Mid-Year Best Of: The 10 best movies of the year, so far
These films were the biggest hits of the year for IMDb fans so far. Take a look back at these top-rated films from the first half of 2023.
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- DirectorJoaquim Dos SantosKemp PowersJustin K. ThompsonStarsShameik MooreHailee SteinfeldBrian Tyree HenryMiles Morales catapults across the multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.'Across the Spider-Verse' is not only the most visually dazzling film of the year, it’s also one of the few bright spots in an otherwise spotty year at the box office, with over $500MM of ticket sales worldwide. On top of all that, the sequel to 2018’s 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' has surpassed the first film’s already high IMDb user rating, making it the current top movie of 2023.
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattChukwudi IwujiBradley CooperStill reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.Speaking of bright spots in the superhero genre, in their final film under James Gunn’s direction, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' leaned into the quirky irreverence that made the franchise such a hit, and created a Marvel sequel that audiences could enjoy without having to feel tethered to the sprawl of the MCU’s story arcs.
- DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneGeorge GeorgiouJohn Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.In a world of sequels that nobody asked for, audiences still love John Wick (and Keanu Reeves). 'Chapter 4' delivered the goods, giving fans nearly three hours of non-stop action that managed to do everything bigger, longer, and louder than ever before. A hefty $427 million at the worldwide box office is a good indicator that Lionsgate did right by the beloved franchise.
- DirectorGuy RitchieStarsJake GyllenhaalDar SalimSean SagarDuring the war in Afghanistan, a local interpreter risks his own life to carry an injured sergeant across miles of grueling terrain.For this Afghanistan war thriller, Guy Ritchie reigned in the stylistic flourishes audiences expect from the 'Snatch' and 'Sherlock Holmes' director, resulting in a more nuanced affair that satisfied critics and audiences alike.
- DirectorBen AffleckStarsMatt DamonJason BatemanBen AffleckFollows the history of sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro, and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball, Michael Jordan.The iconic Hollywood duo of Affleck and Damon took on the iconic basketball duo of Michael Jordan and Nike, and the result was a smash hit with audiences. The snappy dialogue, winning performances, and ‘80s nostalgia made for an irresistible combo, even for casual sports fans.
- DirectorMarc ForsterStarsTom HanksMariana TreviñoRachel KellerOtto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.One of Hollywood’s most lovable actors took on one of literature’s grumpiest characters in this adaptation of 2012’s ‘A Man Called Ove.’ Tom Hanks’ performance as a comically miserable man who makes an unlikely connection with a younger neighbor resonated with film-goers. With its combination of wry comedy and earnest drama, the film reminded viewers that friendship truly can be found in unexpected places.
- DirectorJon S. BairdStarsTaron EgertonMara HufMiles BarrowVideo game designer Henk Rogers seeks to secure global rights for Tetris (1984), leading to tense negotiations in the Soviet Union, involving creators, government, and corporate intrigues.Film fans loved getting the inside scoop on the creation of history’s most addictive puzzle game in ‘Tetris.’ Taron Egerton received critical accolades for his performance as Henk Rogers, the man responsible for bringing the game to the masses, while audiences responded to the surprisingly riveting story about contract negotiations. It can be difficult to adapt true stories into compelling films, but with this Apple TV+ original, audiences agree all of the pieces fell into place.
- DirectorJohn Francis DaleyJonathan GoldsteinStarsChris PineMichelle RodriguezRegé-Jean PageA charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.Anyone who has rolled the 20-sided die knows just how hard it is to convey the joys of playing D&D to others. And yet directors Jonathan M. Goldstein and John Francis Daley did just that with their critical hit ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.’ Although the film is one of many adaptations of the beloved game, this iteration’s all-star cast and quirky Easter eggs (gelatinous cubes, anyone?) made it a top pick for IMDb fans this year.
- DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsEzra MillerMichael KeatonSasha CalleBarry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without super heroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.While the initial box office take for DC’s newest blockbuster may have left something to be desired, ‘The Flash’ was a win with audiences eager to see the continuation of Barry Allen’s (Ezra Miller) story. Loaded with thrilling battles, an intriguing plot, and the return of Michael Keaton’s legendary Batman, this superhero film helped kick off the 2023 summer movie season in style.
- DirectorNicholas D. JohnsonWill MerrickStarsTim GriffinAva Zaria LeeNia LongAfter her mother goes missing, a young woman tries to find her from home, using tools available to her online.Critics and fans alike gave two thumbs up to this spiritual sequel to 2018's 'Searching', which placed a novel twist on the found footage subgenre by framing the entirety of the film within familiar digital portals like FaceTime, iMessage, and Snapchat. In 'Missing', the filmmakers upped the ante with shocking plot twists that left audiences reeling in delight. Storm Reid delivered another stellar performance in her role as June, reminding us all why her star continues to rise.