Every year, the Academy Awards bring cinephiles together to celebrate the best in film, but often, the announcement for Best Picture leaves audiences disappointed or even outraged.
There’s a fascinating and rather enduring subgenre of great movies that, for reasons ranging from industry politics to the Academy’s occasional penchant for safer bets, simply didn’t take home the top prize. These are the films that critics and movie fans alike frequently argue were the rightful champions, movies that have, against all odds and despite the official record, gone down as some of the best movies of all time. They span compelling dramas, gripping thrillers, and even the kind of monumental blockbusters that reshaped cinema itself.
The Academy’s choices, while often celebrated in their moment, haven’t always endured in the cultural imagination in the same way as some of their overlooked counterparts. We’re about to embark on a journey through some of these legendary snubs, shining a spotlight on seven films that prove a golden statue isn’t the sole arbiter of greatness, and whose legacies have only grown richer with time. Prepare to revisit some truly magnificent cinema, and perhaps, to question what exactly the judges were thinking.
1. **Citizen Kane (1941)**
To even suggest that *Citizen Kane* didn’t win Best Picture feels almost blasphemous to modern film aficionados, given its status as arguably the greatest movie of all time. Orson Welles, at the astonishingly young age of 27, not only directed and co-wrote this artsy masterpiece but also commanded the screen in its starring role. It was a revolutionary achievement, particularly in its pioneering use of cinematography to weave thematic messages, creating visual poetics that were entirely new.
Every shot in *Citizen Kane* is meticulously crafted to express the anguish, loneliness, and passions of Charles Foster Kane, playing up his ego, mystery, and despair with a depth well beyond Welles’s years. This film didn’t just tell a story; it redefined how stories could be told on screen, marking it as a true landmark in cinematic history. Yet, despite its profound impact and critical praise, the Academy saw things differently that year.
In what was undeniably a competitive year, with formidable nominees such as *Here Comes Mr. Jordan*, *The Maltese Falcon*, *Sergeant York*, and *Suspicion*, *Citizen Kane* faced stiff competition. The Best Picture Oscar, then known as Outstanding Motion Picture, ultimately went to *How Green Was My Valley*. While John Ford’s film is an excellent and influential movie in its own right—a sentimental epic about a hardworking family—many have since argued it was less deserving of the top honor than Welles’s groundbreaking work. *Citizen Kane* did, however, secure an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, a small consolation for a film that would echo through cinema for decades.
2. **12 Angry Men (1957)**
Sidney Lumet’s directorial debut, *12 Angry Men*, stands as an absolute masterclass in filmmaking, a taut and riveting exploration of the judicial process confined almost entirely to a single room. The film centers around its titular men, a jury grappling with the immense responsibility of deciding the guilt or innocence of a young boy accused of murder. This simple premise belies a profound depth, demonstrating how dialogue, performance, and pacing can create unparalleled dramatic tension.
What makes *12 Angry Men* so enduring is its timeless quality; it feels like it could belong to any era, a testament to its universal themes of prejudice, doubt, and the pursuit of justice. It meticulously dissects human nature under pressure, showing how individual biases and preconceived notions can sway judgment, and how a lone dissenting voice can challenge the status quo. The film’s command of dramatic tension, built purely through the escalating arguments and revelations among the jurors, remains unparalleled.
Despite its groundbreaking approach and undeniable power, *12 Angry Men* ultimately lost the Best Picture Oscar to *The Bridge on the River Kwai*. While David Lean’s film is certainly very good and far more traditional in its epic scope, it couldn’t match Lumet’s intimate, psychological intensity. In the 60-plus years since its release, countless courtroom dramas have attempted to emulate its brilliance, but few, if any, have managed to surpass the sheer impactful storytelling of Lumet’s seminal work.
3. **Psycho (1960)**
Alfred Hitchcock’s *Psycho* was nothing short of revolutionary cinema upon its premiere, audaciously breaking taboos around violence and cross-dressing, and fundamentally shaking up audience expectations. The film famously stunned and shook viewers by killing off its presumed star, Janet Leigh, in the first act, a narrative shock that cemented its legendary status and redefined storytelling conventions. This unexpected twist hooked audiences, propelling them forward into an unexpected and twisted ending.
Beyond its shocking plot, *Psycho*’s artistry is as genius as its plotting. The film is a masterclass in cinematic technique, employing gorgeous cinematography, heart-pounding editing, and groundbreaking sound design to create an atmosphere of suffocating suspense and psychological dread. Its iconic shower scene, in particular, remains one of the most studied and imitated sequences in film history, showcasing Hitchcock’s masterful control over his craft and his audience’s emotions.
Despite its profound influence and undeniable status as a cinematic treat, *Psycho* wasn’t even nominated for Best Picture. Had it been, it would have been up against Billy Wilder’s cynical love story, *The Apartment*, which ultimately took home the award. While *The Apartment* is a celebrated film that dips into themes of illicit affairs, it represents a more conventional choice compared to *Psycho*’s audacious and genre-defining horror. History, however, has overwhelmingly recognized *Psycho*’s monumental impact, solidifying its place as a horror masterpiece.
4. **Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)**
Stanley Kubrick’s *Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb* is, admittedly, a lot to take in on a first viewing, and it’s certainly one of those films that benefits immensely from multiple viewings. This brilliant war satire is largely considered one of the best films ever made, a dark comedic masterpiece that skewers the absurdity and paranoia of the Cold War era with razor-sharp wit and profound intelligence. Kubrick’s vision here is unparalleled, blending black humor with a terrifyingly plausible scenario.
The film masterfully navigates the fine line between comedy and terror, presenting a chillingly hilarious portrayal of human folly and the catastrophic potential of nuclear war. Its ensemble cast delivers iconic performances, particularly Peter Sellers in multiple roles, bringing to life characters that are at once exaggerated and disturbingly real. The script is a tour de force, packed with memorable lines and incisive commentary on military bureaucracy and political brinkmanship.
In 1964, Stanley Kubrick’s *Dr. Strangelove*, a biting satire on power and self-destruction, was nominated for Best Picture but lost to the lavish musical *My Fair Lady*, a decision that still sparks debate due to the former’s enduring, urgent message.
5. **Jaws (1975)**
Steven Spielberg’s *Jaws* arrived in 1975 like a colossal wave, a summer blockbuster to end all blockbusters that fundamentally changed filmmaking as we knew it. This shark movie, an unlikely candidate for a Best Picture nomination in some regards, was a cultural phenomenon that hooked audiences worldwide with its relentless suspense and terrifying simplicity. It proved that a genre film could be both a commercial juggernaut and a work of high cinematic art.
What’s particularly remarkable is how *Jaws* has aged, despite its famously clunky practical effect shark. The film’s brilliance lies not in its visual effects alone, but in Spielberg’s masterful direction, the brilliant pacing, and John Williams’ iconic, anxiety-inducing score. It won three Oscars that year for Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound, demonstrating its technical prowess and lasting impact on cinematic craft. The sheer tension built through suggestion and psychological terror made the actual shark almost secondary to the dread it inspired.
Despite its monumental impact on cinema, *Jaws* lost the Best Picture Oscar to *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*. *Cuckoo’s Nest* is undoubtedly a great film, a powerful drama that deserved its accolades. However, the choice arguably came down to timing and genre conventions; the Academy has historically favored dramatic narratives over blockbuster thrillers, even those as impeccably crafted and culturally transformative as *Jaws*. Regardless of the snub, *Jaws* remains a masterclass in suspense and a film that continues to influence generations of filmmakers.
6. **Taxi Driver (1976)**
Martin Scorsese’s *Taxi Driver* is a searing and unsettling portrait of urban alienation and psychological decay, a film that has stood the test of time as a truly groundbreaking work. It plunges audiences into the mind of Travis Bickle, an insomniac Vietnam veteran turned taxi driver, whose descent into madness and vigilante fantasies is as disturbing as it is compelling. Robert De Niro’s performance as Bickle is nothing short of legendary, capturing the raw intensity and fragile psyche of a man adrift in a morally corrupt world.
The film’s gritty, neon-soaked depiction of 1970s New York City serves as a perfect backdrop for Bickle’s isolation and growing disillusionment. *Taxi Driver* is a masterclass in mood and character study, using its unsettling atmosphere and Bickle’s unreliable narration to create a deeply immersive, often uncomfortable, experience. Its themes of loneliness, violence, and the search for meaning continue to resonate, making it a powerful and enduring piece of American cinema.
When faced with a comparison of Rocky Balboa’s scrappy success story in *Rocky* and Travis Bickle’s upsetting descent into madness in *Taxi Driver*, the Academy made the intuitive choice, awarding Best Picture to *Rocky*. This wouldn’t be the only time Martin Scorsese would be seemingly snubbed for the top prize, but *Taxi Driver*’s legacy has only grown stronger with each passing year. Its influence on subsequent filmmakers and its place in the pantheon of challenging, thought-provoking cinema are undeniable.
7. **Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)**
Looking back, *Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope* winning Best Picture might seem like a no-brainer, given its colossal cultural footprint and transformative impact on popular culture. However, in 1977, the first *Star Wars* film, despite its massive commercial success, wasn’t considered as ‘Academy-friendly’ as the more traditional films often recognized. It was a groundbreaking cinematic achievement that introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away, blending mythic storytelling with revolutionary special effects.
This film, which launched one of the most beloved sagas in history, was more than just a space opera; it was an exercise in pure imaginative world-building. It created iconic characters, memorable dialogue, and a universe that captivated millions, redefining what a blockbuster could be. Its technical innovations were immense, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on screen and inspiring a generation of filmmakers and artists. The sheer scale of its ambition and execution was, and still is, astounding.
Ultimately, *Star Wars* lost the Best Picture Oscar to Woody Allen’s *Annie Hall*, a highly acclaimed romantic comedy. While *Annie Hall* is a brilliant film in its own right, beloved for its wit and narrative innovation, it’s fair to say that few films have changed filmmaking forever to the extent that *Star Wars* did. The Academy’s decision at the time reflects a common pattern: an underestimation of how much a commercially successful, genre-bending film would truly alter the landscape of cinema for decades to come.
8. **The Shining (1980)**
Speaking of Stanley Kubrick, the director whose *Dr. Strangelove* was notably overlooked, his later work, *The Shining*, boasts an Oscar history that is peculiar even by Academy standards. This isn’t a case of losing Best Picture; it’s a colossal omission, as the film wasn’t even nominated for a single Academy Award, astonishingly garnering several Razzie nominations instead. Yet, as time has a way of correcting initial misjudgments, history has overwhelmingly reclaimed *The Shining* as a modern horror masterpiece, making its original snub a testament to how profoundly misunderstood some groundbreaking films can be upon release.
Kubrick’s distinctive directorial style is on full, terrifying display here, transforming Stephen King’s novel into a chilling, psychologically dense cinematic experience. The film’s atmosphere of suffocating dread, its iconic imagery like the blood flooding the elevator or the unsettling Grady twins, and its masterful use of space and sound design, all contribute to a horror film that operates on a level far beyond jump scares. It delves into themes of madness, isolation, and domestic terror with a relentless artistry that few genre films can rival, ensuring its place as a perennial subject of academic and fan discussion.
Jack Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrance is nothing short of legendary, a visceral descent into insanity that anchors the film’s increasingly surreal narrative. The film’s lasting cultural impact is undeniable, from countless references in pop culture to its enduring power to unnerve new generations of viewers. When juxtaposed with 1980’s Best Picture winner, *Chariots of Fire*—a fine film in its own right—the Academy’s complete disregard for *The Shining* raises questions about their criteria for what constitutes true cinematic excellence, particularly when faced with a work that dares to transcend genre conventions.
Perhaps its slow-burn nature and unconventional narrative, which eschews clear-cut explanations for psychological ambiguity, made it less palatable for mainstream awards recognition at the time. However, the intricate layering of its themes, its unparalleled tension, and its groundbreaking visual language have ultimately cemented *The Shining*’s place not just as a horror touchstone, but as a vital and intensely studied piece of cinematic art. It stands as stark proof that true greatness often takes time and repeated viewings to be fully appreciated.
9. **E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)**
Steven Spielberg has a knack for creating films that resonate deeply with audiences, and *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* arrived in 1982 as a pure cultural phenomenon. This wide-eyed alien instantly stole America’s heart, becoming an instant blockbuster that captivated millions with its fantastical narrative and profoundly sentimental, tear-jerking family drama. It brilliantly demonstrated that a film could be both a commercial juggernaut and a work of high emotional artistry, appealing to a vast audience with its undeniable charm and universal themes.
Beyond its science fiction premise, *E.T.* truly shines in its exploration of human connection and belonging. The alien, despite its otherworldly origins, becomes incredibly relatable, a friend to a lonely boy navigating the complexities of a suburban household run by a single mom. The film is masterfully filled with moments of both comedy and heartfelt drama, tapping into universal childhood hopes and fears, allowing it to resonate powerfully with adults and children alike. It’s a poignant portrayal of friendship, empathy, and the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye.
Spielberg’s cinematic mastery is evident in every frame of this film. It is a true masterwork of storytelling, marked by beautiful compositions that capture its universal themes, from the iconic bicycle flight against the moon to the quiet moments of connection between Elliott and E.T. The film’s ability to craft an emotional narrative that transcended typical genre confines, combining groundbreaking visual effects with a deeply human story, made it a technical marvel that pushed emotional boundaries for its era.
Yet, for all its immense impact and artistry, *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* ultimately lost the Best Picture Oscar to *Gandhi*. While the historical biopic *Gandhi* is an important and well-regarded film, the Academy’s historical preference for “serious” dramas over genre-bending blockbusters meant *E.T.* faced an uphill battle. This decision underscores a recurring tension in Oscar history: the struggle between celebrating profound cultural impact and acknowledging more traditional, gravitas-laden narratives, leaving *E.T.* as an enduring symbol of a film that deserved top honors for its sheer, unadulterated magic and widespread resonance.
10. **GoodFellas (1990)**
For many film aficionados, the Best Picture snub of Martin Scorsese’s *GoodFellas* in 1990 remains one of the most painful in Academy history. This sprawling mob boss epic is widely considered one of the best films of the ’90s, a true “watershed film” that irrevocably influenced nearly every gangster movie and crime drama made in its wake. It stands as a powerful example of the Academy’s occasional oversight, particularly when facing a director whose distinct vision often challenges conventional tastes.
*GoodFellas* is a masterclass in cinematic style, immersing viewers directly into the exhilarating, yet ultimately brutal, world of the mafia. Scorsese’s signature techniques—rapid-fire editing, groundbreaking use of voice-over, innovative tracking shots, and a perfectly curated soundtrack—create an electrifying, visceral experience. The ensemble cast, featuring career-defining performances from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci (who won Best Supporting Actor), and Ray Liotta, portrays a world where loyalty and betrayal are two sides of the same bloody coin, all without ever romanticizing the criminal life.
Indeed, when Martin Scorsese’s *The Departed* finally won Best Picture in 2006, it felt to many like a lifetime achievement award, an acknowledgment of past snubs rather than a singular win. The debate over which of Scorsese’s films is his absolute best often circles back to *GoodFellas*, a testament to its profound and visible impact on “the last few decades of cinema.” Its influence is so pervasive that it’s difficult to imagine modern crime cinema without its stylistic and narrative innovations, underscoring its pivotal role in film history.
Ultimately, *GoodFellas* lost the top prize to Kevin Costner’s *Dances With Wolves*, a sprawling Western epic. While *Dances With Wolves* is a commendable film, its “lasting impact” is frequently questioned when placed alongside the raw, innovative, and endlessly rewatchable *GoodFellas*. This comparison perfectly encapsulates the Academy’s occasional preference for conventional, large-scale narratives over genre-redefining masterpieces, making *GoodFellas* an enduring symbol of a film whose greatness was perhaps too ahead of its time for the voters.
11. **Pulp Fiction (1994)**
In what is arguably “the most controversial Best Picture loss of all time,” Quentin Tarantino’s *Pulp Fiction* famously couldn’t beat out the heartwarming power of *Forrest Gump* in 1994. This outcome was widely seen as a “clash between generations and moviemaking sensibilities,” a cultural dividing line that still sparks passionate debate, with fervent fans of Tarantino more than happy to elaborate, in detail, why his audacious film was the rightful victor.
*Pulp Fiction* wasn’t just a movie; it was a cultural earthquake that redefined independent cinema and forever altered the landscape of filmmaking. Tarantino’s ingenious non-linear narrative structure, his sharp, witty, and endlessly quotable dialogue, and his bold, idiosyncratic blend of humor, violence, and pop culture references created a cinematic language entirely new. It was a film that dared to be different, delivering a fresh, audacious vision that captivated and challenged audiences in equal measure, cementing its status as an instant classic.
The film’s iconic status is undeniable, its “hugely recognizable references to this day” pervading pop culture, even for those who may not have seen the film in its entirety. From the unforgettable dance scene between Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace to its distinctive character interactions and unforgettable lines, *Pulp Fiction* carved out an indelible niche in the zeitgeist. It demonstrated that independent films could achieve massive commercial success and critical acclaim, pushing boundaries in storytelling and style that resonated globally.
While *Pulp Fiction* rightfully won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, its Best Picture loss to *Forrest Gump* remains a point of contention for many, as Tarantino’s groundbreaking film is widely seen as having a more profound and lasting impact on cinema.
12. **Fargo (1996)**
From the distinctive minds of the Coen Brothers, *Fargo* emerged in 1996 as a darkly comedic masterpiece, swiftly becoming “one of the most influential (and satirically funny) films ever,” even inspiring a beloved television series of the same name. Its unique tone and unsettling blend of crime and absurdity presented a stark contrast to the more “classic Oscar choice” of *The English Patient*, highlighting another instance where the Academy chose a sweeping romance over a singularly original vision.
The Coen Brothers’ *Fargo* captivates with its distinctive visual style and unforgettable characters, set against a stark Minnesota landscape where quirky individuals get caught in a web of escalating crime, masterfully blending dark humor with unsettling realism.
The film’s profound influence is evident in the numerous crime dramas and independent films it has inspired, showcasing the Coen Brothers’ unique ability to create a world that is both grimly realistic and hilariously absurd, securing its place as a modern classic.
Despite its critical adoration and significant cultural impact, *Fargo* lost the Best Picture Oscar to *The English Patient*, a lavish “sweeping war romance.” While *The English Patient* is undoubtedly a well-crafted and acclaimed film, *Fargo*’s originality, its singular voice, and its enduring cultural footprint have arguably outlasted its Best Picture competitor in the public consciousness. Its snub serves as a poignant reminder of the Academy’s often conservative tastes and its tendency to favor traditional epic narratives over innovative, genre-bending works that resonate for decades.
13. **Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)**
In 2000, the race for Best Picture saw a clash between Ridley Scott’s historical epic *Gladiator* and Ang Lee’s visually stunning martial arts film *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, with the Academy ultimately favoring the former, highlighting a persistent bias against international and genre-bending cinema.
*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* was more than just a martial arts film; it was a poetic wuxia epic that became a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its stunning cinematography, breathtaking wire-fu choreography, and deep emotional resonance. It shattered preconceived notions of what a foreign-language film could achieve in terms of mainstream appeal and critical acclaim in the West, breaking barriers and becoming the highest-grossing non-English language film in American history at the time. It was a groundbreaking achievement on multiple fronts.
Ang Lee masterfully crafted a narrative that transcended cultural barriers, exploring universal themes of love, duty, freedom, and identity through its compelling characters and their gravity-defying battles. The film’s visual splendor, coupled with its philosophical undertones and intricate emotional tapestry, made it much more than just an action spectacle. It was a deeply moving drama disguised within the exhilarating framework of an action-adventure, showcasing a sophisticated blend of genre and artistry that resonated deeply with viewers across the globe.
Despite its groundbreaking impact and widespread acclaim, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* lost the Best Picture Oscar, though it did secure four other Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. The Academy, perhaps still reluctant to bestow its absolute top prize on a non-English language film, ultimately chose the more traditional, albeit excellent, historical epic *Gladiator*. Yet, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*’s legacy is firmly secure as a film that opened significant doors for international cinema, proving that universal stories, when told with such artistry and vision, could truly soar on a global stage, regardless of language or previous genre limitations.
14. **ROMA (2018)**
Alfonso Cuarón’s visually stunning *ROMA*, a critically acclaimed masterpiece, faced a controversial Best Picture loss to *Green Book* in 2018, a decision that drew criticism for its handling of race and overshadowed other strong nominees, further emphasizing the Academy’s perceived misstep.
*ROMA* is an intimate yet epic cinematic achievement, shot in breathtaking black and white, serving as a deeply personal and immersive experience. Cuarón meticulously draws viewers into the life of Cleo, a domestic worker for a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City, using long, sweeping takes and subtle storytelling to create an almost documentary-like intimacy. This meticulous direction and understated narrative technique make the mundane feel profoundly epic, elevating everyday moments to the realm of high art.
The film’s emotional depth and universal themes resonate far beyond its specific setting, exploring complex dynamics of class, race, gender, and family with a tenderness and honesty that captivated audiences globally. It is a quiet masterpiece that finds grand narratives in the seemingly ordinary moments of life, showcasing Cuarón’s extraordinary ability to evoke powerful emotions and societal critiques without resorting to overt melodrama. *ROMA* is a poignant meditation on memory, loss, and the resilience of women, leaving an indelible mark on those who experience it.
Confronting the Best Picture outcome, *ROMA*’s loss to *Green Book* remains a contentious point in recent Oscar history. While *Green Book* was popular with many at the time, its win quickly became a subject of intense debate due to its perceived simplistic and outdated portrayal of racial issues. *ROMA*, by contrast, offered a nuanced, artful, and unflinching look at societal complexities, and its snub underscores a recurring debate about the Academy’s choices and their long-term cultural impact. Its enduring critical adoration, alongside its success in categories like Best Director, firmly cements its place as a modern classic that was, in the view of many, unfairly denied the top honor.
In conclusion, the Academy Awards, while a significant event, often reflect fleeting trends rather than enduring artistic merit, as evidenced by numerous films that, despite missing the Best Picture Oscar, have achieved true cinematic immortality and profound cultural impact, proving that a statue is not the ultimate measure of greatness.
