The Best Oscar-Winning Movies Made Ranked

Not many movies attract audiences to theatres like Oscar-winners. Since the 1930’s, the Academy Awards have created unforgettable movies. Whether it’s gangsters, parasitic housekeepers or serial killers, the Oscars has awarded several characters. Given the number of movies the Academy has awarded, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite Oscar-winners that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Godfather

Gangsters are grand figures that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that appreciated dark gangsters causing damage. He appreciated stories of gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me an appreciation for great figures I have grown up to value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the dark lifestyles of gangsters that commit murder as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest Oscar-winner ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Coppola used innovative cinematic techniques to capture gangsters committing murders causing despair. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about criminals, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. It isn’t easy to adapt a classic book about gangsters, but Coppola succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder of Sollozzo in a local restaurant becoming a member of the mafia is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Marlon Brando, who transformed into a powerful don. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite Oscar-winner film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about the unbreakable bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a classic film about gangsters given an offer they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of an awards show making movies which deserve to be discussed in headline news.

2. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that has always fascinated my teacher. Several years ago, I was taught about the genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. He would always take great pride in teaching students about a mass genocide in which his people died. As someone treasuring memories of a teacher that loved to list facts about the Holocaust, I appreciated “Schindler’s List”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning movie offered a captivating depiction of the genocide. pielberg has an aptitude for using symbolism in his movies, and “Schindler’s List” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Oskar Schindler witnesses reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ralph Fiennes, who embodied a despicable Nazi commander. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a ceremony celebrating memorable movies which have always left audiences satisfied.

3. The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter is a renowned serial killer that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a mother appreciating a serial killer committing murders causing damage. My mother’s obsession with a serial killer murdering lambs first began when she watched “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie captured psychotic serial killers. Demme is one of those filmmakers with an aptitude for creating nail-biting thrillers, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter about murders causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” a commemorated classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message acknowledging childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Far from a traditional Oscar-winner for Best Picture, its win forever changed the awards ceremony. As unforgettable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated ceremony that has awarded groundbreaking movies which definitely deserve to be appreciated.

4. Parasite

Social class is a barrier that impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry.  As someone that has witnessed the social class barriers housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured social class barriers affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho effectively uses symbolism to capture the plight of a parasitic family seeking money in a country divided by social inequality. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Song Kang-Ho, who embodied a father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be South Korean to appreciate it. Despite focusing on Korean families, its themes would resonate with everyone. It delivers a commemorated message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the frightening parasite class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a ceremony that has always rewarded movies that deserve spotlight.

5. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students in school about a disorder causing lives to deteriorate. As someone treasuring a teacher that was fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s beautiful masterpiece captured the Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard uses stunning unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash becomes aware that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing a genius that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about illness which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated mathematician that forever changed the world with a beautiful mind, it’s a phenomenal reminder of a great awards show rewarding one-of-a-kind movies leaving a legacy behind.

6. 12 Years a Slave

Slavery is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from depicting a time in American history that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding a subject that’s grave, it’s worth praising “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery. Unlike most movies rewarded by the Oscars, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its brutality. McQueen uses stunning cinematography capturing a dark time in American history. Assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is amazing in the lead role, McQueen created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of slavery that caused lives of African-American communities to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated ceremony that has rewarded movies audiences appreciate.

7. Titanic

When it comes to the most tragic events in the history of mankind, it’s worth discussing the sinking of the Titanic. In 1912, the ship sank as a result of striking an iceberg in a disaster. A frightening disaster, the shipwreck built a legacy that’s lasting. In 1997, James Cameron honoured the iconic shipwreck in his classic film “Titanic”. Unlike most Oscar-winning movies, what makes “Titanic” stand out is its strong sense of spectacle. Cameron used breathtaking practical effects to recreate a sinking of a ship that’s frightening. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is outstanding in the lead role, Cameron honoured a shipwreck occurring years ago. Nearly 90 years following the catastrophic sinking of the Titanic causing consequences which were tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an awards ceremony rewarding films that are iconic.

8. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of losing relatives as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s extraordinary movie depicted a family faced tragedy. Unlike most Oscar-winning movies, what makes “Ordinary People” stand out is its realism. Robert Redford created a portrait of family tragedy that’s realistic. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who reminds us how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of grief impacting the lives of ordinary people, it’s an extraordinary reminder of a ceremony rewarding memroable movies audiences consider to be special.

9. Forrest Gump

Intellectual disability shaped my identity. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with Autism causing damage. As someone impacted by an intellectual disorder causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about intellectual disabilities. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Forrest Gump” stand out is its depiction of disability. Zemeckis uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the unique perspective of a man with intellectual disabilities facing tension. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is amazing in the lead role, Zemeckis created a timeless classic. As precious as Forrest Gump’s memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a ceremony making memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

10. Argo

Few movies that won the Best Picture Oscar years ago are as beloved as “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie offered a captivating depiction of Iran’s CIA hostage crisis. Affleck used locations across the Middle East to recreate a real-life hostage crisis. Assisted by John Goodman who is spectacular in the lead role, Affleck honoured a crisis that occurred years ago. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of a hostage crisis that isn’t historically accurate has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the Academy’s list of Oscar-winners. Nearly 40 years after a CIA Agent saved civilians held hostage in Iran with commitment, it’s a strong reminder of an awards ceremony that has rewarded poignant movies which I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong love of entertainment.