13 movies that received a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes this year
Kirsten Acuna
- BI rounded up the movies that got a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes in 2023 with 25 reviews or more.
- Most of the films are eye-opening documentaries or international releases.
Some of this year's best-reviewed movies are ones you may have missed.
Business Insider rounded up the titles that earned perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores this year with at least 25 reviews.
Three are harrowing documentaries that share themes of citizens fighting for freedom in their own countries. Others, like "The Teachers' Lounge," are entries for best international film at the 2024 Oscars.
The movie with the most reviews documents the early days of Russia's invasion of Mariupol, Ukraine.
All Rotten Tomatoes scores were current as of December 11, 2023, and are subject to change.
"Concrete Utopia"
What it's about: Based on a webtoon, the South Korean disaster movie depicts the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Seoul and the ensuing conflict that arises among its survivors when only one apartment building remains to house everyone.
Why you should watch: Critics praised director Uhm Tae-Hwa for blending a dystopian disaster flick with a psychological survival thriller that's basically "Lord of the Flies" on steroids.
The film is South Korea's best international feature film entry at the 2024 Oscars.
Where to watch: in select theaters
"Bad Press"
What it's about: Reporter Angel Ellis looks into the Muscogee Nation's censorship of journalists from fairly covering them months ahead of an election after sexual harassment allegations come to light.
Why you should watch: Critics say it's an important look at how the freedom of the press to report both good and bad news fairly upholds democracy and what can happen if corrupt forces are allowed to control the news.
The film won the Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression at the Sundance Film Festival.
Where to watch: "Bad Press" is currently not streaming.
"Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros"
What it's about: The four-hour documentary follows the Troisgros' family restaurant, which has held a three-star Michelin rating for over 50 years in France.
Why you should watch: Director Frederick Wiseman's 44th documentary provides an immersive, in-depth look inside a multigenerational family business that not only treats foodies to the meticulous assembly of dishes, but also the decisions behind new recipes at one of today's best restaurants.
Where to watch: in select theaters
"I Like Movies"
What it's about: The comedy follows a socially awkward 17-year-old movie buff (Isaiah Lehtinen) who starts working at a video store and navigates a complicated friendship with his female manager (Romina D'Ugo) who doesn't have the same passion for movies as him.
Despite premiering at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2022, "I Like Movies" wasn't theatrically released until March 2023.
Why you should watch: Critics have hailed "I Like Movies" as a sweet and funny coming-of-age movie for its genuinely moving and vulnerable performances from its leads, Lehtinen and D'Ugo, and its nostalgic reverence of the video store experience.
Globe and Mail named the film one of the best Canadian comedies ever made.
Where to watch: "I Like Movies" isn't available to stream or rent right now.
"A Disturbance in the Force"
What it's about: A documentary about the infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special" that was so bad it only aired once on CBS in 1978.
Why you should watch: Disney+ doesn't even stream the holiday special, so it's incredible any sort of deep dive into this legendary piece of pop culture exists to explain how it happened.
The extensive look into the making of the special is a necessary watch for any "Star Wars" fan. It details the pressures creator George Lucas faced between the release of 1977's "Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope" and its 1980 sequel to provide some type of "Star Wars" content until the release of "Empire Strikes Back" and to help promote toy sales.
One of the most fascinating bits details how Robin Williams was reportedly turned down for the special because he was considered a nobody at the time.
Where to watch: Available to rent and buy on Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu
"The Teachers' Lounge"
What it's about: A series of school thefts slowly drives a new teacher (Leonie Benesch) to her breaking point as she faces increasingly hostile colleagues and students after she confronts a potential perpetrator.
Why you should watch: Director Ilker Çatak delivers a nerve-racking study of the lack of trust between students and teachers when a scandal arises on campus.
The German drama succeeds in making viewers as stressed as Benesch's character as rumors lead to retaliation and the situation escalates until its final minutes.
"The Teachers' Lounge" is Germany's entry for best international film at the 2024 Oscars.
Where to watch: in select theaters starting December 25
"Mami Wata"
What it's about: Written and directed by C.J. Obasi, the black-and-white fantasy thriller follows two sisters who fight to hold their village together when members grow dissatisfied with their priestess who's supposed to serve as an intermediary of the tribe's water diety, Mami Wata.
Why you should watch: Critics praised the cinematography for its striking juxtaposition of light and dark with The Hollywood Reporter calling the movie "a dynamic study in color." Critics also commended its ability to subvert viewer expectations by lingering on certain shots for longer or shorter than expected.
"Mami Wata" is Nigeria's entry for best international film at the 96th Academy Awards.
Where to watch: "Mami Wata" is currently not available to stream.
"Bobi Wine: The People's President"
What it's about: The bio doc follows Ugandan pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine who ran in the country's 2021 presidential election, using his music to expose the corruption of the decades-long dictatorial regime of Yoweri Museveni.
Why you should watch: Wine's courage and unwavering desire to make Ugandan lives better are inspirational as he puts his life on the line against the military and police who try to silence him and his supporters. Wine and his campaign team continuously come under fire as they attempt to fight for democracy and a fair election.
Though it premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, the doc wasn't released widely until October 2023 after its acquisition by National Geographic Documentary Films.
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic's YouTube channel for free
"Late Night With the Devil"
What it's about: The supernatural thriller features late-night talk-show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) whose live 1977 Halloween broadcast with a parapsychologist and possessed teen gets out of hand.
Why you should watch: The low-budget Australian film was praised for its clever found-footage format, Dastmalchian's "phenomenally committed performance," and its ability to capture the "glee of watching a television train wreck" in real-time.
Even horror king Stephen King praised the movie as "absolutely brilliant."
Where to watch: Nowhere, yet. IFC Films and Shudder will exclusively release the film in theaters at a future date. It will later be available to stream on Shudder.
"The First Slam Dunk"
What it's about: The "Slam Dunk" manga adaptation from first-time director Takehiko Inoue follows high-school student Ryota Miyagi and his basketball team as they seek to challenge rival champs.
Though the film premiered in Japan in December 2022, it wasn't released anywhere else until 2023, only hitting US theaters in July.
Why you should watch: Critics adore the basketball movie for its gorgeous blend of 2D animation and CGI and its sound design which makes audiences feel like they're courtside at suspenseful games all while delivering a riveting underdog story.
Hailed as one of the best sports movies ever made, the film won best animated feature at the Fantasia International Film Festival and was named animation of the year at Japan's Academy Film Prize ceremony.
Where to watch: "The First Slam Dunk" is currently not available to stream.
"Beyond Utopia"
What it's about: The documentary follows several families as they embark on life-or-death journeys to escape North Korea and the underground network that helped them.
Why you should watch: Critics called the documentary an eye-opening suspenseful thriller that gives a peek at life under an oppressive regime and the lengths citizens will go to gain basic human rights.
Where to watch: Available to rent and buy on AppleTV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, and Microsoft
"The Disappearance of Shere Hite"
What it's about: Narrated by Dakota Johnson, the documentary follows the life of sex educator Shere Hite who received backlash for her research and contribution to the discourse on the female orgasm published in her 1976 bestseller, "The Hite Report."
Why you should watch: It's an important look at a feminist who wasn't afraid to speak openly about sexual health despite facing criticism that eventually drove her out of America as well as women's rights in general.
Where to watch: in select theaters
"20 Days in Mariupol"
What it's about: Directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press journalist Mstyslav Chernov, the documentary follows Chernov and fellow press who stayed and became trapped in Mariupol, Ukraine for nearly three weeks as Russia began invading the country in 2022.
Why you should watch: A tense, harrowing first-hand look at the Russia-Ukraine war, Mystyslav offers invaluable and graphic footage of people fleeing or hunkering down in makeshift shelters and of the medics desperately trying to save lives.
It's a difficult watch as Chernov's team captures the deaths and burials of civilians, including babies, while also running for their lives to get their footage to the press.
Where to watch: Free to watch with PBS Documentaries. Available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime and Vudu.
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