From gruesome heist flicks to touching romantic stories, 2023 was a banner year for Netflix original movies. Among Netflix’s most recent releases, you’ll find numerous critically regarded works from directors like David Fincher and Todd Haynes. Some of these, like Society of the Snow, may even make an impression at the Oscars this year.
Here are the best 17 movies released on Netflix in 2023.
May December
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Run Time: 1h 57m
May December delves into serious and genuine issues, examining how individuals might compromise their moral compass to satisfy their own desires in a way that is both incredibly funny and profoundly moving. Director Todd Haynes cleverly elevates low forms such as Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman’s powerful performances into drama and tragedy, making the tale one that tells of two women coming to terms with themselves, their flaws, secrets, and past lives.
With topics like age-gap romances and true-crime obsessions that resonate with modern American life—and are frequently hilarious—this film deserves more viewers. Anybody curious about contemporary America should see this film!
The Killer
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Run Time: 1h 58m
The Killer is an intimate thriller directed by Fincher that showcases his expertise as demonstrated in movies like Se7en, Fight Club, and Zodiac. When an attempted hitman assignment goes awry, an anonymous killer becomes the target of an international manhunt and begins targeting employers, colleagues, and himself in David Fincher’s thriller The Killer. Michael Fassbender delivers a standout performance as “The Killer,” an assassin who defies expectations to claim what rightfully belongs to him.
Fincher’s no-nonsense approach may prove off-putting, but his talent lies in drawing audiences into clandestine activities through meticulous cutaways, while The Killer keeps its focus squarely on its title character and mission rather than numerous subplots and predictable twists that often plague thrillers.
Kill Boksoon
Genre: Action, Thriller
Run Time: 2h 17m
Sung-hyun brings his signature sleek style to the tale of Bok-soon, who’s become so well known in her field that she has earned herself the name: the Assassin Queen. A cold-blooded assassin with an incredible ability to read her targets accurately and strike without mercy, Bok-soon must find a balance between her professional and personal life while fulfilling her duties as an assassin.
By introducing a female protagonist to the assassin subculture, this film provides a fresh spin on the revenge thriller. Along with the fantastic battle scenes, the filmmakers have done an excellent job developing the story’s characters and their connections.
Extraction 2
Genre: Action, Thriller
Run Time: 2h 2m
When it comes to sequels, Extraction 2 more than lives up to the hype, providing fans with the high-octane thrill trip they were anticipating with its gory action and high corpse count. Extraction 2 picks up immediately following the climactic prison raid in Bangladesh from Extraction 1. Now, a fully recovered Tyler Rake is on the trail of those responsible for killing him – assisted by his crew and new partner Golshifteh Farahani as their support system.
Director Sam Hargrave crafts impressive set pieces. The most breathtaking part is a 21-minute action sequence that builds to a climax with a tense collision involving prisoners, guards, and the Nagazi’s overprotective brother which is truly mesmerizing.
Rustin
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Run Time: 1h 46m
Although Rustin doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table, it manages to be both funny and powerful in its message of equality, which is relevant even in the modern world. Moreover, this movie may shed light on an activist who had their name erased from history; well worth your time!
Julian Breece of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom fame and Dustin Lance Black of Milk fame wrote the script, and this movie does not shy away from portraying Rustin as an active gay man in an era that often dismissed him as deviant, but, at the same time, it doesn’t treat him like some saint figure; acknowledging instead his many flaws as well as public and personal battles that he faced throughout his life.
Murder Mystery 2
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Romance
Run Time: 1h 30m
Murder Mystery 2 may not be a top-of-the-line mystery film, but it excels as a Netflix movie. Requiring only minimal attention from its viewers, it delivers what was promised without breaking your concentration too much. Though far from an artistic classic, this Netflix movie provides a harmless diversion that Sandler and Aniston bring back as strong partners; furthermore, its script remains strong even compared to that of its predecessor film.
Nick and Audrey Spitzer started out as part-timers four years ago, but now they run their own private investigation firm full-time. Now, they are being asked to a high-profile friend’s wedding in India in the hopes that associating with the Maharajah could add some legitimacy to their faltering private investigation firm. One of the invitees has been killed, and his Majesty has been taken… so the mystery begins anew.
Leave the World Behind
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Run Time: 2h 18m
Leave the World Behind is an intelligent and chilling apocalyptic thriller released in 2023, masterfully exploring our fear of civilization’s collapse. The movie is based on Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel of the same name, directed by Sam Esmail, who adds his signature style by drawing upon Hitchcockian allusions for cinematographic flourishes for cinematographic effects.
Leave the World Behind is full of moving moments like these that question the violent tribalism seen in many other postapocalyptic films, suggesting instead that America’s deep divisions may be its true threat and that we need to come together to overcome them and save ourselves.
The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die
Genre: Action, Drama, History
Run Time: 1h 51m
You won’t regret watching Seven Kings Must Die if you’re a fan of the British drama series The Last Kingdom. Featuring Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Seven Kings Must Die follows him as he traverses his realm, engaging in combat with both friends and enemies in an effort to unite England via violence.
This film takes up where The Last Kingdom season 5 concluded when it was revealed that there would not be another season and, instead, the story would be resolved through a movie. The Last Kingdom provides fans with the closure they deserve. The film moves at a rapid pace without ever slowing down like its television show counterpart did; even newcomers to this thrilling drama will find themselves immersed in its storylines.
The Pale Blue Eye
Genre: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Run Time: 2h 8m
The Pale Blue Eye, an adaptation of Louis Bayard’s novel, opens strong thanks to cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi’s atmospheric landscape shots of the Hudson River’s icy waters. Director Scott Cooper’s script exudes unease while Christian Bale, as Landor, conveys his weariness with forceful intensity; Harry Melling gives an excellent supporting performance as his assistant poet during Landor’s investigation.
After learning that Cadet Leroy Fry had his heart extracted and removed, top military officers at West Point in 1830 ordered the drunken former detective Augustus Landor to look into the hanging of Fry. The senior officers hope that Landor can solve both killings when he learns that Fry is connected to another unresolved case.
Nyad
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Run Time: 2h 1m
Inspiring in every way, Nyad is a biography that you should not miss. In a world where movie cynicism is rampant, this film offers a welcome escape with its remarkable story of tenacity and refusing to give up on one’s aspirations no matter how difficult the road ahead may be. An Oscar-worthy performance by Annette Bening, who captivates as a fierce swimmer, is impossible to downplay. She faces sharks, hurricanes, and the excruciating sting of a box jellyfish with piercing, narrowed eyes that betray her obsession.
The movie is directed by husband-and-wife team Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin with confidence and directness. Both directors, mountaineers themselves, understand both the manic mindset required for such extreme feats as well as its emotional cost on those supporting them.
The Magician’s Elephant
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 39m
The Magician’s Elephant, directed and written by first-time director Wendy Rogers and Martin Hynes, respectively, is an adaptation of Newbery Award winner Kate DiCamillo’s novel of the same name. It is a tale of hope and family, with an inspirational theme about believing in yourself and never giving up; its gentle storybook quality makes this film suitable for kids of all ages.
King Aasif Mandvi tells Peter to complete three impossible tasks before he can retrieve his elephant and find his sister again, thus beginning an incredible journey across town to complete these tests and prove the existence of magic. Animation in this film is charming, and its characters are likable; however, its tone can sometimes clash harshly due to attempts to balance comedy, tragedy, and childhood wonderment all at once.
El Conde
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, History, Horror
Run Time: 1h 50m
Pablo Larrain’s darkly comic movie El Conde follows a bloodsucking dictator as they pursue their aim of immortality through bloodsucking actions and efforts at increasing their power and prestige. Inspired by recent history in Chile but also covering much further back in time.
The movie centers around the anniversary of the coup and draws metaphors from that event in its narrative. But there is also plenty of humor and whimsy; one particularly stunning scene depicting a vampire trying to wean himself off human blood, which has sustained him over centuries, is particularly moving. Larrain’s film may stretch the envelope at times, but there’s no question it is an exhilarating effort and a brazenly audacious one at that.
Maestro
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Music, Romance
Run Time: 2h 9m
Maestro is an emotionally epic portrait of cultural icon Leonard Bernstein that centers around his relationship with Felicia Montealegre of Costa Rica – his Costa Rican wife whom he married as a result—written and directed by Bradley Cooper – who also stars as Bernstein himself. Carey Mulligan delivers an outstanding performance as Bernstein’s wife, elevating scenes of marital discord while showing great chemistry with Bradley Cooper in their scenes together.
This movie depicts a dynamic figure who passionately lived his music yet struggled in both personal and professional arenas. It depicts his use of his genius to elevate himself while his inflated ego jeopardized relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.
Leo
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family, Musical
Run Time: 1h 42m
Leo follows an endearing classroom pet lizard named Leo as it brings joy and cheer to its classmates – including Ms. Malkin, who takes an especially harsh stance against her student pet lizard! Leo attempts to escape Florida and discover a better life as an intergenerational friend.
This film has numerous humorous and touching moments that make it enjoyable to watch, even though the plot isn’t very complex. The movie’s character development is superb; every character has their own unique personality. The animation adds pleasant visuals, and the score complements the picture beautifully, making it a great choice for families. Everyone in the family is sure to have a good time at this comedy.
They Cloned Tyrone
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Run Time: 2h 2m
A racially aware conspiracy caper with witty banter and a disrespectful cast, They Cloned Tyrone will open your eyes. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Blaxploitation films, A Clockwork Orange, Westworld, Groundhog Day, Get Out, Sorry to Bother You, Blaxploitation, and “X-Files shit,” the story manages to feel new while staying true to an accurate depiction of Black life in urban America.
Despite its script’s tendency to grow tedious and drag on for too long, the film manages to keep things engaging thanks to the dedicated performances of its three stars. Even while the film’s satire isn’t as biting as one would want, it says a lot, nevertheless, and the chemistry among the actors makes it more than simply another science fiction thriller.
Nimona
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Run Time: 1h 41m
Nimona was directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, with story work contributed by Robert L Baird and Lloyd Taylor; expertly crafted and beautifully rendered, this is truly an engaging film experience! The movie is an engaging fantasy about love, loss, and systemic prejudice against LGBTQ people.
Chloe Grace Moretz steals the show as Nimona, a character who defies categorization—becoming pink rhinos, dancing sharks, sprouting demon wings, and devouring everything in her path—while the plot features tender moments between its two protagonists. Moretz’s fast-paced, playful antics and quick facial expressions give the film its unforgettable energy.
Society of the Snow
Genre: Adventure, Drama, History, Thriller
Run Time: 2h 24m
Society of the Snow is an extraordinary true story about survival and determination. After a Uruguayan plane crashed in 1972 in the Andes Mountains, 29 passengers managed to survive and remain alive in one of the harshest environments imaginable for months until eventually taking extreme measures to stay alive – an inspiring testament to human perseverance.
Goya and Cesar award-winning director J.A. Bayona takes an uncompromising approach to his award-winning true-life tale, Society of the Snow. Based on journalist Pablo Vierci’s book by that name, Society of the Snow provides an immersive experience depicting all aspects of this tragic disaster with unflinching precision while still managing to be a profoundly moving drama with an inspiring message about the human spirit and our willingness to sacrifice for those we care about.
