Spotlight
Who’s in it? Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Liev Schreiber, Stanley Tucci, Billy Crudup
What’s so special about it? A fantastic ensemble cast of veterans – portraying a team of investigative reporters at the Boston Globe – drives this drama, which digs deep into the issue of child abuse in the Catholic Church. Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams lead a cast that also includes Michael Keaton and Liev Schreiber in what is being hailed as an unflinching look at a scandal that has rocked the foundations of America’s largest religious institution.

The Revenant
Who’s in it? Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson
What’s so special about it? Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest effort to attain Oscar glory comes in the form of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s new epic, The Revenant. Gritty and grim to its core, the film explores the strength of man’s will to survive in the face of impossible odds. Beautiful landscapes are captured through expert cinematography, while the story of survival will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bonus point: the film also stars Tom Hardy in one of his best performances to date.

Brooklyn
Who’s in it? Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent 
What’s so special about it? The tale of an Irish immigrant finding love in 1950s New York City is a frontrunner for the top prize this year thanks to the performances of young stars Saoirse Ronan and Emory Cohen. Described as a beautifully written and faithful adaptation of Colm Toibin’s bestselling novel, Brooklyn deals with love, adapting to change, homecomings and the discovery of the self.

The Big Short
Who’s in it? Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt
What’s so special about it? While the 2008 financial crisis affected seemingly everyone in some form or another, the ins and outs of the scandal escapes many. Looking to bridge the gap between dense economic jargon and accessible reliability, director Adam McKay (known more for comedies such as Anchorman, Step Brothers and Talladega Nights) has endeavoured to simplify the story with comedy, insightful narration and performances from the likes of Steve Carell, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling.

Carol
Who’s in it? Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler
What’s so special about it? Carol is a melancholic yet beautiful tale of love in a time where social taboos were still in full force. Cate Blanchett slays in her role as an elegant and married member of New York’s high society – caught between expectations of the world she inhabits and her desire for another woman. The film boasts incredible sets, costumes and score, not to mention stellar performances from all involved.

Notable mentions:
Of course, there are plenty of movies released in 2015 worthy of acclaim. We also recommend watching Cold War drama Bridge of Spies, Matt Damon’s sci-fi flick The Martian, the stellar blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road, the captivating Room and NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton.