Due to the impending Oscar season, December and January always have some of the best movies of the year. Filmmakers want their movies to be released early enough for consideration, but late enough to be fresh in the minds of voters. As a result, there’s a serious amount of really good movies coming out this month. GREY has narrowed the list down to the top 5.

5. On the Basis of Sex

Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsburg in on the Basis of Sex
Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Genre: Drama, Biopic
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: December 25, 2018
Directed By: Mimi Leder
Written By: Daniel Stiepleman
Notable Castmembers: Felicity JonesJustin TherouxArmie HammerKathy BatesSam WaterstonStephen Root, and Cailee Spaeny

This Ruth Bater Ginsberg biopic looks to dramatize the iconic Moritz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue case in 1972. It was a huge landmark for gender equality and went a long way in pushing back on sex-based discrimination in the workplace. For those of you looking for a good law movie, the odds seem to be in your favor for this one. Starring Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer, this movie looks like it’ll be both timely and well executed.

4. Welcome to Marwen

Steve Carell as Mark Hogancamp in Welcome to Marwen
Steve Carell as Mark Hogancamp

Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: December 25, 2018
Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
Written By: Caroline Thompson and Robert Zemeckis
Notable Castmembers: Steve CarellLeslie MannEiza GonzálezStefanie von PfettenDiane KrugerGwendoline ChristieJanelle MonáeMerritt Wever, and Siobhan Williams

Welcome to Marwen follows Mark Hogancamp, played by Steve Carell, as he recovers from a violent assault that leaves him traumatized both physically and mentally. The former illustrator can no longer draw as a result of the attack, and instead utilizes dolls to enact his artistic visions. Soon the miniatures become therapeutic for Mark as he is able to conquer his own demons with the help of a group of strong women backing him up.

3. Spiderman into the Spiderverse

(left to right) May Parker, Gwen Stacy, Spider Ham, Miles Morales, Peter Parker, and Spider Noir in Spiderman into the Spiderverse
(left to right) May Parker, Gwen Stacy, Spider-Ham, Miles Morales, Peter Parker, and Spider Noir

Genre: Animated, Superhero, Action, SciFi
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: December 14, 2018
Directed By: Bob PersichettiPeter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman
Written By: Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman
Notable Castmembers: Shameik MooreJake JohnsonHailee SteinfeldNicolas CageChris PineZoë KravitzJohn MulaneyKimiko Glenn, and Mahershala Ali

Based on a beloved Marvel comics event, this movie follows Mile Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore, in his quest to become his universe’s Spiderman. When mysterious events lead to worlds colliding, he meets alternate versions of spider heroes from across the multiverse. With grade-A voice talent, beautiful animation, and a compelling piece of the source material it’s going to be hard for this movie to miss.

2. Roma

Roma Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: November 21, 2018
Directed By: Alfonso Cuarón
Written By: Alfonso Cuarón
Notable Castmembers: Yalitza AparicioMarina de TaviraDiego Cortina Autrey

Technically this movie came out in late November, but it’s wide release still hasn’t reached most theaters yet. For that reason, the majority of the viewing audience will be seeing it for the first time this month, which qualifies it for our list. This period piece takes place in the early 1970s and chronicles the life of a family in Mexico City. The exact plot details have been pretty hush-hush, but one glance at the trailer is enough to get me in the theater. The sheer beauty of the cinematography and the highly emotive score have me sold already.

1. Vice

Christian Bale as Dick Chaney in Vice
Christian Bale as Dick Chaney in Vice

Genre: Biopic, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: December 25, 2018
Directed By: Adam McKay
Written By: Adam McKay
Notable Castmembers: Christian BaleSam RockwellAmy AdamsSteve CarellAlison Pill, and Tyler Perry

Vice is shaping up to be a movie focusing on Dick Chaney’s terms as Vice president. Both Christian Bale and Sam Rockwell mimic the likeness and mannerisms of the two men they’re portraying with great skill. In Bale’s case, he went as far as to gain weight for the role and his appearance in the film is unrecognizable. Given that Adam McKay, the mind behind the Big Short, is handling this we can probably count on the film delivering a serious subject through an intensely enjoyable lense.

Are there any movies you think should have made our list? Let us know in the comments below and on social media!