Watch 100+ Oscar Winners Best Picture from Academy Award from 1927 to present
If you’re a film enthusiast or simply looking for a cinematic masterpiece, the Oscars’ Best Picture winners offer some of the most compelling stories ever told. These films have not only won the highest honor in the film industry but also captivated audiences with their extraordinary storytelling and performances. Dive into this curated list by genre, complete with a brief synopsis, release year, age rating, and IMDb rating.
Drama
1. The Godfather (1972)
A gripping tale of the powerful Corleone crime family, renowned for its epic story and unforgettable performances.
- IMDb Rating: 9.2
- Age Rating: R
2. Schindler’s List (1993)
A harrowing historical drama about a businessman who saves hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust, praised for its powerful storytelling and emotional impact.
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
- Age Rating: R
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
An inspiring story of a man with a low IQ who influences several historical events in the 20th century, celebrated for its heartwarming narrative and Tom Hanks’s performance.
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Age Rating: PG-13
4. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
A psychological thriller about an FBI agent seeking help from a cannibalistic serial killer to catch another murderer. Known for its intense atmosphere and iconic performances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Age Rating: R
5. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
A powerful historical drama about a free man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, praised for its unflinching portrayal of a dark chapter in history.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Age Rating: R
Romance
6. Gone with the Wind (1939)
A sweeping romantic drama set during the American Civil War, known for its grand storytelling and iconic performances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Age Rating: G
7. Casablanca (1942)
A classic romance set in World War II, following a love triangle with themes of sacrifice and patriotism. Celebrated for its memorable dialogue and performances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Age Rating: PG
8. Moonlight (2016)
A touching story of a young African-American man grappling with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a rough neighborhood. Acclaimed for its emotional depth and innovative storytelling.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Age Rating: R
Comedy
9. Annie Hall (1977)
A romantic comedy about a neurotic comedian and his relationship with a quirky woman, noted for its clever dialogue and unique narrative style.
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Age Rating: PG
10. The Apartment (1960)
A witty comedy about a man who lets his apartment be used by his superiors for their extramarital affairs, praised for its sharp humor and Jack Lemmon’s performance.
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Age Rating: Approved
Action/Adventure
11. Gladiator (2000)
An epic film about a betrayed Roman general seeking revenge against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. Known for its thrilling action sequences and strong performances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Age Rating: R
12. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The epic conclusion to the fantasy trilogy, showcasing a grand battle and the final showdown against the dark lord Sauron. Acclaimed for its epic scope and visual effects.
- IMDb Rating: 8.9
- Age Rating: PG-13
13. Ben-Hur (1959)
A historical epic featuring a Jewish prince who seeks revenge against the Roman Empire after being betrayed. Celebrated for its grand scale and impressive chariot race sequence.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Age Rating: G
Musical
14. West Side Story (1961)
A vibrant musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in 1950s New York, known for its dynamic dance numbers and memorable songs.
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Age Rating: Approved
15. Chicago (2002)
A jazzy musical set in the 1920s about two women competing for fame while in jail, praised for its energetic choreography and catchy songs.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Age Rating: PG-13
These Oscar-winning Best Pictures span a variety of genres, offering something for every taste. Each film on this list has not only won the Academy’s highest honor but also stood the test of time as a remarkable piece of cinema. Enjoy watching these incredible movies and see why they earned their prestigious accolades!
Historical
16. The King’s Speech (2010)
A moving drama about King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment and his relationship with his speech therapist. Praised for its historical accuracy and Colin Firth’s compelling performance.
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Age Rating: R
17. The English Patient (1996)
A sweeping historical romance set during World War II, following a critically burned man recounting his past love affair. Celebrated for its epic storytelling and lush cinematography.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Age Rating: R
Mystery/Thriller
18. The Departed (2006)
A thrilling crime drama about an undercover cop and a mole in the police force, both trying to uncover each other. Known for its intense plot and stellar performances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Age Rating: R
19. Spotlight (2015)
A gripping investigative drama about the Boston Globe’s uncovering of widespread sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Acclaimed for its meticulous storytelling and powerful performances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Age Rating: R
Science Fiction/Fantasy
20. The Shape of Water (2017)
A unique fantasy romance about a mute woman who falls in love with a mysterious aquatic creature. Praised for its imaginative story and Guillermo del Toro’s direction.
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Age Rating: R
21. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
A groundbreaking science fiction film exploring human evolution and artificial intelligence through an epic journey to Jupiter. Known for its visual and thematic innovations.
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Age Rating: G
War
22. Patton (1970)
A biographical war film about General George S. Patton, known for its bold portrayal of the controversial leader and its strong performance by George C. Scott.
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Age Rating: GP
23. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
A classic war film about British POWs forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors, praised for its gripping narrative and powerful performances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Age Rating: G
Animation
24. Coco (2017)
A vibrant animated film about a young boy who journeys to the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s history. Celebrated for its beautiful animation and touching story.
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Age Rating: PG
25. Up (2009)
An adventurous animated film about an elderly man who fulfills his dream of visiting South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house. Known for its heartfelt story and imaginative visuals.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Age Rating: PG
These additional Oscar-winning Best Picture films span various genres, showcasing the diverse excellence recognized by the Academy. Each movie not only won the Best Picture award but also left a significant mark on cinema with its unique storytelling and exceptional craftsmanship. Enjoy exploring these cinematic gems!