The 20 Best Movies of 2023 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor
and Keith Kimbell, Metacritic Film Editor – July 1, 2023

Which films impressed critics during the first half of the year? In the gallery on this page we rank the highest-scoring movies debuting in theaters (or straight to VOD/streaming) between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023. Titles are ranked by their Metascores as of June 30, 2023 and must have a minimum of 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion.

15 of 21 photo by Magnolia Pictures

87Blue Jean

(#6) Released in 2022 in the UK—where it was nominated for 13 British independent Film Awards—this debut feature from writer-director Georgia Oakley stars Rosy McEwen as Jean, a PE teacher forced to live a double life in 1988 Newcastle under the threat of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government. Hayes plays Jean’s girlfriend Viv, and Lucy Halliday plays Lois, a new student who complicates Jean’s life.

Blue Jean is now playing in theaters.

“The framing, editing, and overall rhythm of the story brim with intelligence. When coupled with a star-making performance from McEwen, we have what should be a new LGBTQIA+ classic drama.” —Sumner Forbes, Film Threat

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