It’s the end of the year and that means it’s time for every internet publication to declare what they think are the top movies of 2023. Most of these lists will be filled with the films that will eventually make up the Oscars Best Picture race. And while it’s great to showcase these amazing movies I thought it would be fun to take the opportunity to instead talk about some of the lesser known but still equally incredible films that came out theatrically in 2023. These movies are unlikely to pick up any of the big name awards, but they’re movies that should be watched and enjoyed nonetheless. And having watched over 100 movies in theatres this year, and over 120 new releases in general, I assure you this list is relatively well informed and well researched.

Note this is not my definitive top movie list of 2023. Stay tuned for that as there are still a few 2023 titles getting wide releases in January 2024 that I have to catch before I make up my mind. 

So with all that said, here are 8 great movies you probably haven’t seen, and where you can watch them now! 

Rye Lane (RT 98%)

Pitch: Watch if you’re looking for a modern take on a British romantic comedy, like an updated Love Actually following one story instead of nine, that is still both romantic and comedic and ultimately satisfying.

Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+ (CA) 

Rye Lane is an incredible directorial debut from Raine Allen Miller that follows the rather unconventional meet-cute in South London of Dom & Yas as they help each other work through the baggage of their individual bad break-ups and in the process make a real and authentic connection. There is a certain freshness to the direction, with each shot filled with colour and buzzing with energy. Both leads deliver incredibly endearing and honest performances, and their bond feels organic and earned. And the music and score enhance the whole experience, with a score that creates this incredibly dream-like urban ethereal feel. It’s the best romcom of the year no doubt.

The Creator (RT 66%) 

Pitch: Watch if you’re looking for a high-quality original sci-fi movie and were a bit disappointed by Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire. 

Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+ (CA)

Here me out, I’ll admit it’s not a perfect movie (as its Rotten Tomatoes score will attest to), but having watched Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire recently, The Creator from director Gareth Edwards is comparatively a sci-fi masterpiece. Its script is filled with much more original ideas, and tackling much more relevant themes, rather than feeling like an homage to nearly every sci-fi property in existence. The performances are solid, with characters who are actually given things to do and opportunities to interact with one another. And the visual aesthetic is breathtaking, achieving that gritty aesthetic with expansive visuals that don’t look like the whole thing was shot on a soundstage. If you were willing to give Rebel Moon a try, I think you might find some enjoyment in The Creator as well.

Cassandro (RT 92%)

Pitch: Watch if you’re looking for an introspective and emotional biopic, with an LGBTQ-focus, like current Oscars contender Maestro, that tackles the concept of toxic masculinity in a way that’s a bit more digestible than past Oscar favourite The Power of the Dog.

Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime Video 

I’ll admit that the world of Lucha Libre may not necessarily be up everyone’s alley, and so watching a movie that follows the journey of a wrestling Exótico may be alienating for some movie-goers. But if you’re interested in watching one of the best lead performances of 2023 that will sadly likely go unrecognized on the award circuit, Cassandro is a must watch. Gael Garcia Bernal delivers an awards-worthy performance as real life wrestler Saúl Armendáriz. Bernal is a special actor, known for his more bubbly, joyful and over-the-top performances. But this movie allows him to really delve deep into the more subtle and tragic moments of Saúl’s life that elevate this biopic beyond the usual trappings that are expected in the biopic genre. 

Flora and Son (RT 93%)

Pitch: Watch if you’re looking for a polished but still indie-flavoured feel good flick, similar to past Oscars Best Picture winner CODA, that’s filled with some catchy upbeat music. 

Where to Watch: Stream on Apple TV+ 

Director John Carney, who is known for music-filled flicks like Once and Begin Again, returns true to form with Flora and Son, following a troubled mother-son relationship that is healed through the mutual love of creating music. Lead Eve Hewson is spunky and incredibly charismatic as Flora. And while the movie may not be a hard hitting Oscars film, it’s sweet and utterly charming, and the type of movie that will make you smile and warm you up like a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s night.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem (RT 96%) 

Pitch: Watch if you’re looking for a family-friendly animated movie with a distinctly fresh aesthetic and visual animation style in a similar vein to Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse. 

Where to Watch: Stream on Paramount+ 

Out of all the movies on this list, this one might be the one that’s done the best at the box office but I still feel is being lost in the shuffle amongst the other animated movies that have come out this year including Across the Spiderverse and The Boy and the Heron. I think this movie is the best iteration of the TMNT franchise thus far, with a young cast that perfectly captures the endearing and naive teen spirit of the turtles. Couple this with an animation style that is completely different from what we’re used to, but equally beautiful and inspired, and you have an incredible animated feature for the whole family. 

Riceboy Sleeps (RT 96%) 

Pitch: Watch if you’re looking for a Korean-Canadian drama that is tonally and aesthetically similar to Past Lives, but focuses on showcasing a true-to-life Canadian immigrant experience. 

Where to Watch: Stream on Crave (CA) 

I’ve been a huge fan of this little Canadian film since catching it in theatres earlier this year, even to the point of helping host a showing in my hometown of Markham, Ontario in October as part of our Markham at the Movies line-up. Riceboy Sleeps follows the journey of So-Young, a Korean single mother, who immigrates to Canada to raise her son Dong-Hyun. It’s a movie that feels distinctly Canadian in its depiction of blending into Western culture. Its story is also clearly deeply personal for director Anthony Shim, and for me feels instantly relatable as a person of Asian descent growing up in Canada. It’s tragic, but ultimately beautiful, and is indeed a must watch!

I Like Movies (RT 100%) 

Pitch: Watch if you’re looking for a teen comedy with some down-to-earth indie flare and real heart, in a similar vein to Juno or The Edge of Seventeen. 

Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix (CA) 

I have to give some love to the quiet, quirky, and ultimately deeply moving Canadian teen dramedy I Like Movies, the directorial debut of director Chandler Levack. It’s a true coming of age tale, following our protagonist Lawrence in his final year of high school, as we watch him come to terms with the fact that life may not actually be as simple or straightforward as anticipated as an adult. Lead Isaiah Lehtinen is phenomenal in the role, taking a considerably narcissistic character on a journey of self discovery and growth. But it’s the honest performance from supporting Actress Romina D’Ugo as Lawrence’s video store manager that for me is the icing on the cake. 

Scrapper (RT 94%) 

Pitch: Watch if you liked the father-daughter dynamic of Aftersun, but are looking for something lighter & much more comedic. 

Where to Watch: available for digital rental, but catch a live screening at Flato Markham Theatre at 7 pm on Tuesday March 26th, 2024. Info can be found here.

So last but not least, this list would not be complete without mentioning Sundance favourite Scrapper from director Charlotte Regan. Breakout star Lola Campbell absolutely nails the role of precocious 12-year-old Georgie, who is living alone before being unexpectedly reunited with her estranged father Jason, played by Harris Dickinson. The chemistry between the two leads is absolutely phenomenal, and watching their relationship grow is like watching magic unfold on screen. While there are real laughs throughout, it’s also a genuinely touching story about resilience, grief and the importance of family. I cannot recommend this enough!

If you haven’t caught this one yet and live in the Greater Toronto Area, well then you’re in luck. Join us as Markham at the Movies presents an exclusive showing of Scrapper at Flato Markham Theatre at 7 pm on Tuesday March 26th, 2024. Info can be found here. You won’t be disappointed! 

In Closing

So there you have it, 8 great movies to end off a great year of movies in general. I hope you may find a new favourite in this list, or at least a new movie to warm you up over the cold winter! In any case, I hope you all have a healthy and happy start to the new year. Here’s to another great year of movies in 2024!