Bolshoi Babylon provides an engaging and interesting (if thematically simplistic) behind-the-scenes look at one of Russia's greatest cultural institutions.
The Queen of Ireland is a powerful, moving document that acts as a time-capsule of emotion and social change. It's also the funniest film of the year.
Perhaps a few stops down from essential, but Room is still quietly devastating thanks to two sublime lead performances.
This is the Star Wars film that fans having been waiting for, and for everyone else this is a fine way to enter the universe and to see what all the fuss is about.
The Lobster is a unique and oddly affecting take on modern relationships, with a fine cast committing to its deadpan strangeness.
Black Mass is filled with a star-studded cast, but it is Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jimmy Whitey Bulger that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Mississippi Grind has earned a place for itself among the gambling classics with its unique angle on addiction and male friendship.