Awards season is officially underway, and the spotlight is firmly on the films shaping the 2026 Oscars conversation. From ambitious blockbusters to intimate, character-driven stories, this year’s Best Picture contenders span a wide spectrum of contemporary cinema. Whether you’re curating a considered watchlist or simply want to stay ahead of what everyone will be talking about, these are the films worth seeing before the awards are handed out.
Bugonia
Watch on: Neon
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis
A quirky, imaginative story that threads dark humour through an unlikely survival tale. With striking visuals and eccentric energy, Bugonia invites audiences into a world that feels both familiar and curiously off-centre, combining inventive filmmaking with unexpected laughs.
F1
Watch on: AppleTV
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon
High-octane and grand in scale, F1 puts you in the driver’s seat of the world of Formula 1 racing. It captures both the thrilling speed of the sport and the personal journeys behind the helmets, making for an immersive ride whether you love racing or just great cinema.
Frankenstein
Watch on: Netflix
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth
Guillermo del Toro’s take on the classic tale balances monstrous spectacle with beautiful emotional depth. This version brings fresh heart to a well-known story, using breathtaking visuals and rich performances to explore what it means to be more than the sum of your parts.
Hamnet
Watch on: In cinemas, pre-order on AppleTV
Director: Chloé Zhao
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson
Grounded and moving, Hamnet reimagines the life around one of history’s most famous names. With naturalistic storytelling and intimate performances, it offers a quiet but powerful look at grief, love and legacy.
Marty Supreme
Watch on: AppleTV
Director: Josh Safdie
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion
Rough, energetic and unapologetically bold, Marty Supreme brings a gritty edge to its sports-driven narrative. Expect real heart under its tough exterior and a story that grips you through both character and conflict.
One Battle After Another
Watch on: Neon
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn
Epic in scope and rich in detail, this film blends action with emotional heft. It brings complex characters into a story that feels timeless and intense, cutting deep into themes that linger long
The Secret Agent
Watch on: In Cinema’s, pre-order on AppleTV
Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho
Cast: Wagner Moura, Udo Kier
A sleek political thriller that keeps tension high and stakes real. With compelling performances and smart storytelling, this film keeps you guessing while also grounding its narrative in vivid character work.
Sentimental Value
Watch on: Neon
Director: Joachim Trier
Cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning
Warm yet sharp, Sentimental Value is a family drama that explores memory and connection with tenderness and authenticity. It’s a film that celebrates the moments that shape us and leaves you thinking about your own.
Sinners
Watch on: Neon
Director: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Michael B. Jordan (in dual roles), Miles Caton
Blending genre with social commentary, Sinners makes a vivid impact. Its mix of historical setting, blues-infused atmosphere and provocative storytelling has made it one of this year’s most talked about films.
Train Dreams
Watch on: Netflix
Director: Clint Bentley
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon
A poetic journey through time and memory, Train Dreams stands out for its thoughtful pace and emotional resonance. It’s a film that unfolds with a quiet power, rooted in character and reflective storytelling.
