Top 10 Movies to Watch Before the Oscars 2023

Top 10 Movies To Watch Before the 2023 Oscars

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Movies To Watch Before the 2023 Oscars.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most essential films to see before the big ceremony to make the watch as exciting as possible.

Which film do you want to see win big at the Oscars? Let us know in the comments below.

#10: “The Whale” (2022)

It seemed like Oscar Buzz started flying for “The Whale” as soon as people saw the first trailer. Fortunately, the full film didn’t disappoint. Brendan Fraser plays an obese man who struggles with his self-image, anxiety, family issues and more. His moving performance is a vital part of why the movie works so well. Since Fraser’s already won a Critic’s Choice award, he should be a top contender for best actor at the Oscars. There’s also a decent chance that the adapted screenplay or stunning makeup work could earn “The Whale” additional gold. This drama has what it takes to be an award-winning comeback movie for Fraser.

#9: “Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio” (2022)

When looking back at the three films made about the classic wooden puppet released in 2022, Guillermo del Toro’s version easily has the most life. The stop motion animation is consistently gorgeous and breathtaking. Additionally, del Toro takes narrative liberties that will surprise and delight long time Pinocchio fans. And there’s also some truly great music that will leave you either cheering or crying. Del Toro’s film felt like it was built to be showered with awards. Before the Oscars, Pinocchio already took home the Golden Globe award for best animated feature. The odds are strong that the movie will soon get its strings on another big golden statue.

#8: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022)

Two months after Angela Bassett starred in this heroic sequel, she made history by winning the first acting Golden Globe for an MCU film. Her powerful performance is just one of the strong reasons to watch this comic book movie. “Wakanda Forever” shook up the MCU by expanding into a beautiful underwater kingdom filled with great characters. Throughout the film, the costumes to cinematography consistently enhance each scene. The narrative also serves as both a towering original story and beautiful tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. And it closes on a tear jerking song by Rihanna. Her singing, Angela Bassett’s performance or both could allow “Wakanda Forever” to win Oscars the MCU has never gotten before. Their wins would further solidify the movie’s legacy.

#7: “Elvis” (2022)

Every music biopic should strive to be as ambitious as the one made for the King of Rock and Roll. 2022’s “Elvis” takes us on an unflinching look at the star’s ups and downs during his historic career. While Tom Hanks is naturally great as a troubled manager, Austin Butler steals the spotlight with his portrayal of the musician. His musical prowess and acting talent make it nearly impossible for us to take our eyes off of him. Butler could easily dance away with the best actor honor at the Academy awards. Outside of his role, “Elvis” could surprise in either a behind-the-scenes category or take the night’s biggest statue. Wherever it lands, “Elvis” is definitely a slick story that moviegoers won’t want to miss.

#6: “All Quiet on the Western Front” (2022)

This war film could be a part of a big Oscar underdog story in 2023. During this bleak movie, young German soldiers experience the horrors of World War I firsthand. By not making English the primary language, the film feels more immersive. The actor’s compelling performances also draw us in further to the grim world. Despite all the movie's positives, it hadn’t seen a ton of love from American award ceremonies as of January 2023. But that could majorly change if “All Quiet on the Western Front” secures a best international feature film victory. The movie’s director or adapted screenplay might also lead the awards charge. When the night ends, this unflinching war film could stand among the best of its genre.

#5: “Tár” (2022)

Despite not making a huge splash at the box office, this film could hit all the right notes at the 2023 oscars. Cate Blanchett blew audiences away yet again by playing a multi talented musician who struggles to keep every aspect of her life in harmony. It was music to many ears when it was announced that she’d won the best actress award for Drama at the Golden Globe. Naturally, Blanchett is an early favorite to take the Oscar as well. But the script may be strong enough by itself to earn gold. It would also be very fitting for the composer’s story to get a nod for sound. In March, the Academy will likely sing its praises about at least one of “Tar’s” strengths.

#4: “The Fabelmans” (2022)

If you ever wanted to get a better sense of how and why Steven Spielberg became such a legendary director, this film is a must see. This drama blends accounts from his real life with fiction to paint an inspiring picture of a boy who grows up with a profound love for movies. The movie was hailed for its relatable story and fantastic cast. Although it was surprising that audiences didn’t show up in droves, it was easy to see why it got so much Golden Globe love. After Spielberg won for best director, it was hailed as the best dramatic film of 2022. There’s a decent chance “The Fablemans” could clinch the same two honors at the Oscars.

#3: “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)

How do you achieve the perfect blend of nostalgia, breathtaking stunts and a compelling story? Just ask Tom Cruise. During his long awaited sequel to the 1986 classic, he takes audiences on a high flying ride through the skies that never hits any turbulence. The production’s push for practical events and layered new characters made this so much more than a studio cash grab. But speaking of money, it came only second to “Avatar: The Way of Water” at the box office. “Top Gun Maverick’s” success among audiences and critics bodes well for its chances at the Oscars. Given the film has power to make hearts race and soar, we’d bet audiences are cheering for it to get a statue to put in its cockpit.

#2: “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022)

Somehow, a story about a woman learning to manipulate the multiverse in order to save it became an incredibly relatable film. Michelle Yeoh got to showcase her dramatic chops, comedic timing and considerable fighting skills during her spectacular performance. Her co-star Ke Huy Quan also shined with his earnest and scene-stealing lead role. Both actors earned well-deserved Golden Globes for their performances in January 2022. So, they are definitely poised to repeat that double whammy at the Oscars. But the movie also received praise for the direction, its screenplay and ensemble members like Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu. In the lead up to the ceremony, the award possibilities for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” feel as infinite as the multiverse itself.

#1: “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022)

The dream team of Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Martin McDonagh assembled to produce another stellar film. Thanks to a script about a fallout between friends that effortlessly reaches dark lows and comedic heights, “The Banshees of Inisherin” felt like a well rounded experience. The performances are also so nuanced that you’d be forgiven if you forgot these people were fictional. It almost felt inevitable that Colin Farell would walk away with a best actor award at the Golden Globes. On top of his win, the movie earned top screenplay honors and best motion picture musical or comedy in two incredibly crowded categories. We would not be surprised to hear “The Banshees of Inisherin” get shouted out repeatedly at the 2023 Oscars.