In the ever-evolving world of streaming entertainment, Netflix has remained one of the biggest and most popular names for a decade. 2023 has seen its fair share of original releases in both film and television. Due to the amount of content that gets produced every year, some of the best titles flew under the radar, and it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve. As the year comes to an end, it’s time to look back at some of the best Netflix original movies that came out in 2023.

Haunting thrillers, heartwarming dramas, action-packed adventures, long-awaited sequels — Netflix has done it all. There’s something for everyone in its extensive collection of original titles. While not all of this year’s releases were hits, these movies feature unique stories that managed to win over both audiences and critics.

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The Killer

Following the release and success of Mank on Netflix, David Fincher is back on the platform with his newest film, the highly anticipated action thriller The Killer. It follows an unnamed, methodical, and remorseless professional assassin, played by Michael Fassbender. After a job goes wrong, he confronts himself and his employers as he becomes involved in an international manhunt, which he insists isn’t personal.

The neo-noir action film is based on the French graphic novel of the same name. The Killer was somewhat divisive and earned positive to mixed reviews, but Fincher’s approach to the life of a hitman is undoubtedly thrilling. The director delivers some impressive sequences, not to mention a stellar performance from Michael Fassbender. While The Killer is far from being David Fincher’s best film, he proved his talent once again and still managed to deliver one of the best Netflix films of the year. It is a must-watch for any fan of his previous work, and anyone looking for a dark and contemplative thriller with great performances.

Hunger

One of the biggest surprises of the year was Hunger, a Thai drama-thriller directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri. The film can be best described as Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash meets Mark Mylod’s The Menu. Hunger offers a look into the cutthroat world of fine-dining, elite chefs, and an obsession with perfection. It follows a young, talented street-food cook who gets a job at the most prestigious restaurant in the country. The fine-dining restaurant is run by Chef Paul, the top chef in Bangkok, a hostile and intimidating figure who assaults his employees verbally and psychologically.

Hunger offers an intense experience with stunning visuals. It has received mostly positive reviews, stating that the film is an impressive feat and worth a watch. While it is not without its problems, Chef Paul’s obsession with perfection creates an incredibly tense environment. Hunger is a must-watch for anyone with an appetite for the culinary world, tension-filled scenarios, and the journey of a talented underdog determined to become the best at what they do.

The Deepest Breath

Out of the many documentaries released by Netflix in 2023, The Deepest Breathstands out as one of the best. Directed by Laura McGann, this adventure-sports documentary offers a haunting look at freediving, an extreme sport that relies on breath-holding while underwater diving rather than the use of equipment such as scuba gear. It follows the bond between freediver Alessia Zecchini and safety diver Stephen Keenan as they try to break a world record. Entering the world of freediving through the eyes of those who risk their lives doing it is an impressive, terrifying, haunting, and beautiful experience.

Beyond the extreme sport itself, the film also tells a story of friendship, loyalty, trust, and love between the two divers. Featuring stunning and haunting visuals of the depths of the ocean, The Deepest Breath is a documentary that often feels like a thriller. It was well received, and it has been referred to as the best extreme-sports documentary since the Academy Award-winning Free Solo.

They Cloned Tyrone

Writer and director Juel Taylor earns a spot on this list with his directorial debut, the sci-fi comedy They Cloned Tyrone. The story follows an unlikely trio who, after a series of suspicious events, find themselves uncovering a government conspiracy. It features elements of conspiracy thriller, surrealist comedy, and political satire, resulting in one of the most engaging and entertaining scripts of the year. John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris all give great performances, and their chemistry makes this film even more fun to watch.

In addition to being a fun and unique story, it also presents a critique of inequality that is worth listening to. The film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, who have praised its unique genre-bending narrative, its visual style, and the chemistry of its lead cast. They Cloned Tyrone has the potential to become a cult classic in the future, but for now it stands as one of the best Netflix releases of 2023.

Nimona

2023 saw the release of some incredible animated movies, and Netflix did not disappoint. Nimona is an animated sci-fi adventure film based on the graphic novel of the same name by ND Stevenson. The film takes place in a futuristic medieval world, and it follows Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young and impulsive shapeshifter who joins forces with Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), a knight who has been framed for a crime he didn’t commit, as they try to prove his innocence. But unbeknownst to him, Nimona is the monster he has sworn to destroy.

Besides being a clever story packed with fun, imagination, and beautiful animation, Nimona takes an important step for queer representation in animation. It touches themes of acceptance, and features complex and multidimensional LGBT characters and relationships. It was extremely well-received by both audiences and critics. The film has been praised for its unique and charming animation style, its fresh but faithful take on the source material, and the compelling performances from its voice cast. It is a must-see for viewers of all ages who want something fun and endearing to watch. As Guillermo del Toro has stated, animation is a medium, not a genre. Nimona is not just one of the best animated movies on Netflix, it is one of the best movies on Netflix, period.

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