15 Best Movies of 2023 around the World

In short, curating the top movies of 2023 posed a challenge. The dynamic impact of Barbie and Oppenheimer injected a much-needed surge into the post-Covid-19 box office. Yet, the industry faced setbacks with extensive strikes halting production on numerous films slated for 2024 and beyond. Even post-strike, uncertainty lingers, leaving the film world in a contemplative state.

Despite the tumult, 2023 unveiled a treasure trove of subtly exquisite films. Amidst industry concerns about AI potentially revolutionizing filmmaking and displacing human talent, watching the movies on this list dismisses that notion as faintly ludicrous. The year’s finest releases brimmed with ambition and emotional depth, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human input in cinema. Marked by the impressive debuts of younger directors and teeming with ingenious concepts, these movies centered on the perennial theme of humanity’s quest to find its footing in the world.

Killers of the Flower Moon

In 2017, David Grann brought forth “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” a true-crime narrative set in 1920s Oklahoma, delving into a grim period where Osage Nation members were targeted for their oil wealth. At its core, Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman, grapples with the deaths in her family, only to uncover a shocking revelation: her beloved husband, Ernest, is involved. When Martin Scorsese adapted Grann’s work, he took a daring approach by discarding the typical whodunit element. Instead, the film immerses viewers in Ernest’s perspective (embodied by Leonardo DiCaprio), revealing how he evolves into a menacing force against his wife. It might seem unconventional, but Scorsese’s laser focus on Ernest crafts an intensely haunting portrayal of quintessential American malevolence—a chilling masterpiece that leaves a lingering sense of unease.

Anatomy of a Fall

Sandra (portrayed by Sandra Hüller) thrives as a writer, while her husband Samuel (played by Samuel Theis) grapples with a stalled writing career. Their lives take a devastating turn when Samuel is discovered dead outside their home on a snowy day. Suddenly, Sandra finds herself transitioning from a grieving spouse to the primary suspect. To clear her name, she must unravel the intricacies of her complex marriage, delving into her simmering resentment towards Samuel over an incident that resulted in their son Daniel (portrayed by Milo Machado-Graner) losing partial eyesight. Surprisingly, it’s Daniel who holds the key to unraveling the truth behind that fateful day—and determining his mother’s fate.

This intricately woven and brilliantly performed courtroom drama clinched the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes and resonated strongly upon its release in France in August. While it had a relatively modest reception in US art-house theaters, its early triumphs during awards season—garnering praise from the European Film Awards, National Board of Review, New York Film Critics Circle, and the Gotham Awards, along with four Golden Globe nominations—suggest a burgeoning impact that promises to echo through the industry.

Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer is an essential addition, sparking divergent opinions within the WIRED office and across online platforms. For some, it appeared misogynistic and lacking depth, while others hailed it as a triumphant return to form for a blockbuster auteur. Regardless of personal viewpoints, director Christopher Nolan managed to transform an obscure biography centered on a scientist’s security clearance pursuits into a cinematic juggernaut that grossed over $950 million at the box office.

Showing Up

Kelly Reichardt and Michelle Williams, often regarded as akin to the Scorsese and DiCaprio of indie cinema, reunite for their fourth collaboration, delivering a profoundly intricate and quietly affecting masterpiece. The narrative orbits around Lizzy (portrayed by Williams), a determined artist preparing for an imminent exhibition. Her artistic pursuit, crafting small clay women in expressive poses, faces hurdles amidst the chaos of family, work, and the complexities of daily life. “Showing Up” adeptly captures the universal tug-of-war between the anxiety of life slipping away uncontrollably and the serene satisfaction—illustrated in moments of Lizzy’s serene sculpting—that perhaps things are aligning just as they should.

Barbie

In an unexpected turn, the film adaptation of Mattel’s iconic doll became a focal point for feminist discourse. Greta Gerwig, alongside her partner Noah Baumbach, crafted the screenplay for Barbie, which became a cultural lightning rod. What set it apart was its delicate balance—it was seen as both remarkably progressive, igniting outrage among conservatives who even set dolls ablaze, and simultaneously critiqued for not meeting feminist expectations. Yet, for many, it stood as a satirical take on patriarchy, drenched in pink hues, featuring Indigo Girls sing-alongs, and playful jabs at Zack Snyder, resonating profoundly. Its staggering box office success, raking in nearly $1.5 billion, sparked discussions about a potential Mattel Cinematic Universe, ushering in a peculiar new era coined as the Mojo Dojo Casa House.

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt

Raven Jackson’s inaugural venture into directing is an immersive experience that tantalizes the senses. In a concise 92-minute narrative, this accomplished poet and photographer masterfully translates her artistic prowess into a visually stunning portrayal of a Mississippi woman’s life journey. From the seemingly ordinary escapades of adolescence to the indelible imprints of profound moments, including the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one, Jackson’s minimalist approach to dialogue constructs a poetic film reminiscent of Terrence Malick’s early masterpieces. Produced by Barry Jenkins of “Moonlight” fame, the film captivated audiences at Sundance, earning accolades as one of 2023’s finest indie creations by the National Board of Review. Despite its acclaim, the movie managed to maintain a low profile during its brief theatrical stint in November.

Passages

In Paris, filmmaker Tomas (portrayed by Franz Rogowski) and his husband, Martin (played by Ben Whishaw), enjoy a seemingly comfortable life, perhaps a bit too comfortable. When Tomas encounters Agathe (depicted by Adèle Exarchopoulos) at the wrap party of his latest film, their passionate liaison triggers a complex love triangle. As Tomas and Martin part ways, their paths continually intertwine. This film delves into the intricate tapestry of human emotions, exploring the complexities of love with raw authenticity. The performances across the board are outstanding, notably Franz Rogowski’s, earning him a spot on some critics’ radar as a potential Oscar contender.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

When “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” swung into cinemas in 2018, it revolutionized perceptions of Spider-Man movies and animated storytelling. Departing from the traditional Peter Parker narrative, the film spotlighted Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn who, like Peter, gained spider-like abilities in an alternate dimension. “Across the Spider-Verse” carries forward Miles’ journey, as he grapples with defining his unique heroism while endeavoring to rescue the multiverse and his own timeline from impending doom. A captivating blend of fun, heartache, and sheer excitement, it stands among the finest Spider-Man films ever created. The animation is so visually stunning that it leaves audiences breathless.

May December

In the annals of cinema, the phrase “I don’t think we have enough hot dogs” takes on an unforeseen and yet fittingly ominous quality. Director Todd Haynes (known for “Carol”) brings forth his latest work, focusing on Elizabeth (played by Natalie Portman), an actress immersing herself in the life of Gracie, whom she’s slated to portray in an upcoming film. Loosely inspired by Mary Kay Letourneau’s story, Gracie is a woman in her middle years married to a younger man, their relationship originating when he was just 13. As their twins approach high school graduation, the week Elizabeth spends with the family unravels a web of unsettling complexities, some of the most disconcerting revolving around Elizabeth herself. “May December” is a wickedly chilling narrative, amplified by its haunting score and buoyed by the exceptional performances of Portman and Moore.

Asteroid City

Draped in pastel tones and boasting an A-list ensemble, Asteroid City embodies the unmistakable Wes Anderson aesthetic, a film that could either be quintessentially Anderson or an unbearable portrayal of his style, depending on your perspective. Ostensibly, it revolves around an alien spacecraft descending upon a small-town, retro-futuristic America. Yet, it’s a tapestry of complexity—a film within a documentary within a play. Jason Schwartzman embodies war photographer Augie Steenbeck, simultaneously portraying the actor playing him, while Scarlett Johansson embodies Hollywood star Midge Campbell and her on-screen counterpart. The overall experience mirrors a delicately crafted French patisserie—a macaron, perhaps: charming, ephemeral, and swiftly gone.

Earth Mama

Savanah Leaf’s newest film delves into the life of Gia, a 24-year-old mother navigating San Francisco’s intricate foster care system while battling her history of addiction. Juggling sporadic visits with her two children and carrying a third pregnancy, Gia faces a daunting decision—whether agreeing to adoption might enhance her chances of increased contact with her other two kids. Leaf’s remarkable feat lies in authentically portraying the inhumane pressures compelling individuals toward self-destructive actions. The film exudes a palpable sense of that pressure, leaving viewers with no alternative but to comprehend the weighty choices confronting Gia.

Bottoms

Horny teen-sex comedies have been around for at least a half-century—which makes director Emma Seligman’s reinvention of the genre all the more impressive. In Bottoms, queer pals PJ (Rachel Sennott, who cowrote the script with Seligman) and Josie (The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri) decide to start a fight club at their high school as part of an elaborate scheme to hook up with hot cheerleaders. What the teens don’t count on is the plan actually working and that the best course of action is to try to undo the revolution they ignite. Real-life friends Sennott and Edebiri are an onscreen duo to be reckoned with and get a huge assist from retired running back Marshawn Lynch, who gets to spread his wings as a comedic actor (after his hilarious performance in an episode of Netflix’s Murderville).

Zone of Interest

This marks Jonathan Glazer’s highly anticipated return to filmmaking since 2013’s acclaimed “Under the Skin.” Here, he confronts an immense subject: the Holocaust. Based on Martin Amis’s novel (who sadly passed away this year), the narrative centers on Rudolf Höss and his family, portraying their seemingly serene life on the periphery of Auschwitz. In the vein of films like “Shoah,” Glazer doesn’t confront the horror head-on; instead, he offers glimpses—visions of smoke, barbed wire, and a haunting chorus of muted screams. The most harrowing moments stem from the script itself: at a certain point, Höss finds himself unable to focus at a party, preoccupied with how the lofty ceilings would complicate the task of gassing the guests.

Talk to Me

The debut film from Australian YouTubers Danny and Michael Philippou stands as a cleverly crafted, wickedly shocking horror tale. At its core lies an embalmed severed hand, an eerie object that, when held while speaking the film’s title, allows communication with the deceased. Treated like a trendy drug by the youth, they capture their surreal experiences and hallucinations on their phones. If it seems like a premise with potential pitfalls, rest assured—everything that could go awry, does.

The Boy and the Heron

Studio Ghibli, renowned for its exceptional animated works, achieved a milestone at the North American box office with “The Boy and the Heron.” Marked as the reported final film from studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, it soared to the top with a groundbreaking $12.8 million opening weekend, a first for an original anime film. The acclaim is well-deserved. The film weaves the tale of a grieving boy, grappling with his mother’s loss, who encounters a heron unveiling a magical realm, encapsulating everything synonymous with Ghibli. Brimming with lush visuals, heartfelt emotions, and a perfect fusion of fantasy and reality, it’s a quintessential Miyazaki masterpiece.

Contributions to this guide were made by Kate Knibbs, Amit Katwala, and Angela Watercutter.