Hey there, movie enthusiasts! Get ready to elevate your film knowledge as we dive into the prestigious world of the Academy Awards. We’re about to reveal a selection of legendary films that didn’t just win an Oscar; they captured the coveted Best Picture award, solidifying their place in cinematic history and etching unforgettable stories into our collective memory.
Imagine, out of all the incredible movies released in a year, only a select few are deemed worthy of this ultimate honor by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, or AMPAS, as the context states. These aren’t just good movies; they’re the ones that pushed boundaries, told unforgettable stories, and left an indelible mark on culture and film history. From groundbreaking narratives that capture the human spirit to visual masterpieces that redefine what’s possible on screen, these films represent the pinnacle of filmmaking excellence, setting the bar for future generations of creators.
So, grab your favorite snacks, get comfy, and prepare for some serious movie inspiration! We’ve handpicked 15 Best Picture winners that are absolute must-sees, each a testament to cinema’s power and a journey waiting to unfold. Your movie-watching experience simply won’t be complete without these cinematic treasures, so let’s explore these unmissable works of art!
1. **Anora (2024)**: Get ready to talk about the freshest face on our list, because **Anora** burst onto the scene in 2024 and immediately cemented its place in film history! This powerhouse scooped up a fantastic five Academy Awards from its six nominations, making it an undeniable must-watch for anyone who loves cutting-edge cinema and witnessing greatness unfold right before their eyes. Can you believe the impact it had so quickly at the most recent 97th Academy Awards?
This isn’t just any Best Picture winner; its triumph at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday was a true moment to remember, signaling a new chapter in cinematic storytelling. The film’s success wasn’t just about the top prize, either. It racked up an impressive total of five Oscars, a clear testament to its overwhelming critical acclaim and the masterful execution across multiple crucial categories. When a film earns such widespread recognition, you know it’s something truly special and a defining moment for its year.
The 2024 win was particularly special, with the film earning accolades that echoed through the industry, creating genuine buzz and excitement among critics and fans alike. The context explicitly highlights a “history-making moment” for Sean Baker, who clinched an astounding four Oscars for the film. To have one individual honored with such a significant number of awards for a single project truly speaks to the innovative vision and directorial prowess behind this cinematic achievement.
Furthermore, the phenomenal talent of Mikey Madison was recognized with a well-deserved best actress win, adding another layer of prestige to **Anora**’s already glittering record of achievement. This kind of individual recognition within a Best Picture-winning ensemble means audiences can expect captivating performances that are truly Oscar-caliber and deeply memorable. It’s the kind of acting that stays with you, long after the credits roll.
With such a recent and impactful victory, securing five competitive Oscars from just six nominations, **Anora** isn’t just a film to add to your list; it’s practically a cinematic assignment that you need to prioritize immediately. Its multiple wins and the specific recognition for its director and lead actress highlight a profound level of artistry and storytelling that demands to be seen. You absolutely cannot miss this contemporary masterpiece that has already carved out a significant legacy in just its debut year.
2.Next, let’s rewind to 2022 and celebrate a film that truly lived up to its ambitious title: **Everything Everywhere All at Once**! This cinematic marvel was an absolute phenomenon, astonishing audiences and critics alike with its boundless creativity, which was clearly recognized by its stellar Academy Award performance, securing a remarkable seven Oscars from eleven nominations and proving itself a true powerhouse.
Just think about that haul: seven golden statues from eleven nominations! That’s an incredible achievement that speaks volumes about the film’s undeniable quality, its innovative spirit, and its groundbreaking approach to storytelling. When a movie garners that many awards, especially including Best Picture, it signals a powerful and resonant experience that truly stands out from the crowd and deserves universal attention. It’s the kind of film that gets everyone talking for years!
To achieve seven wins from eleven nominations means that the Academy recognized excellence in nearly every aspect of its ambitious production, from its imaginative narrative to its technical wizardry. This extensive level of acclaim indicates a film that is not only wildly entertaining and creatively audacious but also technically brilliant, emotionally profound, and flawlessly executed across multiple categories. It’s a testament to its boundless creative ambition and its ability to connect with diverse audiences on a deeply personal level.
This isn’t just a Best Picture winner; it’s a cultural phenomenon that reshaped expectations for what an Oscar-winning film could be, pushing the boundaries of genre and narrative in exciting new ways. Its extensive list of awards and nominations, particularly its Best Picture win, solidify its place as an unmissable modern classic that will be studied and celebrated for generations. It truly represents a unique and unforgettable moment in cinematic history.
If you’re looking for a film that will blow your mind, tug at your heartstrings, and make you laugh out loud, then **Everything Everywhere All at Once** is absolutely essential viewing for your “before you die” list. Prepare to be amazed by its originality, moved by its heartfelt message, and inspired by its sheer brilliance. This movie is a wild ride you won’t want to miss, delivering on every single promise it makes!
3. **CODA (2021)**: Now, let’s talk about a truly heartwarming triumph from 2021: **CODA**! This beautiful film achieved something truly rare and remarkable at the Academy Awards – it won three Oscars from exactly three nominations! Yes, you heard that right, a perfect three-for-three sweep, making it an undeniable standout on our list of must-watch films that proved to be universally beloved.
This kind of clean sweep is incredibly difficult to achieve and speaks volumes about the film’s undeniable impact and the sheer quality of its storytelling, proving its excellence across every category it touched. When every single nomination transforms into a win, especially including the coveted Best Picture award, it tells you that **CODA** resonated deeply and unanimously with the Academy, recognizing its exceptional artistry and powerful message without reservation.
To be nominated for three categories and walk away with all three awards, including Best Picture, highlights an exceptional level of consensus and admiration among voters for its compelling narrative and outstanding performances. This isn’t just a film that was *liked* by a few; it was a film that was *adored* and recognized for its flawless execution in every single nominated aspect, from writing to acting to overall production.
The profound success of **CODA** at the Oscars, particularly its perfect winning record, solidifies its place as a modern classic that broke through with a touching, unique story that captured the hearts of millions. Its Best Picture win ensures its legacy as a film that perfectly balanced emotional depth with artistic achievement, making it a cornerstone for understanding contemporary cinema and the power of family bonds.
**CODA** isn’t just an Oscar winner; it’s a testament to the power of intimate storytelling and outstanding performances that transcend barriers and speak directly to the heart. Its perfect track record at the awards ceremony makes it a particularly special entry on our must-watch list. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and absolutely charmed by this unforgettable cinematic gem. You won’t regret watching this one; it’s a pure cinematic delight that will leave you smiling through tears!
4. **Nomadland (2020/21)**: Stepping back to the unique 2020/21 awards season, we encounter the poignant and profound **Nomadland**, a film that beautifully captured the zeitgeist of its time and earned itself a well-deserved place in cinematic history. This powerful movie secured three Academy Awards from six nominations, making a significant and resonant impact on the year’s cinematic landscape, including the top honor of Best Picture.
When a film wins Best Picture and two other Oscars from six nominations, it signifies a strong and widespread critical reception, indicating a story and execution that truly resonated with the Academy. **Nomadland** wasn’t just celebrated for its grand achievement; its additional awards highlight specific areas of excellence that contributed significantly to its overall brilliance and undeniable emotional depth, making it a truly complete artistic package.
The journey of **Nomadland** to Best Picture status is a powerful testament to its compelling narrative and its ability to illuminate often-unseen corners of contemporary life with grace and authenticity. Its recognition by the Academy underscores the enduring importance of stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, offering a profound and reflective window into diverse human experiences and the resilience of the human spirit.
This cinematic achievement, with its three competitive wins including Best Picture, cemented its legacy as a thought-provoking and artistically superior film that dared to explore uncharted thematic territory with quiet confidence. Its success demonstrates the Academy’s appreciation for narratives that are quietly impactful and visually stunning, leaving a lasting impression on viewers who seek meaningful cinema.
For those seeking cinema that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply emotional, **Nomadland** is an absolute essential on your watchlist. Its three competitive wins, including the ultimate prize, confirm its status as a vital and enduring work of art that demands to be seen. This film provides a meditative and powerful viewing experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Don’t miss the chance to witness its quiet power and profound beauty!
5. **Parasite (2019)**: Oh my goodness, let’s talk about a movie that absolutely broke barriers and captivated the entire world: **Parasite** from 2019! This groundbreaking film didn’t just win an Oscar; it made history, clinching four Academy Awards from its six nominations, including the ultimate honor of Best Picture. Talk about a global phenomenon that changed the game!
The sheer impact of **Parasite** winning Best Picture, alongside three other competitive Oscars, cannot be overstated; it was a truly pivotal moment in Academy history. It was the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, a landmark achievement that redefined the Academy Awards and brought international cinema into the mainstream spotlight in an unprecedented way. Its multiple wins demonstrate its undeniable artistic merit and universal appeal.
Securing four awards from six nominations demonstrates a film that excelled across diverse categories, showcasing its mastery of direction, writing, and production design, proving its brilliance on multiple fronts. This extensive recognition confirms **Parasite** as a meticulously crafted and deeply thought-provoking piece of cinema that commands respect and admiration from critics and audiences globally.
This film’s success extends beyond the accolades, establishing it as a crucial film for understanding contemporary global cinema and its evolving landscape, inspiring countless filmmakers and storytellers. Its daring narrative and exquisite execution are precisely why it captured so many awards, signifying a truly exceptional cinematic experience that challenged conventions and delivered powerful social commentary with a biting edge.
**Parasite** is not merely a Best Picture winner; it’s a cultural touchstone that shattered expectations and proved that brilliant storytelling knows no language barriers. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re truly missing out on a pivotal moment in film history, one that continues to influence cinema today. This film will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you pondering long after it’s over – a definite, absolutely essential must-watch that will linger in your mind!
6. **Green Book (2018)**: Moving on to 2018, we celebrate **Green Book**, a compelling and heartfelt film that resonated deeply with audiences and the Academy alike with its powerful narrative. This powerful drama took home three Academy Awards from its five nominations, proudly securing the prestigious Best Picture award as its crowning achievement and solidifying its place in cinematic lore.
Winning Best Picture plus two additional Oscars from five nominations signifies a film that truly struck a chord with its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances from its lead actors. **Green Book** was lauded for its outstanding narrative and its ability to convey profound messages, with its competitive wins highlighting the strength and impactful nature of its storytelling, a quality that makes it exceptionally deserving of a spot on our list.
The journey of **Green Book** to Oscar glory highlights its ability to tackle significant historical themes with grace, humanity, and an engaging narrative that captivated audiences. The multiple awards it received underscore the film’s emotional depth, its nuanced characters, and its success in portraying a pivotal period with sensitivity and powerful performances, leaving a lasting impression.
Its critical acclaim and Best Picture status solidify its place as a significant work that masterfully blended historical context with personal drama, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in stories that both inform and entertain. The film’s recognition at the highest level speaks volumes about its enduring relevance and artistic merit, proving its timeless appeal and significance.
**Green Book** is more than just an award-winner; it’s a film that sparks crucial conversations, fosters understanding, and offers a truly moving and unforgettable experience. Its recognition as Best Picture, along with its other awards, makes it an absolutely essential viewing experience for anyone who appreciates powerful, character-driven storytelling that leaves you thinking. Don’t miss this one; it’s truly a journey worth taking and a story that needs to be seen!
7.Let’s immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of 2017’s Best Picture winner, **The Shape of Water**! This visually stunning and emotionally rich film was a dominant force at the Academy Awards, taking home an incredible four Oscars from a staggering thirteen nominations, a number that signals a true masterpiece and an extraordinary cinematic achievement.
Being nominated for thirteen Academy Awards is an extraordinary feat, signaling widespread critical recognition across nearly every major category, from technical achievements to directorial brilliance and captivating performances. Winning four of those, including the ultimate prize of Best Picture, unequivocally highlights the film’s profound artistic achievement and its ability to mesmerize with its unique vision and flawless execution.
This level of nomination and win density indicates a film that is not only beautifully made and meticulously crafted but also innovatively conceived and masterfully directed, earning accolades for its captivating narrative, breathtaking cinematography, and evocative storytelling. The Academy clearly recognized its bold artistic choices and its profound success in creating a truly memorable and impactful cinematic experience that dared to be different.
Its numerous nominations and significant wins solidify its status as a masterpiece of modern cinema, a film that pushed creative boundaries and delivered an unforgettable narrative that transcended conventional storytelling. It’s a testament to the power of imaginative filmmaking and its ability to transcend traditional genre definitions to tell a universal story of connection and love in a truly unique way.
**The Shape of Water** isn’t just a film you watch; it’s an experience you *feel* deep within your soul, a visual and emotional feast that will leave you breathless. Its significant awards haul and impressive nomination count cement its status as a contemporary masterpiece and a definitive must-see for anyone who loves exceptional cinema. Prepare to be swept away by its magic and marvel at the artistry that earned it such immense recognition. Seriously, clear your schedule for this one, it’s absolutely essential viewing!
Okay, movie mavens, if you thought Section 1 was a whirlwind, buckle up because we’re diving even deeper into the glorious history of Best Picture Oscar winners! From poignant dramas that tug at your heartstrings to wildly imaginative films that redefine cinema, these next eight masterpieces are absolutely essential viewing for anyone with a pulse and a love for movies. Get ready to expand your watchlist and be utterly captivated by more unforgettable stories!
And there you have it, fellow movie lovers – your ultimate, unmissable list of Best Picture Oscar winners! From recent triumphs still fresh in our minds to timeless classics that continue to inspire, these 15 films represent the absolute pinnacle of cinematic achievement, each offering a unique journey, a powerful story, and an experience that will enrich your understanding of cinema’s magic. So, what are you waiting for? Start checking these off your list and immerse yourself in the brilliance celebrated by the Academy Awards for an epic movie marathon!
