In 2023, work from some of the world’s most accomplished filmmakers helped shape what many are calling the best year for cinema so far in the 2020s. Major studio tentpoles earned unusually strong critical praise, and smaller independent films saw increased box-office returns simply because they were exceptional. Across the year, our critics and a number of established contributors reviewed over 100 new releases—covering everything from the Barbenheimer phenomenon to festival debuts yet to find distribution—and have identified the year’s standout films.
At The Film Magazine, we have traditionally scored films out of 24 (a nod to film’s historical projection speed of 24 frames per second: the score represents how many frames, on average, are worth watching). In 2023 we also embraced a star-rating presentation. The films below earned scores of 23/24 and above—the equivalent of our five-star designation—and are listed as the highest-scoring films of the year.
If you’d like to revisit our highest-scoring selections from prior years, see our archives for 2022, 2021 and 2020.
In this 2023 roundup we present our team’s highest-scoring films ordered first by score (out of 24) and then alphabetically within each score group.
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1. Asteroid City – 23/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Underneath all of that style and precision there is a deep melancholy—the recognition that life is random and beyond full control. Asteroid City is a fascinating post-pandemic film that explores isolation and reflection, feelings that have become all too familiar in recent years.” – Margaret Roarty
Asteroid City Review
2. Bottoms – 23/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Bottoms is a laugh-out-loud, energetic rollercoaster that already feels like a classic. It riffs on the teen sex comedy tradition while being unapologetically queer and contemporary. It stands alongside genre touchstones like American Pie and Superbad, and more recent hits such as Blockers, delivering a memorable satire about surviving high school with sharp emotional stakes.” – Margaret Roarty
Bottoms Review
3. The Killer – 23/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“On paper The Killer may seem conventional, and its deliberate absence of large action set pieces might disappoint some. Yet its sleek, stripped-back approach makes it one of 2023’s best films, offering a gripping character study of a cold, mesmerizing assassin we cannot look away from.” – Mark Carnochan
The Killer Review
4. The Old Oak – 23/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Shot on beautiful Kodak film stock—complete with crisp definition and the occasional scratch—The Old Oak is uniquely cinematic. It celebrates the act of capturing life, both through its filmmaking and a character who loves photography, while honestly portraying the struggle and resilience of everyday people. It’s a poignant, self-reflective work that underscores Loach’s talent for truthful storytelling and eliciting natural performances from untrained cast members.” – Joseph Wade
The Old Oak Review
5. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour – 23/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“The Eras Tour is one of the must-see theatrical experiences of 2023. This definitive presentation of a global pop phenomenon translates powerfully to the silver screen. Enter the theater with no expectations, and the film will demonstrate why Taylor Swift is a dominant cultural force.” – Jacob Davis
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Review
6. Theater Camp – 23/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Released at a moment when the future of actors and writers feels uncertain, Theater Camp powerfully captures the emotional journey of those wondering whether they’ll ever ‘make it’ in the industry. With empathetic, precise writing and a cast and crew who pour everything into crafting a comedy that feels emotionally true, this film is a strong affirmation of the importance of writers and performers.” – Emi Grant
Theater Camp Review
7. Saltburn – 23/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Saltburn is a seductive odyssey of lust, desire and betrayal that unfolds like a Shakespearean episode of youth culture, with a touch of Succession. It reclaims the dancefloor with a provocative energy and confirms Emerald Fennell’s flair for mixing style and dark satire.” – Mark Carnochan
Saltburn Review
8. Killers of the Flower Moon – 24/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Scorsese, adapting Grann’s research with reverence, avoids the familiar tropes of Westerns and crime dramas that center white leads. Instead, he focuses on human truth, framing Killers of the Flower Moon as a powerful love story that reveals the profound pain of betrayal. The film uses the atmospheric soul of the West to probe intimate emotional territory.” – Leoni Horton
Killers of the Flower Moon Review
9. Past Lives – 24/24
Rating: 5 out of 5.
“Celine Song has delivered one of the finest debut features in recent memory. Past Lives is an achingly beautiful film that will resonate with many viewers and leave a lasting emotional impression.” – Mark Carnochan
Past Lives Review
Which of our reviews did you most enjoy reading in 2023? Did any review move you, offer insight, or present an interesting alternative perspective? Share your thoughts and appreciation for our writers in the comments. Follow @thefilmagazine on X (Twitter) and visit our Facebook page for the latest updates.