A use of nanoparticles in a well fluid for improved lubricity is disclosed herein. The nanoparticles are present in the well fluid in low amounts below 5 wt %. The nanoparticles may be formed ex situ and added to the fluid or in situ in the fluid. In one aspect, the well fluid is a drilling fluid. In a further aspect, the well fluid is an invert emulsion based fluid or an aqueous based fluid.