Top 11 Oscar-Winning Movies of All Time

Parasite (English Title: Parasite) tells the story of stark societal differences and everything between two families. The opening scene depicts a family living in an underground, dark, damp room, enduring extreme hardships. In contrast, the other family leads a luxurious life without any daily struggles. As the audience experiences the film, they witness the contrasting lives of the two families.

The film invests in unique camera angles and authentically dark settings with close-up shots, allowing the audience to clearly see the vividly portrayed emotions through the outstanding performances of experienced actors. When emotions escalate, the music resonates, creating a thrilling atmosphere.

Parasite gained strong attention as it swept through box offices and prestigious awards, achieving remarkable feats. The film could undoubtedly become one of the most remarkable and worth-watching films. It reveals the dehumanization caused by money, and how human reasoning is altered by it.

Release Year: 2019

Director: Bong Joon Ho

Stars: Song Kang Ho, Jang Hye Jin, Choi Woo Sik, Park So Dam, Lee Sun Kuyn, Cho Yeo Jeong...

IMDb: 8.6

Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

Metacritic: 96

In 2015, the movie Spotlight shook the community as it addressed the issue of sexual abuse of minors, especially within the church. Spotlight follows the perspective and investigation process of a group of journalists, reporters, to uncover the roots of this heinous crime. Spotlight is not only a film condemning the crime of sexual abuse of minors but also a film honoring dedicated journalists who put their heart and soul into their work, for justice, regardless of all hardships and imminent dangers. The film won the Best Picture category at the 88th Academy Awards.

An excellent storyline and a brilliantly crafted narrative contribute to the success of the film, not to mention the performances of actors like Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams, shining bright in the movie.

Release Year: 2015
Director: Tom McCarthy
Stars: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams
IMDb: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Metacritic: 93

Moonlight (translated: Moonlight) is the film that won the Best Picture category at the 89th Academy Awards. The movie revolves around the life of a gay, African-American boy with a drug-addicted mother. In a society plagued by poverty and numerous issues faced by people of color, he is even discriminated against for being gay. With a profound and touching narrative, Moonlight is not only the best film of 2016 but also won three Oscars in the recent awards ceremony.

A film with minimal dialogue, Moonlight focuses on the acting through gestures, the gaze of each character. The film deserves praise for director Barry Jenkins, who carefully separates each actor's segment to help the audience understand each character's background, behavior, and mannerisms. Despite a small budget, the film is well-invested in visuals and music.

Release Year: 2016
Director: Barry Jenkins
Stars: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris...
IMDb: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Metacritic: 99

Another film on the theme of people of color that won the Best Picture category is 12 Years A Slave (translated: 12 Years A Slave), released in 2013. The film is an adaptation of a true story recorded in the memoir of Solomon Northup - a free African American, who was kidnapped, sold, and forced to work as a slave. 12 Years A Slave vividly portrays the harsh reality of trafficking and mistreatment of people of color under slavery, becoming a symbol in the genre of films about people of color.

12 Years a Slave is harmonious in all aspects, from directing, scripting, acting, music, etc., but the plot is somewhat slow, sometimes feeling dull. Audiences expecting drama or unexpected twists may find this film less suitable. The film concludes with

Release Year: 2013
Director: Steve McQueen
Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o, Scoot McNairy
IMDb: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Metacritic: 96

And the winner of the Best Picture category at the 87th Academy Awards was none other than the film Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).

Birdman is a dark comedy film directed by Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Inarritu, set in the cramped backstage of a Broadway theater, vividly depicting the dark corners of the acting profession. With diverse characters, from a method-acting actor to a washed-up film star, Birdman is a tragicomic play about the lives and careers of genuine actors. The film Birdman won 4 Oscars that year.

The movie features outstanding performances from the cast, ranging from seasoned actors to young talents, all delivering not only in their roles but also conveying the inner essence of their characters. The film's innovative cinematography adds a thrilling dimension to the viewing experience.

Release Year: 2014
Director: Alejandro G. Inarritu
Stars: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton
IMDb: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Metacritic: 88

The Artist (translated: The Artist) is a humorous, romantic film executed in the style of black-and-white silent movies. It triumphed in the Best Picture category at the 84th Academy Awards in 2012. The Artist revolves around an artist from the silent film era, reviving the glorious and tumultuous history of cinema. The film recreates the silent film style, seemingly forgotten in the trend of blockbuster filmmaking relying on the power of technology. Therefore, The Artist is a uniquely charming experience for those who love cinema with enduring and loyal passion.

The Artist explores the transition period between body-acted films and dialogue-based films, where stars with good voices gradually replace the old generation focused on acting with facial expressions. The film, with its excellent cast, brings soul, emotion, and elation to the storyline.

Release Year: 2011
Director: Michel Hazanavicius
Stars: Jean Dujardin, John Goodman
IMDb: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Metacritic: 89

Argo (translated: Operation Argo) is a film adapted from a true story, recounting the U.S. government's plan to rescue 6 Americans stranded in Tehran during the 1980 Iranian political crisis. At that time, tension between Iranian extremists and the U.S. and the West was escalating. Many rebellious elements attacked embassies, capturing and killing Westerners under the protection of the Iranian government.

Argo is an incredibly tense and politically charged film. Perhaps that's why this film, directed by and starring Ben Affleck, won the Best Picture category at the 2013 Academy Awards.

Argo, with its suspenseful plot, received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences and film critics. Although the film sparked controversy over its historical perspectives, it was still highly praised for its creative quality and fast-paced rhythm, creating intense and well-timed climactic scenes that captivate the audience.

Release Year: 2012
Director: Ben Affleck
Stars: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin
IMDb: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Metacritic: 86

The Hurt Locker (translated: Operation Desert Wolf) is a film about U.S. soldiers set against the backdrop of the Iraq War. The film provides a close-up view of the lives of the individuals performing the most dangerous work in this war: bomb disposal. The Hurt Locker is sure to bring viewers moments of suspense, tension, and poignant insights into the lives of soldiers in the bomb squad in this war-torn land. The film won the Best Picture category at the 2010 Academy Awards.

It is not an exaggeration to say that The Hurt Locker is the best film of 2008, as the film received numerous prestigious awards in the war documentary genre. It was invested with a modest budget but delivered authenticity from start to finish, with the actors' impeccable performances making it seem as if they were living their lives rather than acting in a movie.

Release Year: 2009
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Stars: Jeremy Renner, Ralph Fiennes
IMDb: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Metacritic: 94

The film The King's Speech tells the story of King George VI of England. George VI, originally plagued by a stutter and reluctant to become king, is thrust into the role unexpectedly when his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicates. Facing the looming threat of World War II and needing to address the nation, George VI seeks the help of someone he entirely distrusts. The movie The King's Speech won the Best Picture category at the Oscars that year.

The King's Speech's significant victory is partly due to the message it conveys: 'With determination, the love of family, and the support of true friendship, one can change their destiny and that of a nation.' The genuine script, allowing the audience to watch and draw lessons for themselves, also contributed to the film's success.

Release Year: 2010
Director: Tom Hooper
Stars: Colin Firth, Helena Carter, Geoffrey Rush
IMDb: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Metacritic: 88

Now, a film on our list is No Country for Old Men, winner of the Best Picture category at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008. This renowned dark comedy was crafted by the Coen brothers, set in the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, delivering satirical commentary on life and violence in this aging region.

In No Country for Old Men, there is no good, no evil; only the stark revelation of human nature, a realistic value that the Coen brothers consistently seek to depict in most of their cinematic works. No Country for Old Men secured 4 Oscars that year, including crucial awards such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

This film isn't just a one-time watch; it demands multiple viewings to contemplate the profound meanings embedded in its invaluable dialogues.

Release Year: 2007
Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Stars: Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones, Woody Harrelson
IMDb: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Metacritic: 91

Slumdog Millionaire (translated: Millionaire from the Slum) is a film adapted from the novel of the same name, which became a phenomenon in its year. Produced by Warner Bros. and set in India with an Indian cast, the movie left a profound impression depicting the impoverished and challenging lives of children in the slums of Mumbai - the capital of India. Slumdog Millionaire won 8 Oscars, including the Best Picture category at the 81st Academy Awards.

Despite its relatively short duration, the film successfully portrays the harsh panorama and brutal life stories of its characters. The well-structured narrative keeps the audience engaged without a hint of monotony, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Release Year: 2008
Directors: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan
Stars: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto
IMDb: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Metacritic: 86