It’s that time of the year. The Academy Awards, fondly known as the Oscars, have celebrated cinematic excellence for nearly a century. Among the most prestigious accolades at the Oscars is the Best Picture award, bestowed upon films that captivate audiences with their storytelling, performances, and technical prowess. Over the years, numerous exceptional films have earned this coveted honor, but only a select few have cemented their place as timeless classics. Here, we rank the 10 all-time best Best Picture Oscar winners, based on their enduring impact, cultural significance, and cinematic brilliance.
10. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Image Credit: A24.
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert’s mind-bending multiverse comedy-drama, “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” pushes the boundaries of storytelling with its audacious creativity, heartfelt performances, and dazzling visual inventiveness. Despite being a recent addition to the pantheon of Best Picture winners, its innovative approach and universal themes make it a worthy inclusion on our list.
9. Titanic (1997)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.
James Cameron’s epic romance-disaster film, “Titanic,” became a cultural phenomenon upon its release, captivating audiences with its grand scale, breathtaking visuals, and timeless love story. With its record-breaking box office success and critical acclaim, this film continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, earning its place as one of the most beloved Best Picture winners in Oscar history.
8. All About Eve (1950)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox
Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s biting satire, “All About Eve,” remains a scintillating exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the cutthroat world of show business. With its razor-sharp dialogue, stellar performances, and incisive commentary on fame and ego, this film remains as relevant and captivating as ever, earning its place among the all-time Best Picture Oscar winners.
7. Casablanca (1942)
Image Credit: Warner Bros.
Michael Curtiz’s timeless romance, “Casablanca,” is a cinematic gem cherished for its unforgettable characters, sharp dialogue, and stirring melodrama. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this film weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption that resonates with audiences to this day, earning its status as one of the greatest films ever made.
6. Gone with the Wind (1939)
Image Credit: Loew’s Inc.
Victor Fleming’s sweeping epic, “Gone with the Wind,” remains a towering achievement in American cinema, capturing the grandeur and tragedy of the Civil War era South. With its lavish production values, memorable performances, and timeless romance, this film continues to enchant audiences decades after its release, earning its place as a beloved classic.
5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Image Credit: Orion Pictures
Jonathan Demme’s psychological thriller, “The Silence of the Lambs,” captivated audiences with its chilling atmosphere, gripping narrative, and unforgettable characters, particularly Anthony Hopkins’s iconic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter. With its meticulous craftsmanship and spine-tingling suspense, this film remains a benchmark for the genre and a deserving recipient of the Best Picture Oscar.
4. The Godfather (1972)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures
Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia masterpiece, “The Godfather,” set the standard for crime epics and remains a timeless classic in cinematic history. With its iconic performances, intricate storytelling, and indelible moments, this film continues to exert a profound influence on filmmakers and audiences alike, solidifying its place as one of the greatest films ever made.
3. Schindler’s List (1993)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures
Steven Spielberg’s haunting portrayal of the Holocaust, “Schindler’s List,” remains a cinematic tour de force that continues to profoundly impact audiences worldwide. With its stark black-and-white cinematography, powerful performances, and unflinching portrayal of humanity’s capacity for both cruelty and compassion, this film stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Image Credit: New Line Cinema
Peter Jackson’s epic conclusion to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy swept the Oscars, winning all 11 awards it was nominated for, including Best Picture. “The Return of the King” not only concluded one of the most ambitious cinematic undertakings but also showcased groundbreaking visual effects, stirring performances, and a deeply resonant narrative of friendship, sacrifice, and heroism.
1. Parasite (2019)
Image Credit: CJ Entertainment
Bong Joon-ho’s masterful social thriller, “Parasite,” made history as the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture award. Its incisive commentary on class inequality, coupled with its seamless blend of genres and unforgettable plot twists, propelled it to international acclaim. With its razor-sharp wit and profound storytelling, “Parasite” rightfully claims the top spot on our list.