The Oscars 2026 are just around the corner with One Battle After Another, Hamnet and Sinners among the favorites to win the coveted Best Picture gong.
But what about all the films that audiences have loved that were not deemed worthy enough of recognition by the Academy, or the films that premiered after the cutoff date?
Here, the Daily Mail takes a closer look at the fan favorite titles that didn’t make the Best Picture list at this year’s Oscars.
These are the movies that have won the attention and hearts of viewers according to Rotten Tomatoes’ popcorn-meter rating.
The review aggregator site is where cinephiles, including professional critics and everyday fans, share their honest opinions and its popcorn-meter captures audience sentiment, indicating the percentage of fans who have rated a movie favorably.
Topping Rotten Tomatoes’ current popcorn-meter and verified hot list is Nuremberg, the psychological thriller historical drama starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek and Leo Woodall, which was released on November 7.
The film follows US Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek) seeking to carry out an assignment to investigate the personalities and monitor the mental status of Hermann Goring (Crowe) and other high-ranking Nazis in preparation for and during the Nuremberg trials.
Sharing their verdict, one fan said of the film: ‘Wonderful movie! Would watch again. Russell Crowe deserves an Oscar for his excellent playing of Goring.’
Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe, has proved to be a popular film on Rotten Tomatoes
Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney starred in The Housemaid, which has a popcornmeter score of 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes has given Nuremberg a popcorn-meter score of 95 percent.
Another psychological thriller that impressed audiences this year was The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.
Based on the novel by Frieda McFadden, the film follows a troubled live-in maid for a wealthy family, whose household hides dark secrets. It has a popcorn-meter score of 92 percent.
Released in cinemas on November 21, Rental Family is a drama with Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser at the helm.
The movie, which has a popcorn-meter score of 96 percent, follows Fraser, whose character is an American actor based in Japan who starts working for a rental family agency where he assumes various stand-in roles.
Post-apocalyptic horror 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple also impressed audiences following its release in January.
With a stellar cast, including the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell and Alfie Williams, the movie received positive reviews from critics and fans, scoring 88 percent on the popcorn-meter.
‘This deserves the absolute must-see rating,’ one fan declared in their review. ‘From the cinematography to the story, all around, this is one of my favorite horror movies to come out.’
Rental Family, helmed by Brendan Fraser, scored 96 percent on the review aggregator site
Ralph Fiennes as Dr Kelson in the post-apocalyptic horror 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Kevin James tickled many in his romcom Solo Mio, which arrived last month. With a 95 percent popcorn-meter score on Rotten Tomatoes, one fan described it as ‘easily the best romance movie.’
‘It’s charming, wholesome, and reminds you to live your life in the moment,’ they added. ‘Just take a breath and look at the beauty all around you. Since watching this movie, I haven’t stopped recommending it to friends and family.
‘It’s the perfect romance movie to snuggle up to on date night. The perfect heartwarming story that will have you giggling with every one-liner.’
Other movies that have earned high praise on Rotten Tomatoes of late include the sci-fi action film Predator: Badlands, starring Elle Fanning, the animation film Zootopia 2, and the Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen-led romcom, Eternity.
While Guillermo del Toro missed out on a nomination for Best Director at this year’s Oscars, Frankenstein also achieved approval from fans on Rotten Tomatoes, as did the horror film Weapons.
