20 Best Oscar-Winning Movies of All Time You Must Watch

Editor: Ramya CV on Dec 13,2024

Often referred to as the Oscars, the Academy Awards are the ultimate achievement in the film industry, celebrating incredible talent and exceptional cinematic contributions now long the Oscars have served more than a few films that have captured audiences not as easily as any and from the epic to the intimate dramas made an indelible mark on the subculture and the rest of history. The inaugural class of 20 Oscar-winning films demonstrates strengths in storytelling, presence, style, and cinematography These films span genres, eras, and global cultures, but each occupies a very different position in the annals of film history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a casual viewer, these films offer essential viewing experiences that highlight the artistry and outrageousness of the filmmakers. On this list, we explore the top 20 Oscar-winning films that have received critical acclaim and continue to be timeless treasures in international cinema.

1. Gone with the Wind (1939) – Best Picture

Directed with the aid of Victor Fleming, Gone with the Wind remains one of the maximum successful in Hollywood records. Based on Margaret Mitchell's novel, this great tale of affection, loss, and survival at some stage in the American Civil War features Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh in their terrific roles as Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara respectively the slavery. Despite its debatable portrayal, Gone With the Wind is certainly a masterpiece that keeps touching audiences via its complexities. Resilience, affection, and warfare Its majesty and epic scope make it a critical viewing enjoy for every person who loves traditional cinema.

2. The Godfather (1972) – Best Picture

Directed with the aid of Francis Ford Coppola and based totally on a unique via Mario Puzo, The Godfather is an excessive-profile crime drama that redefined American cinema The movie tells how Corleone’s institution of family pushes themselves to the top, with a stoic Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) leads them. Produced with the help of his son Michael (Al Pacino), and later with a very uncivil power, mixed with the haunting voice of Nino Rota. The Godfather is the timeless folk's lifestyle they're regarded for they carry out tremendously, they pay cautious attention to elements, and the performances effective. An infuriated era of filmmakers and mobsters, they invented A series is over. The Godfather won three Academy Awards, like Picture Greatest, and has become a cornerstone of global cinema.

3. Schindler’s List (1993) – Best Picture

Steven Spielberg's harrowing portrayal of the Holocaust, Schindler's List, tells the true tale of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who stored over one thousand Jewish refugees for the duration of World War II. The film’s pristine black and white cinematography, ghostly delivery through John Williams, and its powerful performances make this film one of the most influential films that won seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director, leaving a lasting legacy in the Holocaust scene on film. The emotional intensity and ancient importance of Schindler’s List make it a must-watch for anyone searching to recognize the human price of battle and genocide.

4. Casablanca (1942) – Best Picture

Directed by Michael Curtiz, Casablanca is a traditional Hollywood romance set in opposition to the backdrop of World War II. Starring Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine and Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund, the movie explores subject matters of love, sacrifice, and patriotism. Rick, an American expatriate visits a nightclub in Casablanca, and ought to pick out among his desires and other truths when he is reunited with an old pal. With its unforgettable rating, memorable performances, and immortal song, Casablanca is one of the most reputable movies in American cinema It received three Academy Awards, consisting of Best Picture, and remains mentioned for it that it is emotional resonance and classical reference.

5. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Senses (2003) 

The dramatic conclusion of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a cinematic marvel. While The Return of the King took home eleven Oscars including Best Picture with its stunning visuals, compelling story, and brilliant cast, the film delivered J.R.R. Tolkien’s international lifestyles with unheard-of grandeur, which is why it attracted a special surprise for fantasy enthusiasts.

 cd of the soundtrack of the film by james cameron, Titanic.

6. Titanic (1997).

James Cameron’s Titanic is the perfect combination of romance and tragedy, telling the story of the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic. With Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as big-name lovers, the film captivated audiences worldwide. The gorgeous visuals and stunning soundtrack have earned it eleven Oscars, including Best Picture. The film is a cultural phenomenon and a testament to Cameron’s directorial abilities.

7. One Flew Over Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) 

Directed with the aid of Milos Foreman, this exciting play explores the warfare between individualism and authority inside a philosophical group. Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Randall McMurphy is each bit as high-quality and heartbreaking. Winning all five prestigious Oscars, including Best Picture, the film is a poignant commentary on social values and human freedom.

8. Silence of the Lambs (1991)

One of the few entertainers to win Best Picture, Jonathan Demme's The Silence of the Lambs is a shocking view of serial killer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) When added to Jodie Foster's stardom looking throughout as FBI trainer Clarice Starling, the film is a masterpiece of psychological horror. Its compelling story and incredible characters earned it 5 major Academy Awards.

9. Amadeus (1984)

Milos Forman’s Amadeus delves into the rivalry between composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The movie’s lavish manufacturing design, coupled with a first-rate overall performance by F. Murray Abraham, earned it eight Oscars, which include Best Picture. It’s a must-watch for fans of music and historical drama.

10. Forrest Gump (1994)

Robert Zemeckis’ Forrest Gump tells the heartwarming tale of a man with a low IQ who unwittingly influences key ancient activities. Tom Hanks supplies a career-defining performance, and the film’s combo of humor, drama, and historic observation received six Oscars, including Best Picture. Its iconic values and heartwarming story make it timelessly iconic.

11. No Country for Old Men (2007)

The Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men is a harrowing and moving tale of crime and morality. With outstanding performances from Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Tommy Lee Jones, the film’s exploration of fate and consequence resonates deeply. The winner of 4 Oscars including Best Picture, it was a brilliant modern story.

12. The Departed (2006)

Martin Scorsese's The Departed is a gritty crime thriller set in Boston, featuring a grid that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson The film won 4 Academy Awards and Best Picture for its dramatic scenes and its excessive activity. It’s a fascinating exploration of honesty, deception, and survival.

13. Gladiator (2000).

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator is an epic tale of revenge and honor, starring Russell Crowe as the betrayed Roman Maximus for popularity. The film’s stunning visuals and effective production earned the film five Oscars, as well as Best Picture. Its breathtaking fight scenes and brilliant journalism make it a perennial favorite.

14. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave is a harrowing depiction of slavery based on the memoir of Solomon Northup. Featuring an exceptional overall performance using Chiwetel Ejiofor, the movie’s uncooked and unflinching portrayal of human suffering won three Oscars, including Best Picture. It is a profoundly shifting and critical film.

15. The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water is a completely unique romantic fantasy approximately a mute female who falls in love with a mysterious amphibian creature. The film’s ingenious storytelling and stunning visuals earned it 4 Oscars, along with Best Picture. It is a testimony to the energy of affection and attractiveness.

16. Parasite (2019)

Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite made records because the first non-English language movie to win Best Picture. This darkly comic mystery explores the dangers of greatness with razor-sharp wit and extreme drama. Having won 4 Oscars, it is an incredibly stunning and emotionally terrifying masterpiece.

17. Braveheart (1995)

Mel Gibson’s Braveheart is the epic story of Scottish hero William Wallace’s fight for freedom. The film’s dramatic and emotionally intense sequence of conflicts won five Oscars, including Best Picture. It is an inspiring and moving story of courage and sacrifice.

18. Chicago (2002)

Rob Marshall’s Chicago brought the razzle-dazzle of Broadway to the silver screen. With outstanding performances by Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, and Richard Gere, the film’s upbeat musical numbers and sharp comedy won the film six Oscars, including Best Picture This is a thrill and happy celebration of showbiz's birthday.

19. Green Book (2018)

Peter Farrelly’s Green Book tells the tale of an unlikely friendship between a Black pianist (Mahershala Ali) and his white chauffeur (Viggo Mortensen) for the duration of a concert tour in the segregated South. The movie’s heartfelt narrative won 3 Oscars, including Best Picture. It is a transformative quest for friendship and overcoming prejudice.

20. The Sound of Music (1965) 

Robert Wise’s The Sound of Music is a delightful musical that tells the story of von Trapp’s group of relatives fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria. 

Conclusion

The films that won the Academy Award for Best Picture stand as remarkable achievements in cinema, each representing the height of history, art, and innovation of their time From Gone with the Wind to The Godfather and Schindler's List Being an important part of the series not only won an Oscar but reshaped the way we look at film and storytelling, pushing the boundaries of what film could be. Whether through effective performances, groundbreaking technical achievements, or deeply moving storylines, these Oscar-winning films continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences.


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