5 Oscar-winning films you can stream on Netflix: From 'The Imitation Game' to 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Calling all movie buffs! Craving a cinematic adventure that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll? Look no further! This list features Netflix's five exceptional films, each a triumph in its own right.
We journey through time and genre, from the windswept plains of 1920s Montana to the heart of Hollywood's Golden Age. We grapple with complex family dynamics, the challenges of deafness, and the weight of dementia.
We're transported to a visually stunning sci-fi universe and delve into the captivating world of filmmaking itself. These aren't just movies; they're experiences, each one critically acclaimed and brimming with Oscar-winning performances. So, settle in, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be captivated by the power of cinema.
The Power of the Dog (2021)
The 'Power of the Dog' is a psychological drama set in 1920s Montana. A charismatic cowboy (Benedict Cumberbatch) throws his ranch into chaos when his brother (Jesse Plemons) brings home a new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee).
The film won the Best Achievement in Directing award (Jane Campion) for its masterful exploration of masculinity, power dynamics, and repressed desire.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
Henry Sugar, a wealthy but bored gambler, stumbles upon a doctor's report detailing a man who could see without his eyes. Intrigued, Henry seeks out the secret, a form of yoga, and trains relentlessly to master it.
With this newfound ability, he becomes unbeatable at casinos, amassing a fortune. Yet, money loses its thrill, as he throws it off his balcony into the streets of London.
After advice from a police officer, Henry discovers a greater purpose - anonymously donating his winnings to charities worldwide.
The fantasy short film written, written, co-produced, and directed by Wes Anderson the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film at the 96th Academy Awards over the weekend.
Mank (2020)
Dive into the captivating world of 1930s Hollywood with 'Mank', a film that won the Oscar awards for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.
Gary Oldman delivers a powerhouse performance as Herman J. Mankiewicz, a jaded screenwriter battling alcoholism. He races against time to complete the screenplay for the 1941 film Citizen Kane.
The film delves into the tumultuous relationship between Mankiewicz and media mogul William Randolph Hearst, serving as a thinly veiled critique of Hollywood's power dynamics and the blurring lines between truth and fiction.
'Mank' isn't just a historical drama; it's a love letter to filmmaking. The stunning black and white visuals of the David Fincher-directed film transport you back to a bygone era, while the sharp dialogue and witty humor keep you engaged.
Marriage Story (2019)
Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of a dissolving marriage with 'Marriage Story', as writer-director Noah Baumbach crafts a deeply personal story revolving around a New York theater director, Charlie (Adam Driver), and his actress wife, Nicole (Scarlett Johansson).
As the couple navigates a heartbreaking divorce, the story highlights the complexities of love, resentment, and the challenges of co-parenting.
Both Driver and Johansson deliver powerful performances, capturing the raw emotions of a couple unraveling. Laura Dern shines as Nicole's fierce and compassionate lawyer, Nora Fanshaw, bagging a well-deserved Best Supporting Actress honor at the Academy Awards in the process.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Crack Nazi codes and rewrite history in 'The Imitation Game', the Oscar-winning thriller, which is based on the 1983 biography 'Alan Turing: The Enigma'.
A brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) leads a team of codebreakers at Bletchley Park to decipher Nazi codes, including Enigma -- which cryptanalysts had thought unbreakable during World War II.
Their success could shorten the war by years, but Turing's hidden personal life threatens everything.
With its suspenseful plot, powerful performances, and exploration of wartime heroism and societal prejudice, 'The Imitation Game' is a must-watch for history buffs and anyone who admires the power of the human mind. The film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.