The Oscars have crowned some of the most unforgettable films in cinema history – movies that have left a mark not just on Hollywood but on generations of movie lovers around the world.
From intense dramas to magical musicals and unforgettable thrillers, this list dives into the most iconic Academy Award winners that continue to stand the test of time.
Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just dipping your toes into award-winning cinema, these films are absolute must-watches.
Note: This list is based on personal opinion and factors like critical acclaim, awards won, and popularity, using sources such as Wikipedia, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and GamesRadar.
What Makes A Movie An Oscar Winner?
Winning an Oscar, especially Best Picture, is seen as the highest honor in filmmaking. The Academy often rewards films that blend strong storytelling, exceptional performances, technical excellence, and emotional impact.
Cultural relevance, directorial vision, and critical reception also play a big role. While trends shift over time, movies that push creative boundaries or reflect the spirit of their era often find themselves holding that golden statuette.
Top 10 Best Oscar-Winning Movies
The Academy Awards have honored countless films, but only a select few have achieved legendary status. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 Oscar-winning movies that have left an indelible mark on cinema.
| Rank | Movie Title | Year | Director | Major Awards Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Godfather | 1972 | Francis Ford Coppola | Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), Best Adapted Screenplay |
| 2 | Schindler’s List | 1993 | Steven Spielberg | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing |
| 3 | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | 2003 | Peter Jackson | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound Mixing, Best Visual Effects |
| 4 | Casablanca | 1943 | Michael Curtiz | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay |
| 5 | Gone with the Wind | 1939 | Victor Fleming | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Vivien Leigh), Best Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel), Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing |
| 6 | Titanic | 1997 | James Cameron | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects |
| 7 | One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest | 1975 | Miloš Forman | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher), Best Adapted Screenplay |
| 8 | Slumdog Millionaire | 2008 | Danny Boyle | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound Mixing |
| 9 | Everything Everywhere All at Once | 2023 | Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh), Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing |
| 10 | Parasite | 2019 | Bong Joon-ho | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film |
How many Oscar-worthy films are there in general? You might enjoy this breakdown of how many movies exist in total.
Now, let us have an in-depth look at each film.
1. The Godfather (1972)
A cinematic masterpiece, The Godfather redefined the gangster genre with its intense storytelling, iconic performances, and moral complexity. Centered around the powerful Corleone crime family, it explores loyalty, power, and legacy with haunting realism.
Marlon Brando’s unforgettable portrayal of Don Vito earned him an Oscar, while the film itself won Best Picture. Its artistic direction, dialogue, and cultural influence make it one of the greatest Oscar-winning films ever.
2. Schindler’s List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is a harrowing, deeply emotional portrayal of the Holocaust, chronicling how German businessman Oskar Schindler saved over a thousand Jews by employing them in his factories.
Shot mostly in black and white, the film’s stark realism, powerful performances – especially by Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes – and haunting score made it unforgettable. It won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its legacy as essential, Oscar-worthy cinema.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The epic conclusion to Peter Jackson’s fantasy trilogy, The Return of the King, delivered emotional depth, breathtaking visuals, and a powerful payoff to years of storytelling. It follows Frodo’s perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, while Middle-earth prepares for war.
Sweeping 11 Oscars – including Best Picture and Best Director – it tied the record for most wins, earning its place as a landmark achievement in fantasy and Oscar history.
4. Casablanca (1943)
Casablanca remains an enduring classic, blending romance, intrigue, and wartime drama against the backdrop of World War II. With unforgettable performances by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, its memorable dialogue and timeless themes of sacrifice and love made it a cultural touchstone.
The film won three Oscars, including Best Picture, and continues to be celebrated for its perfect mix of emotion, suspense, and iconic cinematic moments.
5. Gone With the Wind (1939)
An epic drama set during the American Civil War, Gone with the Wind is renowned for its sweeping storytelling, grand scale, and unforgettable characters, especially Scarlett O’Hara, played by Vivien Leigh.
The film’s lush visuals, powerful romance, and historical backdrop captivated audiences worldwide. It won 10 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress, becoming a landmark in Hollywood history and a symbol of classic American cinema.
6. Titanic (1997)
James Cameron’s Titanic combines a sweeping romance with a tragic historical disaster, following Jack and Rose’s forbidden love aboard the doomed ship. Its groundbreaking visual effects and epic scale brought the 1912 tragedy to vivid life.
Winning 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film’s emotional depth, unforgettable score, and technical innovation made it a monumental cinematic achievement and a global phenomenon.
7. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
This groundbreaking drama explores individuality and rebellion within a mental institution, centered on Randle McMurphy’s fight against oppressive authority. Jack Nicholson’s charismatic performance drives a story about freedom, power, and humanity.
Its raw, emotional narrative resonated widely, earning five major Oscars – including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay – making it one of the rare films to sweep the top categories and a powerful statement on societal conformity.
8. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Slumdog Millionaire tells the vibrant, gripping story of Jamal Malik, a young man from Mumbai’s slums who surprises everyone by winning a quiz show. Blending romance, drama, and social commentary, the film’s energetic direction, dynamic storytelling, and memorable soundtrack captivated audiences worldwide.
Winning eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Director, it spotlighted Indian culture while celebrating hope, resilience, and destiny in a visually stunning, emotionally rich package.
9. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2023)
A wildly inventive blend of sci-fi, comedy, and heartfelt drama, Everything Everywhere All at Once explores a multiverse of possibilities through the life of Evelyn, a laundromat owner facing chaos in every dimension.
Its bold storytelling, emotional depth, and inventive visuals challenged traditional filmmaking. Winning multiple Oscars, including Best Picture and acting honors, it became a fresh, genre-defying triumph celebrated for originality and profound human connection.
10. Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite masterfully blends dark comedy and thriller elements to explore class inequality in South Korea. The story follows a poor family cunningly infiltrating a wealthy household, leading to unexpected chaos.
Its sharp social commentary, suspenseful plot, and brilliant direction earned it four Oscars, including Best Picture – the first non-English film to do so, making it a groundbreaking, globally acclaimed cinematic milestone.
If you’re curious about recent winners, check out this full list of Oscar 2025 winners.
Best Oscar Movies by Decade
The Oscars have highlighted remarkable films over the decades, each era bringing fresh storytelling and cinematic styles. Here’s a quick look at some of the best Oscar-winning movies from the 2000s and 2010s that truly stood out.
Best Oscar Movies of the 2000s
Notable winners from this decade include:
- No Country for Old Men (2007) – A gripping thriller with unforgettable tension.
- The Departed (2006) – Martin Scorsese’s intense crime drama.
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – A vibrant story of hope and destiny.
- The Hurt Locker (2009) – A tense war drama with raw intensity.
- Million Dollar Baby (2004) – An emotional boxing drama about determination and redemption.
Best Oscar Movies of the 2010s
Key winners from this decade include:
- Birdman (2014) – A bold, single-shot style satire on fame and art.
- La La Land (2016) – A dazzling musical romance that captured hearts.
- Moonlight (2016) – A powerful, intimate story about identity and connection.
- The King’s Speech (2010) – A moving tale of overcoming adversity.
- Argo (2012) – A thrilling political drama based on true events.
Oscar Winners for Best Picture in The Last 5 Years
Here’s a quick rundown of the Best Picture winners from 2020 to 2024, highlighting their unique qualities and reasons for winning:
2024: Oppenheimer
Director: Christopher Nolan
Synopsis: A gripping biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the atomic bomb, exploring his moral dilemmas and political entanglements.
Why It Won: Oppenheimer captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and stellar performances. It became the highest-grossing Best Picture winner since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, grossing nearly $1 billion worldwide. The film’s success at the Oscars was a testament to its broad appeal and critical acclaim.
If you’re into epic storytelling on a grand scale, you might also enjoy this list of movies similar to Oppenheimer for more intense, thought-provoking cinema.
2023: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Directors: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Synopsis: A genre-defying multiverse adventure that blends action, comedy, and heartfelt family drama. Michelle Yeoh stars as a laundromat owner who discovers her ability to traverse parallel universes.
Why It Won: The film’s originality, emotional depth, and innovative storytelling earned it seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Michelle Yeoh.
2022: CODA
Director: Siân Heder
Synopsis: A touching coming-of-age story about Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of a deaf family, who discovers her passion for singing while grappling with family obligations.
Why It Won: CODA made history as the first film produced by a streaming service (Apple TV+) to win Best Picture. It was praised for its authentic portrayal of the deaf community and won three Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur.
2021: Nomadland
Director: Chloé Zhao
Synopsis: A poetic exploration of modern American nomads, following Fern as she travels across the American West in her van after the economic collapse of her hometown.
Why It Won: Nomadland was celebrated for its intimate storytelling and Frances McDormand’s compelling performance. It won three Oscars, including Best Director for Chloé Zhao, making her the second woman ever to win in that category.
2020: Parasite
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Synopsis: A dark social satire about a poor family who schemes to become employed by a wealthy family, leading to unexpected consequences.
Why It Won: Parasite made history as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. It also won three other Oscars, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, for its sharp commentary on class and society.
Most Oscar-Winning Movies Ever
Some movies have truly swept the Oscars, taking home more awards than most films could dream of. Here are the all-time record holders for the highest number of Oscar wins:
- Ben-Hur (1959) – Won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. This epic historical drama held the record for decades thanks to its grand scale and stunning chariot race scene.
- Titanic (1997) – Also won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. James Cameron’s epic love story combined breathtaking visuals with a tragic real-life disaster.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – Swept 11 Oscars as well, including Best Picture and Best Director. This final chapter of the trilogy won every category it was nominated for – a perfect clean sweep!
- West Side Story (1961) – Took home 10 Oscars, including Best Picture. The vibrant musical captured audiences with its timeless story and unforgettable songs.
- The English Patient (1996) – Claimed 9 Oscars, including Best Picture, for its sweeping romantic drama set during World War II.
These movies are legends in Oscar history, showing the power of epic storytelling, technical brilliance, and emotional depth. Their records still inspire filmmakers and movie lovers alike!
On the flip side, some movies don’t fare so well—check out these surprising box office flops that missed the mark.
Why These Oscar Movies Are Must-Watches
What makes these Oscar-winning films truly timeless isn’t just the trophies – they have that special magic that keeps us coming back for more. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your watchlist:
- Masterful Direction: Behind every great Oscar film is a visionary director who shapes the story with precision and flair. From Christopher Nolan’s intense storytelling in Oppenheimer to Martin Scorsese’s gritty realism in The Departed, direction brings the movie’s soul to life.
- Outstanding Acting: These movies feature performances that stay with you long after the credits roll. Think of Meryl Streep’s unforgettable roles or Mahershala Ali’s nuanced portrayal in Green Book. Oscar-winning acting elevates the story, making characters feel real and relatable.
- Compelling Screenplays: The scripts are sharp, engaging, and often packed with memorable dialogue. Whether it’s the clever twists in Parasite or the heartfelt journey in CODA, the screenplay lays the foundation for an unforgettable experience.
- Cultural Impact: Many of these films spark conversations and reflect important social themes – class struggles in Parasite, identity in Moonlight, or resilience in Nomadland. They resonate beyond the screen, influencing culture and inspiring change.
In short, these movies aren’t just award winners – they’re cinematic experiences that combine artistry, heart, and meaning, making them must-watch treasures for every film lover.
Bonus Watchlist: The Oscars celebrate cinema, but beloved classics and blockbusters often originate from Disney. Explore the top Disney movies ever.
Suggested Read:
Conclusion: The Godfather Remains the Best Oscar Movie Ever Made!
Oscar-winning films shine through exceptional direction, powerful acting, and unforgettable stories that resonate across generations. Classics like The Godfather, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, and Parasite have set the gold standard for cinematic excellence.
These movies are not just award winners – they’re cultural milestones that continue to inspire audiences worldwide. Watching them means experiencing the very best of filmmaking, with stories and performances that stand the test of time.
FAQs
A movie typically wins an Oscar based on outstanding direction, acting, screenplay, technical excellence, and cultural impact recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Ben-Hur (1959), Titanic (1997), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) share the record, each winning 11 Oscars.
The Godfather set new standards in storytelling, direction, and acting, influencing countless films and remaining a cultural touchstone decades after its release.
Not always, but many like Oppenheimer and Titanic achieved both critical acclaim and box office success, proving that quality and popularity can go hand in hand.
Non-English films can win Best Picture. Parasite (2020) was the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, breaking language barriers at the Oscars.
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