The 20 Best Netflix Original Movies of 2023 (2024)

For years now, Netflix has been pumping out high-quality movies. Some of the most recognizable projects of 2023 were released exclusively on the platform — with more than 100 options to choose from, this list aims to shine light on the best.

A few of these were made by high-profile directors, and even more of them feature star-studded casts. International films will be included on the list, and even then, a few titles are likely to appear unfamiliar. But for the most part, audiences should recognize the majority of these Netflix originals, if not by name, then by description. All that said, these are 20 best Netflix movies of 2023, ranked.

20 Reptile

A crime thriller, Reptile was directed by Grant Singer from a script he co-wrote with two people: Benjamin Brewer and Benicio del Toro. The former isn't likely to ring many bells — his work is well-noted, nonetheless — while del Toro is among the best and most famous actors of his generation. On top of helping pen the screenplay, he also stars as Detective Tom Nichols in a phenomenal performance; Nichols is tasked with solving the murder of a young and successful real estate agent in the film. Conspiracies unravel from there, with Reptile boasting just enough tactics of high-quality filmmaking to warrant a spot on the list.

A Great Cast and Ending Make Reptile Stand Out

Including Justin Timberlake and Alicia Silverstone, the cast performs to perfection, especially Del Toro. And although this isn't the most acclaimed Netflix original of 2023, audiences tended to enjoy it a lot. The standout ending led to a spike in Google searches around its release, with viewers interested in learning more and finding out who is the titular reptile. We break it down in the miniature video essay below:

Watch Reptile

19 Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Release Date

December 15, 2023

Director

Sam Fell

Cast

Thandiwe Newton , Zachary Levi , Imelda Staunton , Bella Ramsey , David Bradley

Runtime

1hr 37min

Read Our Review

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is among the best animated films of the year, a stop-motion project from the great Aardman Animations that picks up right where its predecessor left off. A chicken named Ginger — voiced by Thandiwe Newton — finds a bird sanctuary where her flock can live in harmony. The protagonist has settled down with her beau Rocky (previously voice by Mel Gibson, now by Zachary Levi), with the birth of their daughter Molly kicking off the plot.

A Long-Awaited Sequel Is a Delight

Like the first Chicken Run (2000), this sequel consists of charming characters that each share an endearing dynamic with the next. The story works well, with the wit of its script being highlighted by back-and-forth dialogue, and the underlying question of the film (where does our food come from?) sparking interesting conversations with kids and families. A hilarious stop-motion outing, Dawn of the Nugget shines bright in the shadows of the original. You can watch our interview with star Zachary Levi below:

Watch Chicken Run 2

18 Extraction 2

Extraction 2--

R

Action

Thriller

Release Date

June 16, 2023

Director

Sam Hargrave

Cast

Chris Hemsworth , Olga Kurylenko , Golshifteh Farahani , Daniel Bernhardt , Tinatin Dalakishvili

Read Our Review

Among the best action films of 2023 is Extraction 2, which picks up nine months after the events of its predecessor. Protagonist Tyler Rake has recovered from his injuries suffered in his prior mission, and now follows a new agenda: rescue a woman and her two daughters from a high-security prison in Georgia.

Incredible and Lengthy Action Sequences

With Chris Hemsorth reprising his role as Tyler Rake, the cast also boasts famous names like Olga Kurylenko and Idris Elba. They all see an over-the-top action thriller come into convincing fruition, with critics and audiences alike citing Extraction 2 as the superior movie in the franchise. The filmmakers certainly intended to outdo themselves, creating one of the best openings of all time in action history, a 21-minute one-take action sequence that is truly symphonic. Given its success, a third entry in the franchise is likely inevitable.

Watch Extraction 2

17 Sister Death

Read Our Review

A Spanish supernatural horror film, Sister Death was directed by Paco Plaza from a script he wrote alongside Jorge Guerricaechevarría. For those unfamiliar: Sister Death is a loose prequel to Verónica (2017), made by the same director albeit with another co-writer. And while Veronica is more acclaimed, the project at hand features plenty worth writing home about.

A Sophisticated Spanish Horror Film About Religious Women

The plot hones in on a teacher of an all-girls school in the 1940s. She harbors supernatural abilities, and soon after arriving at the former convent, she unravels a trove of mysterious and creepy secrets regarding the quasi-convent. It's well executed from start to finish, with a carefully curated color palette and brilliant shot selection highlighting the quality of Sister Death as a whole. It may not be the scariest movie of the year, but it's one of the most confidently made.

Watch Sister Death

16 Rustin

Rustin

PG-13

Biography

Drama

History

Release Date

November 17, 2023

Director

George C. Wolfe

Cast

Colman Domingo , Chris Rock , Glynn Turman , Aml Ameen , CCH Pounder , Jeffrey Wright

Runtime

1hr 46min

Read Our Review

With Colman Domingo as the lead, Rustin chronicles the real-life story of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Among the supporting cast are names like Chris Rock, Audra McDonald, and Jeffrey Wright, with everyone involved providing powerful performances in a particularly poignant project. The film shines a light on Rustin as he helps organize the March on Washington, with the film exploring the man's complicated life balancing his gay identity and musical passion with his fight for civil rights.

An Important Biopic About Black History

Directed by George C. Wolfe, this stirring biographical drama shines light on Bayard's involvement with the 1963 March on Washington. The influential Civil Rights leader helped Martin Luther King Jr. organize The Great March, and until the film's final frame, Colman Domingo portrays the figure with palpable passion and poise. Although it may have flown under your radar, Rustin is nonetheless a high-quality biopic that deserves a spot on the list. You can check out our interview with Domingo below:

Watch Rustin

15 El Conde

Read Our Review

Directed by Pablo Larraín from a script he co-wrote alongside Guillermo Calderón, the black comedy horror film El Conde features dialogue in English, French, and Spanish. It was produced in Chile, with the title translating to "The Count" in English. And as a satire, this movie shifts realities to portray Augustus Pinochet as a 250-year-old vampire.

A Unique Political Horror Satire with a Vampire Dictator

As the lead character seeks death, a disturbing plot plays out that deals heavily with themes of fascism. For those unfamiliar: Augustus Pinochet was a former Chilean dictator whose reign lasted longer than anyone else in the region's history. Jaime Vadell shines as the lead, and as a whole, El Conde features impressive tactics of technical filmmaking that result in a high-quality Netflix original from 2023.

Watch El Conde

14 Fair Play

Fair Play

R

Release Date

October 6, 2023

Director

Chloe Domont

Cast

Phoebe Dynevor , Alden Ehrenreich , Eddie Marsan , Rich Sommer , Sebastian de Souza

Runtime

1hr 53min

Main Genre

Drama

Read Our Review

Written and directed by Chloe Damont in her feature film debut, Fair Play features a talented, up-and-coming actress named Phoebe Dynevor alongside an established performer named Alden Eherenreich. An erotic psychological thriller, the film follows an engaged couple who keep their relationship a secret while working for the same law firm. Once one of them receives a promotion, the couple's relationship deteriorates at an enticing pace, resulting in a well-made and bitter romantic thriller from start to finish.

A Dark Look at Power Imbalance in Relationships

Critics were mostly positive in their reviews for Fair Play, and justifiably so. The film goes to some dark places in exploring the way power and success infects relationships and distorts our desire for others. Although this is among the lesser-known movies under the Netflix banner to release in 2023, it's without a doubt among the best, as well.

Watch Fair Play

Related: The Best Romance Movies of 2023, Ranked

13 Love at First Sight

A romantic comedy, Love at First Sight was directed by Vanessa Caswill and cleverly adapted by Katie Lovejoy from Jennifer E. Smith's novel The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, with its plot following a 20-year-old student named Hadley Sullivan. She meets Oliver Jones at an airport, and the two form a quick bond that develops into a budding relationship. Hadley is played with passion and charm by Haley Lu Richardson, while the talented Ben Hardy shows up as Oliver.

A Cute Rom-Com for Realists

Interwoven statistics about their relationship are implemented via narration — Jameela Jamil informs audiences about the chances of the leads meeting in an airport, and the probability that their families have mutual friends. Though somewhat gimmicky, the narrative device provides great intelligence to the script and grounds the rom-com in statistical realism. But really, Love at First Sight is defined by the electricity of its character dynamics.

Watch Love at First Sight

12 The Deepest Breath

Read Our Review

A documentary as suspenseful as a thriller, The Deepest Breath focuses on a freediver named Alessia Zecchini as she attempts to break a world record. She does so with the assistance of safety diver Stephen Keenan, with whom she develops a close relationship outside the ocean's depths. The on-screen investigation is a project like few of its kind.

An Incredible Deep Dive Into Water and Heartbreak

Heart-pumping in one moment and heartbreaking in the next, The Deepest Breath resonates from various emotional perspectives as a suspenseful sports documentary, a romance, and a thriller all at once. And from the film's first scene, its technical brilliance is on full display. From the intensity of its sound design to the beauty of its visuals, this documentary excels across the board of as one of the most impressive documentaries of the entire year.

Watch The Deepest Breath

11 The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Read Our Review

A short film by Wes Anderson — one of America's most acclaimed auteurs — The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar features Benedict Cumberbatch in the charming lead role. Following Fantastic Mr. Fox, this is the second project of Anderson's to be adapted from the literary works of Roald Dahl. And like the first adaptation, a star-studded cast sees the project come into idiosyncratic fruition.

Wes Anderson's Short Film Feels Huge

It's an absurd plot, following a rich man who seeks out a clairvoyant guru to learn the latter's ability to see without the use of his eyes. On top of Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar, it features Ben Kingsley as the guru, along with Ralph Fiennes as Roald Dahl. Other actors include Dev Patel and Richard Ayoade, with everyone involved rattling off enough whiplash-inducing dialogue to fill an entire feature film. Regardless of length, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is among the best projects of 2023.

Watch The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

10 Kill Boksoon

A South Korean action thriller, Kill Boksoon follows an assassin who is renowned in her field due to her 100% success rate. Her name is Gil Bok-Soon, played by Jeon Do-yeon, and she balances the life of a single mother while also fulfilling her contracts. It's a compelling plot, even if it mirrors several other assassin movies that have been released throughout the years.

Multifacted Characters and Aesthetics

The dichotomy of personalities presented by the protagonist should endear audiences to Gil Bok-Soon from the film's first few scenes. And story aside, Kill Boksoon also excels in every fathomable facet of filmmaking. With engaging action sequences and brilliant direction from auteur Byun Sung-hyun, this goes down as one of the most thrilling projects of the entire year. Another successful mission for Netflix.

Watch Kill Boksoon

9 You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Based on Fiona Rosenbloom's 2005 novel of the same name, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah was adapted by Alison Peck. In the director's chair was Sammi Cohen, with both creatives putting in essential work behind the scenes. And while their names aren't likely to ring any bells, film fans will be pleased to know that Adam Sandler is featured among the primary cast.

Adam Sandler's Family Affair

With his whole family among the cast, Sandler provides one of the funniest efforts of his career. Featuring a fairly straightforward plot, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah shines in its performances, with both of Sandler's daughters (named Sadie and Sunny) proving capable of leading a Hollywood comedy. And with intelligent dialogue exchanged by memorable characters, the project as a whole should be held in high regard.

Watch on Netflix

Related: The Best Movies of 2023, Ranked

8 The Killer

David Fincher and Andrew Kevin Walker returned to their thriller roots with The Killer, starring Michael Fassbender as an assassin. After one of his hits goes wrong, the enigmatic killer sets out internationally on a quest for revenge. Others among the cast are Tilda Swinton and Charles Parnell, with each name performing brilliantly in their respective roles.

David Fincher and Michael Fassbender Spellbind

A triumph of atmospheric storytelling, The Killer captures a thrilling essence in its first frame thanks to spectacular shot selections and a carefully curated color palette. Fassbender gives one of the greatest performances of his career, with director David Fincher proving once again why he's one of the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood today. The Killer deserves its flowers with a spot on the list.

Watch The Killer

7 Wingwomen

A heist film by Mélanie Laurent — who also stars as Carole, and even co-wrote the script — Wingwomen (2023) features a talented array of performers all throughout its cast. On top of Laurent, there's also Adèle Exarchopoulos, Manon Bresch, and famous actress Isabelle Adjani. Quite the star-studded crew, with every name involved giving life to a project that runs the gamut of emotion.

The Best Action Comedy You've Never Heard Of

It's not just action-packed, but also hilarious. And frankly, the pregnancy of Laurent's protagonist produces plenty of poignant plot points before the film's final frame. From the rapport of the characters to the back-and-forth nature of the dialogue, Wingwomen deserves far more love as a high-quality heist film from France. It's among the finest films of the year, and audiences hardly know it exists.

Watch Wingwomen

6 May December

May December

R

Release Date

December 1, 2023

Director

Todd Haynes

Cast

Natalie Portman , Charles Melton , Julianne Moore , Andrea Frankle

Runtime

1hr 57min

Main Genre

Drama

Some of the year's best acting is featured in May December. Directed by Todd Haynes, it stars Julianne Moore alongside Natalie Portman and Charles Melton, with the former's character based on Mary Kay Letourneau. For those unfamiliar: Letourneau was found hooking up with one of her students, a thirteen-year-old named Vili. During her prison sentence, she gave birth to two of Vili's daughters. After her release, the two married. Quite a controversial affair, with the nationwide scandal providing a great basis for a movie plot.

May December Is a Master Class in Acting

In May December, the characters have different names. Moore's character is called Gracie, while her partner (played by Melton) is named Joe. Meanwhile, Portman plays Elizabeth, an actress who's set to play Gracie in a movie. The plot is compelling on paper, and even better with execution. Everyone provides perfect performances, and as a whole, May December is one of the year's absolute best. Check out our interview with Portman and Moore below:

Watch May December

5 Ballerina

Among the highest-rated films on the list is Ballerina, written and directed by Lee Chung-hyun. It boasts a rare approval rating of 100% on critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, with industry pundits citing its dazzling visuals and engaging soundtrack as a stylish backdrop for some truly memorable action sequences.

A Perfect South Korean Action Film

Thought-out shot selection, great choreography, convincing performances — everything comes together to create a compelling overall action product that follows a former bodyguard who seeks revenge for the murder of her friend. Chung-hyun directs both Jeon Jong-seo (the protagonist) and Kim Ji-hoon (the villain) to absolute perfection, with Ballerina going down among the finest films by everyone involved.

Related: Best Korean Thriller Movies, Ranked

Watch Ballerina

4 Nimona

Nimona

PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

Release Date

June 30, 2023

Director

Nick Bruno , Troy Quane

Cast

Chloe Grace Moretz , Riz Ahmed , Eugene Lee Yang , Frances Conroy , Lorraine Toussaint , RuPaul , Indya Moore

Runtime

1hr 41min

Read Our Review

An animated science-fiction stint, Nimona is set in a fantasy world inspired by the Middle Ages. It features Chloë Grace Moretz in the eponymous role, with Riz Ahmed voicing a knight named Ballister. The former is a shapeshifter who sets out to prove Ballister's innocence when he's framed for a crime he didn't commit.

An Animated Classic About Identity

With thrills and twists galore, this is among the greatest animated films of the year. On top of a compelling plot that's inspiring for anyone who feels like their identity is worth more than how people view them, Nimona also features a dazzling style of animation, with smooth tactics of continuity editing piecing the product together. Critics and audiences alike hold Nimona in high regard, and it's easy to see why. Check out our interview with star Riz Ahmed below:

Watch Nimona

3 Maestro

Maestro

R

Biography

Drama

Musical

Release Date

December 20, 2023

Director

Bradley Cooper

Cast

Maya Hawke , Bradley Cooper , Carey Mulligan , Matt Bomer , Sarah Silverman

Runtime

2hr 9min

Directed by Bradley Cooper with Josh Singer as his co-writer, Maestro also features Cooper in the co-starring role, just like his previous film, A Star Is Born. Appearing alongside him is Carey Mulligan; the pair portray American composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre. The real-life figures were married, with Maestro depicting their complicated relationship.

A Tender Study of Relationships

The film puts a spotlight on the performances of its leads, while its script also manages to tap into the basic human condition and why relationships are so difficult. Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer crafted one of the year's most acclaimed scripts with Maestro, chronicling the life and legacy of an important 20th-century talent.

Watch Maestro

2 Nyad

Read Our Review

Starring Annette Bening as the eponymous character, the divisive Nyad also features Jodie Foster in arguably her best performance in 30 years. The film follows the based-on-real-life Diane Nyad as she attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida, while Foster's Bonnie Stoll acts as her coach each stroke of the way. And to bolster the cast's name value, Rhys Ifan also appears. But the aforementioned stars steal the show, forming one of the greatest rapports from any two performers of the year.

Jodie Foster Gives One of Her Greatest Performances

Among the most talented actresses of her generation, Jodie Foster was born to play Stoll, just as she was meant to portray Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1993). This is one of her all-time greatest performances, and even then, Bening's efforts are just as impressive. They both deserve recognition once the Oscars roll around.

Related: NYAD Screenwriter Julia Cox Says She Was ‘Blown Away’ by Annette Bening’s Performance

Watch Nyad

1 They Cloned Tyrone

They Cloned Tyrone

R

Comedy

Action

Mystery

Release Date

July 21, 2023

Director

Juel Taylor

Cast

Jamie Foxx , John Boyega , Teyonah Parris , Kiefer Sutherland , David Alan Grier

Runtime

2hr 2min

Read Our Review

Directed by Juel Taylor in his feature film debut, They Cloned Tyrone stars John Boyega, Teyonah Paris, and Jamie Foxx as characters in a '70s-style universe who uncover a government conspiracy regarding the cloning of humans. Despite not quite getting the accolades and attention it deserved at the time, They Cloned Tyrone should be considered among the highest-quality titles of the year.

A Genre Mash-Up Excels at Every Fathomable Facet of Filmmaking

A witty script comes into perfect fruition by dint of convincing performances and a keen sense of direction. A science-fiction mystery thriller with comedic undertones, the dynamic They Cloned Tyrone has the kind of sharp, fast dialogue that gives you whiplash; it's combined with slick and quick storytelling with well-timed editing. Beneath the surface, it's also thrilling, poignant, and emotionally gripping the whole way through. Fans would be wise to keep their eyes on director Juel Taylor. You can check out our interview with the cast below:

Watch They Cloned Tyrone