The 15 Best Movie Posters of 2023

Contemporary movie posters are boring and all look the same — except when they don't.

Back at The Dissolve, we turned to our friend Sam Smith, poster designer extraordinaire, for thoughts on all things movie poster-related. Here at The Reveal, you’ll have to make do with me, a simple moviegoer who loves to wander up and down the halls of the multiplex looking for signs of life in the world of movie posters. It’s tough sometimes: risk-averse studios favor what’s worked in the past rather than attempting innovative new designs. On a commercial level, that probably makes sense. There’s a lot of money at sake, etc., etc. But it also means we get a lot of posters that look like this and this and, oof, this. But posters aren’t all bad these days. In no particular order, here are a few that caught my eye in 2023. (These and more can be found at IMP Awards. Credits included where available.)

Knock at the Cabin

M. Night Shyamalan’s adaptation of Paul Tremblay’s chilling novel A Cabin at the End of the World was preceded by a couple of conventional, but better-than-usual, photograph-based posters, but also two spare illustrated posters that relied on simple graphic design and bold colors. Both are good, but this eerie, Saul Bass-inspired one-sheet has the edge. (Design by LA.)

The Creator

Though they were apparently little help at the box office, a slew of creative posters accompanied The Creator. This simple design, modeled after an engineering sketch, is the best of the bunch. (Design by AV Print.)

Showing Up

This playful image doubles as a fine example of truth in advertising. Michelle Williams sure spends a lot of time looking at sculptures in Kelly Reichardt’s film! But it’s also a beautifully balanced composition that features a font that complements the colors of the work above. The Oregon College of Art and Craft would be proud. (Design by P+A.)

Cocaine Bear

Speaking of truth in advertising: Here’s a cocaine-covered bear looking fierce (and, one presumes, quite high on cocaine). It’s blunt. It’s knowingly stupid. It tells you exactly what to expect from Elizabeth Banks’ film.

Crumb Catcher

Never heard of Crumb Catcher? Honestly, me neither, though Larry Fessenden’s name as one of the co-writers has me intrigued. Even more intriguing: this shadow-drenched poster featuring adorable/murderous cake decorations. What’s this about? No idea! Do I now want to know? Absolutely. Mission accomplished, movie poster.