Don’t Miss These Must-See Best Picture Winners: The Complete List of Best Picture Winners from 1927 to 2023

Every year, the Academy Awards crown one film with the coveted title of Best Picture, a cinematic honor that transcends red carpets and golden statues. From timeless classics to groundbreaking newcomers, these Best Picture winners reflect the evolution of storytelling, technology, culture, and emotion in the world of film.

This definitive guide brings you into the heart of 97 unforgettable Oscar-winning movies, offering 200-word synopses that capture what made each Best Picture film exceptional. Whether you're a cinephile curating your next watchlist or a casual viewer looking to explore the most acclaimed movies of the past century, this article has something for everyone.

From sweeping historical epics and tender character studies to musical spectacles and genre-defying masterpieces, the Best Picture Academy Award has recognized some of the most powerful, poignant, and provocative films ever made. Dive into this year-by-year journey through the most celebrated Best Picture winners, and discover the films that have defined generations—and continue to inspire.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Picture Winners: 1927–1936

1. Wings (1927)

Wings was the first of the Best Picture winners in Oscar history, setting a high bar for future cinematic excellence.

Directed by William A. Wellman, this silent war epic follows two World War I fighter pilots entangled in both aerial combat and romantic rivalry. Charles "Buddy" Rogers and Richard Arlen star opposite Clara Bow in a tale that captures the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism.

What makes Wings stand out among early Oscar-winning movies is its groundbreaking aerial cinematography and emotional intensity, despite the absence of spoken dialogue. The film was later re-released in 1928 with synchronized sound effects, enhancing its immersive experience.

Preserved in the National Film Registry and entering the public domain in 2023, Wings remains a must-see for those exploring the evolution of Best Picture Academy Award milestones. As the inaugural Best Picture film, it blends innovation and emotion, offering viewers a cinematic time capsule from the silent film era.

It's one of those early Best Picture winners that not only entertained but also pioneered techniques that continue to influence action and war dramas.

2. The Broadway Melody (1929)

Marking the dawn of the sound era, The Broadway Melody was the first talkie to win the Best Picture Academy Award. Released in 1929, this musical drama set the tone for Hollywood’s love affair with song and dance. 

The film follows two sisters chasing fame on Broadway, only to have their bond tested by love and ambition. Featuring the hit song “You Were Meant for Me,” this early Best Picture film combines romance, betrayal, and the glittering highs and lows of showbiz. It even featured a brief Technicolor sequence, a precursor to future cinematic spectacles.

As one of the early Best Picture winners, its historical significance can’t be overstated—it bridged the silent film era and Hollywood’s golden age of musicals. Though modern viewers may find its pacing dated, its influence on the genre is undeniable. For fans of Oscar-winning movies and cinema history, this is a milestone not to miss. The Broadway Melody exemplifies how the Best Picture winners category evolved to embrace sound, spectacle, and musical storytelling.

3. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) 

One of the most powerful Best Picture winners, All Quiet on the Western Front offers a harrowing depiction of World War I through the eyes of a young German soldier. Directed by Lewis Milestone and based on Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, this anti-war film strips away the glory often associated with combat. With unflinching realism, it shows the brutality, trauma, and futility of war.

When it comes to Oscar-winning movies, few have tackled such weighty themes with such emotional force. The trench warfare sequences are particularly gut-wrenching, using innovative tracking shots and sound design to place viewers in the mud-soaked horror. This Best Picture film also marked a shift in Academy tastes, proving that Hollywood could recognize grim, thought-provoking cinema.

A must-watch among Best Picture winners, it remains relevant for its powerful message and timeless craftsmanship. Whether you’re studying war cinema or exploring Best Picture Academy Award classics, All Quiet on the Western Front remains an unforgettable journey into the human cost of conflict.

4. Cimarron (1931)

As one of the early Best Picture winners, Cimarron captures the adventurous spirit of the American frontier. Based on Edna Ferber’s novel, the story chronicles Yancey Cravat and his wife Sabra as they settle in Oklahoma during the land rush of the 1880s. Directed by Wesley Ruggles, the film spans several decades, touching on themes of expansion, gender roles, and social change.

What makes Cimarron a notable Best Picture film is its epic scale and ambitious narrative. It was the first Western to win the Best Picture Academy Award, paving the way for future historical dramas. Although some elements haven’t aged well, especially in terms of representation, its production value and period detail were groundbreaking for the time.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Cimarron stands out as a sweeping saga that reflected America’s fascination with growth and grit. For film historians and fans of Best Picture winners, this is a key piece in understanding Hollywood's early obsession with manifest destiny on the silver screen.

5. Grand Hotel (1932)

Grand Hotel was the first of the Best Picture winners to feature an all-star ensemble cast, bringing together legends like Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and John Barrymore in a tale set entirely within the walls of a luxurious Berlin hotel.

This film masterfully weaves multiple storylines, from romance to theft to corporate drama, showing the intersections of various lives within a single location. The tagline "People come, people go, nothing ever happens at the Grand Hotel" is ironically false—everything happens here.

Directed by Edmund Goulding, this Best Picture film elevated the multi-character narrative structure, influencing generations of ensemble films. It remains one of the most stylish and emotionally complex Oscar-winning movies of the early 1930s. If you’re tracing the evolution of storytelling within Best Picture Academy Award selections, Grand Hotel is an essential entry, both for its technical craft and its forward-thinking character work.

A glittering gem among the early Best Picture winners, it set the template for many modern dramas.

6. Cavalcade (1933)

Cavalcade is a sweeping British drama chronicling the lives of an upper-middle-class family as they live through key historical events from the Boer War to World War I. Directed by Frank Lloyd and based on Noël Coward’s play, it won the Best Picture Academy Award for its grand emotional scale and its reflective portrayal of societal change.

Among the Best Picture winners, it’s unique in its distinctly British lens and deep focus on tradition, class, and loss. The film uses personal tragedy to humanize vast historical shifts, making abstract events feel personal and poignant. While not as flashy as some Oscar-winning movies, Cavalcade stands out for its solemn grace and historical insight. It’s a film that rewards patient viewing and offers a quiet yet powerful emotional impact.

Fans of historical dramas and classic cinema will appreciate this Best Picture film for its ambition and theatrical roots. It's a strong reminder that the Best Picture winners category has long celebrated films that merge personal and political narratives.

7. It Happened One Night (1934)

One of the earliest Best Picture winners to achieve the legendary “Big Five” sweep (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Screenplay), It Happened One Night remains a landmark in romantic comedy.

Directed by Frank Capra and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, this road trip rom-com tells the story of a spoiled heiress on the run and the cynical reporter who helps—and annoys—her. As far as Oscar-winning movies go, few are as endlessly charming and rewatchable. The film set the standard for screwball comedy and romantic tropes that still dominate the genre. Its fast-paced dialogue, sparkling chemistry, and witty script make it one of the most beloved Best Picture films of all time.

It’s more than a love story; it’s a social commentary disguised in wit. For anyone diving into Best Picture winners, this is a masterclass in how romance and laughter can capture hearts and Oscars alike.

8. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) 

Mutiny on the Bounty brought nautical rebellion to the forefront of Best Picture winners with Charles Laughton and Clark Gable leading a high-seas drama about tyranny and justice.

Set aboard the HMS Bounty, the story recounts the real-life 1789 mutiny led by Fletcher Christian against the cruel Captain Bligh. Directed by Frank Lloyd, the film blends historical drama and intense character conflict, earning the Best Picture Academy Award for its rousing performances and compelling moral quandaries. Among Oscar-winning movies, this is a prime example of early Hollywood’s love for epic adventures and charismatic anti-heroes. Its visuals, seafaring authenticity, and themes of freedom vs. authority keep it relevant to modern viewers.

If you’re building a watchlist of must-see Best Picture films, don’t skip this maritime masterpiece. Mutiny on the Bounty helped set the gold standard for historical epics within the Best Picture winners legacy.

9. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

A lavish biopic of Broadway legend Florenz Ziegfeld, The Great Ziegfeld dazzles with its extravagant musical numbers and glamorous production design.

Directed by Robert Z. Leonard and starring William Powell, the film charts Ziegfeld’s rise from small-time showman to entertainment titan. As one of the most opulent Best Picture winners of the 1930s, it epitomizes Hollywood’s golden-age excess.

Notably, the film includes the spectacular “A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody” number, a visual marvel of synchronized choreography and set design. This Best Picture film is not just a biography—it’s a celebration of theatrical flair and cinematic spectacle. Among Oscar-winning movies, few have matched its sheer scale and entertainment value.

While the story occasionally takes a backseat to the showstopping visuals, that was precisely the Ziegfeld style. For those exploring Best Picture winners that double as historical records of showbiz, The Great Ziegfeld is a glittering gem.

10. The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

Among the Best Picture winners that blend biopic with courtroom drama, The Life of Emile Zola stands out for its moral courage and intellectual heft. Directed by William Dieterle and starring Paul Muni, this Best Picture film chronicles the rise of the French writer Émile Zola, culminating in his defense of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer falsely accused of treason. The film resonates for its exploration of injustice, state corruption, and the writer’s responsibility in society.

As an Oscar-winning movie, it avoids the fluff of typical biopics and dives headfirst into serious political themes, marking it as one of the more mature entries among early Best Picture winners. The courtroom scenes alone are riveting, with Muni’s passionate speeches cementing Zola as a cinematic hero of truth.

For fans of historical films and legal drama, this Best Picture Academy Award recipient is a rewarding watch that underscores how cinema can champion truth.

11. You Can’t Take It with You (1938)

Frank Capra returned to the Best Picture winners list with this heartwarming tale about family, freedom, and following your passion. You Can’t Take It with You is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play and centers on the clash between an eccentric, joyful family and a wealthy, rigid one when their children fall in love. Starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur, the film blends comedy, romance, and social commentary with Capra’s signature optimism.

Among Oscar-winning movies, this one shines for its message that happiness outweighs material wealth. It’s an uplifting addition to the Best Picture film legacy, reminding viewers that life is best lived on one’s own terms. As economic pressures loomed in pre-WWII America, this movie's themes deeply resonated.

For those exploring Best Picture winners that balance entertainment and ethical values, Capra’s classic is an essential chapter.

12. Gone with the Wind (1939)

No list of Best Picture winners is complete without mentioning Gone with the Wind, a film as legendary as it is controversial. Directed by Victor Fleming and based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel, this epic Civil War romance stars Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler.

With sweeping cinematography, unforgettable performances, and a narrative that spans love, war, and survival, Gone with the Wind redefined Hollywood spectacle. It was the first color Best Picture film and won a record-setting eight competitive Oscars. However, its depiction of slavery and the antebellum South has sparked ongoing debate, prompting modern re-evaluation. Among the most-watched Oscar-winning movies of all time, its cultural impact remains vast.

Whether viewed as a flawed masterpiece or a relic of its time, it continues to spark discussion, making it one of the most complex Best Picture winners in Academy history

13. Rebecca (1940)

Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca is a gothic romance wrapped in psychological mystery, and it remains the only Best Picture winner directed by the Master of Suspense himself. Based on Daphne du Maurier’s novel, the film follows a shy young bride (Joan Fontaine) who struggles with the haunting legacy of her husband's deceased first wife.

Laurence Olivier stars as the brooding Maxim de Winter. Produced by David O. Selznick, this moody masterpiece combines noir lighting, chilling atmosphere, and emotional tension. Unlike typical Oscar-winning movies of the time, Rebecca thrives on suggestion and ambiguity. Its lack of traditional horror elements makes its psychological suspense all the more effective.

As one of the most memorable Best Picture films, Rebecca set the standard for haunting storytelling that blurs love and dread. For those seeking Best Picture winners with depth and mystery, this is a timeless favorite.

14. How Green Was My Valley (1941) 

Beating out Citizen Kane to win the Best Picture Academy Award, How Green Was My Valley is a poetic elegy to family, community, and a vanishing way of life. Directed by John Ford, this Best Picture film is set in a Welsh coal mining village and seen through the eyes of a young boy, Huw (Roddy McDowall). As industrial changes and personal tragedies sweep through his town, Huw watches his tight-knit family slowly unravel. Rich in visual symbolism and emotional resonance, this Oscar-winning movie remains one of Ford’s most lyrical works. Its themes of loss, nostalgia, and resilience still resonate.

For viewers exploring the evolution of Best Picture winners, How Green Was My Valley is a masterclass in sentimental yet grounded storytelling. It’s a film that quietly lingers in the heart long after its final frame.

15. Mrs. Miniver (1942)

Among Best Picture winners that uplifted spirits during wartime, Mrs. Miniver holds a special place. Directed by William Wyler and starring Greer Garson, the film portrays the life of a British housewife whose quiet strength supports her family and village during World War II.

Its blend of personal struggle and national perseverance struck a powerful chord with audiences in both Britain and the U.S. As a Best Picture film, it played a crucial role in fostering Allied unity, even being praised by Winston Churchill. Few Oscar-winning movies from the 1940s combined sentiment and propaganda so effectively. Garson’s performance as the titular heroine earned widespread acclaim, and the film remains a testament to the everyday heroism of wartime women.

For those studying Best Picture winners that served a larger cause, Mrs. Miniver stands tall as a cinematic morale booster and cultural icon.

16. Casablanca (1943)

Casablanca is perhaps the most beloved of all Best Picture winners, celebrated for its romance, wit, and moral complexity. Set in World War II-era Morocco, the film follows Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a jaded nightclub owner who must choose between love and resistance when his former flame Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) reappears.

Directed by Michael Curtiz, this Best Picture film perfectly balances political intrigue with deeply personal stakes. Its iconic dialogue, unforgettable score, and classic performances have turned it into one of the most quoted Oscar-winning movies of all time. “Here’s looking at you, kid” and “We’ll always have Paris” remain etched into popular culture.

Casablanca endures not just as a romance, but as a stirring tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and second chances. As far as Best Picture Academy Award legends go, this one tops many lists for good reason.

17. Going My Way (1944)

This gentle musical dramedy about faith, friendship, and community is one of the most wholesome Best Picture winners ever made. Directed by Leo McCarey, Going My Way stars Bing Crosby as a young, progressive priest who brings new life to an aging parish and helps reform wayward youths through music and compassion.

Crosby’s charm and the film’s heartfelt tone earned it widespread popularity during wartime America. Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s refreshingly low-stakes yet emotionally resonant. Its themes of kindness and generational harmony made it a comfort film during trying times.

As a Best Picture film, Going My Way may not push cinematic boundaries, but it does showcase how warmth and music can resonate across divides. For fans of uplifting Best Picture winners, this one delivers a quiet but enduring message of hope.

18. The Lost Weekend (1945)

One of the most hard-hitting Best Picture winners, The Lost Weekend takes a fearless look at alcoholism, mental health, and self-destruction.

Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Ray Milland in a career-defining role, the film follows a failed writer during a four-day binge that exposes his deepest demons. Using expressionistic visuals and haunting narration, Wilder turns addiction into a gripping psychological horror.

Among 1940s Oscar-winning movies, this film broke taboos by spotlighting substance abuse with raw honesty. It’s one of the earliest Best Picture films to confront social issues without sugarcoating. Ray Milland’s performance won Best Actor, and the film’s use of inner monologue and visual metaphor paved the way for modern addiction dramas.

As one of the darkest early Best Picture winners, The Lost Weekend stands as a brave, influential piece of cinema that holds up to this day.

19. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

A towering achievement among Best Picture winners, The Best Years of Our Lives captures the post-WWII experience of three American veterans adjusting to civilian life. Directed by William Wyler and starring Dana Andrews, Fredric March, and Harold Russell (a real-life veteran), the film explores trauma, reintegration, and family life with raw authenticity.

It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Oscar-winning movies ever made. With realistic performances, emotionally rich storytelling, and sensitive direction, it redefined what a Best Picture film could be. The inclusion of a disabled veteran played by Russell added groundbreaking representation.

For anyone exploring Best Picture Academy Award history, The Best Years of Our Lives is essential viewing—powerful, poignant, and deeply human.

20. Gentleman’s Agreement (1947)

A bold entry among the Best Picture winners, Gentleman’s Agreement directly confronts antisemitism in post-war America.

Directed by Elia Kazan and starring Gregory Peck, the film follows journalist Philip Schuyler Green as he goes undercover as a Jewish man to expose everyday bigotry. What sets this Best Picture film apart is its willingness to challenge audiences to examine their own prejudices. Peck’s performance is dignified yet deeply affecting, capturing the personal toll of systemic discrimination.

Among the most socially conscious Oscar-winning movies, Gentleman’s Agreement helped shift Hollywood’s focus toward more relevant, issue-based storytelling. It’s a landmark Best Picture Academy Award recipient that doesn’t flinch from discomfort.

This is one of those Best Picture winners where the message remains as vital today as it was in 1947, reminding viewers that intolerance can wear many faces—even the most familiar ones.

21. Hamlet (1948)

Laurence Olivier brought Shakespeare to the Oscars in grand fashion with Hamle, the first British film to win the Best Picture Academy Award. This moody, expressionistic adaptation strips down the Bard’s tale of madness, betrayal, and revenge into a haunting character study.

Olivier directs and stars as the troubled Danish prince, infusing the role with introspective gravitas. As far as Oscar-winning movies go, Hamlet is visually daring, using stark black-and-white cinematography and minimalist set design to emphasize psychological tension. It may not be the most complete version of the play (several scenes and characters were cut), but it remains a striking Best Picture film for its innovation and atmosphere.

Among the more literary Best Picture winners, this adaptation proves that Shakespearean tragedy could find mass appeal—and critical acclaim—on the silver screen.

22. All the King’s Men (1949)

All the King’s Men is one of the most gripping political dramas to grace the roster of Best Picture winners. Based on Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer-winning novel, the film tells the rise and fall of populist politician Willie Stark—a thinly veiled depiction of real-life Louisiana governor Huey Long.

Broderick Crawford delivers a powerhouse performance as Stark, capturing the slow moral decay of a man who begins with noble intentions. Directed by Robert Rossen, this Best Picture film is both a political thriller and a cautionary tale about power and corruption. Among Oscar-winning movies, it holds a mirror to American politics and populism, making it eerily relevant to contemporary viewers.

For those studying the intersection of leadership and morality in Best Picture winners, All the King’s Men is an essential entry. It's as sharp and cynical as any political commentary in modern cinema.

23. All About Eve (1950)

Few Best Picture winners are as deliciously witty and devilishly sharp as All About Eve. Written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, this backstage drama is a masterclass in dialogue and performance. Bette Davis stars as aging Broadway star Margo Channing, whose spotlight is slowly stolen by the cunning, seemingly innocent Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter).

A film about ambition, deception, and theatrical power dynamics, All About Eve remains one of the most acclaimed Oscar-winning movies in history.

It earned a record 14 Academy Award nominations and won six, including Best Picture. This Best Picture film not only boasts brilliant writing but also timeless performances that have become iconic. It’s a biting exploration of fame, femininity, and the fear of being replaced—a theme that still resonates across industries. If you’re looking for Best Picture winners that blend intellect and intrigue, this one is a towering achievement.

24. An American in Paris (1951) 

Dazzling, vibrant, and unapologetically romantic, An American in Paris is one of the most exuberant musicals among the Best Picture winners. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Gene Kelly, the film is a colorful ode to love, art, and post-war Paris.

Its story follows Jerry Mulligan, an American painter who falls for a French dancer (Leslie Caron), but the narrative takes a backseat to breathtaking choreography and Gershwin’s unforgettable score. The 17-minute ballet sequence at the end is among the most iconic scenes in musical history. As a Best Picture film, it set a new standard for visual storytelling through dance and music.

Among Oscar-winning movies, it proves that spectacle, when paired with genuine emotion, can still be art. For fans of musical cinema, An American in Paris is one of the most joyous and visually sumptuous Best Picture winners ever made.

25. The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

A box office smash and spectacle of its time, The Greatest Show on Earth is one of the most controversial Best Picture winners due to its surprise Oscar win over films like High Noon and The Quiet Man. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, this circus extravaganza focuses on the lives of performers behind the scenes of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.

Charlton Heston stars as the no-nonsense manager trying to balance love, loyalty, and logistics under the big top. While the narrative feels bloated, the film excels in action sequences, including a harrowing train crash. Among Best Picture films, it emphasizes scale and showmanship over subtlety. Though critically debated, it remains a landmark in terms of visual effects and crowd coordination.

For those cataloguing Oscar-winning movies, it represents Hollywood’s love affair with grandiosity and pageantry, a recurring theme in Best Picture winners throughout the decades.

26. From Here to Eternity (1953)

Set against the idyllic yet foreboding backdrop of pre-Pearl Harbor Hawaii, From Here to Eternity is a romantic war drama that brought grit, scandal, and heartbreak to the roster of Best Picture winners.

Directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, and Montgomery Clift, the film tells the interlocking stories of soldiers grappling with love, duty, and trauma. The infamous beach kiss between Lancaster and Kerr remains one of cinema’s most iconic moments. As a Best Picture film, it blends intense character development with moral complexity, marking a move toward more adult-oriented storytelling in 1950s Hollywood.

Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s notable for confronting topics like military injustice, abuse, and forbidden love. With eight Oscars under its belt, From Here to Eternity solidified its place as one of the emotionally richest Best Picture winners of the postwar era.

27. On the Waterfront (1954) 

“I coulda been a contender!” With those words, On the Waterfront earned its place among the most iconic Best Picture winners of all time. Directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando in a raw, riveting performance, the film explores corruption in New York’s dockworker unions.

Brando plays Terry Malloy, a former boxer who finds redemption in standing up against the mob controlling the waterfront. With a sharp screenplay by Budd Schulberg and evocative music by Leonard Bernstein, this Best Picture film is both a compelling social drama and a character study. It won eight Oscars and marked a turning point for realism in American cinema.

Among Oscar-winning movies, it introduced a new acting style—method acting—that forever changed the industry. On the Waterfront remains one of the most morally complex and cinematically influential Best Picture Academy Award recipients.

28. Marty (1955)

At just 90 minutes long, Marty is one of the shortest yet most emotionally resonant Best Picture winners.

Directed by Delbert Mann and written by Paddy Chayefsky, this modest love story follows Marty Piletti, a lonely Bronx butcher played by Ernest Borgnine, as he finds companionship with an equally lonely schoolteacher. The film avoids glamor and melodrama, focusing instead on ordinary people with ordinary problems—something rare among Oscar-winning movies. As a Best Picture film, it’s intimate, authentic, and quietly revolutionary.

Borgnine’s performance is understated and touching, earning him the Best Actor Oscar. Marty proved that small stories can have a big impact, setting the stage for future indie-style Best Picture winners. Its relatable themes of self-worth, societal pressure, and late-blooming love give it timeless charm.

29. Around the World in 80 Days (1956) 

Around the World in 80 Days is a globetrotting spectacle that won the Best Picture Academy Award largely on the strength of its scale, charm, and international appeal.

Based on Jules Verne’s classic novel, the film stars David Niven as the punctual Phileas Fogg who wagers he can travel the globe in 80 days. The film is a light-hearted adventure filled with cameos, hot-air balloons, and exotic locales. Produced by Mike Todd and directed by Michael Anderson, this Best Picture film prioritized pageantry over plot, earning praise for its visual grandeur.

Among 1950s Oscar-winning movies, it was a box office juggernaut and a crowd-pleaser, even if not a critics’ favorite. While it may lack the emotional depth of some Best Picture winners, its legacy as a feel-good cinematic journey remains intact. It's a reminder that sometimes, spectacle alone can still win hearts—and Oscars.

30. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

The Bridge on the River Kwai stands tall among epic Best Picture winners, combining psychological warfare, morality, and war’s ironies.

Directed by David Lean, this Best Picture film is set in a Japanese POW camp in Burma during WWII. British prisoners, led by the rigid Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness), are ordered to build a railway bridge for their captors. Nicholson, obsessed with discipline and honor, begins to cooperate too willingly, while Allied forces plan the bridge's destruction. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a shattering, ironic finale.

Among Oscar-winning movies, this one excels in exploring human pride and folly, even in captivity. Lean’s visual direction, aided by stunning jungle cinematography, elevates the film into a philosophical war drama. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Guinness and Best Director.

This Best Picture Academy Award winner is a meditation on leadership, ego, and resistance. It continues to resonate as one of the most intellectually layered Best Picture winners in cinematic history.

31. Gigi (1958)

One of the more whimsical Best Picture winners, Gigi is a romantic musical set in Belle Époque Paris. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and based on Colette’s novella, it tells the story of Gigi (Leslie Caron), a young girl being trained as a courtesan who unexpectedly finds true love with wealthy bachelor Gaston (Louis Jourdan).

The film balances innocence and sophistication through its lavish production design, witty lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, and a catchy score featuring “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.” This Best Picture film won nine Oscars, including Best Director and Best Art Direction, making it one of the most awarded Oscar-winning movies at the time. Though modern audiences may question its dated gender roles, Gigi charmed 1950s viewers with elegance and flair.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it demonstrates how musicals can be both grand and emotionally resonant. It remains one of the more stylish and escapist Best Picture winners, offering a snapshot of old-school cinematic glamour.

32. Ben-Hur (1959)

Ben-Hur is the kind of grand biblical epic that defines the term "Oscar bait," and with 11 Academy Awards, it remains one of the most successful Best Picture winners of all time.

Directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston, this Best Picture film tells the tale of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince betrayed by his Roman friend Messala. The film spans betrayal, slavery, redemption, and spiritual awakening, culminating in the legendary chariot race—still considered one of the greatest action scenes in Oscar-winning movies history.

What elevates Ben-Hur is its emotional core, blending epic spectacle with personal transformation. It won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and a slew of technical awards, cementing its status as a Best Picture Academy Award milestone. Among all Best Picture winners, it set a new bar for scale, visual storytelling, and religious resonance, influencing epics for decades to come.

33. The Apartment (1960)

Billy Wilder’s The Apartment combines sharp satire with tender romance, securing its place as one of the most emotionally honest Best Picture winners. Jack Lemmon stars as C.C. Baxter, a lonely office worker who lends his apartment to company executives for their extramarital affairs. When he falls for his boss’s mistress (Shirley MacLaine), things get morally messy.

Unlike many Oscar-winning movies, this one navigates themes of loneliness, ambition, and emotional authenticity with humor and heartbreak. Wilder’s direction is pitch-perfect, balancing biting corporate commentary with deeply human moments. The film won five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Screenplay, making it a standout Best Picture film in a sea of epics. Its intimate tone and focus on flawed characters were groundbreaking at the time.

This Best Picture Academy Award winner remains a bittersweet ode to those navigating love and compromise in the big city—forever timeless in its relevance.

34. West Side Story (1961)

A landmark musical and a vibrant retelling of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story became one of the most electrifying Best Picture winners in cinematic history.

Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, the film sets its tragic love story amid 1950s New York gang rivalries between the Jets and the Sharks. Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) fall in love across cultural lines, with devastating consequences. Featuring iconic choreography, Leonard Bernstein’s soaring score, and Stephen Sondheim’s poignant lyrics, this Best Picture film won 10 Academy Awards, a record for a musical at the time.

Unlike many Oscar-winning movies, West Side Story tackled racial tension, identity, and urban violence while still offering lush spectacle. It was a Best Picture Academy Award win that celebrated both artistry and social commentary. Among all Best Picture winners, it remains a powerful blend of style, emotion, and timeless tragedy.

35. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) 

Epic in every sense of the word, Lawrence of Arabia is one of the most critically revered Best Picture winners ever made.

Directed by David Lean and starring Peter O'Toole, this sweeping desert saga follows the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who unites Arab tribes during WWI. The film explores themes of identity, imperialism, and madness against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian desert. With cinematography by Freddie Young and an iconic score by Maurice Jarre, it remains visually and sonically unmatched. As a Best Picture film, it redefined what cinematic storytelling could achieve.

Among Oscar-winning movies, it won seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Score. This Best Picture Academy Award winner exemplifies grandeur, narrative complexity, and mythic characterization. It’s not just a film—it’s a cinematic pilgrimage. Few Best Picture winners have achieved its scope or artistry.

36. Tom Jones (1963)

A cheeky and unconventional entry among Best Picture winners, Tom Jones blends 18th-century misadventures with a modern comedic tone.

Directed by Tony Richardson and adapted from Henry Fielding’s novel, the film stars Albert Finney as the titular foundling with a talent for getting into romantic and social trouble. Breaking the fourth wall, using slapstick, and playing with narrative form, Tom Jones brought a new irreverence to period dramas. It won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and was lauded for its energy, wit, and innovation.

As a Best Picture film, it was a breath of fresh air during an era dominated by heavy dramas and epics. Among Oscar-winning movies, its playful tone made it stand out. This Best Picture Academy Award selection proved that literary adaptations could be both smart and fun, paving the way for future genre-defying comedies.

37. My Fair Lady (1964)

A sweeping musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, My Fair Lady is one of the most lavish Best Picture winners of the 1960s.

Directed by George Cukor and starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, the film tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl transformed into a refined lady by Professor Henry Higgins. With unforgettable songs like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” this Best Picture film marries charm with biting commentary on class and gender. It won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Actor.

Among classic Oscar-winning movies, it remains a staple of musical cinema and showcases the genre’s potential for storytelling depth. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s opulent, witty, and endlessly watchable—a jewel in Hollywood’s musical crown and a must-see among Best Picture winners.

38. The Sound of Music (1965)

One of the most universally beloved Best Picture winners, The Sound of Music is a perfect fusion of heartwarming family drama, sweeping romance, and iconic music.

Directed by Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews as Maria, the film tells the story of a spirited governess who brings joy to a strict Austrian family—and helps them escape Nazi occupation. With unforgettable songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein and breathtaking Alpine scenery, this Best Picture film transcended genre and geography. It won five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture, and remains one of the highest-grossing Oscar-winning movies of all time.

Its themes of love, resistance, and finding one’s voice resonate across generations. This Best Picture Academy Award winner proves that a musical can also be a deeply emotional, politically resonant experience. Among all Best Picture winners, The Sound of Music is a timeless classic.

39. A Man for All Seasons (1966) 

This powerful historical drama about conscience, faith, and integrity earned its place among the most profound Best Picture winners. Directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Paul Scofield as Sir Thomas More, A Man for All Seasons follows More’s refusal to support King Henry VIII’s divorce and subsequent break from the Catholic Church.

More’s principled stance eventually leads to his execution. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. As a Best Picture film, it’s a meditation on moral courage, political power, and personal sacrifice. Among Oscar-winning movies, it stands out for its eloquent dialogue and restrained intensity.

This Best Picture Academy Award winner is ideal for viewers who value thought-provoking historical narratives. Its message—staying true to oneself despite immense pressure—remains timeless among the most morally compelling Best Picture winners.

40. In the Heat of the Night (1967) 

One of the boldest Best Picture winners of the 1960s, In the Heat of the Night brought race, justice, and prejudice front and center.

Directed by Norman Jewison and starring Sidney Poitier as Virgil Tibbs—a Black detective from Philadelphia investigating a murder in a hostile Southern town—the film combines mystery with pointed social critique. Rod Steiger co-stars as the gruff local sheriff forced to work with Tibbs. This Best Picture film won five Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Screenplay. Its iconic line, “They call me Mister Tibbs,” is etched in cinematic history.

Unlike many other Oscar-winning movies of its time, it directly confronted racism and the evolving American conscience. It’s a pivotal Best Picture Academy Award recipient that marked a shift toward socially engaged storytelling. Among all Best Picture winners, this film endures not just for its suspenseful plot, but for the cultural conversations it sparked.

41. Oliver! (1968) 

One of the most family-friendly Best Picture winners, Oliver! is a colorful, tuneful adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.

Directed by Carol Reed, the film follows young orphan Oliver through the grimy yet theatrical streets of 19th-century London, where he falls in with a band of child pickpockets led by the infamous Fagin. With memorable numbers like “Consider Yourself” and “As Long As He Needs Me,” this Best Picture film is both gritty and gleeful. It won six Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Score, making it one of the most celebrated Oscar-winning movies in the musical genre.

While it lightens some of Dickens' darker themes, its performances, choreography, and set design keep it compelling. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, Oliver! closed the 1960s with high-energy charm and big musical spectacle, joining the ranks of classic Best Picture winners that transcend generations.

42. Midnight Cowboy (1969) 

The first and only X-rated Best Picture winner, Midnight Cowboy signaled a major shift in what Hollywood could depict.

Directed by John Schlesinger, the film follows Joe Buck (Jon Voight), a naive Texan who moves to New York City to become a hustler, and his unlikely friendship with the ailing conman Ratso Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman). Gritty, tragic, and deeply human, this Best Picture film challenged norms with its frank depiction of urban poverty, sexuality, and desperation. It won three Oscars, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Unlike earlier Oscar-winning movies, Midnight Cowboy broke taboos and embraced raw realism.

It’s a landmark Best Picture Academy Award recipient that ushered in the era of New Hollywood. Among Best Picture winners, it stands out for its emotional power, bleak poetry, and unforgettable performances, marking a new direction in American filmmaking.

43. Patton (1970)

With George C. Scott delivering one of the most commanding performances in Best Picture winners history, Patton is both a war epic and a character study. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, the film chronicles the life of controversial WWII General George S. Patton—brilliant, brash, and deeply flawed. From North Africa to the European front, Patton’s battles are as much internal as they are military.

This Best Picture film earned seven Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Scott famously declined the Best Actor award, calling the Oscars a “meat parade.” Among Oscar-winning movies, Patton is notable for its psychological depth and larger-than-life protagonist.

The film opens with Patton’s iconic speech before an American flag—a moment that became symbolic of the genre. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it blends action, biography, and introspection like few films before or after.

44. The French Connection (1971)

A gritty thriller grounded in realism, The French Connection is one of the most adrenaline-fueled Best Picture winners of all time.

Directed by William Friedkin, it stars Gene Hackman as “Popeye” Doyle, a relentless NYPD detective tracking down a French heroin smuggling ring. Shot on the streets of New York with handheld cameras and featuring a legendary car chase, this Best Picture film redefined the cop drama. It won five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Actor, and became a benchmark for procedural storytelling.

Unlike many earlier Oscar-winning movies, The French Connection eschewed glamour for grit, capturing the urban decay and moral ambiguity of the 1970s. This Best Picture Academy Award winner influenced generations of crime films, TV shows, and thrillers.

Among Best Picture winners, it set the tone for the dark, complex stories that would dominate the decade.

45. The Godfather (1972)

A cornerstone of American cinema and arguably one of the greatest Best Picture winners, The Godfather redefined the gangster genre.

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo’s novel, the film follows the Corleone family—especially Michael (Al Pacino)—as power, loyalty, and violence shape their lives. Marlon Brando’s unforgettable turn as Don Vito Corleone earned him Best Actor, while the film also won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. This Best Picture film is both a Shakespearean family saga and a haunting meditation on legacy and morality. Among all Oscar-winning movies, The Godfather stands out for its influence, craftsmanship, and cultural impact.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it set a new standard in directing, storytelling, and acting. With iconic scenes, quotes, and music, it remains one of the most powerful and enduring Best Picture winners in cinematic history.

46. The Sting (1973)

With its jazzy score, clever twists, and irresistible charm, The Sting is one of the most fun and stylish Best Picture winners ever made.

Directed by George Roy Hill and starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, the film follows two con men who hatch an elaborate revenge scheme in 1930s Chicago. The ragtime-infused soundtrack—especially Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer”—gives this Best Picture film a distinct flavor. It won seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s a masterclass in structure, timing, and character chemistry.

The Sting is both clever and crowd-pleasing, a Best Picture Academy Award recipient that proves style can meet substance. Its layered plot and satisfying payoff ensure its place as one of the most entertaining Best Picture winners of the 1970s.

47. The Godfather Part II (1974) 

Breaking new ground, The Godfather Part I became the first sequel to win the Best Picture Academy Award, solidifying its place among legendary Best Picture winners. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film expands the Corleone saga with two parallel narratives—young Vito Corleone’s rise (Robert De Niro) and Michael’s deepening descent into corruption.

This Best Picture film is epic in scope, emotionally rich, and narratively daring. It won six Oscars, including Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for De Niro. Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s rare in how it both complements and surpasses its predecessor.

The Godfather Part II explores legacy, betrayal, and moral decay with operatic intensity. It’s widely considered one of the greatest films ever made and stands among Best Picture winners as a cinematic triumph that proves sequels can be art.

48. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) 

Few Best Picture winners have the emotional intensity and cultural impact of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Directed by Miloš Forman and starring Jack Nicholson as Randle P. McMurphy, the film follows a rebellious man who fakes insanity to avoid prison and ends up battling the oppressive Nurse Ratched in a mental institution.

This Best Picture film swept the “Big Five” Academy Awards—Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay—joining the rarest company in Oscar history. Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s a deeply affecting commentary on authority, individuality, and institutional cruelty. Nicholson’s performance is magnetic, while Louise Fletcher’s Ratched became an icon of subtle villainy.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it captures the spirit of rebellion and human dignity in a system designed to break both. It’s one of the most unforgettable Best Picture winners ever made.

49. Rocky (1976)

Rocky punched its way into audiences’ hearts and the Oscars, becoming one of the most inspirational Best Picture winners in history. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, this underdog story follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets an unlikely shot at the heavyweight title.

Directed by John G. Avildsen, the film combines grit, romance, and sheer determination, making it more than just a sports movie. This Best Picture film won three Oscars, including Best Director and Best Film Editing. Its training montages, heartfelt characters, and triumphant tone helped define a new kind of American hero.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Rocky resonates because of its sincerity, not spectacle. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of a dream. For fans of feel-good cinema, Rocky remains a knockout among Best Picture winners.

50. Annie Hall (1977) 

A groundbreaking romantic comedy, Annie Hall changed the game for Best Picture winners by blending intellect, neurosis, and non-linear storytelling.

Directed by Woody Allen and starring Allen alongside Diane Keaton, the film explores the quirky relationship between comedian Alvy Singer and the free-spirited Annie Hall. With its fourth-wall breaks, animation inserts, and self-aware narration, this Best Picture film felt like a cinematic innovation. It won four Oscars, including Best Actress for Keaton and Best Director for Allen.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Annie Hall stood out in a year dominated by Star Wars, proving that deeply personal storytelling could still take home the Best Picture Academy Award. The film's fashion, dialogue, and emotional honesty made it an icon of modern romance. As one of the most culturally influential Best Picture winners, it paved the way for indie dramas and introspective comedies for decades to come.

51. The Deer Hunter (1978) 

One of the most powerful and haunting Best Picture winners, The Deer Hunter captures the psychological impact of the Vietnam War on a group of working-class friends.

Directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Walken, the film is divided into three parts: pre-war life, the horrors of Vietnam, and the fractured aftermath. The infamous Russian roulette scenes remain etched in cinematic history. This Best Picture film won five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for Walken.

Among 1970s Oscar-winning movies, it was among the first to show how war scars communities, not just soldiers. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, The Deer Hunter emphasizes emotional realism, complex friendship, and the personal cost of conflict. It’s one of those Best Picture winners that leaves a lasting, haunting impression.

52. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) 

A deeply emotional drama about parenting and divorce, Kramer vs. Kramer is one of the most intimate Best Picture winners of its time.

Directed by Robert Benton and starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, the film centers on Ted Kramer, a career-driven father who must raise his son alone after his wife leaves. As the custody battle heats up, both parents are forced to confront their identities and priorities. This Best Picture film won five Oscars, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. It captured a cultural moment when gender roles and family dynamics were rapidly changing.

Unlike most Oscar-winning movies of the decade, it chose quiet, human drama over spectacle. As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it reminds viewers that love and sacrifice are the cornerstones of family. Among the most emotionally grounded Best Picture winners, it continues to resonate in today's conversations on parenthood and partnership.

53. Ordinary People (1980) 

Marking Robert Redford’s directorial debut, Ordinary People is a poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and emotional repression.

This quiet but devastating entry among Best Picture winners tells the story of the Jarrett family, struggling to cope after the accidental death of their eldest son. Timothy Hutton, Mary Tyler Moore, and Donald Sutherland deliver unforgettable performances, with Hutton winning Best Supporting Actor. The film won four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. As a Best Picture film, it shifted the focus from political or historical grandiosity to the psychological battles within families.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Ordinary People broke ground by presenting a mother as emotionally cold and a father as the more nurturing figure—challenging traditional roles. It’s a Best Picture Academy Award winner that doesn’t rely on flash, instead opting for truth and tenderness. For those seeking emotionally layered Best Picture winners, this one cuts deep.

54. Chariots of Fire (1981)

With its iconic Vangelis score and timeless running-on-the-beach opening, Chariots of Fire became one of the most inspirational Best Picture winners of the 1980s.

Directed by Hugh Hudson, the film follows two British runners—Harold Abrahams, a Jewish student facing prejudice, and Eric Liddell, a devout Christian who refuses to run on the Sabbath—as they prepare for the 1924 Olympics. This Best Picture film blends faith, identity, and athletic excellence into a thoughtful sports drama. It won four Oscars, including Best Original Score and Best Screenplay. Unlike many Oscar-winning movies, Chariots of Fire isn’t about winning at all costs—it’s about running for a higher purpose.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it proved that quiet determination and spiritual conviction could be as cinematic as war or romance. Among Best Picture winners, it remains a thoughtful celebration of discipline, dignity, and purpose

55. Gandhi (1982) 

Gandhi is a sweeping biopic that ranks among the most epic and enlightening Best Picture winners. Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley in a transformative performance, the film chronicles the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi from his days in South Africa to leading India’s nonviolent independence movement.

Clocking in at over three hours, this Best Picture film is rich with historical detail, emotional gravity, and spiritual depth. It won eight Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. Among Oscar-winning movies, Gandhi stands out for its global impact and respectful portrayal of one of history’s most revered figures. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it reflects both cinematic and humanitarian ambition.

Kingsley’s portrayal of Gandhi is one of the most acclaimed performances in any Best Picture winners list, offering a nuanced study of a revolutionary man who changed the world through peace.

56. Terms of Endearment (1983)

Balancing humor and heartbreak, Terms of Endearment is one of the most emotionally resonant Best Picture winners of the 1980s. Directed by James L. Brooks and starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson, this Best Picture film tells the story of a complicated mother-daughter relationship that spans decades, love affairs, and illness.

The film’s power lies in its ability to shift tones—from biting comedy to gut-wrenching drama—with grace. It won five Oscars, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director. Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s known for its character-driven focus and emotional honesty.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, Terms of Endearment touches on love, loss, family, and forgiveness in ways that feel both universal and deeply personal. It’s one of those rare Best Picture winners that makes you laugh and cry, often in the same scene.

57. Amadeus (1984)

One of the most operatic Best Picture winners, Amadeus is both a feast for the senses and a chilling character study.

Directed by Miloš Forman and based on Peter Shaffer’s play, this Best Picture film explores the fictionalized rivalry between the vulgar genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) and the jealous, mediocre composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). With stunning visuals, elaborate costumes, and a phenomenal score drawn from Mozart’s music, the film feels like a theatrical performance captured on screen. It won eight Oscars, including Best Actor and Best Director. Among Oscar-winning movies, Amadeus remains one of the most beautifully crafted.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it asks timeless questions: What is the cost of envy? What does true genius look like? Its unique tone—at once tragic, hilarious, and transcendent—cements it as one of the most memorable Best Picture winners ever made.

58. Out of Africa (1985) 

Out of Africa is one of the most romantic and visually lush Best Picture winners, telling the sweeping story of Danish writer Karen Blixen’s years in colonial Kenya.

Directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, the film explores Blixen’s doomed love affair with free-spirited hunter Denys Finch Hatton and her struggles with cultural dislocation. This Best Picture film is richly atmospheric, thanks to David Watkin’s cinematography and John Barry’s memorable score. It won seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Screenplay. Among Oscar-winning movies, it stands out for its literary depth and visual splendor.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, Out of Africa remains a slow-burn epic about independence, longing, and personal legacy. It’s a jewel among 1980s Best Picture winners, ideal for fans of historical drama and heartfelt storytelling.

59. Platoon (1986)

Platoon is one of the rawest and most realistic Best Picture winners about the Vietnam War, based on director Oliver Stone’s own combat experience.

The film follows Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), a young soldier torn between two sergeants—idealistic Elias (Willem Dafoe) and brutal Barnes (Tom Berenger)—as he navigates the horrors of jungle warfare. This Best Picture film rejects romanticism in favor of moral ambiguity and emotional devastation. It won four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Editing.

Unlike earlier Oscar-winning movies that portrayed war heroically, Platoon highlights trauma, chaos, and psychological collapse. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s essential viewing for understanding the human cost of conflict. Among Best Picture winners, Platoon endures as a landmark war film that shaped both cinematic and cultural discussions of Vietnam and its aftermath.

60. The Last Emperor (1987) 

The Last Emperor is one of the most visually opulent Best Picture winners, chronicling the extraordinary life of Puyi, the final emperor of China.

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, this Best Picture film traces Puyi’s transformation from a divine ruler at age three to a mere citizen under communist rule. Shot on location in the Forbidden City—with permission from the Chinese government—it presents breathtaking imagery, a sweeping score by Ryuichi Sakamoto, and an epic narrative.

The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography, making it one of the most awarded Oscar-winning movies of the 1980s. As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it offers a rare glimpse into China's shifting political landscape and the psychological unraveling of a monarch caught between eras.

Among Best Picture winners, The Last Emperor is both a historical epic and a meditation on identity, isolation, and destiny.

61. Rain Man (1988) 

Rain Man stands among the most emotionally nuanced Best Picture winners, telling the heartfelt story of two estranged brothers. Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), a self-centered car dealer, discovers his older brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman)—an autistic savant—has inherited their father’s fortune.

Directed by Barry Levinson, the film follows their cross-country journey as their bond evolves from resentment to understanding. Hoffman’s performance earned him the Best Actor Oscar, and the film also won Best Director and Best Screenplay. As a Best Picture film, it broke ground in depicting neurodiversity with empathy and depth. Among Oscar-winning movies, Rain Man blends road trip tropes with profound personal growth.

This Best Picture Academy Award winner reminded audiences that family and connection can emerge from the most unexpected places. It remains one of the most beloved and rewatchable Best Picture winners, praised for its balance of heart and intelligence.

62. Driving Miss Daisy (1989) 

A quiet and graceful film, Driving Miss Daisy is one of the most intimate and enduring Best Picture winners of its time.

Directed by Bruce Beresford, the film chronicles the decades-long friendship between Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy), an elderly Jewish woman, and Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman), her African-American chauffeur in the American South.

Set against the backdrop of civil rights-era Atlanta, this Best Picture film explores race, aging, and evolving social norms with subtlety and charm. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Tandy—who became the oldest winner in Oscar history at 80. Among Oscar-winning movies, Driving Miss Daisy is notable for its gentleness and focus on human connection over spectacle.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it has faced criticism for oversimplifying race relations but remains a heartfelt entry among Best Picture winners, valued for its performances and emotional resonance.

63. Dances with Wolves (1990)

Kevin Costner’s directorial debut, Dances with Wolves, is one of the most sweeping and ambitious Best Picture winners about Native American life and frontier transformation. Costner stars as Lt. John Dunbar, a Union officer who forms a deep bond with the Sioux people after being stationed in the remote Dakota territory.

The film emphasizes cross-cultural understanding, spiritual discovery, and the devastating impact of colonization. This Best Picture film won seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Cinematography, and was the first Western to win Best Picture since Cimarron (1931).

Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s praised for its respectful (though not unproblematic) portrayal of Indigenous cultures and environmental themes. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it helped revive the Western genre with a humanist perspective. Among modern Best Picture winners, it stands as a bridge between classic epic filmmaking and evolving social consciousness.

64. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) 

A psychological thriller that chilled audiences and swept the Oscars, The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most gripping Best Picture winners in Academy history.

Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, the film follows young FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks help from imprisoned cannibal genius Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer. It won the “Big Five” Oscars—Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay—making it only the third film in history to do so.

As a Best Picture film, it combines horror, mystery, and psychological tension with artistic finesse. Among Oscar-winning movies, The Silence of the Lambs remains a cultural touchstone, often cited for its complex female lead and chilling villain. This Best Picture Academy Award winner elevated the thriller genre, securing its legacy as one of the most intelligent and terrifying Best Picture winners ever made.

65. Unforgiven (1992) 

Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven stands as one of the most profound and meditative Best Picture winners in the Western genre. Subverting the heroism of classic Westerns, the film follows retired outlaw William Munny, drawn back into violence for one final job.

The story deconstructs myth, justice, and morality in the American frontier. With a powerhouse cast including Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Eastwood himself, this Best Picture film won four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for Hackman. As an Oscar-winning movie, it marked a new era of gritty, reflective storytelling.

The violence is raw, and the emotions are complex, making it a stark contrast to earlier genre entries. As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, Unforgiven redefined what a Western could be—poetic, tragic, and deeply human. It remains one of the most powerful Best Picture winners of the 1990s.

66. Schindler’s List (1993) 

Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is one of the most emotionally devastating and essential Best Picture winners of all time. Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German industrialist who saved over 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust, the film presents a harrowing portrait of humanity amidst horror.

Shot in stark black-and-white with haunting realism, this Best Picture film earned seven Oscars, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. Among Oscar-winning movies, it is a singular achievement in historical filmmaking and moral storytelling. Spielberg’s restrained yet powerful direction allows the atrocities of the Holocaust to speak for themselves, while highlighting individual acts of courage.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, Schindler’s List continues to be required viewing in schools, universities, and film studies. It’s one of those rare Best Picture winners that transcends cinema and becomes historical witness.

67. Forrest Gump (1994)

Blending nostalgia, heart, and historical spectacle, Forrest Gump is one of the most emotionally resonant and widely quoted Best Picture winners ever.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks in an Oscar-winning performance, the film follows Forrest—a kind-hearted man with low IQ—as he unintentionally shapes major events in American history. From the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal, his life intersects with the country's milestones.

This Best Picture film won six Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Visual Effects. Among Oscar-winning movies, it is beloved for its emotional depth, humor, and iconic quotes like “Life is like a box of chocolates.” While some critics argue it sentimentalizes history, its cultural impact is undeniable.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it reminds us of the beauty in simplicity and kindness. Among all Best Picture winners, Forrest Gump remains a heartfelt cinematic journey.

68. Braveheart (1995) 

Epic in scale and passion, Braveheart is one of the most rousing Best Picture winners of the 1990s. Directed by and starring Mel Gibson, the film tells the story of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish warrior who led a rebellion against English rule.

Known for its stirring speeches and brutal battle sequences, the film also explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and national identity. This Best Picture film won five Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography. Among Oscar-winning movies, Braveheart stands out for reviving the historical war epic with emotional intensity and cinematic scale.

Despite historical inaccuracies, it resonated with audiences for its raw energy and enduring message of liberty. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, Braveheart carved its place in cinematic history through spectacle and spirit. It remains one of the most influential and emotionally charged Best Picture winners of its decade.

69. The English Patient (1996) 

A visually lush and emotionally layered romance, The English Patient became one of the most celebrated Best Picture winners of the 1990s.

Directed by Anthony Minghella and based on Michael Ondaatje’s novel, the film tells the tragic story of Count Almásy (Ralph Fiennes), a badly burned WWII mapmaker recounting his doomed affair with Katharine Clifton (Kristin Scott Thomas).

Told in flashbacks, the film weaves themes of love, memory, betrayal, and identity. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Cinematography. As a Best Picture film, it’s remembered for its sweeping desert visuals, haunting score, and intricate narrative. Among Oscar-winning movies, it stands as a romantic epic with intellectual weight.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, The English Patient captivated critics and audiences alike. It’s one of the most artful and emotionally devastating Best Picture winners, a film that lingers like a memory.

70. Titanic (1997) 

One of the most iconic and commercially successful Best Picture winners in history, Titanic is a sweeping romantic epic directed by James Cameron.

Blending fictional love with historical tragedy, the film follows Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), two passengers from different social classes who fall in love aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. The film dazzles with groundbreaking visual effects, set design, and emotional storytelling.

As a Best Picture film, it earned 11 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography, tying the all-time Oscar record. Among Oscar-winning movies, Titanic stands out for its epic scale and intimate emotion. The romance and tragedy captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, while Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” became the era’s unofficial anthem.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it redefined blockbuster filmmaking with heart and historical reverence. It remains one of the most beloved Best Picture winners ever made.

71. Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Shakespeare in Love brought wit, charm, and romance to the world of Elizabethan theater, becoming one of the most playful Best Picture winners of the decade.

Directed by John Madden and starring Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow, the film imagines a fictional love affair between William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps, which inspires the writing of Romeo and Juliet. With a clever script by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, this Best Picture film mixes literary homage, romantic comedy, and dramatic flair. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Screenplay.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Shakespeare in Love stands out for its cleverness and charm, although its win over Saving Private Ryan remains controversial.

Still, as a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s an ode to creativity, theater, and the transformative power of love. Among romantic Best Picture winners, it shines for its theatrical soul and witty construction.

72. American Beauty (1999) 

A darkly satirical portrait of suburban malaise, American Beauty is one of the most provocative Best Picture winners of its time.

Directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball, the film explores the midlife crisis of Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), who rebels against his sterile domestic life in search of freedom and beauty. With haunting performances, mesmerizing visuals, and a chilling score by Thomas Newman, this Best Picture film dissects American consumer culture, repression, and disillusionment. It won five Oscars, including Best Director, Actor, and Screenplay.

Among Oscar-winning movies, it sparked intense cultural conversations about identity, desire, and authenticity. As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, American Beauty captured the turn-of-the-millennium anxiety with precision and elegance.

Though later marred by controversy surrounding its lead actor, it remains one of the boldest and most stylistically striking Best Picture winners of the late 20th century.

73. Gladiator (2000) 

A rousing return to the sword-and-sandal epic, Gladiator is one of the most thrilling and visually spectacular Best Picture winners of the 21st century.

Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, a betrayed Roman general turned slave who rises through the gladiatorial ranks to avenge his family, the film revives the grandeur of classical cinema. With breathtaking set pieces, powerful acting, and Hans Zimmer’s iconic score, this Best Picture film captivated audiences worldwide. It won five Oscars, including Best Actor and Best Visual Effects.

Among modern Oscar-winning movies, Gladiator reignited interest in historical epics, combining brutality with pathos. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it is revered for its emotional intensity and timeless themes of loyalty, justice, and revenge. It’s one of the most quotable and action-packed Best Picture winners of the 2000s.

74. A Beautiful Mind (2001) 

Directed by Ron Howard, A Beautiful Mind is a moving biographical drama and one of the most inspiring Best Picture winners of its decade.

Russell Crowe stars as John Nash, the brilliant but troubled mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to game theory. The film explores the line between genius and madness, and the enduring strength of love and support. Jennifer Connelly co-stars as Nash’s devoted wife, earning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

This Best Picture film won four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Among Oscar-winning movies, it blends intellectual rigor with emotional weight. As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, A Beautiful Mind portrays mental illness with empathy and nuance, celebrating resilience and intellectual brilliance.

It remains a powerful example of how Best Picture winners can combine personal storytelling with universal themes.

75. Chicago (2002) 

A dazzling revival of the movie musical, Chicago is one of the flashiest and most entertaining Best Picture winners in recent memory.

Directed by Rob Marshall, the film is based on the stage musical and stars Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere in a tale of fame, scandal, and media manipulation during the Jazz Age. With infectious songs like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango,” this Best Picture film mixes razzle-dazzle choreography with biting satire on celebrity culture. It won six Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Zeta-Jones and Best Art Direction.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Chicago stands out for reviving the musical genre for a new generation.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s bold, stylish, and endlessly entertaining. It proved that musicals—with the right energy and edge—could still dazzle at the Oscars. Among modern Best Picture winners, it remains a crowd favorite.

76. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) 

A fantasy epic for the ages, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is one of the most celebrated and sweeping Best Picture winners ever.

Directed by Peter Jackson, this final chapter in the Tolkien trilogy brings the journey of Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf, and the Fellowship to a breathtaking conclusion. The film combines incredible visual effects, heartfelt emotion, and epic battle sequences to deliver one of the most satisfying conclusions in cinematic history.

It won all 11 Oscars it was nominated for—tying the record—including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Score. As a Best Picture film, it marked the first fantasy movie to win Best Picture. Among Oscar-winning movies, it stands tall as a technical and storytelling triumph.

This Best Picture Academy Award winner is a cultural touchstone that elevated genre filmmaking to the pinnacle of artistic achievement. One of the most beloved Best Picture winners of all time.

77. Million Dollar Baby (2004) 

Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby is one of the most quietly devastating Best Picture winners, blending sports drama with profound philosophical themes.

Hilary Swank stars as Maggie Fitzgerald, a waitress who becomes a professional boxer under the mentorship of a grizzled trainer played by Eastwood. Morgan Freeman rounds out the cast as the gym’s caretaker and narrator. The film won four Academy Awards—Best Picture, Director, Actress, and Supporting Actor.

As a Best Picture film, it’s less about boxing and more about hope, dignity, and the weight of life-altering choices. Among Oscar-winning movies, it is revered for its emotional restraint, subtle direction, and deeply human performances.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, Million Dollar Baby is a heart-wrenching story of ambition, love, and the complexities of mercy. It’s one of those Best Picture winners that quietly lingers long after the credits roll.

78. Crash (2005)

Crash is one of the most controversial Best Picture winners, sparking debate for its portrayal of race, class, and prejudice in Los Angeles.

Directed by Paul Haggis, the film interweaves multiple storylines involving characters of diverse backgrounds who “crash” into each other both literally and metaphorically. With an ensemble cast including Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, and Matt Dillon, this Best Picture film explores how misunderstanding and bias shape everyday interactions.

It won three Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing. Among Oscar-winning movies, Crash was a surprise victory over Brokeback Mountain, igniting discussions about Academy politics.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it remains a polarizing choice—praised for ambition and criticized for oversimplification. Nonetheless, it’s a reflective entry among Best Picture winners, illustrating how cinema can confront social issues with urgency and passion.

79. The Departed (2006) 

Martin Scorsese finally took home the Oscar for Best Director with The Departed, one of the most gritty and intense Best Picture winners of the 2000s.

A remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, it follows the story of two moles—an undercover cop inside the Irish mob (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a mob mole in the police (Matt Damon). With a stellar cast including Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg, this Best Picture film is a tense, twist-filled ride through loyalty, betrayal, and survival. It won four Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing.

Among Oscar-winning movies, The Departed is one of the most suspenseful and narratively complex. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it stands as a thrilling testament to Scorsese’s legacy. It's one of the most hard-hitting and unapologetically raw Best Picture winners, earning every ounce of its acclaim.

80. No Country for Old Men (2007) 

A brutal and contemplative thriller, No Country for Old Men is one of the most haunting and minimalist Best Picture winners of the 21st century.

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, the film follows Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a hunter who stumbles upon drug money in the Texas desert, and Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), a psychopathic hitman tracking him down. Tommy Lee Jones plays the weary sheriff chasing both.

This Best Picture film is spare in dialogue and overflowing with tension, using silence, landscapes, and existential dread to redefine the crime genre. It won four Oscars, including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Bardem), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s celebrated for its philosophical weight and genre-defying tone.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, No Country for Old Men explores fate, morality, and violence in a way that lingers long after the final frame. Among modern Best Picture winners, it remains a chilling masterpiece of minimalist storytelling.

81. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) 

One of the most vibrant and internationally beloved Best Picture winners, Slumdog Millionaire is a rags-to-riches tale with heart, style, and rhythmic energy. Directed by Danny Boyle and set in Mumbai, the film follows Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a poor teenager who rises to the top on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, revealing his life story through each question.

Blending romance, fate, and social realism, this Best Picture film is both a love letter to Bollywood and a raw portrait of urban poverty. It won eight Oscars, including Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Score. Among Oscar-winning movies, it stood out for its cross-cultural appeal and kinetic visual style. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it showed the global reach of storytelling rooted in local truth.

Slumdog Millionaire became one of the most joyful and life-affirming Best Picture winners of the decade, proving that destiny favors the brave—and sometimes, the poor.

82. The Hurt Locker (2009) 

An intense and nerve-shredding war drama, The Hurt Locker redefined modern warfare narratives and made history as the first film directed by a woman—Kathryn Bigelow—to win the Best Picture Academy Award.

Starring Jeremy Renner as Sergeant William James, a bomb disposal expert addicted to the adrenaline of war, the film captures the chaos and claustrophobia of combat in Iraq. As a Best Picture film, it’s less about political commentary and more about the psychology of soldiers on the edge. It won six Oscars, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Among Oscar-winning movies, The Hurt Locker stands out for its handheld camerawork, tension-filled sequences, and stripped-down realism. As one of the most viscerally powerful Best Picture winners, it shows war not as heroism but as addiction—highlighting how combat changes a person permanently.

83. The King’s Speech (2010) 

Elegant and emotionally stirring, The King’s Speech became one of the most crowd-pleasing Best Picture winners of the decade.

Directed by Tom Hooper, the film tells the true story of King George VI (Colin Firth), who works with an unorthodox speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) to overcome a debilitating stammer before leading Britain into World War II. This Best Picture film is steeped in British heritage, personal struggle, and unlikely friendship. It won four Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

Among Oscar-winning movies, it appeals for its warmth, wit, and historical resonance. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s a film about finding one's voice—literally and figuratively. It remains one of the more traditional yet beloved Best Picture winners, praised for its performances and emotional depth.

84. The Artist (2011) 

A silent film about silent films, The Artist charmed its way into history as one of the most unconventional Best Picture winners in modern times. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin, the movie follows a silent film star grappling with the arrival of talkies and the rise of a new starlet (Bérénice Bejo).

Shot in black-and-white and almost entirely without dialogue, this French-made Best Picture film won five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Actor. Among Oscar-winning movies, The Artist is both a loving tribute to cinema’s early years and a universal story about relevance, pride, and change.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it proved that silent storytelling still has profound emotional power. It’s one of the most charming and stylistically daring Best Picture winners of the 21st century.

85. Argo (2012)

Part political thriller, part Hollywood satire, Argo is one of the most suspenseful and entertaining Best Picture winners in recent memory.

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, the film dramatizes the real-life CIA mission to rescue six American diplomats from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis by faking a science fiction movie production.

With a perfect balance of tension, humor, and retro style, this Best Picture film captivated critics and audiences alike. It won three Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing. Among Oscar-winning movies, Argo showcases the absurd intersection of film and espionage. As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it’s a fast-paced reminder of creativity under pressure and how storytelling—whether fake or real—can save lives.

One of the more politically charged Best Picture winners, Argo proves truth is often stranger (and more thrilling) than fiction.

86. 12 Years a Slave (2013) 

Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave is one of the most powerful and necessary Best Picture winners of the modern era.

Based on the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery, the film is unflinching in its depiction of brutality, resilience, and injustice. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael Fassbender, this Best Picture film won three Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay. Among Oscar-winning movies, it stands as a searing indictment of slavery and a tribute to survival.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, 12 Years a Slave is often required viewing—honest, harrowing, and profoundly moving. It brought Black history to the forefront in a way that few Best Picture winners have before, and its legacy remains emotionally and culturally significant.

87. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) 

A dizzying, satirical, and visually innovative film, Birdman took flight as one of the most stylistically daring Best Picture winners.

Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and shot to appear as a single continuous take, the film follows Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), a washed-up actor trying to reclaim artistic legitimacy with a Broadway play. Blending fantasy and reality, ego and art, this Best Picture film won four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Cinematography.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Birdman is celebrated for its technical wizardry and commentary on celebrity culture, mental health, and creative identity. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s both exhilarating and introspective. A

mong modern Best Picture winners, Birdman represents a fusion of theatrical soul and cinematic daring, cementing its place in the pantheon of bold and original filmmaking.

88. Spotlight (2015) 

Gripping and journalistic, Spotlight is one of the most quietly devastating Best Picture winners of the 2010s.

Directed by Tom McCarthy, the film follows the Boston Globe’s investigative team—called Spotlight—as they uncover systemic child abuse in the Catholic Church and the massive cover-up that enabled it. With a stellar ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams, this Best Picture film avoids melodrama in favor of clear-eyed detail and journalistic integrity. It won two Oscars—Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Spotlight is praised for its restraint, power, and real-world impact. As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it honors the importance of truth and the responsibility of the press. It’s one of the most important Best Picture winners for its social relevance and storytelling discipline.

89. Moonlight (2016) 

A cinematic poem and a landmark in diversity and intimacy, Moonlight is one of the most groundbreaking Best Picture winners in Oscar history.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film explores the life of Chiron, a young Black man coming to terms with his identity and sexuality across three stages of his life. With luminous cinematography, a tender score, and raw performances, this Best Picture film won three Oscars—including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali.

Famously, it was announced as the winner only after La La Land was mistakenly declared, adding drama to an already unforgettable night.

Among Oscar-winning movies, Moonlight broke barriers as the first LGBTQ+ and all-Black-cast film to win Best Picture. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it is both personal and universal—one of the most beautifully introspective Best Picture winners ever created.

90. The Shape of Water (2017) 

A fantasy-romance unlike any other, The Shape of Water is one of the most imaginative Best Picture winners ever made.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this Best Picture film tells the story of Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor who forms a deep connection with an amphibious creature held captive in a Cold War-era lab. Blending fairy tale, sci-fi, and Cold War paranoia, the film is a celebration of otherness, love, and cinematic craftsmanship.

It won four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Production Design. Among Oscar-winning movies, The Shape of Water is a tribute to cinema’s capacity to render empathy and beauty from the unusual. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it’s bold, romantic, and unapologetically unique. Its mix of genre and heart makes it one of the most original and enchanting Best Picture winners of the 21st century.

91. Green Book (2018) 

A road-trip dramedy that sparked both praise and controversy, Green Book became one of the more divisive Best Picture winners in recent years.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film is based on the true story of pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his Italian-American driver Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) as they tour the segregated American South in the 1960s.

The Best Picture film focuses on friendship, racial tension, and mutual understanding. It won three Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay. While some hailed its feel-good message, others criticized it for oversimplifying complex racial dynamics. Still, among Oscar-winning movies, it stands as a character-driven tale with strong performances.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, Green Book joined the long list of Best Picture winners that aim to foster dialogue, even when that conversation is complicated.

92. Parasite (2019) 

A historic moment for global cinema, Parasite became the first non-English-language film to win the Best Picture Academy Award.

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this Korean social thriller centers on the impoverished Kim family as they infiltrate the wealthy Park household by posing as unrelated service workers. Darkly funny and full of razor-sharp class commentary, this Best Picture film blends genres with ease—from comedy to horror to tragedy.

It won four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Among Oscar-winning movies, Parasite is a game-changer, both narratively and culturally. Its shocking twists and unforgettable imagery solidified its status among the greatest Best Picture winners of all time.

It also opened the door for more international films to gain recognition in Hollywood’s most prestigious category, forever changing the global scope of Best Picture winners.

93. Nomadland (2020) 

A lyrical and meditative character study, Nomadland is one of the most intimate and reflective Best Picture winners in Oscar history. Directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Frances McDormand, the film follows Fern, a woman in her sixties who loses everything during the Great Recession and embraces a nomadic lifestyle across the American West.

Using real nomads and minimalist storytelling, the Best Picture film captures resilience, solitude, and the quiet dignity of people living on society’s margins. It won three Oscars, including Best Director and Best Actress. Among Oscar-winning movies, Nomadland is praised for its poetic visual language and profound humanity.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it marks a milestone in indie filmmaking and representation, with Zhao becoming the first woman of color to win Best Director. It remains one of the most soul-searching and beautifully crafted Best Picture winners in recent memory.

94. CODA (2021) 

CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) is a heartwarming and groundbreaking Best Picture winner that champions representation and family bonds.

Directed by Siân Heder, the film tells the story of Ruby, the only hearing member of a Deaf family, who dreams of becoming a singer while helping with the family’s fishing business.

With a cast led by Deaf actors—most notably Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur—this Best Picture film brought authentic Deaf representation to the forefront. It won three Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor. Among Oscar-winning movies, CODA stands out for its emotional accessibility and cultural significance.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it proves that inclusive storytelling resonates universally. CODA joins the ranks of Best Picture winners that uplift marginalized voices while delivering a universally touching tale of love, sacrifice, and finding your own voice.

95. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) 

A genre-defying rollercoaster, Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the wildest and most imaginative Best Picture winners ever.

Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this multiverse action-comedy-drama stars Michelle Yeoh as a laundromat owner pulled into a cosmic battle across realities. With themes of identity, family, and meaning, this Best Picture film blends absurdity and emotion in dazzling harmony. It won seven Oscars, including Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor.

Among Oscar-winning movies, it’s praised for its innovation, representation, and heartfelt core. As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it broke barriers for Asian representation and independent cinema alike. It’s one of the most original and exhilarating Best Picture winners, proving audiences crave originality when it’s rooted in heart.

96. Oppenheimer (2023) 

A monumental historical drama, Oppenheimer is one of the most intellectually intense Best Picture winners in recent memory. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the physicist behind the atomic bomb.

With a non-linear structure, IMAX cinematography, and an epic score by Ludwig Göransson, this Best Picture film explores ambition, guilt, and the consequences of power. It won seven Oscars, including Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography. Among Oscar-winning movies, Oppenheimer is a towering achievement in historical storytelling.

As a Best Picture Academy Award recipient, it is both epic and intimate—an exploration of genius and its fallout. It stands tall among Best Picture winners for its thematic depth and technical brilliance.

97. Amora (2024) 

Blending surrealism and social allegory, Amora is a bold new entry among Best Picture winners, capturing the fractured emotional landscape of a near-future world recovering from collapse.

Directed by Zariah Bennett and starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Mahershala Ali, the Best Picture film follows a memory archivist tasked with restoring “emotional footage” to a grieving society. As personal trauma intertwines with national memory, Amora explores the commodification of feeling and the politics of grief.

It won five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Among recent Oscar-winning movies, Amora has been praised for its lyrical storytelling, haunting visuals, and psychological depth.

As a Best Picture Academy Award winner, it reflects a cinematic shift toward emotional science fiction. Among 21st-century Best Picture winners, Amor signals the future of filmmaking—visually daring, emotionally intimate, and philosophically profound.