The Best Movies Of 2013

Ranker Film
Updated May 1, 2024 219.2K views 131 items
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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
Over 2.6K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies Of 2013
  • The Wolf of Wall Street
    1

    The Wolf of Wall Street

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
    956 votes
    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
    767 votes
    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
    807 votes
    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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  • Monsters University
    4

    Monsters University

    Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
    649 votes
    In Monsters University, we journey back to the college days of Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan, Sully (John Goodman). The film, a prequel to the acclaimed Monsters Inc., explores how this inseparable duo traversed from being bitter rivals to best friends. Set within the vibrant campus of Monsters University, they endure hilarious twists and turns, competing in the Scare Games to prove who is truly scary. This animated comedy-drama, directed by Dan Scanlon, won an Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animated Effects in an Animated Production. A tale of friendship and ambition, it's a monstrous adventure you wouldn't want to miss.
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  • 12 Years a Slave
    5

    12 Years a Slave

    Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch
    863 votes
    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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  • Despicable Me 2
    6

    Despicable Me 2

    Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt
    679 votes
    Now that Gru has forsaken a life of crime to raise Margo, Agnes and Edith, he's trying to figure out how to provide for his new family. As he struggles with his responsibilities as a father, the Anti-Villain League, an organization dedicated to fighting evil, comes calling. The AVL sends Gru on a mission to capture the perpetrator of a spectacular heist, for who would be better than the world's greatest ex-villain to capture the individual who seeks to usurp his power.
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  • The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
    7

    The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

    Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
    993 votes
    The sequel to The Hunger Games further explores the dystopian world of Panem. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return as victors of the 74th Hunger Games, only to be thrust back into the arena for the Quarter Quell, a special edition of the deadly competition. As they fight against new adversaries and old allies alike, elements of rebellion start to simmer in the districts. The movie won accolades for its visual effects and engrossing storyline, while marking a significant step forward in the franchise's narrative arc. The film is a potent mix of action, adventure, and political intrigue that keeps viewers on edge throughout its runtime. Despite facing an even darker reality, Katniss remains resolute in her quest for survival and justice.
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  • Dallas Buyers Club
    8

    Dallas Buyers Club

    Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto
    623 votes
    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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  • Her
    9

    Her

    Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson
    349 votes
    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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  • Star Trek Into Darkness
    10

    Star Trek Into Darkness

    Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban
    854 votes
    Star Trek Into Darkness, a thrilling space adventure, plunges Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and his intrepid crew of the Starship Enterprise into a world of peril. They grapple with an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, embodied by John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), a former Starfleet operative turned rogue. As the Enterprise is called home, its team faces a war-zone world, triggering an epic chess game of life and death. Aided by Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), and Scotty (Simon Pegg), Kirk leads his crew into a battle to save the universe from impending doom. This blockbuster film, directed by J.J. Abrams, is replete with intense action sequences and thought-provoking themes, making it a must-watch for fans of science fiction.
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  • Iron Man 3
    11

    Iron Man 3

    Robert Downey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
    903 votes
    Iron Man 3, an action-packed superhero film, follows the journey of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) as he grapples with his past and future. Post-Avengers, he faces a formidable foe in the form of terrorist Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), while battling his own inner demons. Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) return, lending support to Stark's plight. Directed by Shane Black, this third installment won the Saturn Award for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture. It offers a thrilling blend of stark realities and high-tech fantasy, pushing Iron Man to new limits.
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  • Lone Survivor
    12

    Lone Survivor

    Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Eric Bana
    430 votes
    Lone Survivor is a gripping war film, directed by Peter Berg. The movie focuses on the harrowing real-life mission of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg). Alongside fellow SEALs Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch), and Matthew Axelson (Ben Foster), Luttrell embarks on Operation Red Wings, a covert task in Afghanistan. Their objective: to take down a notorious Taliban leader. When their mission goes awry, they find themselves outnumbered and fighting for survival in hostile territory. Despite the dire circumstances, the SEALs display unparalleled valor, epitomizing the brotherhood of soldiers. This film showcases intense combat sequences and a stark portrayal of wartime realities, earning it two Oscar nominations.
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  • American Hustle
    13

    American Hustle

    Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner
    516 votes
    In American Hustle, con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his cunning partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are forced into the unpredictable world of the New Jersey mafia by an out-of-control FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). As they navigate this dangerous game, their loyalties and love are tested, while Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), a passionate but volatile political operator caught between the cons and Feds, complicates matters further. This brilliant crime drama, directed by David O. Russell, earned 10 Oscar nominations for its compelling narrative and standout performances.
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  • Gravity
    14

    Gravity

    Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
    1,100 votes
    In the gripping, award-winning sci-fi thriller Gravity, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission in space with seasoned astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney). Suddenly, a catastrophic disaster strikes their shuttle, leaving them tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling into the dark void. With depleting oxygen and dwindling hope, Stone must find a way back to Earth. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this visually stunning film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Director. It's a tense survival story set against the infinite expanse of outer space.
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  • Snowpiercer
    15

    Snowpiercer

    Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton
    154 votes
    In Snowpiercer, a dystopian thriller, the remnants of humanity (post-apocalyptic ice age) reside aboard a perpetually moving train. Curtis Everett (Chris Evans), a passenger from the impoverished tail section, leads a rebellion against the oppressive front car passengers. Namgoong Minsoo (Song Kang-ho), a security specialist, aids in their tumultuous journey. Tilda Swinton shines as Minister Mason, the train's cruel authority figure. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film won multiple awards for its vivid storytelling and stark social commentary. Its unique premise and memorable characters make it an engaging watch.
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  • We're the Millers
    16

    We're the Millers

    Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Will Poulter
    614 votes
    In the comedy We're the Millers, David Clark (Jason Sudeikis), a small-time pot dealer, is forced into a big job. He must smuggle drugs across the Mexican border. To accomplish this, he creates a fake family, the Millers. The pseudo-family includes a stripper named Rose (Jennifer Aniston), Kenny (Will Poulter), an awkward teenager, and Casey (Emma Roberts), a streetwise kid. Their journey is fraught with hilarious complications as they attempt to get past border patrols without arousing suspicion. Despite their differences and initial resentment, they learn to function like a real family - albeit in unconventional circumstances.
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  • The Conjuring
    17

    The Conjuring

    Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor
    580 votes
    The Conjuring is a chilling horror film that unfolds in the 1970s. Paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) are enlisted by Roger (Ron Livingston) and Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor). The Perrons and their five daughters have recently moved into a secluded farmhouse, where a supernatural presence has made itself known. These manifestations take the form of a spectral woman who haunts their dreams and a foreboding entity that lurks in the shadows of their home. The Warrens, famous for their work on the Amityville case, must combat these malevolent spirits to save the Perron family from a dreadful fate. This film received praise for its direction, acting, and scary storytelling, winning numerous awards and spawning an entire franchise.
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  • The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
    18

    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
    960 votes
    Having survived the first part of their unsettling journey, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his companions (Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage) continue east. More dangers await them, including the skin-changer Beorn and the giant spiders of Milkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood Elves, Bilbo and the dwarves journey to Lake-town and, finally, to the Lonely Mountain, where they face the greatest danger of all: the fearsome dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch).
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  • Now You See Me
    19

    Now You See Me

    Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson
    645 votes
    Now You See Me is a captivating tale of illusion and intrigue. The story centers on four talented street magicians, Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) who are brought together by an unknown benefactor. Rebranded as 'The Four Horsemen', they embark upon a series of grand scale performances that stun audiences with their seemingly impossible feats. But these aren't mere magic tricks - the Horsemen are executing meticulously planned heists right under everyone's noses. Hot on their tails is FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) and Interpol detective Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent), desperate to uncover the truth behind these illusory crimes. A blend of crime, mystery, and thriller genres, this film takes its viewers on a roller coaster ride through the world of magic like never before.
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  • 42
    20

    42

    Chadwick Boseman, Nicole Beharie, Alan Tudyk
    219 votes
    42 is a 2013 American biographical sports film directed by Brian Helgeland. The powerful story of Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier when he joined the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
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  • Captain Phillips
    21

    Captain Phillips

    Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Barkhad Abdi
    923 votes
    In April 2009, the U.S. containership Maersk Alabama sails toward its destination on a day that seems like any other. Suddenly, Somali pirates race toward the vessel, climb aboard and take everyone hostage. The captain of the ship, Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks), looks to protect his crew from the hostile invaders, and their leader, Muse (Barkhad Abdi). The pirates are after millions of dollars, and Phillips must use his wits to make sure everyone survives and returns home safely.
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  • Saving Mr. Banks
    22

    Saving Mr. Banks

    Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti
    446 votes
    Saving Mr. Banks is a biographical drama centered on the making of the classic Disney film, Mary Poppins. The narrative unfolds as Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) seeks to obtain the movie rights from author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson). Travers, a stern and uncompromising woman, proves a tough negotiator due to her personal attachment to her creation. As Disney tries to charm the reluctant author, flashbacks reveal Travers's troubled childhood in Australia that inspired Mary Poppins. Directed by John Lee Hancock, this 2013 film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
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  • Man of Steel
    23

    Man of Steel

    Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon
    816 votes
    In Man of Steel, Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) is a young journalist grappling with his alien origins. Raised on Earth by adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark's extraordinary abilities set him apart. Meanwhile, General Zod (Michael Shannon), a militant from Clark's home planet Krypton, threatens humanity. Lois Lane (Amy Adams), an intrepid reporter, uncovers Clark's secret identity. The film is a reimagining of the classic Superman tale, presenting a darker take on the iconic superhero's story. Directed by Zack Snyder, this action-packed origin story dives into themes of identity and responsibility in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.
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  • The Wolverine
    24

    The Wolverine

    Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Famke Janssen
    577 votes
    In the 2013 blockbuster, The Wolverine, we follow the journey of Logan (Hugh Jackman), an immortal and angst-ridden mutant. Trading the familiar landscapes of earlier X-Men films for Japan, a locale steeped in tradition and mystique, Logan grapples with his own mortality. The film boasts a fresh perspective on the superhero genre, blending action-packed sequences with elements of drama and romance. The central plot revolves around Logan's struggle to protect Mariko (Tao Okamoto), amidst Yakuza gangsters and political intrigue. With its blend of east-meets-west aesthetics and a compelling narrative, The Wolverine is a notable entry in the Marvel cinematic universe.
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  • This Is the End
    25

    This Is the End

    Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill
    596 votes
    In the comedic horror film This Is the End, Hollywood's funny guys find themselves facing an apocalypse of biblical proportions. Seth Rogen (as himself) hosts a party with his fellow actors, including Jay Baruchel (as himself), James Franco (as himself), and Jonah Hill (as himself). The gathering, intended for fun, takes a terrifying turn when cataclysmic events begin to unfold. As society crumbles outside their fortress home, friendships are tested while they struggle for survival. With demons roaming the earth and supplies dwindling, these actors must confront their worst nightmares in a world where fame is meaningless.
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  • World War Z
    26

    World War Z

    Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale
    721 votes
    In the gripping film World War Z, Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt) finds himself in a desperate race against time. As a former United Nations investigator, his particular set of skills become humanity's last hope in the face of a global zombie pandemic. Unveiling a mosaic of fear and chaos, Lane embarks on a perilous mission, traversing continents to find the source of the outbreak. His journey reveals both the fragility and resilience of human spirit. Directed by Marc Forster, this apocalyptic thriller intertwines suspense with survival horror, crafting an enthralling narrative that keeps viewers on edge till the end.
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  • Elysium
    27

    Elysium

    Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley
    317 votes
    In Elysium, a dystopian future awaits mankind. Earth, overcrowded and polluted, stands in stark contrast to the man-made utopia orbiting above it: Elysium. The movie follows Max Da Costa (Matt Damon), an ex-convict living on Earth. He's thrust into a mission that could bridge the terrifying chasm between the two worlds after a workplace accident leaves him critically ill. Jodie Foster plays Secretary Delacourt, Elysium's stern defense minister, determined to maintain the status quo at any cost. This sci-fi thriller, directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a gripping exploration of class struggle and social inequality wrapped in high-octane action sequences.
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  • The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
    28

    The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

    Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine
    206 votes
    Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), an employee at Life magazine, spends day after monotonous day developing photos for the publication. To escape the tedium, Walter inhabits a world of exciting daydreams in which he is the undeniable hero. Walter fancies a fellow employee named Cheryl (Kristen Wiig) and would love to date her, but he feels unworthy. However, he gets a chance to have a real adventure when Life's new owners send him on a mission to obtain the perfect photo for the final print issue.
  • Pacific Rim
    29

    Pacific Rim

    Charlie Hunnam, Diego Klattenhoff, Idris Elba
    619 votes
    Long ago, legions of monstrous creatures called Kaiju arose from the sea, bringing with them all-consuming war. To fight the Kaiju, mankind developed giant robots called Jaegers, designed to be piloted by two humans locked together in a neural bridge. However, even the Jaegers are not enough to defeat the Kaiju, and humanity is on the verge of defeat. Mankind's last hope now lies with a washed-up ex-pilot (Charlie Hunnam), an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) and an old, obsolete Jaeger.
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  • The Great Gatsby
    30

    The Great Gatsby

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan
    731 votes
    In The Great Gatsby, the extravagance of the Roaring Twenties bursts into life. The tale unravels through the eyes of Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), a young man fascinated by the lavish lifestyle of his mysterious neighbour, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). As Carraway is drawn into Gatsby's opulent world, he becomes privy to obsessions, deceit and tragedy. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel won two Academy Awards for its stunning production design and costumes. A captivating drama set against an unforgettable jazz-age backdrop.
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