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.

17 of 21 photo by Abramorama

8832 Sounds

(#4) When this documentary from Sam Green (The Weather Underground) premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, the score was performed live by composer JD Samson (of Le Tigre) while Green provided narration for the film and the audience wore noise-canceling headphones (and, at one point, was invited to dance). Unless you happen to know Samson and they owe you a favor, you'll be unlikely to duplicate that experience in your living room, but there is an immersive version without the live component for home viewing. As the title suggests, the one-of-a-kind film is organized around 32 different sounds and how they evoke different emotions, thoughts, and memories in each person listening and experiencing what Green has designed.

32 Sounds is currently in the middle of a limited theatrical rollout and will be screening in additional cities in the coming weeks.

“The sounds are finite, yet the benefits of tuning in to the film’s wavelengths are endless. It’s the greatest documentary you’ve ever heard.” —David Fear, Rolling Stone

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