Top 5 2023 Outstanding Films That May Have Stayed Off Your Radar

Although 2023 is drawing to a close, new movies are premiering almost every week. For instance, a Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was released just a couple of weeks ago and has caused a stir in the industry, grossing about $200 million in that time. Meanwhile, The Marvels, which opened a week earlier, hasn't performed quite as well, earning just $170 million in its three weeks in theaters.

However, these are blockbusters that are, as always, the ultimate talk of the town. In the meantime, 2023 has seen a number of impressive releases that have been lost in the shadows of the top-tier titles.

Here are just five of 2023's lesser-known films that are definitely worth your attention.

The Killer

6.8 on IMDb

Starring Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton, this film revolves around a professional hitman who embarks on a killing spree after one of his cases goes wrong. Directed by David Fincher, the action thriller had a limited theatrical release in the US at the end of October and is now available to stream on Netflix.

Priscilla

7.1 on IMDb

Sofia Coppola's highly controversial film about Priscilla Presley's marriage to the legendary musician has captured the audience and critics' attention since its premiere in October. Attempting to tell a love story without shying away from darker moments, the director has created an intriguing picture that allows you to make your own judgments rather than imposing a view on you. Priscilla stars Jacob Elordi as Elvis and Cailee Spaeny as the title character.

Maestro

7.1 on IMDb

Another biopic on the list, this film was created by and stars Bradley Cooper as the legendary American composer, Leonard Bernstein. In addition to exploring the man's musical legacy, Maestro also delves into the complexities of his personal life, including his marriage to Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), bisexuality and affairs with men. Following its Thanksgiving theatrical release, Maestro will be available to stream on Netflix beginning December 20.

Saltburn

7.5 on IMDb

Jacob Elordi's second film on the list, Saltburn centers on the odd, seemingly friendly relationship between two very different Oxford students – Oliver (Barry Keoghan) and Felix (J. Elordi). Full of manipulation and obsession, their friendship is the study matter of the movie, created by Emerald Fennell, who didn't shy away from showing utterly shocking scenes. At the same time, Saltburn is full of black humor, so it'll give you a variety of emotions.

Poor Things

8.5 on IMDb

This surrealistic, somewhat fantastical black comedy follows Emma Stone's character, a young Victorian woman who commits suicide but is resurrected by a scientist. After the incident, she runs off with a bon vivant of a lawyer and dedicates the life she's been given back to the pursuit of pleasure and self-exploration. The film will be released on December 8th.