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.

6 of 21 photo by Music Box Films

83Full Time

(#15) The second feature from Éric Gravel earned the director an award at the film's debut at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, and though the drama screened in its native France in 2022, it didn't reach American theaters until February of this year. Structured as an intense, kinetic thriller but dealing with everyday working-class struggles, Full Time follows Julie (Laure Calamy), a single mother of two who suddenly finds the task of getting to and from her job as a hotel maid a nearly insurmountable challenge once a strike shuts down public transportation in Paris.

Full Time is currently available to rent or buy from most digital and VOD services.

“While Gravel’s film resonates with the larger themes of labor inequality, parenthood, job insecurity, and social unrest, Full Time never loses the focus of what it is, which is one of the best thrillers of the year.” —Josh Kupecki, The Austin Chronicle

Where To Buy