This year has brought welcome nuance to the movies, and it’s not even Oscar season yet.
A deep dive into the mythology of a popular superhero is a breath of fresh air in 2023. There’s a refreshing origin tale of, yes, a sneaker, and the tear-jerking backstory of a space raccoon. Not to mention a fun retooling of the romantic comedy genre and a boxing champion facing old demons. Plus Keanu Reeves vs. never-ending legions of bad guys, which honestly never goes out of style, and of course all things “Barbenheimer.”
Here are 2023’s best movies so far, the films that have been artistically excellent and emotionally resonant, definitively ranked:
10. ‘Oppenheimer’
The darker half of everyone’s favorite double feature, Christopher Nolan’s blistering deep dive into American scientific history. Cillian Murphy turns in a haunting career-best performance as theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his work with the Manhattan Project making the atomic bomb – and the contentious aftermath – is explored in an epic that’s equal parts terrifying horror show, paranoia thriller and political potboiler.
Where to watch: In theaters
9. ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’
Keanu Reeves knows kung fu – and nunchucks and gunplay and a steel will, too – as the title ex-assassin fights for his freedom from the shadowy High Table and battles all comers, leading to a Paris showdown for most if not all the marbles. Bullets meet balletic action sequences in one of the franchise’s best outings, and Reeves continues to keep it grounded as the most relatable retired hitman ever.
Where to watch:Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon
8. ‘Talk to Me’
The chillingly effective Australian horror movie touches on a familiar trope – kids messing with something they shouldn’t – in an extremely modern way. Sophie Wilde is a revelation as a teenager who parties with a crew that gets high by inviting spirits into their bodies via an mysterious embalmed hand (and livestreams the possessions). But when she breaks the “rules,” everyone around her has to face the ghastly and brutal consequences.
Where to watch: In theaters
7. ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’
Brooklyn teen web-swinger Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) is sent on a wild interdimensional adventure, meets scads of fellow Spider-people and is forced to make decisions that could jeopardize the entire multiverse. The animated sequel features stunning visuals as well as a superb coming-of-age narrative that just so happens to also make you rethink what it means to be Spider-Man.
Where to watch: In theaters (and available on Apple TV and other on-demand platforms Aug. 8)
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6. ‘Creed III’
After two previous “Rocky” universe spinoffs, we knew Michael B. Jordan excels on screen as complex pugilist Adonis Creed. The third movie proves his behind-the-scenes skills: Jordan’s directorial debut pits Creed vs. a man from his past (Jonathan Majors) and unleashes a wowing, anime-influenced bout less about a championship and more about two friends just needing to work a lot of feelings out.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
5. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’
The trilogy-concluding chapter with James Gunn’s cosmic misfits reminds us why we fell in love with them in the first place. Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord, Dave Bautista’s Drax and the rest of the merry oddballs go on a quest to save their critter pal Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) in a satisfying Marvel film that makes you laugh and cry yet also smartly tackles the cruelty of animal experimentation and abuse.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon, Google Play (and streaming on Disney+ Aug. 2)
4. ‘The Eight Mountains’
If the gorgeous scenery doesn’t win you over, the striking story of friendship will. Pietro (Luca Marinelli) and Bruno (Alessandro Borghi) – from city and rural locales respectively – were childhood pals who spent summers in a deserted Italian village. The death of Pietro’s dad reunites them as grown-ups, and the building of a house amid the mountains sparks a pair of stirring, sprawling journeys of self-discovery.
Where to watch: In theaters
3. ‘Air’
While it’s hard to imagine anything as cool as a pair of original Air Jordans, director Ben Affleck’s retro basketball business drama comes pretty close. Matt Damon plays the embattled but optimistic talent scout obsessed with signing NBA rookie Michael Jordan to a Nike shoe deal in 1984 – the only problem is he has to get his Airness’ protective mother (Viola Davis) totally on board, too.
Where to watch: Prime Video
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2. ‘Barbie’
Only in director Greta Gerwig’s hands could the famous doll become the feminist meta pop-culture moment that everyone can get behind. When things go awry in Barbie Land, Barbie (Margot) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) head to the Real World and deal with existential crises in enjoyably madcap fashion in a goofy and heartfelt comedy that explores humanity, patriarchy and the meaning of life. May we all be a little less Ken and a lot more Weird Barbie.
Where to watch: In theaters
1. ‘Rye Lane’
An awkward, tearful meeting in a unisex bathroom brings together recently dumped Dom (David Jonsson) and carefree Yas (Vivian Oparah) and kickstarts Raine Allen-Miller’s wonderfully endearing, must-see reimagining of the rom-com. The adorably quirky twosome bond during a revelatory stroll through London that involves a cathartic run-in with an ex, spicy vittles, revealing chats and some light breaking-and-entering.
Where to watch: Hulu
