For the past few years, my husband and I have tried to watch as many of the Oscar-nominated movies as we can before the big show itselfânamely using our subscriptions to various streaming services. Weâre parents of young kids, so this shared goal actually counts as quality time together. A rare date night out sometimes involves going to the movies, but since we became parents, we probably average about one in-theater movie-viewing a year (and thatâs if weâre lucky).
If youâre also looking to watch some of this yearâs most buzzed-about films and canât make it to the theater, hereâs a roundup of the latest Oscar-nominated movies you can watch from the comfort of your couch before the Academy Awards on March 10. We kept this list to the nominees for Best Picture, with a few other notable nominees. And now, without further ado, letâs get to watching:
Best Picture Oscar Nominees
1. Oppenheimer
Where to Watch: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
For a captivating look into the life of renowned physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer is a must-see. Besides featuring the life of a fascinating scientist, the film does a remarkable job capturing his roots, pivotal relationships, moral dilemmas, education trajectory, and involvement in World War IIâs Manhattan project. You definitely donât have to be a World War II or physics geek to appreciate the wonder of this thought leaderâs earthshaking story!
2. Killers of the Flower Moon
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
A string of connected murders plague a Native American tribeâthe Osage Nationâin Oklahoma during the 1920s, but securing a thorough investigation is thwarted by a complex web of greed and betrayal. Based on the true story of a strong-hearted woman named Mollie Burkhart, and beautifully (but be forewarned, also rather painfully) captured by director Martin Scorcese, youâll be moved to find out if justice prevails for her and her tribe.
3. Barbie
Where to Watch: Max, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
It seems like practically everyone saw Barbie during the craze that marked this past summer. If youâve been holding off on discovering this filmâs magic yourself, perhaps the time is nowâbefore the big Best Picture winner is announced! From sparking authentic conversations about girlhood to a resurgence of hot pink everything, this empowering and heartwarming portrayal of what Barbieâs âreallyâ about has created major waves.
4. American Fiction
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
This film takes a brilliant approach to calling attention to the entertainment industryâs unsettling ways of making a profit off of content thatâs deemed âBlack enoughâ. In other words, content that emphasizes Black racial stereotypesâwhich are often harmful and limitingâto satisfy what an audience expects to see. The filmâs protagonist, Thelonious âMonkâ Ellison, tries to turn such practices on their head by publishing a wildly satirical âBlackâ book that winds up leaving just the kind of impact that infuriates him.
5. Maestro
Where to Watch: Netflix
Especially notable for being Bradley Cooperâs latest passion project, with Maestro you get a unique love story that intersects with the compelling life story of classical music conductor-composer Leonard Bernstein. If youâre looking for the chance to see Cooper dive into the role of a complex character full of artistic fire, emotional depth, and intricate personal relationships, this oneâs for you!
6. Anatomy of a Fall
Where to Watch: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
If psychological thrillers and courtroom dramas are your jam, then Anatomy of a Fall will grab your attention with its curious investigation of a wife who is suspected of her husbandâs murder. Their blind son is a witness, and the gripping trial that unfolds reveals the many intricacies of what could have possibly happened between this couple to create such a fatal fracture.
7. Past Lives
Where to Watch: Hulu, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
Two tightly connected childhood friends are forced apart geographically by circumstance, and they each go on to lead remarkably different lives than if they had remained close in South Korea. When theyâre reunited 24 years later, we get to reflect on the timeless question: do star-crossed lovers really exist?
8. The Holdovers
Where to Watch: Peacock, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video
Itâs Christmas break at a New England boarding school, and a handful of teenage boys have been left in the care of their strict and sarcastic Classics teacher (played perfectly by Paul Giamatti). While itâs not quite the unruly comedic shenanigans of students against their principal in the The Breakfast Club, itâs a touching story of unexpected connection alongside some laugh-worthy antics.
Other Notable Oscar Nominees
9. Elemental
Where to Watch: Disney+ | Notable Nomination: Best Animated Feature
Itâs another mesmerizing Disney Pixar creation that doesnât disappoint, full of spirited characters, creative scenery, and an important story to tell. In a community made up of residents who are either fire, water, earth, or air, everybody coexists, but separately. Remind you of anything, like how the school cafeteria, or society in general, can operate? Ember, a passionate fire girl, and Wade, a sentimental water boy, set out to prove you can bridge differences while still being special in your own element.
10. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video | Notable Nomination: Best Animated Feature
Any household with a kiddo who has been dedicated to Spider-Manâs latest persona, Miles Morales, will adore following his latest heroic adventures here. Travel with Morales across the multiverse as he vanquishes challenges and protects everything he cares about. Filled with vibrant animations and action, itâs an exciting watch suitable for the whole family!
11. Nyad
Where to Watch: Netflix | Notable Nominations: Best Actress & Best Supporting Actress
Two of our favorite leading ladies, Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, come together in this inspiring true story about long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad (played by Bening). In the name of friendship and high achievement, Nyadâs coach (played by Foster) helps train Nyad to embark upon one of the most epic swims of her lifeâat age 60! Both Bening and Foster are up for Oscars for their stellar performances, too.
12. Rustin
Where to Watch: Netflix | Notable Nomination: Best Actor
Learn the incredible story of activist Bayard Rustin during the Civil Rights movement, and the lengths he went to organize the revolutionary March on Washington in 1963 that forever changed U.S. history. Facing the repulsive and all-too-real effects of racism and homophobia, itâs a stunning story fueled by stunning acting. Actor Colman Domingo, who plays Rustin, is up for the Best Actor Oscar for his outstanding performance.
13. The Color Purple
Where to Watch: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video | Notable Nomination: Best Supporting Actress
Witness the extraordinary strength of sisterhood in this latest adaptation of The Color Purple. For those unfamiliar with the storyline, it follows Celie, an African-American woman plagued by abuse and suffering, who finds healing and newfound agency by bonding with other empowering women. And we all know how truly transformative our female friendships can be! Fun fact: actress Danielle Brooks is up for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Celieâs friend, Sofia.
14. Society of the Snow
Where to watch: Nextflix | Notable Nomination: Best International Feature Film
Based on the true event of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571âs crash into the middle of Andes Mountains in 1972, this film is as much a gut-wrenching tale of survival as it is a testament to unwavering hope. With charismatic characters, astonishing situations, and a brutally cold backdrop, itâs an unforgettable story that will humble you to all of the things you have to be grateful for and why theyâre worth living for.
