Critically Acclaimed Films to Stream This Year: A Cinephile’s Guide
Stuck for something to watch tonight? For those who appreciate the art of filmmaking, the quest for a truly exceptional movie is an ongoing pursuit. While the silver screen offers a myriad of choices, not all cinematic experiences are created equal. To help you navigate the landscape of brilliant storytelling, we’ve compiled a list of the most critically acclaimed films from the past year. Whether you’re drawn to gothic monster tales that have earned Oscar nominations or heartwarming comedies recognised by the BAFTAs, there’s a high chance something on this list will capture your imagination.
For those who missed these cinematic gems in theatres or simply want to revisit them from the comfort of their own lounge, we’ve also outlined where you can stream this year’s most celebrated contenders.
Oscar and BAFTA Contenders You Won’t Want to Miss
This year’s awards season has seen a diverse range of films garnering significant attention from critics and industry professionals alike. From emotionally charged dramas to thrilling genre pieces, here’s a breakdown of the must-watch films.
Hamnet: A British Tale of Grief and Genius
- Category: Best British Story
- Availability: Available to buy or rent on Sky
This year’s most nominated British film, Hamnet, offers a profound and searing portrayal of the grief experienced by Agnes Hathaway and her husband, William Shakespeare, following the tragic death of their son. The performances are outstanding, with Jessie Buckley tipped for major awards for her Best Actress performance. The film itself is also considered a strong contender for Best Picture.
Sinners: A Record-Breaking Horror Sensation
- Category: Record Breaker
- Availability: Watch on Sky and NowTV
Ryan Coogler’s Deep South vampire horror, Sinners, has achieved an unprecedented feat, securing a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, including a nod for Michael B. Jordan in the Best Actor category. This film is a major favourite in Hollywood, alongside One Battle After Another. If you haven’t yet experienced its chilling narrative, be sure to stay for the post-credits scene – it’s a crucial element of the story.
Jurassic World: Rebirth: Dinosaurs Return with Oscar-Worthy Visuals
- Category: Dino Action
- Availability: Available to stream from Friday on Sky and NowTV
Starring Scarlett Johansson, Jurassic World: Rebirth marks a significant milestone as the first film in the Jurassic Park franchise since 1997 to receive an Oscar nomination. Unsurprisingly, the nomination is for its exceptional visual effects, bringing the prehistoric creatures to life with unparalleled realism.
One Battle After Another: A Hollywood Epic of Extremism
- Category: Hollywood Heavyweight
- Availability: Available to buy or rent on Sky and coming soon to HBO Max
Boasting an impressive 14 BAFTA and 13 Oscar nominations, Paul Thomas Anderson’s ambitious, big-budget satire on extremism, One Battle After Another, is a top contender this awards season, rivalled only by Sinners. In the highly competitive Best Actor category, Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance is exceptional, though he faces strong competition from Timothée Chalamet’s intense portrayal in the ping-pong drama Marty Supreme.
Die My Love: A Powerful Look at Postnatal Depression
- Category: Couple Under Pressure
- Availability: Watch now on Mubi
While Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson may have been overlooked in the acting categories for their roles in this powerful exploration of postnatal depression, director Lynne Ramsay’s film is still in contention for Outstanding British Film at the BAFTAs.
The Ballad of Wallis Island: A Delightful British Comedy
- Category: Folk Comedy
- Availability: Watch now on Sky and NowTV
This quintessentially British comedy, focusing on a bickering folk duo, was one of the most enjoyable films to grace cinemas in 2025. While it secured three BAFTA nominations, it was notably absent from the Oscar race. Nevertheless, its charm and wit make it a highly recommended watch.
Sentimental Value: A Gripping Norwegian Drama
- Category: Norwegian Favourite
- Availability: Available to stream on Mubi
If you have time to watch only one international nominee, make it Sentimental Value. This Norwegian drama delves into the complex relationship between a warring father (Stellan Skarsgård) and daughter (Renate Reinsve), with an intervening Hollywood actress (Elle Fanning) adding further tension. For a more challenging, yet equally compelling, Iranian entry, It Was Just An Accident is available on Mubi from March 6th.
I Swear: Life with Tourette’s
- Category: Life with Tourette’s
- Availability: Available to buy or rent on Sky
Robert Aramayo is nominated for a BAFTA for his role in I Swear, a film chronicling the life of John Davidson, who first gained national recognition through the poignant 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad. Aramayo is also in the running for the Rising Star award, and many are hoping this talented Yorkshire actor will take home a gong.
Train Dreams: A Poignant Human Epic
- Category: Poignant Human Epic
- Availability: Watch now on Netflix
This deeply soulful story about the life of a logger is a film that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. Despite nominations for four Oscars and one BAFTA, it may not be a major awards winner, but its critical recognition highlights its profound impact and storytelling power.
Bugonia: A Wild and Dark Comedy
- Category: Wild Dark Comedy
- Availability: Available to buy or rent on Sky
Emma Stone underwent a striking transformation, shaving her head for Yorgos Lanthimos’s audacious satire, Bugonia. In the film, Stone portrays a CEO who might also be an alien. While Stone, already a decorated performer with two Oscars and two BAFTAs, is a formidable talent, she is expected to be edged out by Hamnet’s Jessie Buckley in the acting race, despite her bold new look.
Frankenstein: A Monster of a Production
- Category: Monster Production
- Availability: Watch now on Netflix
Guillermo del Toro’s awe-inspiring epic, Frankenstein, has garnered numerous nominations, largely for its exceptional production values. However, Jacob Elordi, known for his role in Wuthering Heights, received a nomination for his soulful portrayal of the ill-fated creation. Perhaps his convincing Yorkshire accent played a part in the critical acclaim.
Song Sung Blue / Blue Moon: Real-Life Roles Shine
- Category: Real-Life Roles
- Availability: Available to buy or rent on Sky
Both Song Sung Blue and Blue Moon feature standout performances inspired by real individuals. In Song Sung Blue, Kate Hudson delivers a captivating performance as one half of a real-life Neil Diamond tribute act. Meanwhile, Blue Moon sees Ethan Hawke offer a moving and humorous portrayal of Lorenz Hart, an alcoholic struggling in the shadow of his ex-songwriting partner Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) following their immense success.
