Best Superhero Movies 2023

Whether or not superhero fatigue is a real thing, overall it was not a particularly noteworthy year for the genre, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t get a few gems. Looking at the live-action superhero offerings of 2023, the consensus winner for critics (and audiences, as it were) was James Gunn’s final flourish in the MCU, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

#1

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
82%

#1

Adjusted Score: 105448%

Critics Consensus: A galactic group hug that might squeeze a little too tight on the heartstrings, the final Guardians of the Galaxy is a loving last hurrah for the MCU's most ragtag family.

Synopsis: In Marvel Studios "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these... [More]

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan

Directed By: James Gunn

#2

Smoking Causes Coughing (2022)
94%

#2

Adjusted Score: 97939%

Critics Consensus: Quentin Dupieux still isn't for everyone -- but if you're on his loopy wavelength, Smoking Causes Coughing causes laughter.

Synopsis: A wildly inventive new comedy from Quentin Dupieux (MANDIBLES, RUBBER), SMOKING CAUSES COUGHING follows the misadventures of a team of... [More]

Starring: Gilles Lellouche, Vincent Lacoste, Anaïs Demoustier, Jean-Pascal Zadi

Directed By: Quentin Dupieux

#3

Blue Beetle (2023)
77%

#3

Adjusted Score: 92523%

Critics Consensus: Led by Xolo Maridueña's magnetic performance in the title role, Blue Beetle is a refreshingly family-focused superhero movie with plenty of humor and heart.

Synopsis: Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not... [More]

Starring: Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo

Directed By: Angel Manuel Soto

#4

The Flash (2023)
63%

#4

Adjusted Score: 85313%

Critics Consensus: The Flash is funny, fittingly fast-paced, and overall ranks as one of the best DC movies in recent years.

Synopsis: Worlds collide in "The Flash" when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the... [More]

Starring: Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon

Directed By: Andy Muschietti

#5

The Marvels (2023)
62%

#5

Adjusted Score: 83165%

Critics Consensus: Funny, refreshingly brief, and elevated by the chemistry of its three leads, The Marvels is easy to enjoy in the moment despite its cluttered story and jumbled tonal shifts.

Synopsis: Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence.... [More]

Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson

Directed By: Nia DaCosta