7 Oscar-nominated movies, beyond 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' that should be on your watchlist!

There was an abundance of talent on display in 2023 with several movies creating waves. While the likes of Barbie and Oppenheimer were already on top of everyone’s watchlist, there are quite a few Oscar-nominated selections that are worth the watch. And narrowing down your watchlist can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve done the needful for you. Here are seven movies nominated for the Oscars this year that should definitely be on your watchlist!

Past Lives

 

Written and directed by Celine Song, Past Lives received a nomination for Best Picture of the year. The American romantic drama is a heartwarming film about friendship, choices, and destiny. It is a love story that unfolds over decades and continents, moving from the heart of South Korea to the bustling streets of New York. This movie is for everyone who experienced a lingering first love or has a childhood friend they dearly miss.

P.S. Grab some tissues, you’re going to need them!

To Kill a Tiger

 

The 2022 Canadian documentary film directed by Nisha Pahuja has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film. The plot of the movie centres on the Jharkhand gang rape case and highlights the trials faced by the victim’s parents in their quest for justice. To Kill a Tiger is an emotional, thought-provoking film and a definite must-watch.

Poor Things
 

 

If you haven’t already heard enough about this movie, Poor Things is a dark comedy that is worthy of your time. Nominated for Best Picture of the year, the YorgosLanthimosdirectedfilm is based on Alasdair Gray's novel. The story is a postmodern revision of Frankenstein and centres on a young woman who is brought back to life with the mind of an infant. If you're looking for a movie that's different, funny, and full of heart, Poor Things is definitely worth checking out. 

Maestro

 

Maestro, a biographical drama directed by Bradley Cooper, is about the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. The movie has been nominated for Best Picture of the year and stars Cooper as Leonard Bernstein with Carey Mulligan playing his wife, Felicia. The film promises some captivating performances along with stunning visuals deep diving into the world of music. Prepare to be blown away by the cinematography, costumes, and of course, Bernstein's timeless music.

The Boy and the Heron

 

The Boy and the Heron, directed by Japanese master animator Hayao Miyazaki, is a Japanese animated fantasy film nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. The events in the movie take place during the Pacific War and centre on a boy named Mahito Maki who discovers an abandoned tower in his new town, taking him to a fantastical world with a talking grey heron. This is more than just an animated film; it's an experience. 

Perfect Days 

 

Perfect Days is a 2023 drama film co-written and directed by Wenders. Nominated for Best International Feature Film, Perfect Days film was a co-production between Japan and Germany, and combines four short stories, one of which features KōjiYakusho in the role of a toilet cleaner. The movie centres on themes like finding beauty in everyday moments, celebrating the power of human connection, and the passage of time. 

Anatomy of a Fall

 

This film is a 2023 French legal drama thriller, directed by Justine Triet, and nominated for Best Picture of the year. The film gained a lot of popularity for its portrayal of female resilience and the complexities of the legal system. The main focus of the story is the suspicious death of a man whose wife struggles to prove her innocence in the matter.

Also read: The best movies of 2023 and what you can learn from them