Marriage Story, Heyday Films / Netflix , Everything Everywhere All at Once, A24 / IAC Films / AGBO / Year of The Rat / Ley Line Entertainment / Hotdog Hands
The Academy Awards have always been a true celebration of cinematic excellence and a time to reflect on the best films of the year. With the 2024 Oscars just around the corner, why not take a look back and revisit some of the iconic films that captivated audiences and surprised critics through the recent years? From rediscovered classics to newer favorites, here are 8 nominated or winning films perfect for a movie night with your partner. Get ready to immerse yourself in these cinematic gems.
Her (2013)
Science-fiction romantic drama film with Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. The movie raises many questions that are relevant nowadays, for example, can a person love and be loved by an artificial intelligence? In the center of the plot is the story of a lonely writer Theodore, who starts a complicated affair with the operating system Samantha. Their relationship grows deeper and more complex, forcing the protagonist to think about the nature of love, loneliness and human relationships.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Her, Annapurna Pictures / Stage 6 Films
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
The film focuses on the story of rodeo cowboy Ron Woodroof, who in the 1980s discovers that he is HIV/AIDS positive and has only 30 days to live. Unwilling to accept the verdict, he decides to take control of his own destiny. He faces the society's stigma and confrontations with medical services, which is why he creates a club for other people to help them get access to treatment. The protagonist faces prejudice, law troubles and loss. The roles played by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto can rightfully be considered iconic.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Dallas Buyers Club, Truth Entertainment (II) / Voltage Pictures / R2 Films / Evolution Independent / CE / RainMaker Films
Moonlight (2016)
A coming-of-age drama film about Chiron, a young African-American man growing up in a small town in Miami. As we watch him grow up, we learn the details of his complicated life, his involvement in the drug trade, family drama and betrayal from close friends. The film explores issues of racial and sexual identity, friendship, prejudice and self-discovery. Incredibly powerful story with marvelous production and acting.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Moonlight, A24 / PASTEL / Plan B Entertainment
The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro’s romantic fantasy film explores the story of a mute girl Elisa, who works as a custodian in a secret scientific laboratory in the 1960s during the Cold War. She witnesses the isolation and study of a captured humanoid amphibian, and the cruel attitude of the staff towards him. Despite their differences from each other, Elisa starts to visit him secretly and develops genuine feelings for the creature. An unbelievable love story set in a story of a prison escape. If the usual romantic films don't evoke much excitement anymore, this is a must-watch.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video , Disney+
The Shape of Water, Double Dare You (DDY) / Searchlight Pictures / TSG Entertainment
A Star Is Born (2018)
An unforgettable dramatic and romantic cinematic duet between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, accompanied by beautiful music and songs that you'll want to sing over and over again. A story of musical success that involves complex human relationships and the problem of addiction. How harmful can the emerging glory of one be to the fading glory of another?
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video , Apple TV+
A Star Is Born, Warner Bros. / Live Nation Productions / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Peters Entertainment / Gerber Pictures / Joint Effort / Malpaso Productions
Marriage Story (2019)
The film tells the difficult story of the divorce between theater director and actress, perfectly portrayed by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. The couple fights for custody of their son, while simultaneously facing difficulties in communication and understanding. The film explores the emotional aspects of family breakup, fading feelings of love and the loss of self in marriage through wonderfully written dialogues and situations.
Where to watch: Netflix
Marriage Story, Heyday Films / Netflix
Little Women (2019)
Based on the classic American novel by Louisa May Alcott. The coming-of-age of four different sisters is shown from different perspectives and raises questions of trust, love, understanding and women's purpose. The film's issues, intensified by the Civil War in the background, emotionally and movingly reveal the eternal questions of finding oneself and making key life choices. A modern book adaptation that uses the source material with respect and awe.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Little Women, Columbia Pictures / New Regency Productions / Pascal Pictures / Regency Enterprises / Sony Pictures Releasing
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
An incredible comedy-drama film about an American-Chinese immigrant who gets involved in a crazy sci-fi journey where she must save the world. She, unexpectedly to herself and her loved ones, gains the ability to travel through alternate universes that are based on the different paths and variations her life may have taken. Faced with problems with the IRS, prejudice, insecurity and family problems, the protagonist discovers her potential and inner strength. A true graphic adventure filled with heartfelt emotion with Michelle Yeoh's brilliant acting.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Everything Everywhere All at Once, A24 / IAC Films / AGBO / Year of The Rat / Ley Line Entertainment / Hotdog Hands