The 2025 Oscars: A Comprehensive Guide to the Nominated Films

The 2025 Oscars ceremony is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare for the big day than by catching up with all the nominated films from the comfort of your own home? This year, the competition is fierce, with films like Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, and Wicked leading the pack with a whopping 13, 10, and 10 nominations respectively. Whether you’re a cinephile or just looking to join in on the Oscar buzz, this guide is your one-stop shop to know where to watch these incredible films.

Catching Up on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus is a treasure trove of nominated films this year. Among the highlights is September 5, a gripping historical drama set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. The film follows an American sports broadcasting team as they find themselves in the midst of a hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes. Nominated for Best Picture, September 5 is set to stream on February 25, so mark your calendars! Also on Paramount Plus is the much-awaited sequel to Gladiator, titled Gladiator 2: The Colosseum. This epic tale follows Lucius, the nephew of Commodus, as he is forced to fight in the Colosseum under the iron rule of Rome’s tyrannical emperors. Nominated for Best Picture, this film promises to be a visual feast. For those interested in true crime documentaries, John Henry Ramirez: The Road to Redemption tells the story of a Texas death row inmate seeking redemption through an unusual bond with his victim’s son. Lastly, My Fault is a powerful documentary about a journalist investigating her own sexual assault, showcasing her courage and determination. It’s available on the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan, so if you’re subscribed, this is a must-watch.

Now Available for Purchase or Rental

If you prefer owning your movies or renting them, several Oscar-nominated films are available for purchase or rental. Wicked, the enchanting prequel to The Wizard of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the iconic witches Elphaba and Glinda. With nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress, and several technical categories, this musical fantasy is a treat for the eyes and ears. It will begin streaming on Peacock on March 21, but if you can’t wait, you can rent or buy it now. Another standout is The Brutalist, a period drama about a Hungarian architect rebuilding his life in America post-WWII. Starring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, this film is a contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and several acting categories. Anora, a comedy-drama about a Brooklyn sex worker marrying the son of a Russian billionaire, is also available for purchase or rental and will stream on Hulu starting March 17. Lastly, Sing Sing, a prison drama centered around a theatre group, features Colman Domingo and is nominated for Best Actor.

Netflix: Your Go-To for Diverse Cinema

Netflix is always a great place to find Oscar-nominated films, and this year is no exception. Emilia Pérez, the most nominated film this year with 13 nods, is a musical thriller about a cartel leader faking her own death. Starring Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez, this film is not only a contender for Best Picture but also for Best Director and Best Actress. Another gem on Netflix is The Gnome, a claymation adventure about a smart gnome gaining sentience, nominated for Best Animated Feature. For those interested in biopics, Maria tells the story of the legendary soprano Maria Callas, while The Girls offers a historical drama inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII. Netflix also hosts several short films, including Take Me Home, about a pioneering female musician, and Anuja, a touching story of two Indian sisters facing life-changing opportunities. With such a diverse range of films, Netflix is your go-to for an eclectic cinematic experience.

Max: A Mix of Magic and Mystery

Max is another streaming platform offering a variety of Oscar-nominated films. Dune: Part Two, the highly anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic, continues the journey of Paul Atreides in a visually stunning universe. Nominated for Best Picture and several technical categories, this is a must-watch for fans of the original. Another standout is Flow, an animated adventure about a courageous cat navigating a flooded world, nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film. For those who enjoy offbeat comedies, Sing Sing is also available on Max, starting March 21. Lastly, The Substance is a gothic tale of obsession involving a haunted woman and a vampire, nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Production Design. Max truly offers something for every taste, from epic sci-fi to whimsical animation and dark romance.

Hulu and Disney Plus: Stellar Offerings

Hulu is another excellent platform to catch up on Oscar-nominated films. Nickel Boys, based on the harrowing true story of two Black teenagers in a reform school, is set to stream on MGM Plus starting February 28. This powerful film is a contender for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Also on Hulu is Conclave, a thriller about the secretive process of selecting a new pope, featuring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. Nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor, this film offers a gripping look into Vatican politics. Over on Disney Plus, Inside Out 2 takes viewers back into the mind of Riley, now a teenager dealing with new emotions and unexpected changes at Headquarters. This animated sequel is a nominee for Best Animated Feature. Additionally, Disney Plus hosts науки/科, a documentary about a groundbreaking investigation into an Indian residential school, offering a poignant look at historical injustices.

Other Streaming Platforms and Theatrical Releases

For those films not available on major streaming platforms, there are still options. The Thief, a stop-motion film about a young girl collecting snails and loving books, is available on AMC Plus. Another unique offering is The Mole, a short film about a woman obsessing over whether she’s a robot, nominated for Best Live Action Short Film. Conversely, some films are still only available in theaters. A Complete Unknown, the biopic about Bob Dylan starring Timothée Chalamet, is a must-see on the big screen, nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor. Similarly, Conclave, about the selection of a new pope, is available in theaters for those who prefer the cinematic experience. These films remind us that sometimes, the magic of cinema is best felt in a theater, surrounded by others.

With this guide, you’re all set to embark on an Oscar marathon from the coziness of your home, with a few trips to the cinema for good measure. From historical dramas to whimsical animations, this year’s nominees offer a rich tapestry of stories and artistic genius. So grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and dive into the cinematic excellence that 2025 has to offer!