What to watch before the 2016 Oscars

To get ready for the award ceremony of Feb. 28, 2016, watch these movies similar to the Best Picture Nominees

“The Big Short”

Filled with corruption, lies and broken promises, one of America’s biggest industries, banking has an underbelly that is overshadowed by the promise of the glamorous life of the rich and successful. Focusing on four men as they undergo a major investment before the 2008 economic collapse, “The Big Short” is perfect for anyone who enjoyed other dramas that take a look into the dark side of the economic world and people who don’t.

More like “The Big Short”: “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013), “Margin Call” (2011), “Boiler Room” (2000), “Inside Job” (2010)

 

“Bridge of Spies”

Travelling across the newly built Berlin Wall, New York lawyer James B. Donovan, played by Tom Hanks, must save a captured pilot by trading him for a convicted spy that many believe should be killed for his crimes. Filled with the drama and suspense common in spy movies, “Bridge of Spies” doesn’t disappoint as a Cold War era drama.

More like “Bridge of Spies”: “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (2011), “Fail Safe” (1964), “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” (1965), “Spy Game” (2001)

 

“Brooklyn”

Leaving everything behind was, and is, a reality for millions of immigrants as they come to America to achieve a new life. Romantic and dramatic, “Brooklyn” perfectly captures the struggle to achieve the American dream while facing life-changing events.

More like “Brooklyn”: “Like Crazy” (2011), “Before Sunrise” (1995), “Lost in Translation” (2003), “Angela’s Ashes” (1999)

 

“Mad Max: Fury Road”

Thrilling and action-packed, “Mad Max: Fury Road” follows a group of former captives as they run from a gang leader in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, driven by the need to survive and  achieve freedom. The fourth installment in a franchise that began in 1979, “Mad Max: Fury Road” excites and further envisions a surrealistic future for the human race.

More Like “Mad Max: Fury Road”: “Duel” (1971), “Turbo Kid” (2015), “Doomsday” (2008), “Waterworld” (1995)

 

“The Martian”

Facing many people’s worst nightmare, NASA astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, is left behind on Mars and must find a way to survive on the hostile planet. Capturing one of the worst scenarios that could come with our growing exploration into space, “The Martian” follows one man as he fight to come home.

More like “The Martian”: “Interstellar” (2014), “Gravity” (2013), “It! The Terror from Beyond Space” (1958), “Alien” (1979)

 

“The Revenant”

Driven by revenge and the need to survive, famous explorer Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, must return home against all odds. Based on a true story, “The Revenant” follows a lone man as he treks through wilderness after being attacked by a bear and left for dead. Emotional and thrilling, this drama centers on a grief-stricken journey in a wintry, hard terrain.

More like “The Revenant”: “Man in the Wilderness” (1971), “Across the Wide Missouri” (1951), “The Hateful Eight” (2015), “The Quick and the Dead” (1995)

 

“Room”

Held captive in a room for six years, a mother and son are reintroduced to the world. Dealing with the aftermath of kidnapping and the loss of childhood, “The Room” follows a mother and son as they come to terms with what happened to them and learn to face the outside world together.

More like “The Room”: “Circle of Friends” (1995), “What Richard Did” (2012), “Prisoners” (2013), “The Disappearance of Alice Creed” (2009)

 

“Spotlight”

Based on a true story, “Spotlight” follows a group of journalists from the Boston Globe as they work to uncover corruption in the Catholic Church following accusations of child abuse. Drawing from a controversial event, this emotional drama follows the spotlight team as they slowly uncover decades of cover-ups and countless names involves.

More like “Spotlight”: “Kill the Messenger” (2014), “All the President’s Men” (1976), “Shattered Glass” (2003), “Good Night, and Good Luck” (2005)