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The label Best Picture isn’t just an award—it’s a seal of cinematic mastery. Since 2020, movies from around the globe have dared to redefine storytelling, performing triumphs in performance, vision, and narrative. These are unforgettable films that belong there—full stop. Even if they didn’t sweep the statuettes, they earned a spot in our memory. Here’s a curated list of the most remarkable releases of the past few years—each streaming now in the UK.
Nomadland (2020)
A quiet but powerful odyssey following a resilient woman navigating post-recession America. Frances McDormand delivers an emotionally raw performance under Chloé Zhao’s radiant direction.
Where to Watch (UK): Disney+ Hotstar
CODA (2021)
A landmark Best Picture winner and Apple TV+’s first Oscar champ. This heartfelt story about a hearing teen in a deaf family echoes with warmth, connection, and empathy.
Where to Watch (UK): Apple TV+
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
A wildly inventive multiverse journey blending genre chaos with emotional heart. Marvelous performances and jaw-dropping visuals make this a modern masterpiece.
Where to Watch (UK): Prime Video
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Jane Campion’s brooding Western thriller explores masculinity and repression with exquisite cinematography and simmering psychological tension.
Where to Watch (UK): Netflix
Tár (2022)
Cate Blanchett delivers a commanding, disturbing turn as a famed conductor spiraling into controversy. Whether or not it took home Best Picture, this is a performance—and film—that demands your attention.
Where to Watch (UK): Peacock
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
A tragicomic story of friendship turned sour on a remote Irish island. With dark humor, powerful performances (Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson), and a pitch-perfect score, this film left audiences—and awards boards—spellbound.
Where to Watch (UK): Disney+
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
A brutal, unflinching war drama that won big in the Oscars’ technical categories. Its harrowing portrayal of young soldiers in WWI is deeply immersive—and heartbreaking.
Where to Watch (UK): Netflix
Causeway (2022)
Jennifer Lawrence stars in this emotionally raw story about a soldier navigating trauma and recovery. Quiet yet powerful, it’s anchored by standout performances and a rich emotional core.
Where to Watch (UK): Apple TV+
Past Lives (2023)
A tender drama about two childhood sweethearts reuniting across time and continents. Subtle, intelligent, and deeply relatable—the kind of romantic heartbreak that lingers.
Where to Watch (UK): Prime Video (rent/purchase)
Oppenheimer (2023)
Nolan’s riveting biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer blends epic cinema with intense character study. From its structure to its performances, it feels like tailored for the Academy’s highest honour.
Where to Watch (UK): Amazon Prime Video
Final Thoughts
Great films don’t always align with awards season—but when they do, magic happens. Yet these masterpieces prove that the real reward is storytelling that stays with you. Whether intimate or grand, introspective or explosive, each title here is unforgettable in its own way, and streaming-ready for your next film night.
