Year Ender Special: 10 Best Hindi Films of 2023

Best Films of 2023

While curating the list of Best Hindi films this year especially from the ones I managed to see, it seemed like a bittersweet moment almost. On the one hand, 2023 has turned out to be one of the best years when it comes to box office in recent times, with four films crossing the never-seen-before 500 crore club, but on the other hand, not all of them were particularly great films. Yes, to be clear, box office is never the parameter of a 'good' or a 'bad' film; it is just a case of something connecting more than anticipated. Hence, this list doesn't mandatorily include the highest-grossers of this year but films that resonated the most and presented a blend of art and entertainment. So, without further ado, let's get down to the top 10 Hindi films of this year, according to us-

*Disclaimer - the list includes OTT film releases as well but not anthologies and only the Hindi-language intended films, not dubbed ones

10. Farrey

You can read our review here

At number 10, we probably have the most unconventional choice and might not feature in everyone's list - Farrey. The film came in as a pleasant surprise for me and so many out there who probably went in with minimal expectations. Salman Khan's niece, Alizeh Agnihotri got a rather effective debut, and the film actually manages to keep you hooked and invested through its cheating-in-exams drama.

9. Pathaan

You can read our review here

On the 9th spot is a film and a reason the industry began breathing life again right at the start of the year. A solid, campy mega-actioner with beautiful people looking more beautiful and a fairly decent spy drama, Pathaan announced the return of Shah Rukh Khan with extreme gusto that catapulted everything else that followed in the year.

8. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar

You can read our review here

Coming to the 8th spot, we have another film that might not get enough appreciation even though it deserves. Tu Jhoothi Main Makaar saw the first-time pairing of Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in a fresh and incredibly entertaining rom-com family drama that everyone has yearned to see for the longest time. It helped that the entire album of the film was a total knockout. Playing Show me the thumka as I dance

7. Jawan

You can read our review here

We are not done with SRK. And why would we be? Khan created a storm with Pathaan and ignited a rage with Jawan. The Atlee directorial was everything SRK fans would have wanted to see him in when it comes to being an anti-hero and more so, one ahead of the curve. A Deepika Padukone cameo to remember and some of the most adrenaline-rushing BGM and action made Jawan a thorough entertainer, thus getting the 7th spot.

6. Gulmohar

Yes, this film actually had a much higher spot in our half-year analysis. But in comparison with the entire year, Gulmohar gets the 6th position. While it was a classic family drama with tropes that were seen in the past as well, the performances, the chemistry between the actors and the overarching theme is what made it special.

5. SatyaPrem Ki Katha

You can read our review here

Another film that came in as an absolute surprise in terms of the depth and poignancy that it conveyed was SatyaPrem Ki Katha. Kartik Aaryan's adorable yet vulnerable Sattu and Kiara Advani's Katha made for a love story to remember while shocking you to the core with the concept it showcased. Hence, the film bags the 5th spot on our list.

4. Joram

You can read our review here

Joram might have been one of the toughest watches in recent times, but also one of the most essential ones. In the garb of being a survival thriller, Joram made commentary on more issues than one can imagine. It isn't meant to entertain you, but it is meant to remind you what Manoj Bajpayee is capable of. This leads the film to get the 4th spot.

3. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai

Oh boy! You can say that this has been the year of SRK but it wouldn't be unfair to say that it has also been the year of Manoj Bajpayee. Three projects and all stellar ones. That leads us to Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai on Zee5. Presenting one of the most entertaining, engaging and gut-wrenching courtroom dramas in recent times, it was yet another one-man show that made Bandaa a film not to be missed and just why it achieves the 3rd spot.

2. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

You can read our review here

Karan Johar announced his return to direction and boy, was it one of the best ones you can see. With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Johar, along with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, delivered probably one of the most wholesome and entertaining films of the year. With humor, melodrama, awareness and music, Johar reminded us that he's still got it. Easily one of the best films of the year, and that's why it gets the 2nd spot.

1. 12th Fail

You can read our review here

And topping out the list at numero uno is undoubtedly 12th Fail. Another case of a comeback for director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, it seemed like poetic justice that the film, which no one would have expected to take in big numbers, was a classic underdog and went on gradually make its mark and get the moolah. But over and above all that, 12th Fail was the best film of the year as it delivered on all fronts - storytelling, a Vikrant Massey performance for the ages, and just pure heart. 

And that was our list. We are sure you would have agreed/disagreed with our picks. Let us know in the comments below which one did you think should have had a better spot or not and which ones you thought should have made the list.