Top 10 Oscar-Winning Movies to Watch

The Academy Awards, often known as the Oscars, symbolize the highest accolade in the film business. Every year, the Oscars honour cinematic greatness, awarding the best in filmmaking, acting, screenplay, and more. Winning an Oscar is a career-defining milestone, and some films go on to become cultural icons.

In this article, we’ve identified the top 10 Oscar-winning movies you should watch. These films are not only critically acclaimed—they’re remarkable experiences that leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re a film buff or just searching for something excellent to see, these titles are worth your time.

1. The Godfather (1972) Oscars Won: 3 (including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay) One of the greatest films of all time, The Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece that reinvented the gangster genre. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, the film exposes the intricate world of the Corleone family. With superb storytelling, memorable performances, and compelling ideas, it’s a must-watch classic.

Schindler’s List (1993)

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   Oscars Won: 7 (including Best Picture, Best Director) Directed by Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List is a frightening and poignant drama about the Holocaust. It portrays the real-life story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who spared over 1,100 Jews from Nazi extermination. Shot primarily in black and white, the film is a touching testament to humanity in the worst of times.
2. Titanic (1997)
   Oscars Won: 11 (including Best Picture, Best Director) A sweeping love epic, Titanic brought historical drama to life with spectacular sights and emotional depth. Directed by James Cameron, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as star-crossed lovers onboard the fateful RMS Titanic. Its scale, soundtrack, and plot continue to enthrall audiences worldwide.
3. Forrest Gump (1994) Oscars Won: 6 (including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director) Forrest Gump is the wonderful narrative of a regular man who unknowingly impacts big events in American history. Tom Hanks provides a poignant portrayal as Forrest, a figure who illustrates that love, kindness, and tenacity can mould a life. The film’s emotive narrative and classic quotations have made it a favorite for years.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

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   Oscars Won: 5 (including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay) A rare psychological thriller to win Best Picture, The Silence of the Lambs is a terrifying and unforgettable film. It stars Jodie Foster as FBI trainee Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as the sinister Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Their on-screen chemistry and strong performances make this film a must-see.
2. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
   Oscars Won: 8 (including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Score) Set in the streets of Mumbai, Slumdog Millionaire follows the rags-to-riches narrative of Jamal, a young guy who competes on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to reunite with his lost love. Directed by Danny Boyle, the picture is vivid, dramatic, and full of life. Its soundtrack, especially A.R. Rahman’s “Jai Ho,” became a global smash.
3. Gladiator (2000) Oscars Won: 5 (including Best Picture, Best Actor) An epic tale of treachery and revenge, Gladiator stars Russell Crowe as Maximus, a Roman general turned slave. With stunning battle scenes, emotive storytelling, and a great score by Hans Zimmer, the film revitalized the sword-and-sandal genre and became a cinematic triumph.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

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   Oscars Won: 3 (including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay) Based on a historical event, 12 Years a Slave is a compelling dramatization of Solomon Northup, a free black man kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. Directed by Steve McQueen, the picture is immensely emotional and brutally honest, with excellent performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o.
2. Parasite (2019) Oscars Won: 4 (including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay) The first non-English language picture to win Best Picture, Parasite made history at the Oscars. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this Korean thriller addresses class conflict and greed via a gripping and creative tale. With surprise turns and dark comedy, it’s a brave and wonderful film.
3. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
   Oscars Won: 7 (including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director) A mind-bending adventure across the multiverse, this remarkable film by the Daniels pair combines action, humour, drama, and sci-fi in one chaotic ride. Michelle Yeoh impresses in the major role, producing a performance that garnered her a historic Best Actress Oscar. It’s a novel take on storytelling that integrates emotion with inventiveness.

Final Thoughts

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   Oscar-winning movies symbolize the greatest of cinema—films that touch hearts, challenge minds, and stay with us long after the credits roll. Whether you’re viewing for the first time or revisiting a favorite, these top 10 Oscar-winning movies offer remarkable experiences that represent the power of storytelling. So, grab some popcorn and let these beauties take you on a journey through history, passion, and human imagination.