2023 has already delivered some incredible films across the board. From fun rom-coms and coming of age comedies to high-flying action films and deep, emotional dramas, we’ve seen all sorts of films release in the first half of the year. We went through and picked out our 10 favorite films of 2023 so far, so you know what to watch as you head in to the second half of the year.
Honorable Mentions
A Thousand and One: A bold, introspective look at inner city living and the struggles black families experience featuring a stunning performance from Teyana Taylor.
Blackberry: In the year of corporate biopics, Blackberry reigns supreme thanks to outstanding performances by Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton.
Evil Dead Rise: We would be remiss if I didn’t get a horror movie on here. Luckily Evil Dead Rise crept us to our core and is a more than worthy entry into the iconic franchise.
Now, onto the top 10 movies of 2023.
10. Rye Lane
If you’re looking for a modern rom com to get you out of the funk of watching the same few films over and over again, look no further than Rye Lane. This wonderful film follows Dom and Yas, two young Londoners who meet, fall for each other, and embark on a host of adventures over the course of a few days in summer. It truly is one of the best written films of the year, and the chemistry between David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah is undeniably gripping.
9. John Wick: Chapter 4
Everyone was awaiting the next chapter in the John Wick saga. In this almost 3-hour movie, we see Keanu Reeves back in action as one of our favorite hitmen – the titular John Wick. Notable returning characters Winston and Charon (played by Ian McShane and Lance Reddick respectively) knock it out of the park as usual. The acting is great, the fight choreography is some of the best ever seen and John Wick: Chapter 4 is sure to keep many eyes glued to the screen this year and beyond.
8. How to Blow Up a Pipeline
How to Blow Up a Pipeline is one of the most thought-provoking movies we’ve seen this year. It’s tense from start to finish and packs a wallop of a reality check on the current world. It’s a movie that is political in nature but one everyone can watch and take something away from. The movie stands as an ecological heist movie – and a damn good one at that. All the characters are written so well with their own motivations that no matter who is on screen, you’re sure to be on the edge of your seat.
7. Creed 3
Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut with Creed 3 and a large part of its success is due to his creativity. The Creed movies have always packed in some amazing fight choreography and it’s on full display here. The anime-inspired fights are so engaging to watch, and the characters are extremely well-written. Damian Anderson is such a well-thought-out antagonist and if this is the end of the story, then Apollo Creed had such an entertaining run.
6. The Eight Mountains
Our only foreign language film to make this list so far, The Eight Mountains hails from Italy and tells an incredible story of brotherhood, lifelong friendships and self-discovery. Following the story of Pietro and Bruno over the course of 40 years of their lives from childhood through adulthood, The Eight Mountains combines beautiful scenery with powerful acting performances and phenomenal writing to deliver a truly wonderful film that’s worth the watch and worth including in our top 10 movies of 2023.
5. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret may just be the best coming of age film to come out in 2023. Between its lighthearted premise and faithful adaptation of the source material, to its intelligent humor and delightful acting performances from its top to bottom stellar cast, Margaret proves its immense staying power. How they were able to get me – a 24-year-old male – to really genuinely care about a preteen girl growing up will forever be immensely impressive.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
It’s great to see the Guardians on the big screen again. The last time we saw them was briefly in Thor: Love and Thunder where it was more a tease than anything. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the theme is all about family and friends. Rocket Racoon is in turmoil, and it is up to the rest of the group to save him, while Rocket – and coincidentally the audience – relive his past life and explore previously unseen backstory. While this installment had its usual brand of humor and superhero action, it also added a much more emotional element to it as well. When you watch this film, be prepared to laugh, gasp, cry and more. Often all at the same time.
3. Air
When Air finally released in theaters in April, it seemed like everyone knew it was going to be a hit. And boy was it. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck turned in phenomenal performances and the premise, while simple and low stakes, felt relatable and – most importantly – fun for audience goers of any age. There was a great balance of humor and drama and, by the end, I found myself rooting for the success of the whole team who put together the Air Jordan shoe. Plus, who doesn’t love a movie about basketball and basketball shoes. In a year with just an absurd number of corporate biopics, Air rises above the rest and can stand amongst giants like The Social Network and Moneyball.
2. Past Lives
An absolutely devastating drama about two people who grew up together and just kept appearing in each other’s lives. Past Lives is one of the best “right person, wrong time” movies we’ve seen and you’re sure to leave the theater with a massive pit in your stomach. Some of the best movies are the ones that leave a lasting feeling in you and Past Lives is that. Anchored by some great performances from Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, Past Lives is a must-watch movie this year and our early pick for some major Oscar wins.
1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse
This should surprise no one that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse landed on our top spot. The anticipation for this movie was astronomical and the expectations were even higher based on the massive success of it’s predecessor. Spoiler alert: it absolutely lived up to it. Across picks right up from the end of Into the Spider-Verse and is able to expand upon the phenomenal story of the first. The animation is somehow better this time around, the expansion of the cast is perfect and blends well with returning voice actors, and the emotion just hits home on each re-watch.
