Guillermo del Toro's enchanting and visually stunning film is a fairytale for adults. Set in 1962, the film tells the story of Elisa Esposito, a mute woman who forms a unique connection with an amphibious creature held captive in a secret government laboratory. Sally Hawkins delivers a captivating performance, and the film's beautiful production design and creature effects create a magical and immersive world. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of the unconventional. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Yorgos Lanthimos's darkly comedic and surreal film is set in a dystopian society where single people are forced to find a partner within 45 days or be turned into an animal of their choice. Colin Farrell delivers a deadpan and understated performance as David, a man trying to navigate this absurd and oppressive system. The film's bizarre premise and unsettling atmosphere create a unique and thought-provoking experience. It critiques societal norms and expectations around relationships. The director, Yorgos Lanthimos, is known for his distinct and often unsettling cinematic style.

Alejandro G. Iñárritu's audacious and technically brilliant film tells the story of Riggan Thomson, a washed-up actor trying to revive his career with a Broadway play. Michael Keaton delivers a tour-de-force performance, and the film's seamless cinematography creates the illusion of being shot in one continuous take. The film explores themes of ego, ambition, and the search for artistic validation. The movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Emmanuel Lubezki won the Oscar for best cinematography for this title.

Nicolas Winding Refn's stylish and suspenseful film is a neo-noir thriller with Ryan Gosling as a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver. The film's minimalist dialogue, striking visuals, and pulsating electronic soundtrack create a unique and atmospheric experience. The film's use of violence is both shocking and artful, adding to the film's sense of danger and unpredictability. The movie showcases Gosling's talent for understated intensity. Cliff Martinez's score received widespread praise for its atmospheric quality.

This unconventional romantic comedy tells the story of Tom Hansen's bittersweet relationship with Summer Finn. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel deliver captivating performances, making the film a memorable exploration of love, expectations, and heartbreak. The film's non-linear narrative structure and witty dialogue offer a fresh and relatable perspective on modern romance. Interestingly, the film's soundtrack features a mix of indie pop and classic songs, enhancing the film's emotional impact.

This quirky road trip comedy follows the Hoover family as they travel across the country to support their young daughter Olive in a beauty pageant. With a stellar ensemble cast including Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, and Steve Carell, the film charms with its blend of humor and heartwarming moments. The film celebrates the beauty in imperfection and the strength of family bonds, resonating with audiences for its authentic and life-affirming message. Alan Arkin won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the foul-mouthed grandfather.

Sofia Coppola's melancholic and atmospheric film explores the themes of loneliness, alienation, and connection. Bill Murray delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as Bob Harris, an aging actor who forms an unlikely bond with Charlotte, a young woman played by Scarlett Johansson, in Tokyo. The film's beautiful cinematography and haunting soundtrack create a sense of longing and introspection. Fun fact: Coppola wrote the script specifically for Murray, and he was the only actor she considered for the role. She won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for this movie.

Jason Reitman's witty and heartwarming film follows Juno MacGuff, a teenage girl who becomes pregnant and decides to give her baby up for adoption. Ellen Page delivers a charming and memorable performance as Juno, and the film's quirky humor and honest portrayal of teenage life resonated with audiences. The film's soundtrack, featuring artists like Kimya Dawson and Belle & Sebastian, perfectly captures the film's indie spirit. Diablo Cody won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her sharp and insightful writing. The movie grossed over $230 million worldwide, becoming a box office hit.

Barry Jenkins's lyrical and moving film tells the story of Chiron, a young black man, as he comes to terms with his identity and sexuality. The film is divided into three chapters, each depicting a different stage of Chiron's life. The film's poetic imagery, evocative music, and nuanced performances create a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience. Notably, the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, despite a controversial mix-up at the ceremony. It's a testament to the film's powerful message and artistic merit.

Damien Chazelle's intense and gripping film explores the obsessive pursuit of excellence. Miles Teller delivers a powerhouse performance as Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer who is pushed to his limits by his demanding and abusive instructor, Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons. The film's fast-paced editing and dynamic cinematography create a sense of urgency and tension. Simmons won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his unforgettable performance. Also, the drumming sequences are incredibly realistic, as Teller actually learned to play the drums for the role.

Richard Linklater's groundbreaking film is a unique and ambitious coming-of-age story filmed over 12 years with the same cast. The movie follows the life of Mason, played by Ellar Coltrane, from childhood to young adulthood, offering a realistic and poignant portrayal of growing up. The film's naturalistic style and unscripted moments create a sense of authenticity that is rarely seen in cinema. Interestingly, Linklater has said that he wanted to capture the fleeting moments and everyday experiences that shape our lives. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Spike Jonze's thought-provoking film explores the nature of love and connection in the digital age. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a moving performance as Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who develops a relationship with an AI operating system named Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The film raises profound questions about technology, intimacy, and what it means to be human. The film's score, composed by Arcade Fire, perfectly complements the film's melancholic and introspective mood. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Wes Anderson's whimsical and visually stunning film is a true delight. The movie tells the story of Gustave H., a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and his friendship with a young lobby boy, Zero Moustafa. Ralph Fiennes delivers a brilliant performance as Gustave, and the film is filled with Anderson's signature quirky humor and meticulous attention to detail. The film's pastel color palette, symmetrical compositions, and intricate set design create a unique and enchanting world. Did you know? The movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, solidifying its status as a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Michel Gondry's masterpiece, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, transcends typical romance films with its surreal and innovative exploration of memory and relationships. The film delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the human desire to erase painful memories. Carrey delivers a stunning performance showcasing his dramatic range, while Winslet is equally captivating. The non-linear narrative and imaginative visual effects create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's themes. Fun fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a testament to its unique and thought-provoking storytelling.