Discover the Best Oscar-Winning Movies You Must Watch

The Academy Award, commonly known as the Oscars, is regarded as the most prestigious award in the film industry. We have curated a list of the best Oscar-winning Movies for you.

Our list includes movies from nearly every category. However, it’s important to note that not all productions listed here have won the Best Picture Academy Award. The Oscars feature forty categories, such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor.

Additionally, the movies that have won the most Oscars are Ben-Hur (1959) with 11 awards, Titanic (1997), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). The actor with the most Oscars is Walt Disney, who has won 22 awards.

This list primarily covers the most popular productions, and we highly recommend watching them. Here is the list of the best Oscar-winning movies 🔽.

Movie List Index

1.The Godfather: Part II

Themes of loyalty, family, and sacrifice are powerfully reflected in Francis Ford Coppola’s second chapter of the Corleone family saga. The Godfather Part II, one of the first sequels to surpass its predecessor, won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Coppola takes the most compelling elements from the first movie and enhances them, setting an unmatched standard.

In The Godfather Part II, Coppola explores Vito Corleone’s early years in Sicily, revealing his rise to power before he became a New York mafia boss. The movie also continues the journey of Vito’s son, Michael Corleone, picking up where the first movie left off.

Information about The Godfather: Part II

Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and others
Release Year: 1974
Duration: 202 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Crime, Drama
Available Platforms: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Godfather: Part II on IMDb

2.Casablanca

Casablanca, considered one of the best Oscar-winning movies, is a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and war-torn action. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this classic movie features two of the era’s finest actors, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. In Casablanca, the chemistry between Bogart and Bergman demonstrates a rare and profound emotional connection, making it a standout in the genre of Oscar-winning love movies.

Information about Casablanca (1942)

Director: Michael Curtiz
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, and others
Release Year: 1942
Duration: 102 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Casablanca on IMDb

3.Lawrence of Arabia

One of Spielberg and George Lucas‘ favorite Oscar-winning war movies, David Lean‘s Lawrence of Arabia is a cinematic masterpiece that was ahead of its time. Peter O’Toole‘s exceptional portrayal of World War I officer T.E. Lawrence perfectly captures the British attitude towards the people they occupied. Notably, Lawrence of Arabia remains the longest movie ever to win the Oscar for Best Picture, with a runtime of 227 minutes.

Information about Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Director: David Lean
Cast: Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, and others
Release Year: 1962
Duration: 216 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Biography, Adventure, Drama
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Lawrence of Arabia on IMDb

4.All About Eve

Written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, All About Eve is one of the most acclaimed Oscar-winning movies, featuring Marilyn Monroe in a supporting role. The movie captivates with its stellar acting and razor-sharp dialogue. As perhaps the most significant work of Joseph L. Mankiewicz‘ career, All About Eve was nominated for 14 Oscars in 1950 and won 6 of them.

Information about All About Eve (1950)

Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Cast: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, and others
Release Year: 1950
Duration: 138 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama
Available Platforms: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: All About Eve on IMDb

5.Silence of the Lambs

Silence of the Lambs is proof that movies featuring cannibals and psychopaths can win Oscars. As one of the best in the psychological thriller genre, the movie follows Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster) as she delves into the disturbed mind of Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins). The movie also earned Hopkins an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance, which lasts just 16 minutes.

Information about The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Director: Jonathan Demme
Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, and others
Release Year: 1991
Duration: 118 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Thriller, Horror
Available Platforms: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Silence of the Lambs on IMDb

6.The Godfather

Adapted from Mario Puzo’s novel, The Godfather played a pivotal role in the evolution of modern gangster movies. Its impact on the genre was so profound that it even influenced real-life crime lords in New York City, who took inspiration from the Corleone family. Since its release, The Godfather has garnered significant acclaim and has been recognized by numerous institutions and magazines as one of the greatest movies ever made. The movie chronicles the story of the Italian-American Corleone mafia family, led by Don Vito Corleone.

Information about The Godfather

Title: The Godfather
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan
Release Year: 1972
Duration: 175 minutes
Country: USA
Genre: Crime, Drama
Available Platforms: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 9.2/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Godfather on IMDb

7.Annie Hall

A masterpiece of comedy and romance, Woody Allen’s movie centers on New York comedian and writer Alvy Singer (played by Allen himself) and his relationship with singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The movie’s humor is notably enhanced by a series of subtitles that reveal the disparity between what is said and what is meant during their interactions. While Allen is not the first director to break the fourth wall, he is renowned for his innovative and extensive use of this technique.

Information about Annie Hall (1977)

Director: Woody Allen
Cast: Diane Keaton, Woody Allen, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, and others
Release Year: 1977
Duration: 93 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Annie Hall on IMDb

8.The French Connection

The French Connection showcases Gene Hackman as a relentless cop who chases his target through the streets of New York in his Pontiac, with a significant portion of the city’s subway system shut down for the scene. Directed by William Friedkin, the movie is renowned for one of the best car chases ever captured on movie. The story revolves around two New York cops trying to intercept a major drug shipment from France.

Information about The French Connection (1971)

Director: William Friedkin
Cast: Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, Fernando Rey, Tony Lo Bianco
Release Year: 1971
Duration: 104 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The French Connection on IMDb

9.No Country For Old Men

One of the Coen brothers’ most ambitious efforts, No Country for Old Men is a modern Western imbued with dark, seedy undertones that create a chilling mystery. The movie follows Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin), who inadvertently becomes entangled in a drug deal, while the relentless killer Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) is on his trail.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Director: Joel and Ethan Coen
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Release Year: 2007
Duration: 122 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: No Country for Old Men on IMDb

10.Moonlight

Few movies are as heartbreaking as Moonlight, a movie divided into three distinct acts, each depicting a different period in the main character’s life. With three different actors portraying Chiron/Black/Little, this could have been a tonal mess. However, under Barry Jenkins’ deft direction, each segment seamlessly flows into the next, creating a cohesive and moving narrative.

Information about Moonlight

Title: Moonlight
Director: Barry Jenkins
Cast: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, André Holland
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 111 minutes
Country: USA
Genre: Drama
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, Netflix
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Moonlight on IMDb

11.Unforgiven

“A cop on the verge of retirement is dragged into a life-changing case on his last day.” While this premise might seem ordinary, Clint Eastwood’s 1992 western, Unforgiven, elevates it to a masterpiece. Set in the gritty town of Big Whiskey, which has seen its share of heinous activities, Eastwood transforms this familiar concept into something extraordinary. In this movie, Eastwood excels both in front of and behind the camera, delivering one of his most memorable performances, graying hair and all.

Information about Unforgiven (1992)

Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris
Release Year: 1992
Duration: 132 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Western, Drama
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: Unforgiven on IMDb

12.12 Years a Slave

Director Steve McQueen made history as the first Black moviemaker to win Best Picture with this powerful period drama. Adapted from Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir, 12 Years a Slave chronicles Northup’s harrowing journey from his life as a free Black man in New York to his kidnapping and enslavement in 1841.

Information about 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Director: Steve McQueen
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Sarah Paulson
Release Year: 2013
Duration: 134 minutes
Country: United States, United Kingdom
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: 12 Years a Slave on IMDb

13.The Revenant

In The Revenant, Leonardo DiCaprio earned an Oscar for his intense performance involving a bear. The movie’s plot centers on Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), who kills Glass’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) young half-Indian son and robs him, leaving him for dead. The story explores Glass’s relentless pursuit of revenge and immerses us in the unique beauty, mystery, and danger of 1823 America. Through this harrowing journey, we encounter themes of justice, honor, faith, and family.

Information about The Revenant

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter
Release Year: 2015
Duration: 156 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Available Platforms: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Revenant on IMDb

14.The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight, the second movie in Nolan’s Batman trilogy, profoundly challenges us to question and internalize concepts of logic, right and wrong, and order and disorder. This movie stands apart from other superhero movies due to its deep exploration of these themes. Inspired by the Batman: The Long Halloween comic book, it delivers an unparalleled viewing experience through Nolan’s masterful direction and exceptional visual effects.

Information about The Dark Knight

Title: The Dark Knight
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Release Year: 2008
Duration: 152 minutes
Country: USA
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV
IMDB Rating: 9.0/10
Language: English
Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
IMDb Link: The Dark Knight on IMDb

15.Room

Room tells the poignant story of a mother and her young son who are imprisoned in a small room, where the son was also born. The movie delves deeply into the heavy drama they endure together. Brie Larson portrays Ma, who has spent years in this confined space, struggling to escape with her now 5-year-old son, who is beginning to understand their situation. This intense and emotionally charged narrative makes Room a standout among Oscar-worthy movies.