Top 5 Must-Stream Movies from the Oscars 2026

The 2026 awards season is almost over, with the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) just around the corner. Every year, I challenge myself to watch every single movie nominated for an Oscar across major categories like Picture, Directing, Acting, Screenplay, and Casting. This year, I completed my goal and want to share my top picks with you.

After watching all the Oscar 2026 movies, including surprising choices like “F1” and top contenders like “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another,” I’ve selected the best ones for you to watch before the Oscars. While you might not have time to see every nominee, these five films are must-watches and stand out from the rest.

The field for the Oscars 2026 is strong, and I’ve had to leave out some excellent films like “Hamnet” and “Bugonia” to narrow it down. Without further ado, here are the top movies to watch before the Oscars this year, according to someone who has seen them all.

1. “Sinners”
Let’s start with the most talked-about film of the Oscars 2026, “Sinners.” This horror-thriller directed by Ryan Coogler received a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations and has earned widespread acclaim from critics, fans, and audiences alike. Following twins Stack and Smoke, played by Michael B. Jordan, as they deal with a sinister vampire in Mississippi, this film is a must-see. If you haven’t watched “Sinners” yet, now is the perfect time.

You can stream “Sinners” on HBO Max.

2. “One Battle After Another”
Another strong contender for the Oscars 2026 is “One Battle After Another.” Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this epic film is expected to compete with “Sinners” for major awards like Best Picture. Clocking in at 162 minutes, the movie weaves a captivating narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish, despite its lengthy runtime.

These films are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Oscars 2026 lineup, but they are some of the best contenders to watch before the big night. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or just looking for quality entertainment, these movies are worth your time.