As August draws to a close, it’s time to update my list for the best movies added to Netflix NFLX in 2023. Last month saw some great new entries, including 65 and They Cloned Tyrone, while many others were added to the “honorable mentions” of films you don’t want to miss. So what’s new this month? Which of Netflix’s latest additions qualify as some of the best the platform has to offer in 2023? And what movies had to be cut from the list?

In the first section of this article, I’ll detail which ten movies stand out the most. Then below that, you’ll find a long list of honorable mentions that have captivated audiences over the course of this past year. Several movies have come and gone from this list, but I’m hoping that, all in all, this article provides a comprehensive view of what 2023 has looked like for Netflix subscribers.

Directed by Sammi Cohen, this vibrant tale of friendship, rivalry, and tradition dances around two besties, Stacy (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia (Samantha Lorraine). From girlhood, they've dreamt of legendary bat mitzvahs. But life, fueled by teenage whims and the charismatic Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman), tosses their plans into disarray. This heartwarming, comedic saga showcases not just Hebrew school drama but the true essence of friendship. Can they mend bridges in time? With Adam Sandler's stellar presence and a backdrop of traditional dances, it’s a touching ride through adolescence.

Envision an atmospheric battle of good versus evil. Under Julius Avery's direction, Russel Crowe brilliantly embodies Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's renowned exorcist. Over his lifetime, he's faced countless demons, having performed a staggering 100,000 exorcisms. This isn't your clichéd horror flick. Crowe brings a charisma that turns this eerie tale into an unexpectedly delightful journey. Accompanied by Daniel Zovatto, Alex Essoe, and Franco Nero, this film shows the powerful synergy between faith, drama, and relentless evil.

In a world of covert operations and high stakes, Gal Gadot emerges as Rachel Stone, an elite agent with secrets up her sleeve. Directed by the skilled Tom Harper, Stone isn't just another spy; she belongs to the Charter, an enigmatic group of top-tier agents. Their goal? Global peace. But peace comes at a price. The mysterious artifact, the Heart, can tilt the balance of world power. Enter Keya Dhawan (Alia Bhatt), with ambitions that threaten harmony. With Jamie Dornan supporting as MI6's Parker, the film becomes a ticking clock of action, intrigue, and heart-stopping moments.

Wendy Rogers weaves a magical narrative where young Peter's quest to find his lost sister pivots around an enigmatic elephant and a magician. Guided by a seer's counsel, Peter's journey intertwines challenges with heart and charm. While Noah Jupe portrays the determined orphan, actors like Mandy Patinkin, Natasia Demetriou, and Benedict Wong create an enchanting world. This adaptation strikes a balance between whimsy and profound lessons about faith and self-belief.

Inspired by Akira Kurosawa's timeless classic Ikiru, Oliver Hermanus' Living is a poignant reflection on life, legacy, and fleeting time. As a civil servant diagnosed with a terminal condition, Bill Nighy delivers an Oscar-nominated performance, journeying from despair to purpose. With a supporting cast, including Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, and Tom Burke, the story revolves around the pursuit of lasting significance amid life's ephemeral nature.

What's more thrilling than being stranded millions of years in Earth's past? In Scott Beck and Bryan Woods' gripping tale, Adam Driver's Mills faces this nightmare. Following a cataclysmic crash, Mills, along with young survivor Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), navigates a primeval world teeming with predatory threats. A tight-knit thriller, the film offers a unique twist on survival against the odds.

The future unfurls a cybernetic tapestry in Yeon Sang-ho's vision. Amidst a cosmic civil war, an AI researcher strives to restore peace, cloning her heroic mother's brain. With Kang Soo-yeon at the helm, supported by Kim Hyun-joo and Ryu Kyung-soo, the narrative elegantly intertwines emotions, ethics, and cutting-edge technology in a poignant mother-daughter exploration.

Dive into a digital maze in this thrilling narrative directed by Will Merrick and Nick Johnson. When June's mother mysteriously vanishes during a Colombian vacation, a quest unfolds, revealing layers of international intrigue. From her LA base, June, played convincingly by Storm Reid, harnesses the digital realm to decipher the truth. With Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, and Amy Landecker adding depth, the story transforms into a suspenseful odyssey, blurring the lines between reality and virtual deception.

Michael Morris introduces us to Leslie, a Texan mother trying to balance dreams and realities. Andrea Riseborough's Oscar-nominated portrayal delves deep into struggles, from a lottery windfall's fleeting ecstasy to the agonizing depths of addiction. Supported by Allison Janney, Andre Royo, and Marc Maron, this film showcases life's unpredictable oscillations between hope and despair.

Gina Prince-Bythewood crafts a powerful narrative set in 1800s Africa. This isn't just history; it's a testament to the all-female warriors of Dahomey, who showcased strength beyond imagination. As Gen. Nanisca, Viola Davis leads the charge, nurturing and preparing young warriors for a looming external threat. The challenge isn't just to protect their homeland, but to safeguard a legacy. With formidable talents like Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega by her side, it's a cinematic experience blending culture, combat, and charisma.

Here are several other great movies that have been added to the Netflix library in 2023.