The Best Movies Of 2013

Ranker Film
Updated September 1, 2023 30.8K votes 2.5K voters 218.4K views
Over 2.5K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 2013
Voting Rules
Only movies released in theaters in 2013.

Here is a list of the best movies from 2013, as ranked by movie fans just like you. Every year, around the holiday season, film critics and fans alike gather together to proclaim that a select few movies were the best the film world had to offer during the year. For some, the best movies are those that evoke an emotional response and memorable acting performances. For other movie fans, it’s the entertainment value of a film that earns its place on the “best of” lists. Whatever the personal preferences of the movie viewer, people have strong feelings about what they believe is the best movie of the year.

The films on this list are among the best movies made in 2013. These films gathered strong reviews from the most respected film critics in the country, entertained audiences across the globe, and stayed in their thoughts long after the credits rolled. This list includes movies of many different genres, as well as both indie and major studio releases.

What are the best movies of 2013? While much of the debate rests on personal taste, the movies on this list received great reviews, captured the attention of the audience, and earned a place in cinema history. For more 2013 movie lists, check out Ranker's lists of the funniest movies of 2013 and the most overrated 2013 films.

Most divisive: The Great Gatsby
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  • The Wolf of Wall Street
    1

    The Wolf of Wall Street

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
    918 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Martin Scorsese
    In the riveting film The Wolf of Wall Street, we follow the life of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a Wall Street stockbroker. Driven by ambition, he plunges headfirst into a world of greed and excess. His right-hand man, Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill), aids him in his unscrupulous endeavors. The movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, showcases their rise to immense wealth and subsequent fall into crime and corruption. It's a tale fraught with fraud, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power. This critically acclaimed drama won multiple awards for its exceptional storytelling and stellar performances.

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  • Frozen
    2

    Frozen

    Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff
    718 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
    Chris Buck
    Frozen is a captivating animation, set in the mystical kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) possesses an extraordinary but perilous power - she can create ice and snow. Her younger sister, Princess Anna (Kristen Bell), embarks on a daring adventure to bring her sister back after Elsa's powers inadvertently plunge their kingdom into eternal winter. Joined by rugged mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven, they encounter trolls, harsh conditions, and magic at every turn. The film, noted for its memorable songs and stunning visuals, won two Academy Awards - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Let It Go.

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  • Prisoners
    3

    Prisoners

    Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis
    774 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
    In the heart-pounding thriller Prisoners, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces every parent's worst nightmare when his six-year-old daughter and her friend go missing. As minutes turn into hours, panic sets in, and Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) is assigned to the case. However, with no solid leads, Dover takes matters into his own hands. The film masterfully explores themes of desperation and morality during a frantic race against time. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners received an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography. It's a tense exploration of human nature under extreme pressure.

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  • 12 Years a Slave
    4

    12 Years a Slave

    Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch
    855 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Steve McQueen
    12 Years a Slave, a gripping historical drama, follows the life of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York who is abducted and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States. The film also features Michael Fassbender as plantation owner Edwin Epps, along with Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti in supporting roles. Directed by Steve McQueen, this powerful narrative showcases Northup's struggle for survival and freedom. Garnering acclaim for its poignant storytelling, it won three Academy Awards including Best Picture. This movie provides an unflinching view of a dark chapter in American history.

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  • Her
    5

    Her

    Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson
    326 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Spike Jonze
    Her, a distinct fusion of romance and science fiction, sweeps viewers into the near future where Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) finds solace in an advanced operating system. Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), the artificial intelligence, evolves beyond her programming to form a deep bond with Theodore. This Spike Jonze-directed film dances on the edge of reality and digital companionship, blurring lines between human connection and technological dependency. A recipient of multiple awards including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, Her is a poignant exploration of love in the modern age.

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  • Dallas Buyers Club
    6

    Dallas Buyers Club

    Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto
    608 votes
    • Released: 2013
    • Directed by: Jean-Marc Vallée
    In the gripping drama Dallas Buyers Club, we follow the life of Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), a hard-living Texan diagnosed with HIV. Struggling against the medical establishment, he establishes an operation to smuggle unapproved treatments into the US. Aiding him is Rayon (Jared Leto), a transgender woman also battling the disease. Their unconventional methods and dogged determination bring hope to those left in the margins. The film, which won Oscars for both McConaughey and Leto, presents a raw portrait of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

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