7 Movies on Netflix 2023 to Watch This Week

While Netflix faces uncertainties in retaining subscribers and tackling account sharing, it’s hard to overlook the success it achieved in 2022.

With the return of beloved shows like The Gray Man, Stranger Things, Spiderhead, and Bardo, as well as new hits like Wednesday and The Recruit, the streaming service remains invaluable to fans.

Moreover, Netflix’s film lineup was equally impressive, featuring a diverse range of genres such as comedy, award contenders, documentaries, thrillers, indies, and horror.

Looking back, 2022 showcased the breadth of Netflix’s offerings. Here is a ranked list of the top 7 best Netflix movies of 2022, catering to every taste.

1. Title: The Gray Man 

Release Year: 2022
Director: Joe Russo and Anthony Russo
Runtime: 2h 9m

Ranked at the top of our list of the  movies on Netflix 2022 is “The Gray Man,” a recent addition to the platform. This thrilling and action-packed film follows a CIA operative who uncovers dark secrets within the agency, leading to a colleague placing a bounty on his life. With a fast-paced narrative, Ryan Gosling delivers a captivating performance as a mysterious and cunning CIA Agent, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Although some elements of the film may not be exceptional, they do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. While not a masterpiece, “The Gray Man” is a solid choice for an entertaining single viewing, providing enjoyment without requiring excessive contemplation.

2. Title: Spiderhead

Release Year: 2022
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Runtime: 1h 47m

Following Joseph Kosinski’s box office success with Top Gun: Maverick, Netflix released his uniquely captivating science fiction thriller, Spiderhead. With its focus on examining tech geniuses, the film struck a timely chord, while the premise of a test subject (portrayed by Miles Teller) tormented by a peculiar inventor (played by Chris Hemsworth) felt especially relevant in 2022. Hemsworth’s magnetic and intense performance alone is worth watching, but Kosinski once again showcases his exceptional talent for action filmmaking, bringing his incredible techniques from Maverick into a confined and intimate setting. Spiderhead delivers a gripping experience that blends suspense, technology, and outstanding performances.

3. Title: Bardo

Release Year: 2022
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Runtime: 2h 39m

Alejandro González Iñárritu has never shied away from grandeur, and in Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, he indulges in his most self-aggrandizing endeavor to date. However, it also stands as his most sincere and personal work. The narrative revolves around a documentary filmmaker (Daniel Giménez Cacho) grappling with his critics, newfound fatherhood, and Mexican heritage, allowing Inarritu to introspectively explore the very issues he has personally encountered. Bardo serves as a captivating piece of self-therapy, showcasing the filmmaker’s ability to deliver both spectacle and profound introspection. It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking cinematic creation from an artist unafraid to confront his own depths.

4. Title: Windfall

Release Year: 2022
Director: Charlie McDowell
Runtime: 1h 32m

While Windfall may evoke the atmosphere of the “pandemic era” with its intimate thriller set in isolated locations, the film’s minimalist approach amplifies its thrilling nature. Jason Segal delivers a compelling and emphatic performance as a hapless robber caught in a negotiation with a kidnapped billionaire (Jesse Plemons) and his girlfriend (Lily Collins). The interactions between the characters generate a delicate yet impactful sense of humor, but as the film progresses into its third act, a dark twist serves as a cautionary reminder of the harsh reality of economic inequity. Windfall combines tension, wit, and a sobering message in an enthralling cinematic experience.

5. Title: The Stranger

Release Year: 2022
Director: Harlan Coben
Runtime: Seasonal

Undercover cop movies are due for a revival, and in 2022, The Stranger emerges as a worthy contender reminiscent of Donnie Brasco. Inspired by a shocking true story, the film centers around Australian policeman Mark Frame (portrayed by Joel Edgerton) as he delves into a child abuse case linked to the suspect Harry Teague (played by Sean Harris). Serving as a gripping two-hander, the story keeps Frame perpetually on the precipice of discovery. Yet, amidst the tension, Edgerton’s portrayal also delves into the anxieties of parenthood, adding a heartfelt dimension to the film. The Stranger is a compelling thriller that balances suspense with emotional depth.

6. Title: The Good Nurse

Release Year: 2022
Director: Tobias Lindholm
Runtime: 2h 1m

The true story that inspired The Good Nurse is so profoundly shocking that it would be dismissed as implausible if it were a work of fiction. However, director Tobias Lindholm takes an earnest approach, delivering a procedural narrative that unfolds with precision. The film follows nurse Amy Loughren (portrayed by Jessica Chastain) as she gradually discovers unsettling clues that suggest her coworker, Charles Cullen (played by Eddie Redmayne), may be a serial killer. Chastain skillfully captures the anxiety of a mother uncovering her employer’s cover-ups, while Redmayne’s hauntingly eerie performance demands serious attention during award season. The Good Nurse is a gripping and disturbing tale that leaves a lasting impact.

7. Title: Blonde

Release Year: 2022
Director: Andrew Dominik
Runtime: 2h 46m

Blonde stands as one of the most divisive films of the year, with many dismissing it due to Andrew Dominik’s controversial remarks. However, beneath the controversy lies exceptional craftsmanship that shouldn’t be overlooked. Rather than a straightforward biopic about Marilyn Monroe, Blonde serves as an examination of her public image and the societal values imposed upon her by a harsh and unsympathetic world. Ana de Armas delivers a graceful and poignant performance, while Dominik masterfully recreates moments of terror reminiscent of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Despite the controversy, Blonde offers thought-provoking analysis and artistic prowess that should be appreciated.