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.

7 of 21 photo by Strand Releasing

83The Blue Caftan

(#14) Writer-director Maryam Touzani’s exploration of love in its many forms was Morocco’s official Oscar entry last year following its win of the FIPRESCI Prize (awarded by the International Federation of Film Critics) at 2022's Cannes Film Festival. The drama follows Halim (Saleh Bakri of Costa Brava, Lebanon), a maker of traditional caftans in the medina of Salé, Morocco, and Mina (Lubna Azabal from Touzani’s debut feature Adam), his wife, who runs the business. When they take on a new apprentice, Youssef (Ayoub Missioui), Halim finds a kindred spirit, and Mina takes notice. This quiet film speaks loudly about the complexities of marriage and romance in a world of limitations.

The Blue Caftan is currently available to rent or buy from most digital and VOD services.

“The Blue Caftan is a keenly tuned, non-judgmental exploration of an enduring relationship that has thrived despite the stresses of conflicting desires and the pressures of social norms.” —Jonathan Romney, Screen Daily

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