homage to Quentin Tarantino but goes beyond the mere mimicking of the Hollywood director’s style, offering a fresh take on the action genre. If you’re a fan of movies like Kill Bill, John Wick , and so on, then Kill Boksoon is a must-watch.

Murder Mystery 2

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston team up again as Nick and Audrey Spitz to solve another mysterious case. This time, the unconventional detectives work on the streets of Monte Carlo and Paris, France, to save their good friend Vikram “The Maharajah” Govindan. The sequel builds on the legacy of 2019’s Murder Mystery , relying on the same level of comedy. Sandler and Aniston are a good team, and Murder Mystery 2 is worth a watch from whoever is looking for a good laugh.

Luther: The Fallen Sun

John Luther is one of the most iconic roles Idris Elba has dealt with in his career, and Luther: The Fallen Sun feels like the natural continuation of the legacy the British actor built since 2010. New challenges await the titular detective in Luther: The Fallen Sun, the long-feature addition to the franchise created by Neil Cross. In fact, Luther deals with one of his biggest missions ever in the Jamie Payne-directed film. The cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Dermot Crowley, and Andy Serkis.

The Magician’s Elephant

Netflix’s animation rarely disappoints, and The Magician’s Elephant lives up to high-standard expectations. Based on the book by two-time Newbery Award-winning author Kate DiCamillo, the story follows young Peter’s efforts to find his sister. Along the journey, Peter befriends an elephant that will help and guide him along the way.

Explosive action from the mind of Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho, this South Korean sci-fi film is a little all over the place but packs a hell of a punch. Borrowing from the likes of Blade Runner and The Terminator, JUNG_E introduces us to an uninhabitable world and humanity splintered into shelters throughout space. With memorable action sequences and a lot of heart, this is one to watch.

The Strays wears its similarities to Jordan Peele’s Get Out on its sleeve, and we’re cool with that. Everything from the trailer to the premise — a Black woman leaves her working-class background for a white suburb, but everything is not as it seems — owes a lot to Peele’s modern horror classic. While it doesn’t quite reach the highs of its inspiration, this is still a gripping psychological thriller.

Best Netflix movies coming out in 2023

The following movies have yet to be released on Netflix, though they’re our most-anticipated

  • Victim/Suspect (May 23)
  • Blood & Gold (May 26)
  • Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (June 16)
  • Extraction 2 (June 16)
  • Take Care of Maya (June 19)
  • The Perfect Find (June 23)
  • Spaceman (July)
  • WHAM! (July 5)
  • The Out-Laws (July 7)
  • Bird Box Barcelona (July 14)
  • The Deepest Breath (July 19)
  • They Cloned Tyrone (July 21)
  • Happiness for Beginners (July 27)
  • The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 2
  • Heart of Stone (August 11)
  • The Monkey King (August 18)
  • Lift (August 25)
  • You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (August 25)
  • Choose Love (August 31)
  • Love at First Sight (September)
  • Damsel (October 13)
  • Pain Hustlers (October 27)
  • The Killer (November 10)
  • A Family Affair (November 17)
  • Leo (November 22)
  • Leave the World Behind (December 8)
  • Rebel Moon (December 22)
  • The Pale Blue Eye (2023)
  • Noise (2023)
  • Dog Gone (2023)
  • Disconnect: The Wedding Planner (2023)
  • Alkhallat+ (2023)
  • Jung E (2023)
  • Mission Majnu 2023)
  • The Price of Family (2023)
  • You People (2023)
  • True Spirit (2023)
  • Infiesto (2023)
  • Dear David (2023)
  • Your Place or Mine (2023)
  • Squared Love All Over Again (2023)
  • All the Places (2023)
  • Unlocked (2023)
  • The Strays (2023)
  • Call Me Chihiro (2023)
  • We Have a Ghost (2023)
  • Tonight You’re Sleeping with Me (2023)
  • 10 Days of a Good Man (2023)
  • Love at First Kiss (2023)
  • Faraway (2023)
  • Have a Nice Day! (2023)
  • In His Shadow (2023)
  • Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023)
  • Chupa (2023)
  • Kings of Mulberry Street: Let Love Reign (2023)
  • Oh Belinda (2023)
  • Hunger (2023)
  • Queens on the Run (2023)
  • Phenomena (2023)
  • A Tourist’s Guide to Love (2023)
  • Chokehold (2023)
  • One More Time (2023)
  • Kiss, Kiss! (2023)
  • The Matchmaker (2023)
  • Royalteen: Princess Margrethe (2023)
  • The Mother (2023)
  • Fanfic (2023)
  • Nyad (2023)
  • Players (2023)
  • Nuovo Olimpo (2023)
  • Monkey Man (2023)
  • Nimona (2023)
  • Reptile (2023)
  • Rustin (2023)
  • Shirley (2023)
  • Ballerina (2023)
  • The Archies (2023)
  • Believer 2 (2023)
  • Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)
  • Maestro (2023)
  • A Day and a Half (2023)
  • Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)
  • Carga Máxima (Overhaul) (2023)
  • Ehrengard (2023)
  • Chakda ’Xpress (2023)
  • El Conde (2023)
  • The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
  • Forgotten Love (2023)
  • High in the Clouds (2023)
  • Escape from Hat (2023)
  • The Old Guard 2 (2023)
  • The Mothership (2023)
  • The Division (2023)
  • Zom 100: Bucket List of Dead (2023)
  • Havoc (2023)

Tudor Leonte

When I'm not feasting my eyes on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I'm probably watching some MMA fights. Dreaming of the United States. Sic Parvis Magna. 

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The Best Netflix Movies Of 2023

  • The Best Movies of 2023 (So Far)
  • The Best Thriller Movies of 2023
  • The Best Comedy Movies of 2023
  • The Best Action Movies of 2023
  • 2023 Movies Based on True Stories
  • The Best Horror Movies of 2023
  • 2023 Movies We Can't Wait to See
  • The Best Historical Films Of 2023
  • Returning Shows Airing New Episodes in 2023
  • The Best Shows Ending in 2023
  • Most Anticipated Brand New Shows
  • Upcoming Sci-Fi & Fantasy Shows
  • New Shows for Kids & Families

The Best Netflix Movies Of 2023

2023 has already been a great year for Netflix Originals and that is why we're ranking them from best to worst. With so many new titles being released, it's hard to know which ones are worth your time. Whether you're looking for something light and funny or an intense drama, there is something for everyone on this list, including 2023 Netflix documentary movies.

The stories presented by these films have been both captivating and thought-provoking. From tales of love, courage, and friendship to suspenseful thrillers that keep you guessing until the end, each movie offers its unique twist on the genre. And with big-name actors appearing in some of these films, there is no shortage of star power here either. Overall 2023 seems to be a standout year when it comes to Netflix movies.

Vote up your favorite 2023 Netflix movies and vote down the ones you think other Rankers should skip. Check back for upcoming and new Netflix movies as they are released and added to the list. Click the Netflix button below each film to stream them whenever you want.

Wingwomen

Extraction 2

Reptile

Leave the World Behind

Poison

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Chupa

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Happiness for Beginners

Happiness for Beginners

The Killer

Murder Mystery 2

The Deepest Breath

The Deepest Breath

Pain Hustlers

Pain Hustlers

Love at First Sight

Love at First Sight

Your Place or Mine

Your Place or Mine

Old Dads

Luther: The Fallen Sun

We Have a Ghost

We Have a Ghost

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

A Tourist's Guide to Love

A Tourist's Guide to Love

The Mother

They Cloned Tyrone

Ballerina

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

May December

May December

Maestro

Hidden Strike

Heart of Stone

Heart of Stone

Nimona

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Ranking all the new and returning shows and movies that should be on your radar in 2023.

The Best Movies of 2023 (So Far)

The Best Netflix Original Action Movies Of 2023 So Far, Ranked

The Mother outside in snow

Fans of the action genre have been treated pretty well in 2023 with a strong slate of acclaimed franchises hitting theaters and streaming. Keanu Reeves got to lead the  critically beloved "John Wick: Chapter 4" and all its jaw-dropping combat. The "Mission: Impossible" franchise kicked off a new chapter in Ethan Hunt's arc with "Dead Reckoning Part One." There's been a massive slate of superhero movies — including "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" and "Blue Beetle" — that have provided some visually stunning action worthy of the big screen. For action fans, there have been many great reasons to head to the theater to catch the latest entries in their favorite franchises.

When it comes to original action movies though, Netflix has been the top provider, and the streamer has delivered some real gems throughout 2023. From international action flicks that have enough action to wow subscribers to some star-studded genre-blenders that feature some memorable and explosive sequences, Netflix has given action fans plenty to enjoy from the comfort of their own couches. We even got a sequel to the breakout Netflix original film "Extraction." Not to mention, there are still films like David Fincher's "The Killer" and Zack Snyder's "Rebel Moon" still to hit the service later this year. But which Netflix Original action movie was truly the best of 2023? Well, let's look at some of the biggest releases and rank them accordingly.

12. The Out-Laws

Even if you're the type who likes a little more laughs than thrills in your action comedies, "The Out-Laws" struggles to deliver either. The film follows bank manager Owen (Adam Devine), who believes that his fiancée Parker's (Nina Dobrev) parents (Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin) are the criminal pair who recently robbed his bank. Although this film has plenty of strong talent on both sides of the ball here — with Devine having starred in plenty of comedic gems and Brosnan and Barkin being excellent dramatic actors — it rarely comes together to produce an experience that's remotely memorable. The action is far too minimal and tame compared to better entries on this list, and the comedy is too over the top to elicit genuine laughs.

Critics and Netflix subscribers were equally as unimpressed with "The Out-Laws" — giving it very low ratings of 21% and 36%, respectively, on Rotten Tomatoes. Richard Roeper even wrote in his review for the Chicago-Sun Times that "the action becomes so cartoonish, they could have switched to animation halfway through." Roeper also wrote, "'The Out-Laws' is harmless enough escapism, but it's the kind of at-home viewing experience where you could leave the room for five minutes and come back and say, 'Did I miss anything?' and the answer would invariably be: Not really ." In short, "The Out-Laws" has some major shortcomings in the action and comedy departments, making it a clear choice to rank toward the bottom of Netflix's action offerings in 2023.

11. Mother's Day

Right before the summer, Netflix put a Polish female-led action thriller onto the service — called "Mother's Day" — that simply doesn't live up to its potential. "Mother's Day" follows Nina (Agnieszka Grochowska) – a deadly special agent who's forced to retrieve her distant son after he's kidnapped. At first glance, it's hard not to appreciate the film's gritty feel, solid performances, and distinct sense of grime in its criminal underworld. Yet "Mother's Day" struggles to make a unique impression and keep its action consistent. Its stylish direction for the action doesn't match the tone of Nina as a character and creates more nausea from the dizzying camera movement while also relying too hard on cliches to get by.

In Decider's  review of the film, John Serba wrote that "the tonal shifts induce whiplash more than empathy or excitement." Though the reviewer praised some of the action scenes, he wrote, "The film never really comes together as a satisfying whole, and emotionally, it's a non-starter; it's too formulaic, and it doesn't put its tongue deep enough into its cheek." Worst of all is that "Mother's Day" is far too similar to another Netflix film, one which has a bigger budget and star power to boot — which we'll get to eventually. "Mother's Day" just misses the mark on its action and story, making it a film that isn't completely worth checking out. 

10. Paradise

The German sci-fi dystopian action-thriller "Paradise" probably flew too far under viewers' radars when it hit the service back in July, but for action fans, it was probably better that way. The film takes viewers into a dystopian setting where years of your life can act as currency and a man (Kostja Ullmann) searches for a way to reclaim 40 years of his wife's (Marlene Tanczik and Corinna Kirchhoff) life that have been lost to an insurance debt. Overall, the film's depiction of buying time has been hit or miss for viewers and critics — resulting in divisive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it has led to some positive reactions that might convince some to check out "Paradise."

In Lori C.'s review on Ready Steady Cut , she says that while there are some noticeable similarities to the 2011 Justin Timberlake-starring thriller "In Time," this film takes the concept further and is more successful thanks to its focus on its characters. "Aside from the in-your-face inequality message, this movie offers a compelling character study while asking pertinent questions about love and the worth of youth," she wrote. "Paradise" is a solid watch, but in terms of this list's focus on action, it just won't rank as high. The thrilling sequences are too few and character-focused while the action is incredibly minimal and basic. "Paradise" might entice viewers with its dystopian story, but it won't do much for action fans looking for some sci-fi thrills.

9. Spy Kids: Armageddon

Some may not know it, but writer-director Robert Rodriguez delivered a new entry to the "Spy Kids" franchise for Netflix with "Armageddon" — which presents the usual strengths and shortcomings of this series. The film is a reboot for the franchise that sees two children (Connor Esterson and Everly Carganilla) in a new family of spies become spies of their own after a new villain (Billy Magnussen) attempts to spread his video game virus around the world. If you've seen any other "Spy Kids" movie, you basically know what you're in for with "Armageddon" — wonky yet unique visuals, some fun and family-friendly action, and a host of new settings. But what this reboot lacks is new ideas, as it's essentially a mix and match of previous "Spy Kids" films — mainly the first and third entries in the series — and is overstuffed with bland ideas and bogged down by the familiar trappings of this franchise.

Overall, the film received a mixed reception from fans and critics alike. In her review for RogerEbert.com , writer Christy Lemire wrote that the film does show some intriguing charm for younger audiences but is just another subpar entry that's far and away from the franchise's glory days. "Families deserve better than the cheap-looking and cloying reboot of the franchise, 'Spy Kids: Armageddon,'" Lemire wrote. "It's more of the same, without any discernible improvement in quality." All in all, "Spy Kids: Armageddon" is exactly what you'd probably expect from this franchise, yet it's still disappointingly lackluster.

8. Heart of Stone

Although "Heart of Stone" has a strong lead action star in Gal Gadot and tons of "Mission: Impossible" vibes in terms of its scale, its focus on artificial intelligence can make it fall flat. The film sees Gadot play Rachel Stone, a top agent of a secret organization known as the Charter that's guided by an AI tech called the Heart. Rachel's latest mission results in the Heart falling into dangerous hands, and she's forced to act before the world goes into peril. "Heart of Stone" is one of Netflix's biggest action films of the year, with its hefty budget showing in the star power, fun combat and chase sequences, and the scale of the settings. Yet for some, the film is foiled by its lackluster storytelling, painfully dull depiction of the dangers of AI, and weak characters.

That sense of unevenness was expressed greatly in reactions from critics and audiences as they gave it mostly middle-of-the-road to straight-up bad reviews. Stephanie Zacharek wrote for  TIME , "As throwaway diversions go, Netflix's 'Heart of Stone' ... is neither great nor terrible." Amid all the car chases, action scenes, and skydiving set pieces, Zacharek wrote, "The movie's plot is negligible, seemingly stitched from vague bits and bobs of various 'Mission: Impossible' movies." While consensus indicates that this isn't worth sinking a few hours into, you could do worse this year than watch "Heart of Stone" on Netflix.

7. The Mother

One of Netflix's bigger-budgeted action flicks, "The Mother" features some incredibly strong talent in Niki Caro directing and Misha Green, Andrea Berloff, and Peter Craig penning the story. But that immense talent doesn't shine through often enough. The film sees a deadly assassin (Jennifer Lopez) work with an FBI agent (Omari Hardwick) to rescue her distant daughter (Lucy Paez) after she's kidnapped by criminals tied to her past. Now, if you're thinking that this sounds exactly like the premise we just went over in "Mother's Day," it's because it basically is. Given that "The Mother" doesn't do too much different with this concept and is mostly bolstered by a solid performance from Lopez, the film is more of a symbol of how worn this premise is.

Critic Amon Warmann wrote in their review for Empire that "The Mother" is basically a showcase for Lopez and not too much more. "This is a come-for-Lopez, stay-for-Lopez endeavour, and she's on fine, movie star form in this serviceable, if forgettable action thriller," Warmann wrote. What gives "The Mother" a bit of an edge, though, is its action, which can hit real hard thanks to Caro's skillful direction and Lopez's dedicated performance. From dark corridors to open wintry landscapes, the film flexes and utilizes its budget well to deliver some big action sequences. So if viewers can manage through the film's formulaic premise, they'll at least get some good action and a fierce performance from Lopez.

Those looking for some futuristic action with a robotic sci-fi twist will likely love what "Jung_E" has to offer, even if it's wrapped up in a complicated and convoluted narrative. The South Korean film brings viewers into the post-apocalyptic 22nd century, where an AI scientist (Kang Soo-youn) is trying to create a perfect soldier for an ongoing conflict by using her mother (Kim Hyun-joo) as its basis. While the film juggles some intriguing themes of greed, capitalism, and the twisted morality behind technological advancement, its action is where the film shines brightest.

M.N. Miller's review of "Jung_E" for Ready Set Cut  gives props to director Yeon Sang-ho — known stateside for "Train to Busan" and its sequel, "Peninsula" — for the quick shots of adrenaline-fueled action. Miller also acknowledges some of the films "Jung_E" is reminiscent of — namely "Blade Runner." But there are also dashes of "Edge of Tomorrow" in some of the big action spectacles of its looping combat concept with its titular soldier, as well as an epic finale fight sequence. "Jung_E" probably wasn't on many people's radar, but action fans should definitely seek it out if they want a character-driven sci-fi story with some stunning action.

5. Luther: The Fallen Sun

Longtime fans of the Idris Elba-starring BBC One series "Luther" were probably thrilled by the news of Netflix delivering a feature film continuation with "Luther: The Fallen Sun." However, the film –- which follows the titular detective as he tries to stop a serial killer (Andy Serkis) who's terrorizing London -– doesn't necessarily have the story chops to match the franchise's legacy nor the entertaining thrills the film provides. Whether you're a seasoned "Luther" fan loving that Elba is back in one of his most iconic roles or a newbie seeing what this franchise is all about, "The Fallen Sun" works for all kinds of viewers. Although there have been criticisms aimed at the story by fans — targeting some plot holes and formulaic elements — there's no denying that the film basically delivers a large-scale version of a season-long story arc in one thrilling feature. 

Noel Miller of the Los Angeles Times noted this exact thing in his review, saying, "'Fallen Sun' is best described as a movie-size version of a 'Luther' season — which, for longtime fans, is better than no 'Luther' at all." Yet the upscaled budget allows for some incredible fight sequences — with the prison break sequence especially standing out — and some riveting chases throughout the film. "The Fallen Sun" could be solely seen as an extension of what fans love so much about "Luther," but it also provides enough action and mystery thrills to make Netflix subscribers new to the franchise love Elba's character.

4. Blood & Gold

Fans of war and action films will find a strong unity of the genres in the German film "Blood & Gold." The film follows a German deserter named Heinrich (Robert Maaser) who's assisted by a vengeful woman named Elsa (Marie Hacke) in fighting against vicious Nazis in search of gold at the end of World War II. While it takes itself seriously enough to have some real heart with its characters and invest you into their fight against brutal Nazis, it also provides enough bloody fun in its action. That strong mix of bloodshed and heart is what's drawn fans and critics to "Blood & Gold." 

Roger Moore of Movie Nation expressed his fondness for the film's action in his review. "There are just enough soldiers left to provide fodder for many a shootout, stabbing, grenading and pitch-forking as lines are crossed and blood is spilled that must be avenged," Moore wrote. Moore even wrote that the film has the same sort of murderous glee as a Quentin Tarantino flick — which perfectly embodies the film's love for getting bloody revenge on some Nazis. The only drawback of "Blood & Gold," some might note, is its undeniable similarities to another beloved and eerily similar breakout 2023 action flick that's loads of fun in "Sisu." Still, though, Netflix subscribers looking for a fun WWII-set action movie with emotional underpinnings will be thrilled with what "Blood & Gold" offers.

3. Kill Boksoon

One of Netflix's biggest hidden gems of 2023 is undoubtedly "Kill Boksoon," a Korean action flick about a seasoned female assassin (Jeon Do-yeon) who's forced into a deadly fight for survival after refusing to perform her latest assignment. Whether it's intense hand-to-hand combat sequences or gunfights that display a flurry of bullets and bloodshed, "Kill Boksoon" is a fulfilling feast of action for fans of the genre. The fights are incredibly well-choreographed — like "John Wick" levels of mesmerizing — and Bok-soon's chess-like strategizing adds some great depth to the moment-to-moment action. Plus, the film features a surprisingly strong mother-daughter storyline that has some genuine heart. 

Although most American Netflix viewers probably haven't heard of "Kill Boksoon" until now, those who have seen it have given it some high remarks. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has scored a strong 79% rating from critics and a notable 82% from audiences. Leslie Felperin's review for The Guardian  praised the film and its director. "Writer-director Byun Sung-hyun, an up-and-coming director, handles the action sequences with real flair, but does an even better job limning the complex, sometimes fraught relationships," Felperin said. With thrilling, bloody fight scenes and an emotionally fulfilling story, "Kill Boksoon" is the total package.

Netflix kicked the year off with the breakout success of "Nimona," an animated fantasy action-adventure that remains one of Netflix's best films of the year. The film, based on ND Stevenson's 2015 graphic novel of the same name, follows outcast knight Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed) after he's forced to team up with a shapeshifting teenager named Nimona (Chloë Grace Mortez) to clear his name. Along with delivering some stunning animation, a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy, and a heartwarming story led by loveable characters and performances, "Nimona" has some really fun action mixed in. Nimona's shapeshifting ability creates some incredibly varied action that's a blast to watch — especially with composer Christophe Beck's great music playing in the background and the joyous personalities of the characters leading the charge. 

"Nimona" is easily one of the most acclaimed Netflix films of the year, as it boasts a strong 94% rating from critics and a 91% rating from fans on Rotten Tomatoes. Cristian Holub of Entertainment Weekly took specific note of the incredible fun Nimona's shapeshifting provides for the action in his review. "'Nimona' peaks with an incredible sequence where the shape-shifter shows off the full range of her powers," Holub wrote. "She barrels through a castle as a rhinoceros, an ostrich, and — most hilariously of all — a gigantic pink whale. ... It's awesome." "Nimona" is a genuine must-watch for all Netflix subscribers for the fun animated action it provides and the strong LGBTQ+ representation and heart it features.

1. Extraction 2

There's no way anything would top this list other than "Extraction 2," because it's a top contender for the best action movie of 2023 in general. As mercenary Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) recovers from his near-death sacrifice at the end of the first film, he's pulled back into the fray for a personal mission that has him face real-life and inner demons. "Extraction 2" does what most sequels wish they could achieve — it elevates and surpasses the already-high marks of its predecessor. Nadine Whitney of the  Alliance of Women Film Journalists  exemplified this sentiment in her review. "[Director Sam] Hargrave ups the ante in his sequel in every possible manner," Whitney wrote. "The close and hand to hand combat is superbly choreographed and the big action beats are meatier than the first."

If the quality of the film alone isn't enough for "Extraction 2" to earn its top spot here, then its strong critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes – with an 80% and 85% rating, respectively — should be enough to sway any doubters. Not to mention, due to the film's overwhelming success, Netflix announced that a third "Extraction" installment  is on the way. "Extraction 2" delivers that kind of gritty action and heart, as well as showcasing the immense talents of Hargrave as a director, that you can't find anywhere else.

Netflix's most-watched movies of 2023 so far will surprise you – no.7 is my favourite

The top 10 most-watched movies on Netflix from January through to June are an eclectic selection, here's the rundown:

Extraction 2 on Netflix

As the curtain closes on 2023 Netflix has officially revealed its most-watched list. Well, sorta. The streaming service's official 'Engagement Report' compiles the number of hours its viewers dedicated to its myriad specials, shows and movies throughout January to June inclusive. So I'll call it a first-half report at best – but the top 10 movies in there will surprise you.

I've skirted around all the various shows as they dominate the top 19 of the list, with an unexpected series in the number one spot , and indeed my selecting of the top 10 globally-available movies sees the 10th entry actually arrive in the 103rd position! But that's because this is Netflix's most-watched by cumulative hours – and let's face it, smashing out 10 episodes of Wednesday is inevitably going to be longer than any of the movies in this most-watched list. 

I suspect the list will surprise you, though, from the shock no.1 entry, to my personal favourite in the no.7 position, to an unexpected Eric Cantona movie in the no.9 spot . It's certainly an eclectic collection – and a selection which, by and large, scores low on the Rotten Tomatoes rate-o-meter. Indeed, of the 10 here, only four sit at an 85% positive audience rating or above, while many others are in the lowly 30% area...

1. The Mother

Back in May of 2023 we wrote about how Jenifer Lopez's Netflix exclusive movie, The Mother , had landed a paltry 43% on Rotten Tomatoes . That critics score remains true even writing this seven months on – but the audience score is a more respectable 62%. 

Still average, sure, but we all cumulatively spent 249,900,000 hours watching J-Lo grace the screen in this flick. That's almost a quarter-of-a-billion hours watching this almost-two-hour epic – assuming one watch per head that's easily over 125-million viewers (and likely far more if you consider those watching with friends, family and partners). So it's a success whether you like the movie or not...

2. Luther: The Fallen Sun

The series Luther has a bit of a cult following (and deservedly). As does Idris Elba (also deservedly, although other than in The Wire I swear he only ever plays himself). That the feature-length movie on Netflix racked up so many watched hours isn't a major surprise, therefore, but the no.2 position shows just how much of a major success it is.

Fans have been largely loving the movie too: it scored an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes – leaving the 62% critics' score in the dust (that being the same as the audience rating of The Mother , let me remind you). The total cumulative watch time of 209,700,000 hours is impressive for the two-hours-and-eight-minutes runtime, seeing it land in the 26th most-watched position for the first half of 2023. 

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3. Extraction 2

I remember writing about Extraction 2 back in June of this year, because it was loathed by critics with a terrible Rotten Tomatoes rating . But the fans hit back: back then it had landed an 89% audience score, which six months on has barely dropped, now sat at 85% at the time of writing. 

Given that this list is solely compiled from the first half of 2023, and that Extraction 2 only became available from 16 June, its 201,800,000 hours of cumulative watch time is massively impressive. We all managed to rack that up in a mere two weeks or so, which makes me wonder if this will turn out to be Netflix's biggest success story of 2023 once the full count is in...

4. You People

Oh, you people! No, not the movie, which somehow landed into the no.4 position, but you , I and all your friends who somehow let this dreadful flick land so high on the chart. The critics loathed it, with just 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the people loathed it even more – as You People netted a mere 34% audience score on the same site. 

Somehow we cumulatively watched this movie for an eye-melting 181,800,000 hours in total. That said, the movie did release at the end of January, so it's had more opportunity to rack up that score than many of the others on this list. So perhaps we can quietly forget it exists and move on to better things...

5. Murder Mystery 2

Snap! Yes, I probably spoke too soon. By 'better things' than You People you probably weren't expecting me to call up Adam Sandler's semi-hit Murder Mystery 2 . Yet here we are. Jennifer Aniston also stars, however, and everyone loves her, so I'll allow it – even if this movie's 45% Rotten Tomatoes score suggests otherwise . 

Not that I'm outright dissing Sandler, of course, his movie Leo hit the no.1 spot on Netflix earlier this month and that animated caper is a cracker that earned its spot. Murder Mystery 2 managed to rack up 173,600,000 hours of cumulative viewing, however, which is a lot of time considering its 31 March release date. 

6. Your Place or Mine

Honestly, there are some good movies on this list, I swear. Just, y'know, not this one. Romantic comedies fairly often fail to hit the mark, but Reese Witherspoon's Your Place Or Mine is actually the lowest-rated Rotten Tomatoes flick on this whole list , with just a 30% score. Yowch.

That didn't stop us all from watching it for a cumulative 163,000,000 hours since its 10 February arrival date though. It's actually the 43rd most-watched content on Netflix for the first half of 2023, so I've no doubt this'll be a guilty pleasure movie for plenty of people. Maybe it's worth a second chance (that being a rom-com pun, I think)...

7. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Well, well, well. I'll let you into a little secret: despite the Knives Out sequel being my favourite on this list, hence the heading of this very round-up, when I first watched the original I didn't think much of it. I think it was just Daniel Craig's accent. But I tried again and, yes, it clicked. It's a hoot !

As is the sequel: Glass Onion is the highest-rated on this list of 10, netting an equal 92% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and audience alike (how rare), showcasing that this is truly one of Netflix's best of the year. We all watched it for a cumulative 142,900,000 hours since 1 January too (it was actually released on 23 December 2022, during the festive season, but those initial views don't count here!). 

8. The Pale Blue Eye

Anything starring Christian Bale is good by default, right? The Pale Blue Eye might not have scored up there among his very best – it's sat at a 69% positive audience score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing – but this mystery is still an intriguing watch. 

And watch we did: a cumulative 120,500,000 hours of viewing took place from 6 January through to the end of June this year. I suspect this one didn't quite find its fullest possible audience, but it's still a relative success all considered. One to pop onto your to-watch list if you've not yet caught it perhaps?

9. AKA

When I first saw AKA listed in Netflix's report I was left scratching my chin as I'd never heard about it. Then learned that it stars ex-footballer Eric Cantona, speaking his native French tongue. Despite AKA being a foreign language film, however, it's launched globally so we can all have the pleasure of watching it. 

It's been largely well-received, too, with critics gracing it with an 82% Rotten Tomatoes score at the time of writing, so it's likely one of those hidden gems that more of us need to watch. That being said its 120,000,000 hours of cumulative watch time since its 28 April release date would suggest that, actually, it's proven more popular than the no.8 and no.7 movies above it, which both launched much earlier...

10. Minions: The Rise of Gru

The only animation on this list, but I wouldn't call it a kids film. Indeed, the Gru origin story is one of my favourites – and while critics didn't love Minions: The Rise of Gru completely, scoring it a 69% average on Rotten Tomatoes , the audience loved its every minute, with a much higher 89% score (makes Minion sounds in glee).

In total this Minions movie netted 96,400,000 hours of cumulative watch time. However, it wasn't made available globally, so that may have affected its ranking. It also first released way back in July 2022, so the coming-and-going nature of streaming services retention of movies may also be a factor. Anyway, if you want a giggle go watch this one – it's a superb entry in the top 10 most-watched!

Mike is the Tech Editor and AV Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone products (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech aficionado his beat for T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a stone unturned that he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for a 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.

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7 Best New Movies on Netflix in June 2023

Chris Hemsworth returns, maybe to beat up more children!

After a couple of slow months with few original movies coming to Netflix, the streamer is picking up the pace in June 2023. This month we’ll watch Chris Hemsworth blowing things up in Extraction 2 , the highly-anticipated animated adaptation of the Nimona graphic novel, and the critically acclaimed horror movie Run Rabbit Run . And if that’s not enough for cinephiles, Netflix’s lineup for June 2023 also has new comedies, rom-coms, and international productions.

There’s something for everybody coming to Netflix in June 2023, so we prepared a handy list with new recommendations for everybody. So next time choice paralysis strikes you this month, take a look at our list of the seven best original movies coming to Netflix in June 2023.

Read more about what's streaming on Netflix:

The 50 best movies on netflix right now, the best netflix shows and original series to watch right now, the best comedies on netflix right now, a beautiful life.

Available on: June 1 | Director : Mehdi Avaz

Cast : Christopher, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Christine Albeck Børge

Netflix is kicking off June 2023 with A Beautiful Life , a feel-good story about a fisherman who dreams of becoming a singer. It’s a classic rags-to-riches story that doubles as a romance since the wannabe singer will get entangled with the music producer helping him reach stardom. The Danish-language drama marks singer Christopher ’s first acting role, with the star also taking care of writing original songs for the movie. While Netflix didn’t reveal much with the trailer for A Beautiful Life , the streamer already released one of the songs Christopher created for the film. And if nothing else convinces you to keep A Beautiful Life , Christopher’s musical talents are more than enough for us to keep the movie on our watchlist.

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Available on: June 9 | Director : Cemal Alpan

Cast : Ahsen Eroğlu, Ozan Dolunay

Tapping on the anti-work concerns of Gen Z, You Do You is a new comedy about a young woman who has to quit her bohemian life and find a blue-collar job after being evicted from her building. But, of course, working from nine to five is not anyone’s dream, so when faced with the hardships of life, Merve ( Ahsen Eroğlu ) will also come up with a backup plan: create a revolutionary dating app where people meet in masks before deciding to take their relationship to the next level. The Turkish-language movie looks like the perfect story to laugh about the everyday struggles of work while also remembering there’s more to life than shifts.

Extraction 2

Available on: June 16 | Director : Sam Hargrave

Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Golshifteh Farahani, Adam Bessa, Olga Kurylenko, Tinatin Dalakishvili

In 2020, Extraction had the biggest premiere in Netflix's history . So, of course, the streamer was quick to announce a sequel bringing Chris Hemsworth back to fight bad guys, blow things up, and maybe beat down some children . In the sequel, Hemsworth’s black ops mercenary is tasked with another deadly mission, this time rescuing the family of a ruthless Georgian gangster from the prison. As expected, the action-packed sequel is doing what it can to one-up the first movie, with trailers already revealing some breathtaking set pieces of Extraction 2 . And with Hemsworth already thinking about the next installment in the franchise , it’s fair to be optimistic about Extraction 2 . As a result, any fan of action movies should keep Extraction 2 on their radar for June 2023.

Through My Window: Across the Sea

Available on: June 23 | Director : Marçal Forés

Cast : Julio Peña, Clara Galle, Natalia Azahara, Guillermo Lasheras, Emilia Lazo

Through My Window: Across the Sea is the sequel to 2022’s hit Spanish erotic romance Through My Window , based on the novel of the same name by Ariana Godoy . The first movie followed Julio Peña as Ares and Clara Galle as Raquel as the couple bonded thanks to a pirated Wi-Fi connection, starting an intense romance. Now, in the sequel, Ares and Raquel will face new challenges after being forced to keep a long-distance relationship that threatens to split them apart. The sequel promises to raise the temperature with steamy scenes, and with so much at stake, fans will surely be glad to re-encounter these characters.

iNumber Number: Jozi Gold

Available on: June 23 | Director : Donovan Marsh

Cast : S’dumo Mtshali, Presley Chweneyagae, Bongile Mantsai

Ten years after the iNumber Number thriller series introduced the world to the urban landscapes of South Africa, series creator Donovan Marsh is back to write and direct a movie sequel for Netflix. The movie brings back the cop duo Chili ( S’dumo Mtshali ) and Shoes ( Presley Chweneyagae ) as they fight against a powerful crime lord known as Hyena Man ( Bongile Mantsai ). Just like the original series, iNumber Number: Jozi Gold is expected to bring the action to classic locations of Johannesburg, the biggest city in South Africa.

Run Rabbit Run

Available on: June 28 | Director : Daina Reid

Cast : Sarah Snook, Lily La Torre, Damon Herriman, Greta Scacchi, Neil Melville

After Run Rabbit Run made a splash at international film festivals, Netflix quickly snatched the rights to the horror movie. That means everyone will soon be able to see what nightmares Daina Reid has conjured for a supernatural story about motherhood and creepy children. The movie stars Sarah Snook as a fertility doctor who must deal with her troublesome seven-year-old daughter ( Lily La Torre ), who’s obsessed with her dead aunt and apparently likes to wear creepy rabbit masks.

Available on: June 30 | Director : Nick Bruno, Troy Quane

Cast : Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, RuPaul Charles

After many years stuck in development hell, Nimona is finally being released. Based on a graphic novel by ND Stevenson , Nimona tells the story of a young agent of chaos who allies with a former knight to dominate the world in a medieval setting. The titular character has shapeshifting abilities Stevenson used to explore gender-fluidity and transsexuality, which turned Nimona into an LGBTQ+ icon . That's why we were quite excited to learn Blue Sky Studios ( The Ice Age , Rio ) was developing an adaptation. Unfortunately, after Disney bought Blue Sky Studios, the project was frozen, even though it was two-thirds done. It would take a couple of years for Annapurna to purchase the rights to the movie and sign a deal with Netflix to release it on the streamer. It was a long journey from the pages to the screen, but by the end of June 2023, we’ll get a happy ending to this complicated production story.

Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now

These are the must-watch movies in the Netflix top 10

Robert Downney Jr. in The Judge

  • Best of Netflix top 10
  • Full Netflix top 10

Want something new to watch on Netflix? The streamer's list of the top 10 most-watched movies on the platform is a great place to start, as this ever-changing ranking gives you an insight into what flicks are drawing the interest of subscribers.

However, the Netflix top 10 isn’t always a well-curated list of movies worth adding to your watchlist. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of low-quality films make their way into the streamer’s most-watched list. Case in point, the truly terrible Adam Sandler comedy "Blended" is currently ranked No. 9, and it's certainly one to skip.  

That's why I’m picking out the standout options in the Netflix top 10 that deserve your viewing time right now. This list includes one of the best Robert Downey Jr. dramas you've (probably) not seen as well as a classic animated comedy, and a slick action movie that proves Denzel Washington is the coolest man in Hollywood.

These picks are based on the Netflix top 10 as of 7:35 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 8. And for even more top films that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, be sure to check out our list of the top 5 new movies to stream this week. 

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

‘the judge’ (2014).

“The Judge” is an example of a movie where critics and viewers don’t quite see eye-to-eye. While its 49% score on Rotten Tomatoes is enough to earn the Robert Downey Jr. fronted drama a “rotten” rating, its audience score is much more positive at a fairly strong 72%. For reference, I lean more towards the viewer score on this one, while the legal drama is a little long in the tooth, it’s well-constructed and features a host of strong performances not just from Downey Jr. but also Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Jeremy Strong and Vincent D’Onofrio. 

The predominantly courtroom-set movie focuses on Hank Palmer (Downey Jr.) a successful defense attorney in Chicago, who returns to his hometown in Indiana following the death of his mother. Reuniting with his father, Judge Joseph Palmer (Duvall), the pair’s fractured relationship is put to the ultimate test when Hank must defend his father in court after he’s accused of murder. As the case proceeds family secrets and struggles come to light. 

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‘Shrek’ (2001)

“Shrek” is one of the most beloved (and memed) animated movies ever made. It’s a family-friendly classic that needs no introduction, but if you’ve somehow yet to make acquaintance with the big green guy, this comedy follows the titular Shrek (Mike Myers), a swamp-dwelling ogre, on a perilous quest to save Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon-guarded tower on the orders of Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Along for the ride is a wisecracking talking mule, called Donkey (Eddie Murphy). 

Set in a fantasy land, “Shrek” is a clever satire of fairy tales and riffs on several well-told stories like The Three Blind Mice and Little Red Riding Hood, and also takes a few playful swipes at Disney movies. It’s a real crowd-pleaser crammed full of loveable characters, and a soundtrack that has become iconic (it’s the reason that “All Star” by Smash Mouth remains a house party staple). While the animation is now a bit dated, “Shrek” remains a firm favorite to this day, and is as fun in 2024 as it’s ever been. 

‘The Equalizer’ (2014)

“The Equalizer” is the perfect vehicle for Denzel Washington to showcase his action credentials. The legendary actor is practically perfect in the lead role of Robert McCall, a former special service commando, now living a quiet life in Boston. But this peaceful retirement doesn’t last when the experienced soldier is forced to go to war with the Russian mafia to protect a vulnerable young girl. What follows is a very bloody conflict.  

Tapping into the same power fantasy as the “John Wick” movies (the first of which was released just a few weeks later), “The Equalizer” has spawned a franchise with two sequels and a TV show spin-off, but as is often the case, the original remains the best. While the hook of a retired soldier delivering no-hold-barred justice isn’t exactly original, the real selling point of “The Equalizer” is the magnetic screen presence of Denzel Washington. 

Netflix top 10 movies right now

  • "Unfrosted" (2024)
  • "Shrek" (2001)
  • "The Judge" (2014)
  • "One More Shot" (2024)
  • "The Great Wall" (2016) 
  • "Shrek Forever After" (2010)
  • "The Equalizer" (2014)
  • "Anyone But You" (2023)
  • "Blended" (2014) 
  • "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa"

More from Tom's Guide

  • This Robert Downey Jr. legal drama just crashed the Netflix top 10
  • 5 top new movies to stream this week on Netflix, Max and Hulu and more
  • New on Netflix: 5 movies and shows to watch this week

Rory Mellon

Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team. 

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New on Netflix & Top 10 Movies & Series: July 27th, 2023

21 new movies, series and games have arrived on Netflix so far this week.

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Paradise. Kostja Ullmann as Max in Paradise. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

It’s time to take a look at all the new releases that have hit Netflix so far this week. Below, we’ll look through our top three picks of the week so far, plus the full list of all 15 new movies, five new series, and a new game. 

A few big titles still left to come this week , including the new animated series Captain Fall hitting tomorrow. We’ll also see Hidden Strike starring John Cena and Jackie Chan arriving on the service tomorrow.

As always, an expanded version of the list below complete with artwork, trailers, and more info about each respective title can be found on our What’s new on Netflix hub.

Best New Movies and Series on Netflix for July 27th

Paradise (2023).

Rating:  TV-MA Language:  German Genre:  Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller Director:  Boris Kunz, Tomas Jonsgården, Indre Juskute Cast:  Numan Acar, Iris Berben, Aleyna Cara Writer:  Simon Amberger, Peter Kocyla, Boris Kunz Runtime:  116 min / 1h 56m

Netflix’s big new German-language sci-fi offering lands today and it’s been on our watch queue for quite some time.

MovieWeb wasn’t a huge fan of it when it published its review a week ago, saying that while it has the foundations of a brilliant sci-fi thriller , it doesn’t do much with it.

Here’s what you can expect from the story:

“A man sees the dark side of the time-manipulating biotech company he works for when a crushing debt forces his wife to give up 40 years of her own life.”

The Witcher (Season 3 – Volume 2)

Number of episodes : 3 Rating:  TV-MA Language:  English Genre:  Action, Adventure, Drama Director:  Tomek Baginski Cast:  Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra Writer:  Lauren Schmidt Hissrich

Episodes 6, 7, and 8 (also known as Henry Cavill’s last hurrah as Geralt) have just dropped onto Netflix, rounding out the third season of The Witcher .

Kicking off the new season, the hunt for Ciri seemingly comes to a head as sides are chosen, and enemies are unmasked with war looming for the Continent.

Alongside adding the final batch of episodes today, Netflix dropped another companion documentary for the series. The 30-minute documentary takes you behind the scenes on the third season’s production.

Big Eyes (2014)

Rating:  PG-13 Language:  English Genre:  Biography, Crime, Drama Director:  Tim Burton Cast:  Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Danny Huston Writer:  Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski Runtime:  106 min / 1h 46m

Rewinding to the beginning of the week, we saw the BAFTA-nominated movie Big Eyes return to the streaming service.

Last seen on Netflix a little earlier in the year, the movie is about an artist struggling to get out of her husband’s shadow.

We should also note that if you’re on Netflix’s advertising tier, this movie isn’t available for you to watch.

The Rolling Stone gave the movie a glowing review back in December 2014, concluding , “For all its tonal shifts and erratic pacing, the film is Burton’s heartfelt tribute to the yearning that drives even the most marginalized artist to self-expression no matter what the hell anyone thinks.”

Full List of New Releases on Netflix So Far This Week

15 new movies added today.

  • Big Eyes (2014)  – PG-13 – English
  • Dream (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-14 – Korean – Don’t count them out! With hard work and dedication on lock, a group of homeless men train to compete in a global tournament — despite a cranky coach.
  • Football-Inspired Workouts for All (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-G – English – Improve your strength and endurance with detailed and diverting exercise routines led by Nike’s fitness experts and professional soccer players.
  • Happiness for Beginners (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-14 – English – At a crossroads after her divorce, a schoolteacher ventures toward a fresh start in life — and love — when she signs up for a grueling group hiking trip.
  • Maamannan (2023)  – TV-MA – Tamil – A veteran statesman and his son are pulled into a violent power struggle when a cold-blooded political scion pursues a vengeful rise.
  • Making The Witcher: Season 3 (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-14 – English – Flesh monsters. Ice-skating. Fight training. Venture behind the scenes of “The Witcher” with this inside look at Season 3’s storylines, stunts and stars.
  • Mark Normand: Soup to Nuts (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – English – From awkward lap dances to the intimacy of letting one rip in front of a spouse, comedian Mark Normand unloads in this rapid-fire stand-up special.
  • Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – English – July 1, 2000. British 21-year-old Lucie Blackman goes missing in Tokyo, sparking an international investigation — and an unyielding quest for justice.
  • Paradise (2023) Netflix Original – TV-MA – German
  • Republic of South Ah Sh**t (2023) – TV-MA – English – This variety show features some of South Africa’s top comedians and celebrities in sketches parodying stereotypes, pop culture and race relations.
  • Tears of the Sun (2003)  – R – English – When a coup plunges Nigeria into bloodshed, a Navy SEAL must rescue a doctor working in the jungle — and all the people in her care.
  • The Lady of Silence: The Mataviejitas Murders (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – Spanish – Between 1998 and 2005, a wave of murders targeting elderly women hit Mexico City, triggering the hunt for — and capture — of a most unlikely suspect.
  • The Murderer (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – Thai – After a series of deaths in a small provincial town, a determined detective attempts to uncover the killer — and British expat Earl is the prime suspect.
  • Today We’ll Talk About That Day (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-14 – Indonesian – The lives of Narendra and Ajeng intersect for the first time as past and present come together in this prequel to “One Day We’ll Talk About Today.”
  • Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine (2023) Netflix Original  – TV-14 – English – The James Webb Telescope stirs imaginations with vivid photos of distant galaxies. This documentary tracks its historic journey from inception to launch.

5 New TV Series Added

  • Baki Hanma (Season 2) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – Japanese – To gain the skills he needs to surpass his powerful father, Baki enters Arizona State Prison to take on the notorious inmate known as Mr. Unchained.
  • Dew Drop Diaries (Season 1) Netflix Original  – TV-Y – English – From finding lost items to cleaning up messes, three fairies in training love looking after kids in their care as they work toward earning their wings.
  • Sintonia (Season 4) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – Portuguese – Three teens living in the same São Paulo favela pursue their dreams while maintaining their friendship, amid a world of music, drugs and religion.
  • The Great British Baking Show: The Professionals (Season 7) Netflix Original  – TV-PG – English – Teams of the UK’s most talented pastry chefs compete to be crowned the crème de la crème, but only one duo can rise to the top.
  • The Witcher (Season 3 – Volume 2) Netflix Original – TV-MA – English

1 New Game Added

  • The Queens Gambit Chess – Available on both Android and iOS

Netflix Top 10s for July 27th, 2023

What are you watching on Netflix today? Let us know in the comments down below.

Founder of What's on Netflix, Kasey has been tracking the comings and goings of the Netflix library for over a decade. Covering everything from new movies, series and games from around the world, Kasey is in charge of covering breaking news, covering all the new additions now available on Netflix and what's coming next.

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5 best Netflix movies of 2024 so far, ranked

A man aims his camera in Scoop.

We’re at the point of the year when enough movies have been released for us to wonder which are the best of them all? Netflix in particular has been very productive in the first half of 2024, releasing a wide variety of movies that have ranged from surprisingly decent ( Damsel ) to downright awful ( Lift ).

5. The Greatest Night in Pop

4. society of the snow, 3. city hunter, 2. orion and the dark.

From a documentary chronicling one of the most well-known songs of all time to a thriller about an ill-fated interview with a member of the British Royal Family, the best Netflix movies of 2024 encompass almost every genre and feature a galaxy of talented stars. You may disagree with the selections on this list, but you can’t deny the sheer creativity and entertainment value that each of these movies possesses.

Interested in more best of 2024 articles? Then check out the 10 best movies of 2024 so far, ranked and the 10 best TV shows so far, ranked .

  • 5 Netflix movies we can’t wait to see this summer, ranked
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A lot of people are fascinated with how major works of art are created. Hell, there’s even an entire Stephen Sondheim musical, Sunday in the Park with George , about that curiosity. Documentaries are the ideal movie genre to showcase this kind of behind-the-scenes action, and there’s no doc more compelling this year than The Greatest Night in Pop , which chronicles the making of one of pop music’s biggest songs ever, We Are the World .

Full confession: I don’t much care for the song, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the documentary. In telling how producers Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian gathered music’s biggest stars to sing on a charity single aimed at fighting world hunger, The Greatest Night in Pop spins a consistently fascinating tale that involves big talent and even bigger egos. One anecdote I particular liked was how Omartian determined the lineup of vocalists involved with the production. Just how do you put Bob Dylan, Huey Lewis, and Cyndi Lauper on the same song, and make it sound good ? That question, and so much more, are asked and answered, and by the end, you’ll have a better appreciation for how one of the most popular songs of all time came together.

On October 13, 1972, a plane carrying 45 passengers crashed in the Andes mountains. Twenty-nine people survived the initial crash. When they were discovered two months later, only 14 people were left alive. This simple, devastating story is told in graphic detail by director J.A. Bayona in Society of the Snow , which debuted in limited release in December 2023 before making its Netflix streaming debut on January 4, 2024. It was nominated for two Oscars, including for Best International Feature and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and appeared on several “Best of” lists.

Society of the Snow could be accurately described as punishing since it faithfully depicts not only the horrific crash, but the period afterwards when the survivors endured harsh weather conditions and depleting resources that led some of them to resort to cannibalism. Society of the Snow is the kind of movie you watch in a daze and only afterwards feel like you’ve just gone through the tragic event yourself. It’s that good, and that visceral.

Sometimes, you just need a silly action comedy to brighten your mood. And while Hollywood continues to churn out action movies of varying quality like Monkey Man  and Boy Kills World , they don’t hold a candle to the Japanese import City Hunter , which features crazy stunts  and a silly sense of humor that is both wondrous and juvenile at the same time.

Based on a popular 1980s manga and anime series, City Hunter is the name of the detective agency run by Ryo Saeba, a brash, turtleneck-wearing P.I. who likes to bust heads and charm the ladies. When his partner dies, he teams up with his partner’s sister to stop a drug cartel from taking over Tokyo. The narrative is your basic action movie plot, but what makes City Hunter so fun to watch is the sheer energy it exudes through its kinetic filmmaking. It constantly surprises you, and keeps you guessing as to what will happen next.

When you think of Charlie Kaufman, you don’t usually think of kids animated movies. The director/screenwriter, who is best known for his dark comedies like Being John Malkovich and I’m Thinking of Ending Things , may seem like a strange choice to adapt Emma Yarlett’s beloved children’s book Orion and the Dark , but after you’ve watched it, it makes sense. Who better to understand the darkness that lurks within a child’s mind, and the imagination that helps him navigate through it?

Eleven-year-old Orion is afraid of the dark, but his constant complaints about it cause Dark, the embodiment of Orion’s worst fear, to confront him one night and take the child on a journey to nighttime to meet other entities like Sleep, Insomnia, and Sweet Dreams. Things only get more fantastical from there, but one of the great elements about Orion and the Dark is discovering all of its wonderful twists and turns. Like many classic children’s stories, the movie can be dark and serious when it needs to be, but it displays such imaginative visuals and unforgettable characters that you wish Netflix would make more animated movies like this instead of Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp .

It’s hard to make a thrilling movie when the climax involves two people sitting across from each other talking, but that’s why Scoop works so damn well. In recounting the disastrous 2019 interview Prince Andrew gave to BBC reporter Emily Maitlis about his relationship to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Scoop provides a broader context that allows it to comment not only on a society that allows young women to be preyed upon by the rich and powerful, but also on how a changing media industry needs to chase after scoops that will engage an increasingly hungry social media audience.

Directed by Philip Martin, Scoop has a relentless, nervous energy that is aided by a wonderful techno-infused score by Anne Nikitin and Hannah Peel and glossy cinematography by Nanu Segal. This is a slick-looking movie, one that pops out from the rest of  Netflix’s library of original movies , which can often look flat.

But it’s the performances, particularly from Billie Piper as tough-talking talent booker Sam McAlister, The X-Files star Gillian Anderson as Maitlis, and Keeley Hawes as Prince Andrew’s too-trusting private secretary Amanda Thirsk, that makes Scoop the best Netflix movie of 2024 so far. There hasn’t been a movie yet this year that’s provided a wealth of roles and characters like the ones Scoop gives its talented cast of actresses, and it’s a ball to watch Piper, Anderson, and Hawes sink their teeth into the material.

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Jason Struss

Exploring the thousands of titles on Netflix can be both exciting and overwhelming. Content of all types abounds, from dramas and comedies to reality shows and documentaries. It's a good thing there's a list to help narrow your decision by letting you see the most popular Netflix shows. That's right, every week, Netflix releases its list of the 10 most-watched TV shows over a recent seven-day period.

Tom Brady dominated the gridiron, and now he rules Netflix, as his roast is the streamer's No. 1 show, passing Baby Reindeer. New shows in the top 10 include the supernatural drama Evil, the Irish dark comedy Bodkin, and the American sitcom Reba. Below, we have listed the top 10 shows in the U.S. from May 6 to May 12, along with general information about each show, including genre, rating, cast, and synopsis.

If there's one thing that Netflix is well known for, it's the constant stream of content it is introducing to users. Thanks to the WGA and SAG strikes in 2023, though, there are fewer shows than usual on the docket for the summer of 2024.

Even so, there are still plenty of interesting shows coming to Netflix at some point over the summer. While most of the highest-profile shows coming this summer are returning, there's also some new blood in the mix. These are the five we're most excited for, ranked from least excited to most anticipated of the sunny season. 5. Bridgerton season 3 -- part 2 (June 13) Bridgerton Season 3 | Official Trailer | Netflix

While no weather is ever guaranteed, May comes with hope for more warmth and plenty of sunshine. If you're someone who isn't into the heat, or you're just looking for a great way to spend a May weekend, Amazon Prime Video has plenty of great shows that you can peruse.

Picking just one can be difficult, though, which is why we've stepped in to help you pick the perfect show to watch this May. The Underground Railroad originally aired in 2021 on Prime Video, and at the time, it was underseen and underdiscussed. The series, which is adapted from Colson Whitehead's novel of the same name, imagines a version of the Antebellum South where the Underground Railroad was an actual railroad. Here are three reasons you should check out the miniseries: It's both fantastical and grounded in real history The Underground Railroad - Official Trailer | Prime Video

top movie review 2023 netflix

The Best New Movies on Netflix in July 2023

A s another month begins, another wave of movie releases is coming to Netflix. In July 2023, Netflix aims to make us laugh with three action comedies released on the streamer, including the highly-anticipated They Cloned Tyrone . Horror fiends looking for the next spine-chilling experience will also be well-served with Bird Box Barcelona , a spinoff of the popular 2018’s film Bird Box . Finally, we have some great international releases and a brand-new documentary about the 1980s musical sensation Wham! As usual, Netflix keeps pushing diversified original content every month, and there’s something suited for every taste. So, next time you want something new to watch, check out our guide to the best original movies coming to Netflix in July 2023.

Read more about what's streaming on Netflix:

The 50 best movies on netflix right now, the best netflix shows and original series to watch right now, the best comedies on netflix right now.

Available on: July 5 | Director : Chris Smith

Formed in London in the 1980s, the duo known as Wham! quickly became of the most influential voices in the music scene. Now, Netflix’s Wham! documentary promises to dig into George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley 's careers, revealing the challenges they faced on their path to stardom and how Wham!’s work keeps echoing worldwide. Directed by Chris Smith , who previously helmed the documentary film FYRE , Wham! is also expected to explore Michael’s struggle as a closeted gay man and how the musical duo shook the world by becoming the first Western pop act to play in China during the Cold War. As such, while Wham! is unmissable for any fan of the group, the upcoming documentary also offers a window into the 1980s, making it one of the best July releases on Netflix.

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Available on: July 6 | Director : Jérémie Rozan

Cast : Raphaël Quenard, Igor Gotesman, Agathe Rousselle

Coming straight from France, Gold Brick (also known as CASH ) is a subversive heist movie that doubles down as a lighthearted exploration of class struggles. The film follows Daniel ( Raphaël Quenard ), a man who gets tired of breaking his back every day only to make millionaires richer. Daniel works in a perfume factory, and each bottle he helps to pack for a minimum wage ends up being sold for 30 thousand euros. It doesn’t seem fair, so Daniel decides to assemble a crew and build a perfume trafficking empire by smuggling bottles from the factory. It’s a fun take on the crime genre that immediately pops out due to its original concept.

The Out-Laws

Available on: July 7 | Director : Tyler Spindel

Cast : Ellen Barkin, Nina Dobrev, Pierce Brosnan, Richard Kind

What could be worse than not getting along with your in-laws? Well, what if your fiancée’s parents were dangerous criminals wanted in multiple countries? That’s exactly the plot of The Out-Laws , which puts a fun spin on the anxiety-inducing event of meeting your loved one’s family for the first time. The Out-Laws is the latest comedy as part of Netflix’s film deal with Adam Sandler . Sandler has stayed behind the cameras for this project, working only as a producer. Still, he brought the big guns regarding star power, as The Out-Laws features Ellen Barkin , Nina Dobrev , Pierce Brosnan , and Richard Kind .

Bird Box Barcelona

Available on: July 14 | Director : David Pastor, Alex Pastor

Cast : Mario Casas, Alejandra Howard, Georgina Campbell, Diego Calva, Michelle Jenner

After 2018’s Bird Box became one of the streamer’s biggest hits, Netflix decided to turn the post-apocalyptic horror movie into a franchise. Bird Box Barcelona is the franchise’s first spinoff, set in the iconic titular Spanish city. As in the previous film, Bird Box Barcelona will follow a group of survivors as they try to escape the chaos unleashed by mysterious creatures who scramble the brains of anyone who look directly at them, turning humans into vicious killing machines.

They Cloned Tyrone

Available on: July 21 | Director : Juel Taylor

Cast : John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx, Kiefer Sutherland, J. Alphonse Nicholson

Mixing sci-fi with 70s pulp fiction, They Cloned Tyrone follows a trio of unlikely protagonists who accidentally uncover secret government experiments involving cloning. Starring Jamie Foxx , John Boyega , and Teyonah Parris , They Cloned Tyrone is Juel Taylor 's directorial debut and promises to explore structural racism with a lot of good humor. They Cloned Tyrone 's wacky concept, cast, and unique visuals are more than enough to put this one on our radar. And people who like genre-bending experiences should definitely check out this Netflix Original movie in July 2023.

Available on: July 27 | Director : Boris Kunz

Cast : Kostja Ullmann, Iris Berben, Marlene Tanczik

Paradise is a new German movie that proves many great stories are told outside Hollywood. Set in the near future, Paradise is a sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences of eternal life. In the movie, scientists came up with a procedure allowing people to transfer some years of their life span to others. As a result, a new market is born, through which poor people sell their years to the wealthy class. Of course, that only aggravates social inequality, as the rich keep living longer to amass even bigger fortunes. It’s an intriguing concept that promises to force viewers to reflect on the worth of their lives and the dangers of letting money reigns over every aspect of human existence.

Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie

Available on: July 28 | Director : Jeremy Zag

Cast : Cristina Valenzuela, Bryce Papenbrook, Keith Silverstein, Zeno Robinson, Cassandra Lee Morris

The French superheroes of Miraculous recently got their first theatrical adventure in Europe with Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie . After hitting theaters in France, the movie crosses the ocean to become a Netflix exclusive, adding another highly-anticipated title to the streamer’s growing list of fan-favorite animated films. Based on the popular Miraculous animated series, the movie tells the origin story of Ladybug and Cat Noir, two teenagers who become defenders of Paris after being granted superpowers. The English voice cast of Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie includes Cristina Valenzuela as Ladybug, Bryce Papenbrook as Cat Noir, and Keith Silverstein as the villainous Hawk Moth.

The Best New Movies on Netflix in July 2023

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Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Chris Hemsworth, Goran D. Kleut, and Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and teamup with Mad Max. The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and teamup with Mad Max. The origin story of renegade warrior Furiosa before her encounter and teamup with Mad Max.

  • George Miller
  • Nick Lathouris
  • Prateek Bando
  • Anya Taylor-Joy
  • Chris Hemsworth
  • 3 User reviews
  • 32 Critic reviews
  • 82 Metascore

Official Trailer 2

  • Dr. Dementus

Tom Burke

  • Praetorian Jack

Alyla Browne

  • Young Furiosa
  • The History Man

Lachy Hulme

  • Immortan Joe …

John Howard

  • The Peopler Eater

Angus Sampson

  • Organic Mechanic

Charlee Fraser

  • Mary Jabassa

Elsa Pataky

  • Vuvalini General …

Nathan Jones

  • Rictus Erectus

Josh Helman

  • The Octoboss
  • (as Goran Kleut)

CJ. Bloomfield

  • All cast & crew
  • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Cannes 2024 Film Festival Guide

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The Strangers: Chapter 1

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  • Trivia Filmed in New South Wales, Australia. All Mad Max movies have been filmed in Australia, with the exception of Fury Road, when record rain falls transformed the normally arid desert areas into lush green growth areas.

Monologue : 45 years after the collapse, a young Furiosa is taken from her family. She will devote the rest of her life to finding her way home. This is her odyssey.

  • Connections Featured in The Project: Episode dated 1 December 2023 (2023)

User reviews 3

  • ryanjohnsoniowa
  • May 15, 2024

New and Upcoming Sci-fi & Fantasy

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  • When will Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga be released? Powered by Alexa
  • Who is Chris Hemsworth playing?
  • May 24, 2024 (United States)
  • Furiosa: Câu Chuyện Từ Max Điên
  • Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
  • Warner Bros.
  • Kennedy Miller Mitchell
  • See more company credits at IMDbPro
  • $168,000,000 (estimated)

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  • Runtime 2 hours 28 minutes

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Chris Hemsworth, Goran D. Kleut, and Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

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