Script written by Richard Bush.
Top 10 Best Best Picture Oscar-Winning Movies
They’re the best of the best. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 best Best Picture Oscar-winning movies.
Due to the huge number of excellent Academy Award-winning movies, we narrowed our list by focusing on those that offered more than just a few laughs and gasps. Our list includes the cinematic landmarks that nabbed the Oscar, and ultimately made Hollywood what it is today.
#10: “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957)
Set in an Indochinese POW camp, this multiple-Oscar winner follows British prisoners as they rally to construct a bridge for their Japanese captors. With Sir Alec Guinness’ Lt. Col. Nicholson leading the charge, each captive debates whether he should jeopardize the construction, or finish it as a testament to British character. A great representation of leadership, obsession and the madness of war, fans of the genre won’t be disappointed.
#9: “Gladiator” (2000)
Director Ridley Scott teamed up with Russell Crowe for a film that rejuvenated the public’s love of Army epics and gladiatorial tales of victory. Maximus has been betrayed and enslaved, and he must fight for his freedom at the tip of a sword. We stand side-by-side with the gladiators and experience their journey to regain their humanity in this beautifully directed Best Picture winner.
#8: “No Country For Old Men” (2007)
Although the majority of this film’s plot plays out as a cat-and-mouse chase, it’s also a masterfully executed neo-western thriller put the Coen brothers back in the limelight and made the Academy flip the coin in their favor. With psychotic characters and eerie monologues, each scene delivers unexpected results, as Javier Bardem’s bad guy is dead-set on getting some drug money back. It also proves the Coens’ trademark of intertwining plotlines is still a winning formula.
#7: “Casablanca” (1943)
Considered by many as one of history’s most perfect films, “Casablanca” combines enduring romance, conspiracy, bravery and patriotism with beautiful cinematography and breathtaking performances – and places it all in a wartime setting. The Academy was powerless to resist this movie’s strength, as cynical American ex-pat Rick Blaine chooses between an old flame and what’s right. If you never watch this film, you’ll regret it.
#6: “The Departed” (2006)
This is the film that scored Martin Scorsese his long-awaited first Oscar. A 21st century take on gangster hierarchy and police corruption in Boston, it trails Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon as they infiltrate each other’s groups. But the prize for most terrifying undoubtedly goes to Jack Nicholson’s mob boss Frank Costello. Lathered in “Goodfellas”-style grittiness, this film’s intricate plot, excellent acting and fantastic direction make it pure genius and definite Oscar bait.
