For all of us who hold a camera with trembling hands and a story in our hearts, the rising prominence of indie films and the support of groundbreaking production companies underscore that making a difference, one heartfelt story at a time, is not just possible but essential.

The anticipation around Oscar Day is high, so here is just the thing for you to get over the jitters — an Oscars binge list. This guide has some of the best movies of 2024 — from visually stunning sci-fi epics to exciting dramas and musical masterpieces.

Next time you’re in a movie theater, don’t let the phrase “based on the book” scare you away from a fun movie experience.