Academy Award Best Picture Rankings

Professor Frink’s Academy Award Best Picture Rankings

These are my best picture rankings.  I’m not going to attempt to rank these 1-96, but I will group them by my ratings starting with the most recent.  If you’re asking why on earth would you watch all 96 best picture winners?  To that I say that I may have some obsessive tendencies.  Good day sir!

The 25 Must See Best Picture Winners  

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) - Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. A mind-bending sci-fi film where a woman navigates parallel universes to save her family. The film explores identity, love, and cosmic mysteries.

Nomadland (2020) - Directed by Chloé Zhao. A woman in her sixties, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. The film celebrates freedom, resilience, and the beauty of the open road.

Spotlight (2015) - Directed by Tom McCarthy. The true story of how the Boston Globe investigative team exposed the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese. The film shakes the entire Catholic Church to its core.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) - Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. A metafictional comedy-drama. A washed-up actor attempts a comeback by staging a Broadway play, grappling with ego, family, and artistic integrity.

The Artist (2011) - Directed by Michel Hazanavicius. A charming black-and-white silent film set in Hollywood's silent era. A fading film star and a young dancer find love amidst the transition to talkies.

The King's Speech (2010) - Directed by Tom Hooper. A historical drama about King George VI of Britain, who struggles with a speech impediment. With the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, he prepares to address the nation during World War II.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - Directed by Danny Boyle. A rags-to-riches drama set in Mumbai. An impoverished young man, Jamal Malik, participates in a game show, revealing his life story through a series of questions. The film celebrates love, destiny, and resilience.

No Country for Old Men (2007) - Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. A tense neo-Western thriller. A hunter stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, leading to a deadly cat-and-mouse game with a relentless hitman. The film explores morality and fate.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - Directed by Peter Jackson. The epic conclusion to the fantasy trilogy. Frodo Baggins and his companions face the ultimate battle against the dark lord Sauron to save Middle-earth.

Schindler's List (1993) - Directed by Steven Spielberg. A powerful Holocaust drama based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Polish Jews during World War II. The film portrays the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Directed by Jonathan Demme. A gripping psychological thriller. FBI trainee Clarice Starling seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer, Buffalo Bill. The film explores the darkness of the human psyche.

Platoon (1986) - Directed by Oliver Stone. A gritty war drama set during the Vietnam War. The film focuses on a young soldier, Chris Taylor, who experiences the horrors of combat, moral dilemmas, and the clash between different ideologies within his platoon.

The Godfather Part II (1974) - Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. A sequel that delves into the backstory of the Corleone family while continuing their saga. The film alternates between young Vito Corleone's rise to power in early 20th-century New York and Michael Corleone's struggles to maintain control in the 1950s.

My Fair Lady (1964) - Directed by George Cukor. Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, undergoes a transformation under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins. This delightful musical adaptation explores class, language, and love in Edwardian London.

On the Waterfront (1954) - Directed by Elia Kazan. Terry Malloy, a former pugilist turned stevedore, witnesses a murder perpetrated by two of his union boss' henchmen. The film explores corruption and redemption on the New Jersey docks.

All About Eve (1950) - Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. A sharp-tongued backstage drama starring Bette Davis. The ambitious Eve Harrington manipulates her way into the life of aging actress Margo Channing.

Hamlet (1948) - Directed by Laurence Olivier. A classic adaptation of Shakespeare's play. Prince Hamlet seeks revenge for his father's murder, leading to tragedy and introspection.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) - Directed by William Wyler. A powerful post-war drama following three veterans returning home. The film delves into their struggles with readjustment, relationships, and societal changes.

Going My Way (1944) - Directed by Leo McCarey. A heartwarming musical about a young priest, Father O'Malley, who brings his unconventional methods to a struggling parish. His friendship with an older priest, Father Fitzgibbon, leads to transformative moments.

Casablanca (1943) - Directed by Michael Curtiz. A timeless romance starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Set in the Moroccan city of Casablanca during World War II, it follows the love affair between Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund.

Mrs. Miniver (1942) - Directed by William Wyler. A wartime drama portraying the resilience of an English family during the Blitz. Mrs. Miniver's courage and determination inspire her community during the darkest days of World War II.

Rebecca (1940) - Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. A haunting psychological thriller based on Daphne du Maurier's novel. A young woman marries a wealthy widower and becomes haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) - Directed by Frank Lloyd. A seafaring adventure based on the true story of a mutiny aboard a British ship led by Captain Bligh and the charismatic Fletcher Christian.

It Happened One Night (1934) - Directed by Frank Capra. A delightful romantic comedy starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. A runaway heiress and a witty reporter find themselves on a cross-country journey.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) - Directed by Lewis Milestone. A powerful anti-war film set during World War I, portraying the harrowing experiences of German soldiers on the front lines.

Great movies also deserving of their Best Picture status

Oppenheimer (2023) - Directed by Christopher Nolan. The film dramatizes the life and legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who played a significant role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. It explores his personal struggles, political machinations, and the ethical implications of creating such a powerful weapon.

Parasite (2019) - Directed by Bong Joon Ho. Greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan. The film masterfully blends genres, humor, and social critique.

Moonlight (2016) - Directed by Barry Jenkins. A young African-American man grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood. The film portrays vulnerability, self-discovery, and resilience.

Argo (2012) - Directed by Ben Affleck. A political thriller based on true events. During the Iran hostage crisis, a CIA operative poses as a Hollywood producer to rescue American diplomats. The film combines suspense, humor, and tension.

The Hurt Locker (2009) - Directed by Kathryn Bigelow. A gripping war thriller set during the Iraq War. A bomb disposal team faces danger and psychological strain as they navigate the deadly streets of Baghdad.

Gladiator (2000) - Directed by Ridley Scott. An epic historical action film set in ancient Rome. General Maximus Decimus Meridius seeks revenge against the corrupt Emperor Commodus, fighting in the gladiatorial arena for honor and justice.

American Beauty (1999) - Directed by Sam Mendes. A darkly satirical drama. Lester Burnham, a disillusioned suburbanite, reevaluates his life, desires, and relationships. The film delves into existential crisis and societal norms.

Dances with Wolves (1990) - Directed by Kevin Costner. A sweeping epic set during the American Civil War. Lieutenant John Dunbar befriends a tribe of Lakota Sioux and immerses himself in their culture, challenging his own identity and allegiances.

Amadeus (1984) - Directed by Miloš Forman. The film portrays the life, success, and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told by Antonio Salieri, the contemporaneous composer who was deeply jealous of Mozart's talent and claimed to have murdered him.

The Deer Hunter (1978) - Directed by Michael Cimino. A haunting war drama following a group of friends from a small Pennsylvania town who are profoundly affected by their experiences in the Vietnam War. The film explores themes of friendship, trauma, and survival.

The Godfather (1972) - Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. A powerful crime saga centered around the Corleone family. Marlon Brando stars as Don Vito Corleone, the patriarch of a powerful Mafia clan, and Al Pacino as his son Michael, who becomes embroiled in the family business.

Midnight Cowboy (1969) - Directed by John Schlesinger. Joe Buck, a naive Texan hustler, befriends Ratso Rizzo, a streetwise New Yorker. Their unlikely friendship unfolds against the backdrop of a gritty, unforgiving New York City.

The Sound of Music (1965) - Directed by Robert Wise. Maria, a spirited young woman, becomes a governess for the von Trapp family in Austria. The film celebrates music, family, and resilience against the backdrop of World War II.

Tom Jones (1963) - Directed by Tony Richardson. A rollicking period comedy based on Henry Fielding's novel "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling." The film follows the misadventures of the charming and lustful Tom Jones.

Marty (1955) - Directed by Delbert Mann. A lonely butcher with an IQ of 75 yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart. This heartfelt drama portrays love and acceptance in a working-class neighborhood.

Gentleman's Agreement (1947) - Directed by Elia Kazan. A thought-provoking film tackling anti-Semitism. A journalist poses as a Jew to expose prejudice and discrimination in post-World War II America.

Gone with the Wind (1939) - Directed by Victor Fleming. An epic romance set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Scarlett O'Hara's tumultuous love affair with Rhett Butler unfolds amidst the chaos of war and Reconstruction.

You Can't Take It with You (1938) - Directed by Frank Capra. A heartwarming comedy about a quirky family and their clash with a wealthy businessman. Love blossoms between their daughter and her fiancé.

Very good movies that probably shouldn’t have won Best Picture

Coda (2021) – Directed by Sian Heder.  As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.

12 Years a Slave (2013) - Directed by Steve McQueen. A powerful historical drama based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film portrays the brutality and resilience of enslaved people in the American South.

The Departed (2006) - Directed by Martin Scorsese. A gripping crime thriller about an undercover cop infiltrating a mob syndicate, while a mole within the police force threatens to expose them. The film is filled with deception, loyalty, and violence.

Million Dollar Baby (2004) - Directed by Clint Eastwood. A sports drama about an aging boxing trainer, Frankie Dunn, who forms a close bond with a determined female boxer, Maggie Fitzgerald. The film explores themes of redemption and sacrifice.

Shakespeare in Love (1998) - Directed by John Madden. A whimsical romantic comedy. Playwright William Shakespeare finds inspiration for his famous play "Romeo and Juliet" through his love affair with Viola de Lesseps, a noblewoman who disguises herself as a male actor.

Titanic (1997) - Directed by James Cameron. A blockbuster romance and disaster film. The ill-fated love story between Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater unfolds aboard the RMS Titanic, against the backdrop of its tragic sinking.

Unforgiven (1992) - Directed by Clint Eastwood. A revisionist Western that deconstructs the myth of the Old West. Retired gunslinger William Munny takes up his weapons one last time to seek justice and redemption.

Chariots of Fire (1981) - Directed by Hugh Hudson. An inspiring sports drama based on true events. The film follows two British athletes, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, as they prepare for the 1924 Olympics, balancing their faith, ambition, and dedication to running.

Ordinary People (1980) - Directed by Robert Redford. A poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and healing within a suburban family. After the death of their older son, the Jarretts struggle to cope with their emotions and fractured relationships.

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) - Directed by Robert Benton. A heartfelt family drama about a divorced couple, Ted and Joanna Kramer, fighting for custody of their young son. The film delves into the complexities of parenthood and personal growth.

Annie Hall (1977) - Directed by Woody Allen. A romantic comedy exploring the quirky relationship between neurotic comedian Alvy Singer and the free-spirited Annie Hall. The film blends humor, introspection, and unconventional storytelling.

The Sting (1973) - Directed by George Roy Hill. A clever caper film set in the world of con artists. Two grifters, played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford, orchestrate an elaborate scheme to take down a corrupt businessman.

In the Heat of the Night (1967) - Directed by Norman Jewison. Detective Virgil Tibbs, an African-American officer, investigates a murder in a racially divided Southern town. The film tackles prejudice, justice, and identity.

An American in Paris (1951) - Directed by Vincente Minnelli. A colorful musical featuring Gene Kelly. An American artist in Paris falls in love with a mysterious French woman, set against a backdrop of dance and romance.

The Lost Weekend (1945) - Directed by Billy Wilder. A gripping exploration of alcoholism. The film follows Don Birnam, a struggling writer, during a harrowing weekend of binge drinking and self-destruction.

The Life of Emile Zola (1937) - Directed by William Dieterle. A biographical drama about the French writer Emile Zola, focusing on his fight for justice in the Dreyfus Affair.

Cavalcade (1933) - Directed by Frank Lloyd. A historical drama spanning several decades in the lives of an English family, reflecting societal changes and historical events.

Good, but not Best Picture worthy

Green Book (2018) - Directed by Peter Farrelly. A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. Their journey challenges racial prejudices and leads to an unlikely friendship.

The Shape of Water (2017) - Directed by Guillermo del Toro. At a top-secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity. The film blends fantasy, romance, and social commentary.

A Beautiful Mind (2001) - Directed by Ron Howard. A biographical drama about the life of mathematician John Nash, who struggles with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to game theory and economics.

Forrest Gump (1994) - Directed by Robert Zemeckis. A heartwarming tale of an intellectually challenged man, Forrest Gump, who unwittingly influences major historical events while pursuing his love for Jenny. The film celebrates innocence, love, and destiny.

Rain Man (1988) - Directed by Barry Levinson. A heartwarming drama about the relationship between two brothers: Charlie, a self-centered hustler, and Raymond, an autistic savant with remarkable mathematical abilities. Their cross-country journey leads to self-discovery and brotherly bonding.

The Last Emperor (1987) - Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. This biographical drama chronicles the life story of China's last emperor, Pu Yi, from his early years as the ruler of the Forbidden City to his later life as an ordinary citizen in Communist China.

Rocky (1976) - Directed by John G. Avildsen. An underdog sports drama about Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight championship. The film celebrates determination, love, and resilience.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) - Directed by Miloš Forman. A powerful drama set in a mental institution. Randle McMurphy, a rebellious patient, challenges the oppressive Nurse Ratched and inspires his fellow inmates to reclaim their autonomy.

The French Connection (1971) - Directed by William Friedkin. A gritty police procedural thriller about narcotics detectives in New York City. Detectives Popeye Doyle and Buddy Russo pursue drug traffickers in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game.

From Here to Eternity (1953) - Directed by Fred Zinnemann. A gripping war drama set in Hawaii before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The lives of soldiers and their romantic entanglements unfold against the looming threat of war.

How Green Was My Valley (1941) - Directed by John Ford. A poignant family drama set in a Welsh mining community. The Morgan family faces challenges as they navigate love, loyalty, and societal changes.

The Great Ziegfeld (1936) - Directed by Robert Z. Leonard. A lavish biographical musical about the life of showman Florenz Ziegfeld, known for his extravagant Broadway productions.

Wings (1928) - Directed by William A. Wellman. This silent war film was the first-ever recipient of the Best Picture award. It follows the lives of two World War I fighter pilots and their romantic entanglements.

Meh. Mediocre winners.

Crash (2005) - Directed by Paul Haggis. A racially charged drama set in Los Angeles. The lives of various characters intersect, revealing prejudice, stereotypes, and unexpected connections.

Chicago (2002) - Directed by Rob Marshall. A musical crime comedy-drama set in 1920s Chicago. The film follows aspiring singer Roxie Hart as she navigates fame, murder, and the corrupt justice system.

The English Patient (1996) - Directed by Anthony Minghella. A sweeping romantic drama set during World War II. A critically burned Hungarian count, Laszlo de Almásy, recounts his tragic love affair with Katherine Clifton in the North African desert.

Braveheart (1995) - Directed by Mel Gibson. An epic historical drama set in medieval Scotland. William Wallace leads a rebellion against English tyranny, fighting for freedom and justice. The film combines romance, war, and heroism.

Terms of Endearment (1983) - Directed by James L. Brooks. A touching dramedy about the complex relationship between a mother, Aurora Greenway, and her daughter, Emma. The film spans decades, exploring love, loss, and family bonds.

Gandhi (1982) - Directed by Richard Attenborough. A sweeping biographical epic chronicling the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Ben Kingsley delivers a remarkable performance as the leader of India's nonviolent independence movement.

Patton (1970) - Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. A biographical war film portraying the life of General George S. Patton during World War II. The film delves into Patton's military strategies, leadership, and complex personality.

A Man for All Seasons (1966) - Directed by Fred Zinnemann. The historical drama portrays the principled stand of Sir Thomas More against King Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage. More's unwavering commitment to his beliefs leads to a clash with the monarchy.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) - Directed by David Lean. The epic biographical adventure chronicles the life of T.E. Lawrence during World War I. Lawrence's role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire unfolds against the vast desert landscapes.

West Side Story (1961) - Directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. A modern-day musical adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," set in New York City with rival street gangs. Love blossoms between Tony and Maria, despite the feud between the Jets and the Sharks.

Ben-Hur” (1959) - Directed by William Wyler. Set in ancient Rome, this epic historical drama follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who seeks revenge against his childhood friend, Messala. The film features chariot races and grand spectacles.

Around the World in 80 Days (1956) - Directed by Michael Anderson. Based on Jules Verne's novel, this epic adventure comedy follows Phileas Fogg's globe-trotting journey to win a bet by circumnavigating the world in 80 days.

The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) - Directed by Cecil B. DeMille. A circus spectacle set under the big top. The film follows the lives of circus performers, including trapeze artists, clowns, and ringmasters.

All the King's Men (1949) - Directed by Robert Rossen. A political drama based on the life of a populist politician. Willie Stark rises to power in Louisiana, but corruption and moral dilemmas ensue.

Grand Hotel (1932) - Directed by Edmund Goulding. A star-studded ensemble film set in a luxurious Berlin hotel, where the lives of various guests intersect.

Cimarron (1931) - Directed by Wesley Ruggles. A Western drama about the Oklahoma land rush, focusing on the struggles of a newspaper editor and his family in the newly settled territory.

Wait, what?  7 worst Best Picture winners

Driving Miss Daisy (1989) - Directed by Bruce Beresford. An uplifting tale of friendship and understanding. An elderly Jewish woman, Daisy Werthan, and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke Colburn, form an unlikely bond in racially segregated Atlanta.

Out of Africa (1985) - Directed by Sydney Pollack. Based on the memoirs of Danish author Karen Blixen, the film follows her life in colonial Kenya, her passionate love affair with big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton, and her struggles with love, loss, and identity.

Oliver! (1968) - Directed by Carol Reed. A musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist," set in Victorian London. The orphan Oliver navigates the gritty streets, encountering colorful characters and unexpected kindness.

The Apartment (1960) - Directed by Billy Wilder. C.C. Baxter, an office worker, lends his apartment to company executives for their extramarital affairs. His life takes a turn when he falls for the elevator operator, Fran Kubelik.

Gigi (1958) - Directed by Vincente Minnelli. In Belle Époque Paris, a young girl named Gigi is groomed to become a courtesan. However, her unconventional relationship with a wealthy playboy challenges societal norms.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) - Directed by David Lean. British prisoners of war, led by Colonel Nicholson, build a bridge in Burma during World War II. The film delves into themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice.

The Broadway Melody (1929) - Directed by Harry Beaumont. The story revolves around two sisters, Hank (played by Bessie Love) and Queenie Mahoney (played by Anita Page), who come to Broadway from the vaudeville circuit