The 8 best Netflix movies of 2023 so far, ranked

Rotten Tomatoes: 80%

Netflix synopsis: "Back from the brink of death, highly skilled commando Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) takes on another dangerous mission: saving the imprisoned family of a ruthless gangster."

Many agree the sequel is better than the first as long as you turn your brain off and enjoy the ride.

Rob Hunter writes for Film School Rejects, "the follow up is a slicker, highly exhilarating ride that sees returning director Sam Hargrave and his team ramp up everything that worked so well the first time around.

A third film is currently in development.

Rotten Tomatoes: 84%

Netflix synopsis: "Featuring interviews with performers, activists, and past employees, this documentary offers a deep dive into the successes and scandals of Pornhub."

Critics agree this is a fascinating, well-made documentary on one of the internet's most popular websites without demonizing the subject or its users.

For the New York Times, Natalia Winkelman writes, "Here is a documentary that casts a clear eye on the offenses of an industry driven by capitalism while never losing sight of the workers whose safety and success should be that profession's number one priority."

Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Netflix synopsis: "Two passionate freedivers find purpose in one of the world's most extreme sports — and a kindred spirit in each other. But their bond soon gets deeper."

"'The Deepest Breath' rivals Free Solo as one of the most anxiety-inducing extreme sports documentaries ever," writes Maxwell Rabb for the Chicago Reader.

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Netflix synopsis: "Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons."

The critical consensus is that the documentary offers a fun and "worthwhile" look at the rise and sudden dissolution of the 80s band who struggled with fame.

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Netflix synopsis: "A knight framed for a tragic crime teams with a scrappy, shape-shifting teen to prove his innocence. But what if she's the monster he's sworn to destroy?"

"'Nimona' tells its story tenderly, poignantly and offers up a parable on learning not to fear those who are different from you and demolish the pious barriers that separate us," writes Randy Myers for the San Jose Mercury News.

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Netflix synopsis: "An eerie series of events leads an unlikely trio down a rabbit hole into a sinister neighborhood conspiracy. John Boyega stars opposite Teyonah Parris and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx in this pulpy comedic sci-fi caper directed and co-written by Juel Taylor."

Whelan Barzey wrote for Time Out the film's "satirical unpacking of the Black community's cornerstones – food, music and religion – thrillingly tackles the uncomfortable idea that outsiders gain more from these institutions than the Black community itself."

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Netflix synopsis: "In her own words, through personal videos and diaries, Pamela Anderson shares the story of her rise to fame, rocky romances, and infamous sex tape scandal."

The 2023 documentary, directed by Ryan White, received two 2023 Emmy nominations for outstanding documentary and outstanding music composition for a documentary series or special.

Salon's Alison Stine hailed the doc for "presenting a more thoughtful, haunting and emotional side of Anderson's story."

Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Netflix synopsis: "Following a tense election, a tight-knit family works to navigate life changes while chasing separate goals — including a secret dream to live on Mars."

After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and becoming Brazil's Oscar entry at the 2023 Academy Awards, Ava DuVernay's distributor Array Releasing purchased the film. Through a deal with Netflix, the film began streaming on the service in January.

"'Mars One' nimbly centers each of its four main characters, elegantly weaving their stories into a poignant familial whole," wrote Jude Dry for IndieWire. "All relatable, flawed, and charming in their own ways, they antagonize each other without anyone losing their humanity."