Decider’s 23 Best Movies Of 2023: Barbenheimer, Blackberry, Bottoms And Beyond

Is this the year theatrical events finally returned? Hard to argue that they didn’t, what with Barbenheimer (the portmanteau of Barbie and Oppenheimer) dominating conversations for months, and making big bucks for both movies.

Or what about Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which similarly kicked off a new wave of concert films, rejuvenating that genre, and led to some very stupid arguments about teens dancing in the aisles (sorry people were enjoying themselves in movie theaters, that seems so bad!)

Don’t get me wrong, there were still plenty of growing pains in 2023, as superhero movies mostly imploded, family films were now a 50/50 proposition (The Super Mario Bros. Movie killed it, Disney’s Wish got killed), and there was still plenty of confusion about what is streaming, what is in theaters, and whether viewers should even bother at all.

Add in two strikes from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA that appropriately and effectively shut down the industry for months, leading to hastily reshuffled premiere dates, and you have yet another year for movies with some big wins, and some even bigger changes.

But you know what? Business aside, there were also a ton of great movies that came out. So many great movies, in fact, it was extremely hard to put together a list of the best movies of the year. The heroes at Decider did it anyway. Yes, that’s right: heroes. And here’s how we did it. First, everyone sent in their own, personal ranked top ten list of movies released between December 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. That was weighted, culled together, and then results in the list you see below.

That also means that plenty of deserving movies might have ranked lower or not made the list at all if fewer people on staff saw the movie. In fact, our cut-off date for submitting personal lists was December 4, meaning anything coming out in December (for the most part) didn’t make the cut (sorry to Leave the World Behind, which hit Netflix after lists had already been submitted, or The Color Purple, which doesn’t hit theaters until Christmas). But hey, those movies are good, anyway. Great, even!

That all said, let’s get into it: here are Decider’s picks for the best movies of 2023.

1. ‘Blackberry’

   Don’t sleep on Matt Johnson’s enthralling Canadian indie Blackberry. This clever under-the-radar gem centers on the rise and fall of the bygone pop culture pioneer known as the BlackBerry. Often referred to as “the world’s first smartphone,” the device was immensely popular in the early 2000s, with its addictive nature earning the product the nickname “Crackberry.” Howerton’s portrayal of Jim Balsillie may be the actor’s best work yet, which is a statement I don’t make lightly as a longtime Sunny supporter. Glenn’s volcanic, unhinged performance earned the star best known for playing Dennis Reynolds some well-deserved Oscar buzz. If you enjoyed The Social Network, add Blackberry to your queue ASAP. — Josh Sorokach

   where to watch blackberry

2. ‘Anatomy Of A Fall’

   Anatomy of a Fall is a movie for those who like Marriage Story, but wish it contained murder. Part psychological thriller and part courtroom drama, the movie follows Sandra (Sandra Hüller) in the aftermath of her husband’s tragic death. With their blind son Daniel (Milo Machado-Graner) as the main witness, Sandra must go the extra mile to prove her innocence in court. She is assisted by her old friend Vincent Renzi (Swann Arlaud), who is now a successful lawyer. As violent secrets come to light, Daniel struggles with being caught in the middle of the case while also grieving his father and questioning his mother’s innocence. While the entire movie displays strong performances, writing, and direction, Arlaud is a standout as the adept (and dreamy) lawyer with a personal interest in Sandra. Delightful to the very end, Anatomy of a Fall refuses to spell things out for the viewers and thrives in its comfort with the unknown. — Raven Brunner

   where to watch anatomy of a fall

3. ‘Poor Things’

   Poor Things, the latest from Greek filmmaker/certified madman Yorgos Lanthimos, is simultaneously the weirdest and most wonderful piece of media I had the pleasure of viewing this year. Yes, Emma Stone recently won an Oscar in 2018, but she absolutely deserves another one for her portrayal of a formerly dead woman resurrected by a macabre scientist (Willem Dafoe), who puts the brain of an infant baby in her head. Only Lanthimos could turn this absolutely absurd, upsetting concept into a sweet, darkly innocent coming-of-age story. Lavish costumes and surreal sets fill out the world. Mark Ruffalo hasn’t been this hot since 13 Going on 30. But above all, Stone owns the screen in this unconventional portrayal of a woman who refuses to be contained. — Anna Menta

   where to watch poor things

4. ‘NYAD’

   This Netflix biopic from directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin hits every feel-good, sports drama trick in the book, and yet I loved it anyhow. That’s largely thanks to two powerhouse performances from Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, who star respectively as the real-life swimmer Diana Nyad and her coach, Bonnie Stoll. The movie tells the true story of Nyad, a long-distance swimmer who achieved her life’s dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida when she was 64 years old. But the real story is the relationship between Nyad and Stoll. It’s not a sexual relationship, but it’s an undeniable love story—including a romantic speech from Foster that will stick with me for years. In a world where older actresses are relegated to playing moms of 20-somethings, it was a breath of fresh air to see these two masters delve into these rich, complicated, and flawed characters. Give Foster that Oscar! — Anna Menta

   Stream nyad on netflix

5. ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’

   This film adaptation of the 1970 coming-of-age Judy Blume novel was a heartwarming portrayal that gave life to the story decades later. Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson serve up incredible mother-daughter chemistry, while other notable performances come from Kathy Bates and Benny Safdie. This movie reminds women everywhere of the touching, informative, and often cringe-worthy moments experienced while growing up. — Alex Vena

   where to watch Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

6. ‘Priscilla’

   Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla is a gorgeous watch, immersive from start to finish. The superior Elvis film doesn’t focus so much on the man himself but on his much younger wife, who we first meet as a 14-year-old. As years go by and her relationship with Elvis evolves, so does Priscilla, dying her hair and using dark eyeliner, disappearing into Graceland before she chooses to leave the man who defined much of her early adult life. The film’s score and costumes are reasons alone to watch, but the bittersweet final scene is what makes Priscilla so memorable. — Greta Bjornson

   where to watch priscilla

7. ‘Air’

   Ben Affleck’s Air is a wildly entertaining burst of ’80s nostalgia. Overflowing with wry humor and sensational performances, the film centers on the game-changing partnership between a once-fledgling Nike and unproven NBA rookie Michael Jordan. Affleck’s confident direction, Alex Convery’s well-penned screenplay, and the deep roster of talented actors (Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis) combine to make this irreverent charmer one of the most enjoyable flicks of 2023. — Josh Sorokach

   where to watch air

8. ‘Rye Lane’

   Mostly set over one epic day in South London, this delightful romantic comedy follows the sweet, but sad Dom (David Jonsson) as he struggles to get over his recent heartache. His life is turned upside down when he meets the dynamic Yas (Vivian Oparah). The two spend a magical and chaotic day together, helping each other deal with breakups with their exes and falling for each other along the way. Raine Allen-Miller’s directorial debut is full of style and energy. She brilliantly utilizes cinematographer Olan Collardy’s cool lighting to imbue  Dom’s and Yas’ odyssey through Rye Lane Market and surroundings with an almost dream-like quality. Funny and heartfelt, this film also features one of the best cameos of the year, but don’t let me spoil it for you. Watch it for yourself! — Karen Kemmerle

   stream rye lane on hulu

9. ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’

   One of the most propulsive action movies of the year, How to Blow Up a Pipeline allies a bunch of eco-terrorists from different backgrounds in a mission to try and change minds about our usage of oil while blowing up the titular pipeline. The movie is relentless in its pace, exhilarating in its message, and sure to create discussion given its controversial ending (not the whole “Earth is dying” thing, which is a fact, but the whole destroying property thing, which, ymmv). — Alex Zalben

   where to watch how to blow up a pipeline

10. ‘Bottoms’

    The premise of Bottoms is simple: two lesbian high schoolers set up a fight club to make out with cheerleaders. Shiva Baby director/writer Emma Seligman re-teamed with star Rachel Sennott (who also co-wrote Bottoms) for the film, which also stars Ayo Edebiri (who may be having the best year ever). Sennott and Edebiri play PJ and Josie, who take a lie about spending their summer at juvie and run with it when it seems like their cheerleader crushes (Kaia Gerber and Havana Rose Liu) are interested in them, starting a fight club disguised as a self-defense club for female empowerment. One too many black eyes, a homemade bomb, and a few narcissistic football players later, the movie ends with a big, bloody set piece we didn’t see coming. Bottoms also turned Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch into Film Independent Spirit Award-nominated Marshawn Lynch, and the former running back makes the most of every second of screentime he has as the fight club’s advisor. Bottoms is a brutal, absurd, romantic twist on the high school movie genre that’ll have you laughing from beginning to end. — Angela Tricarico

    where to watch bottoms

11. ‘Talk To Me’

    Talk To Me was a surprisingly dynamic addition to the ghost horror genre. This A24 horror explores what happens when a group of teenagers begin using an embalmed hand that can summon spirits as a party game. What starts out as innocent (if slightly horrific) fun quickly spins out of their control when Mia (Sophie Wilde) becomes obsessed with the hand because it allows her to interact with who she believes to be her deceased mother. This film earns every bit of its R rating with its rather brutal visuals and an unbelievably compelling performance from Wilde. But it also maintains some levity that feels true to its characters, without taking away from the dire experience. — Radhamely De Leon

    where to watch talk to me

12. ‘The Little Mermaid’

    The 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid was fan-freaking-tastic. Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King have palpable chemistry as the titular mermaid and Prince Eric, and most of the new score enriched the familiar tale with new perspectives and rhythms. Based on Disney’s 1989 animated film, the story follows Ariel as she trades her voice to an evil sea witch to transform from a mermaid to a human after falling in love with a prince. Bailey breathes new life into the role as a wonderstruck young woman who’s deep in infatuation, and Hauer-King dials up the dreaminess as he attempts to woo his silent admirer. Filled with magic, hopes, and dreams, The Little Mermaid proves that the Disney machine still has some tricks up its sleeve. — Raven Brunner

    where to watch the little mermaid

13. ‘The Holdovers’

    After the disastrous Downsizing in 2017, Alexander Payne returned to form with 2023’s The Holdovers. The film is set at a New England boarding school in 1970 during Christmas break. Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a brilliant yet cranky teacher, is tasked with babysitting the troubled, but bright Angus (newcomer Dominic Sessa) and other boys who can’t go home for holidays. He is aided by Mary (the great Da’Vine Joy Randolph), the school’s head chef, whose son recently died in Vietnam. Despite their differences, Paul, Angus, and Mary bond over the course of two weeks, supporting one another as they experience their own personal trials, griefs, and triumphs. This masterful drama is not a showy film, but one that is full of humor, heart, and wisdom. — Karen Kemmerle

    where to watch the holdovers

14. ‘Asteroid City’

    Wes Anderson’s latest star-studded venture has two storylines running parallel to each other. In color, it’s Asteroid City, a play about an alien encounter near atomic test sites in the 1950s, and in black and white, it’s a television broadcast about the making of the play. At first, it seems like the two storylines are only connected by the play, but as both the play and real life unfold, the common theme comes into focus. In a movie chock full of stars (there are 21 names on the poster), Jason Schwartzman runs away with the movie as he portrays the play’s lead character, a widower with four children, and the actor who plays that lead character. No matter which way you look at it, Asteroid City is a movie/play/television broadcast about grief. It’s bright and colorful, features some incredible performances by teenage actors, a hilarious original song, and one rad alien, but at its core, beneath all of that, Asteroid City is a movie about living with grief and the ways we just keep going even when it hurts. — Angela Tricarico

    where to watch asteroid city

15. ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour’

    Taylor Swift is Time magazine’s 2023 “Person of the Year.” She was the most listened-to artist by Apple Music subscribers. And her Eras Tour, which kicked off in March, officially catapulted her into billionaire status. In other words, 2023 was the year of Taylor Swift. Therefore, you don’t want to go into the new year without seeing Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which just nabbed a Golden Globe nomination for cinematic and box office achievement. In just under three hours, the concert film takes viewers on a journey through Swift’s musical eras from her early days in the country scene with “Fearless” to her pop breakthrough with “1989” to her Shakespearean-like lyrics in “Midnights.” Complete with stunning visuals and immaculate storytelling, the movie not only allows her fans to relive their experience at the Eras Tour, but it also gives those who weren’t lucky enough to snag in-person tickets a chance to witness the cultural phenomenon. — Samantha Nungesser

    where to watch TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR

16. ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse’

    Some might say that the superhero genre hit its breaking point in recent years, but Miles Morales continues to impress. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse went beyond my expectations with this second entry in the series. In the sequel, Miles is faced with a unique problem that we haven’t quite seen in the many film iterations of Spider-Man’s story: he’s technically not supposed to exist. The film is both a comedic and visual feat thanks to its talented team of animators. Though the five-year wait for Across the Spider-Verse proved to truly be worth it, let’s hope it won’t take so long for the final installment to release in theaters. — Radhamely De Leon

    where to watch spider-man: across the spider-verse

17. ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’

    The final hour of Killers of the Flower Moon is as engrossing and invigorating as anything Scorsese has directed in 30 years. It isn’t unhinged like Wolf of Wall Street or stressful like The Departed, but subtly devastating, and – not to give anything away – its final scenes find the director contending with his place as a White storyteller doing his damnedest to do justice to this Osage tragedy. I can’t affirm whether he succeeds, but his film is damning and empathetic, and a crucial portrayal of the gross, systemic injustice that’s a primary artery to the ugly heart of American history. — John Serba

    where to watch killers of the flower moon

18. ‘Past Lives’

    A24’s Past Lives, a stunning debut from writer and director Celine Song, is a film about fate, timing, possibility, human connection, and a love so deep it doesn’t have to be stated. Greta Lee dazzles as Na Young — later called Nora — a Korean woman whose family immigrated to Canada when she was a child. Years later, after settling in New York, Nora reconnects with her childhood crush Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), and the two start ruminating over In-Yun, the idea that people are destined to meet in multiple lifetimes, or past lives. When another time jump brings them face-to-face for the first time in over two decades, Nora — now married to an American man, Arthur (John Magaro) — shows Hae Sung around the city, and the two effortlessly reignite their palpable flame. With gorgeous simplicity, unhurried pacing, thoughtful silences, and slow camera pans that let you savor the scene, Past Lives is a heartbreaking masterpiece that subverts expectations and lingers long after the credits roll. — Nicole Gallucci

    where to watch past lives

19. ‘No Hard Feelings’

    Sure, No Hard Feelings was billed as the “Raunchy Jennifer Lawrence Sex Comedy,” and, yes, that’s precisely what it is. It’s a balls-to-the-wall, R-rated romp about a beautiful fuck up hired to take a nineteen-year-old’s virginity. J. Law pummels some people on a beach in her birthday suit. Dumb dirty jokes abound. Nevertheless, No Hard Feelings is also something more. By showing just how ludicrous the reach of the rich is, the film doubles as a scathing class satire. Lawrence’s Maddie is only pushed into sex work because she’s being priced out of her Montauk home by the wealthy summer house crowd. And she only has this gig because her clients believe their riches entitle them to control everything around them…including the private life of their son. — Meghan O’Keefe

    where to watch no hard feelings

20. ‘May December’

    Netflix added a gem to its library with May December, Todd Haynes’ darkly funny drama about an actress visiting the home of a woman who infamously married her former student, whom she began a sexual relationship with when he was 13. Few films this year capture the same delicate tone as May December, which is devastating, but also has quirky moments of levity (like Julianne Moore’s absurd hot dog line). — Greta Bjornson

    where to watch may december

21. ‘Oppenheimer’

    Oppenheimer, one of the biggest releases of 2023, was a major success when it came to box office and audience reception. The epic biographical thriller follows Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, also known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” from his early college studies to the aftermath of World War II. The movie features excellent performances from the supporting cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, and Emily Blunt, with Blunt delivering a career-best monologue in the third act. From start to finish, the movie was captivating and offered nuance in its storytelling and direction, demanding to be rewatched time and time again. — Raven Brunner

    where to watch oppenheimer

22. ‘Theater Camp’

    Can you tell that Team Decider loves to laugh? While Barbie is the more impressive cinematic achievement, this mockumentary about a performance arts summer camp is arguably the funniest comedy of the year. Written by Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, Ben Platt, and Noah Galvin—and co-directed by Gordon and Lieberman—Theater Camp is Christopher Guest meets Wet Hot American Summer. Everyone in the cast—Gordon, Platt, Galvin, Jimmy Tatro, Patti Harrison, Ayo Edebiri, and more—brings their A-game. The script is full of razor-sharp, quotable one-liners. (That’s the benefit of having all four writers on set for improv and punch-ups!) It’s a hysterical evisceration of former theater kids, and it hits particularly hard for anyone who spent the majority of their high school days in the drama room. I’ll be watching and rewatching this one for years to come. — Anna Menta

    where to watch theater camp

23. ‘Barbie’

    No one can deny that Barbie is the movie of 2023. Not only is it the top-grossing film of the year at the box office (so far), it’s the movie that, for the first time in years, everyone went to the theater to see, together. And for good reason: It’s really good. Director Greta Gerwig and her co-writer, Noah Baumbach, somehow managed to transform this infamous commercial property into a laugh-out-loud comedy, a heart-wrenching coming-of-age movie, an existential satire, and a self-aware capitalist commentary. And it’s all wrapped up in a neat, watchable, under-two-hour package. I still don’t know how they did that! Margot Robbie delivered a completely singular performance as a doll who discovers her humanity, and Ryan Gosling brought down the house as a ridiculous—yet still sympathetic—parody of masculinity. The sets were next level, the costumes were Halloween-levels of iconic, and the “I’m Just Ken” musical number is an instant classic. Don’t even get me started on the chart-topping soundtrack. No other 2023 movie permeated the culture like Barbie, and that’s a fact. — Anna Menta

    where to watch barbie