Don’t Miss These Must-See Best Picture Winners: The Complete List of Best Picture Winners from 1927 to 2025
As a devoted film lover, delving into The Complete List of Best Picture Winners: 1927 to 2023 feels like unearthing a treasure trove of cinematic history. Each of the Best Picture winners tells a unique story, reflecting not just the artistry of filmmaking but also the cultural and societal currents of its time.
From the silent triumph of Wings to the groundbreaking narrative of Everything Everywhere All at Once, each Best Picture encapsulates the spirit of its era, making it fascinating to witness how storytelling has evolved over nearly a century.
What strikes me most about the Best Pictures is their remarkable diversity.
Early winners often focused on grandiose themes and epic tales, while more recent selections have embraced nuanced, character-driven narratives. Films like "The Godfather" and "Forrest Gump" stand as iconic representations of their times, yet they also invite reflection on the changing nature of what we deem worthy of recognition.
This shift highlights how the Oscars have not only celebrated cinematic achievement but also engaged with broader societal issues, making the Best Picture category a powerful barometer of cultural values.
Looking at the complete list of Best Picture winners, I’m reminded of the conversations these films spark long after the credits roll. Some films, such as Parasite, have challenged conventions and broadened the definition of success in Hollywood, while others have sparked debate about the criteria for selecting the Best Pictures.
This ongoing dialogue about art and merit is part of what makes the Oscars so captivating. As I reflect on these films, I can't help but feel excited for what lies ahead—how the next generation of Best Picture winners will continue to shape our understanding of cinema and storytelling.
Sure! Here’s the list of Best Picture-winning films from "Wings" to "Everything Everywhere All at Once," along with their winning years:
The Complete List of Best Picture Winners: 1927 to 2023
1. Wings (1927)
Wings (1927) is a landmark silent film that won the first Academy Award for Best Picture.
Initially met with public indifference, it was re-released in 1928 with synchronized sound, featuring a musical score and sound effects but no dialogue. Directed by William A. Wellman and produced by Lucien Hubbard, the film stars Clara Bow, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, and Richard Arlen, portraying World War I pilots in a romantic rivalry.
Noted for its technical achievements and realism, Wings set the standard for aviation films and was preserved in the National Film Registry in 1997 for its cultural significance. It entered the public domain in 2023.
2. The Broadway Melody (1929)
The Broadway Melody (1929) stands out as a groundbreaking piece of cinema history, being the first sound film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and introducing Hollywood’s all-talking musical era.
Its use of a Technicolor sequence, although now lost to black and white, paved the way for color in musicals. The film’s impact goes beyond its visuals; its music, especially You Were Meant for Me, has left a lasting legacy.
I admire how The Broadway Melody marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of film, both technically and artistically, shaping the future of musical cinema.
.jpg "Charles King and Bessie Love in The Broadway Melody (1929) as Harriet 'Hank' Mahoney and Eddie Kearns") |
| Charles King and Bessie Love in The Broadway Melody (1929) as Harriet 'Hank' Mahoney and Eddie Kearns |
3. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
A young German soldier faces the brutal realities of World
War I, questioning glory and patriotism amid the horrors of trench warfare.
4. Cimarron (1931)
An ambitious pioneer and his wife build a life during the
Oklahoma Land Rush, facing frontier hardships and evolving American ideals.
5. Grand Hotel (1932)
At a luxurious Berlin hotel, the lives of eccentric
guests—an aging ballerina, thief, clerk, and tycoon—unexpectedly intertwine.
6. Cavalcade (1933)
A British family navigates love, loss, and change through
major historical events from the Boer War to the 1920s.
7. It Happened One Night (1934)
A spoiled heiress and a cynical reporter clash and fall in
love during a road trip, redefining romantic comedy.
8. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)
Sailors aboard a British ship rebel against their cruel
captain, sparking a legendary mutiny on the high seas.
9. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
A dazzling biopic of showman Florenz Ziegfeld, chronicling
his rise in entertainment through lavish Broadway productions.
10. The Life of Emile Zola (1937)
The story of writer Émile Zola, who risks everything to
defend an innocent man in the infamous Dreyfus affair.
11. You Can’t Take It with You (1938)
A quirky, free-spirited family challenges a wealthy, uptight
one when their children fall in love, blending chaos with charm.
12. Gone with the Wind (1939)
Amid the Civil War, Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara struggles
with love, loss, and survival in this sweeping historical romance.
13. Rebecca (1940)
A young bride is haunted by her husband’s deceased wife in a
gothic mystery set in an eerie English estate.
14. How Green Was My Valley (1941)
A Welsh family endures hardship and change in their coal
mining village, seen through the eyes of the youngest son.
15. Mrs. Miniver (1942)
An English housewife shows quiet courage as World War II
disrupts her family and community in rural Britain.
16. Casablanca (1943)
An American expatriate must choose between love and duty
during WWII in this iconic tale of romance and sacrifice.
17. The Lost Weekend (1945)
A writer spirals into addiction and despair during a
harrowing alcoholic binge in this stark portrayal of alcoholism.
18. Going My Way (1944)
A kindhearted young priest brings change to a struggling
parish, winning hearts and uplifting spirits through music.
19. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
Three WWII veterans return home, facing emotional struggles
and adjusting to civilian life in postwar America.
20. Gentleman’s Agreement (1947)
A journalist pretends to be Jewish to expose anti-Semitism,
uncovering prejudice in 1940s American society.
21. Hamlet (1948)
Laurence Olivier’s moody adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy
explores betrayal, madness, and revenge in the Danish royal court.
22. All the King’s Men (1949)
The rise and fall of a charismatic Southern politician shows
how power corrupts in this political drama.
23. All About Eve (1950)
An ambitious young actress schemes her way into Broadway
stardom, threatening the career of an aging star.
24. An American in Paris (1951)
A struggling artist in Paris finds love and inspiration in
this vibrant, music-filled Technicolor romance.
25. The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
Behind the curtain of a traveling circus, love, rivalry, and
danger unfold in this spectacle of color and performance.
26. From Here to Eternity (1953)
Soldiers at a Hawaiian base face love and turmoil just
before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
27. On the Waterfront (1954)
A dockworker stands up to union corruption in this powerful
tale of conscience, redemption, and grit.
28. Marty (1955)
A lonely Bronx butcher finds unexpected love and self-worth
in this heartfelt, everyday romance.
29. Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
An English gentleman races to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days in this colorful, globe-trotting adventure.
30. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
British POWs build a bridge for their Japanese captors,
leading to moral conflict and explosive consequences.
31. Gigi (1958)
A young Parisian girl is groomed for high society but
discovers true love defies tradition in this lavish musical. Read more
32. Ben-Hur (1959)
A Jewish prince seeks revenge and redemption after betrayal,
with iconic chariot races and epic storytelling
33. The Apartment (1960)
An office worker lets execs use his apartment for affairs,
complicating his life when he falls for a colleague.
34. West Side Story (1961)
Two star-crossed lovers from rival gangs fight for love
amidst violence in this musical reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.
35. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
A sweeping epic about T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who
unites Arab tribes during World War I.
36. Tom Jones (1963)
A cheeky romp through 18th-century England, where a charming
orphan seeks love and identity through misadventures.
37. My Fair Lady (1964)
A cocky professor transforms a Cockney flower girl into a
refined lady, only to fall for her in the process.
38. The Sound of Music (1965)
A governess brings music and love to a strict Austrian
family, fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria with them.
39. A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Sir Thomas More defies King Henry VIII’s demands, staying
true to his conscience in this moral and political drama.
40. In the Heat of the Night (1967)
A Black detective and a white Southern sheriff must work
together to solve a murder amid racial tension.
41. Oliver! (1968)
An orphan navigates London’s underworld in this musical
adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale.
42. Midnight Cowboy (1969)
A naive Texan moves to NYC to become a hustler, forming an unlikely bond with a sickly con man.
43. Patton (1970)
A fiery, complex portrait of General George S. Patton,
charting his triumphs and clashes in World War II.
44. The French Connection (1971)
Two gritty NYPD detectives pursue a French heroin smuggling
ring, featuring one of cinema’s greatest car chases.
45. The Godfather (1972)
A mafia family’s quiet heir becomes a ruthless leader in
this legendary tale of crime, power, and legacy.
46. The Sting (1973)
Two con men team up for a clever revenge scheme in this
jazzy, twist-filled caper set in the 1930s.
47. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Michael Corleone’s rule darkens while his father’s rise is
revealed in this powerful saga of legacy and loss.
48. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
A rebellious patient challenges a tyrannical nurse in a
mental institution, igniting a battle of wills.
49. Rocky (1976)
A small-time boxer gets a shot at the world title, proving
heart matters more than victory.
50. Annie Hall (1977)
A neurotic comedian reflects on his quirky romance with a
free-spirited singer in this witty relationship tale.
Here’s the continuation of your list from 51 to 97,
all within the 160–170 character limit:
51. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Three friends are forever changed by the horrors of the
Vietnam War in this haunting tale of trauma, survival, and shattered innocence.
52. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
A father learns to raise his son alone after his wife
leaves, only to face a painful custody battle when she returns.
53. Ordinary People (1980)
A grieving family unravels after the death of their son, as
buried emotions and guilt threaten to destroy what’s left.
54. Chariots of Fire (1981)
Two British runners chase Olympic glory—one for God, the
other for pride—in this inspirational tale of conviction and triumph.
55. Gandhi (1982)
The life of Mahatma Gandhi unfolds as he leads India to
independence through nonviolent resistance and profound moral strength.
56. Terms of Endearment (1983)
A mother and daughter’s bond is tested through love, loss,
and life’s messy moments in this heartfelt family drama.
57. Amadeus (1984)
A jealous rival recounts the genius and madness of Mozart in
this lavish, dramatic portrait of music and obsession.
58. Out of Africa (1985)
A Danish writer recalls her love affair with a free-spirited
hunter amid the stunning landscapes of colonial Kenya.
59. Platoon (1986)
A young soldier faces the brutal reality of the Vietnam War,
caught between warring sergeants and his own morality.
60. The Last Emperor (1987)
The epic journey of China’s last emperor—from divine ruler
to common citizen—unfolds in this visually stunning biopic.
61. Rain Man (1988)
A selfish man discovers his autistic savant brother during a
cross-country trip that redefines family and connection.
62. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
An elderly Jewish woman and her Black chauffeur form an
unexpected, enduring friendship in the segregated American South.
63. Dances with Wolves (1990)
A Union officer embraces Lakota culture, forging peace and
understanding in this sweeping tale of the American frontier.
64. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
A young FBI trainee seeks help from a brilliant killer to
catch another murderer in this chilling psychological thriller. Read more
65. Unforgiven (1992)
A retired gunslinger returns for one last job, confronting
the bloody legacy of his past in this revisionist western.
66. Schindler’s List (1993)
A German industrialist risks everything to save Jews during
the Holocaust in this harrowing, unforgettable true story.
67. Forrest Gump (1994)
A simple man witnesses history, finds love, and teaches us
that life really is like a box of chocolates.
68. Braveheart (1995)
Scottish rebel William Wallace leads a fierce fight for
freedom in this epic tale of passion, betrayal, and battle.
69. The English Patient (1996)
In WWII, a badly burned man recalls a tragic love affair set
against the backdrop of war and desert sands.
70. Titanic (1997)
A forbidden romance blooms aboard the ill-fated Titanic in
this sweeping blend of love, tragedy, and spectacle. Read more
71. Shakespeare in Love (1998)
A young William Shakespeare finds inspiration—and romance—in
a noblewoman disguised as an actor in this witty period comedy.
72. American Beauty (1999)
A suburban man undergoes a bizarre midlife crisis as his
family unravels in this dark, satirical portrait of modern life.
73. Gladiator (2000)
A betrayed Roman general becomes a gladiator, seeking
vengeance and justice in the brutal arena of ancient Rome.
74. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Mathematician John Nash battles schizophrenia while
achieving brilliance, love, and redemption in this powerful biopic.
75. Chicago (2002)
Two fame-hungry women fight for spotlight and acquittal in a
razzle-dazzle tale of murder, jazz, and media madness.
76. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The final battle for Middle-earth begins as Frodo nears
Mount Doom in this epic, emotional fantasy conclusion.
77. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
A hardened boxing trainer mentors a determined woman,
leading to triumph, tragedy, and moral reckoning.
78. Crash (2005)
Racial and social tensions collide in Los Angeles, weaving
together lives in a raw, controversial ensemble drama.
79. The Departed (2006)
An undercover cop and a mole play a deadly cat-and-mouse
game in Boston’s gritty underworld of crime and corruption.
80. No Country for Old Men (2007)
A hunter’s discovery of drug money sets off a violent chain
of events in this bleak, philosophical crime thriller.
81. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
An orphan from Mumbai rises from poverty to win a game
show—and reunite with his lost love—in this rags-to-riches tale.
82. The Hurt Locker (2009)
An elite bomb squad navigates danger and adrenaline in Iraq,
capturing the tension and addiction of war.
83. The King's Speech (2010)
King George VI overcomes a stammer with help from an
eccentric speech therapist, uniting Britain in wartime.
84. The Artist (2011)
A silent film star resists the talkie era, while a rising
actress embraces it, in this charming black-and-white homage.
85. Argo (2012)
A fake movie becomes the cover for a daring CIA mission to
rescue hostages in revolutionary Iran.
86. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
A free Black man is kidnapped into slavery, enduring
unimaginable cruelty in this powerful true story of survival.
87. Birdman (2014)
A washed-up actor battles ego, family, and identity while
staging a Broadway comeback in this surreal, one-shot dramedy.
88. Spotlight (2015)
A team of journalists uncovers systemic child abuse in the
Catholic Church, shaking Boston and the world.
89. Moonlight (2016)
A young Black man struggles with identity, masculinity, and
love across three defining stages of his life.
90. The Shape of Water (2017)
A mute janitor forms a bond with an amphibious creature in a
secret lab, blurring the lines between love and fantasy.
91. Green Book (2018)
A Black pianist and his Italian-American driver form an
unlikely bond on a concert tour through the Jim Crow South.
92. Parasite (2019)
A poor family cons their way into a wealthy household,
triggering chaos in this razor-sharp satire on class divide.
93. Nomadland (2020)
A widow lives as a modern nomad across the American West,
finding community and meaning in life’s in-between spaces.
94. CODA (2021)
A hearing teen in a deaf family finds her voice through
music while balancing family loyalty and personal dreams.
95. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
A laundromat owner jumps across multiverses to save
existence, confront taxes, and mend her family in chaotic harmony.
96. Oppenheimer (2023)
Haunted genius J. Robert Oppenheimer leads the Manhattan
Project, birthing the atomic age—and lifelong moral reckoning.
97. Amora (2024)
(Placeholder) A haunting tale of desire, memory, and illusion, Amora explores the cost of obsession in a world where love is weaponized. Read more
This list captures the remarkable range of stories and styles that have been recognized over the decades!