Best and Worst Parts of 32 Best Picture Winners

Over the past century, the Academy Awards have recognized 95 films with the prestigious title of Best Picture. These cinematic gems have left an indelible mark on the industry, celebrated for their brilliance. However, even the most iconic movies, such as The Godfather and Casablanca, are not immune to imperfections. In exploring 32 of these Best Picture winners, we’ll delve into both their strengths and shortcomings, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of their cinematic excellence.

Table of Contents

1. The Godfather (1972)

Best Thing: Marlon Brando’s Performance Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Vito Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 masterpiece, The Godfather, stands as an unparalleled highlight. His performance steals the show, earning him a well-deserved Academy Award.

Worst Thing: The Pacing While The Godfather is a cinematic triumph, its pacing falters, particularly after Michael Corleone goes into hiding in Sicily. The uneven rhythm slightly diminishes the film’s overall perfection.

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Best Thing: The Battle of Pelennor Fields The Battle of Pelennor Fields is a spectacle of unparalleled proportions, showcasing the film’s grandiosity, technical prowess, and sheer scale in the realm of cinematic battle sequences.

Worst Thing: The Multiple Endings While The Return of the King concludes Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy, the multitude of endings can be overwhelming, detracting from the film’s otherwise seamless narrative.

3. The Departed (2006)

Best Thing: Matt Damon’s Performance Matt Damon delivers a stellar performance as the crooked cop, Colin Sullivan, adding depth to Martin Scorsese’s 2006 crime epic and showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Worst Thing: The CGI Rat The Departed’s flaw lies in its use of a not-so-subtle CGI rat during the ending, a detail that sparked a campaign for its removal due to its lack of finesse.

4. Spotlight (2015)

Best Thing: The “They Knew” Speech Mark Ruffalo’s emotionally charged “They knew and they let it happen” speech in Spotlight is a powerful moment, standing out as one of the best deliveries of a line in the past decade.

Worst Thing: The Subject Matter Is Triggering While not a flaw in the filmmaking, the Catholic priest scandal at the center of Spotlight may be triggering for some viewers, impacting their overall experience.

5. Amadeus (1984)

Best Thing: F. Murray Abraham’s Performance F. Murray Abraham’s portrayal of Antonio Salieri is a standout, earning him an Oscar and establishing Salieri as one of cinema’s most effective villainous protagonists.

Worst Thing: The Length Despite its eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Amadeus suffers from its lengthy runtime of 161 minutes, a common pitfall in biographical dramas.

6. Titanic (1997)

Best Thing: Rose and Jack The timeless love story between Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack Dawson anchors Titanic, showcasing the film’s ability to craft unforgettable characters and relationships.

Worst Thing: The CGI The CGI in 1997, while groundbreaking at the time, hasn’t aged well, particularly in scenes featuring underdeveloped visual effects on the ship’s deck.

7. Gladiator (2000)

Best Thing: Maximus’ Speech Maximus Decimus Meridius’ poignant speech encapsulates Russell Crowe’s character’s journey, providing Gladiator with a defining and memorable moment.

Worst Thing: The Pacing Despite enduring action sequences, Gladiator’s pacing between these set pieces can be cumbersome, affecting the overall flow of the film.

8. West Side Story (1961)

Best Thing: The Choreography West Side Story’s enduring appeal is partially attributed to its outstanding choreography, especially notable during the Jets and Sharks’ first interaction.

Worst Thing: The Brownface Makeup While a product of its time, the use of brownface makeup in West Side Story is jarring and reflects outdated practices that may diminish its modern viewing experience.

9. Ben-Hur (1959)

Best Thing: The Chariot Scene The chariot scene remains a cinematic triumph, solidifying its status as one of the best action sequences of all time, showcasing Ben-Hur’s wild ride.

Worst Thing: Charlton Heston’s Performance Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Judah Ben-Hur feels out of place, echoing his other characters and lacking the nuance expected in a Best Picture-winning performance.

10. No Country for Old Men (2007)

Best Thing: Anton Chigurh Javier Bardem’s Anton Chigurh is a standout on-screen villain, adding a layer of intensity and unpredictability to No Country for Old Men.

Worst Thing: A Major Character’s Off-Screen Death Deviation from the source material in handling Llewelyn Moss’s death, not explicitly shown, raises questions about the film’s decision-making.

11. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

Best Thing: The Chemistry The chemistry between Daisy Werthan and Hoke Colburn, portrayed by Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, is a testament to the film’s heart and emotional resonance.

Worst Thing: The Story While Driving Miss Daisy is not remembered for its narrative, the basic premise takes a back seat to the compelling relationship between its central characters.

12. Schindler’s List (1993)

Best Thing: The Story Schindler’s List stands as one of Spielberg’s best films, thanks to its powerful narrative of overcoming tragedy and finding redemption during the Holocaust.

Worst Thing: The Depictions Of Cruelty The film’s unflinching portrayal of cruelty, though a crucial element, makes it a challenging watch for some due to its intense and triggering content.

13. Braveheart (1994)

Best Thing: Those Battles Mel Gibson’s Braveheart is remembered for its intense and brutal battle sequences, showcasing the film’s prowess in depicting historical warfare.

Worst Thing: No Real Character Development The film falters outside of its battles, lacking substantial character development that could elevate it beyond its reputation as a war epic.

14. Forrest Gump (1994)

Best Thing: The Decades-Spanning Story Forrest Gump’s narrative, spanning decades and led by Tom Hanks, is a highlight, cementing its status as one of the best stories in ’90s cinema.

Worst Thing: Jenny’s Treatment Of Forrest Despite its strengths, the portrayal of Jenny’s mistreatment of Forrest throughout the film is a narrative drawback, casting a shadow over their complex relationship.

15. Unforgiven (1992)

Best Thing: The Ending The final 20 to 30 minutes of Unforgiven deliver a climactic and justified conclusion, marked by intense violence and a satisfying resolution.

Worst Thing: Getting To The Ending While the ending is a triumph, the journey to that point in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven is slow, drawn out, and may test the patience of some viewers.

16. Dances With Wolves (1990)

Best Thing: The Story Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves weaves a remarkable story of redemption, rebirth, and beauty amidst death and violence, earning its Best Picture Oscar.

Worst Thing: The Length Despite its merits, the theatrical cut’s three-hour duration, and the director’s cut adding an extra hour, may test the endurance of some audiences.

17. Casablanca (1943)

Best Thing: The Final Scene Casablanca’s final shot, depicting Rick and Renault walking into the fog with an uncertain yet hopeful future, remains a brilliant and iconic cinematic moment.

Worst Thing: The Flashbacks Relying heavily on flashbacks, especially Rick’s recurring “Here’s looking at you, kid” line, detracts from the impact of the storytelling, disrupting the narrative flow.

18. On The Waterfront (1954)

Best Thing: The “Coulda Been A Contender” Speech Marlon Brando’s “Coulda Been A Contender” speech is an iconic moment, overshadowing the undercooked love story that shares the spotlight in this classic film.

Worst Thing: The Love Story While Terry Malloy’s struggle with the mob is compelling, the love story feels underdeveloped, lacking the depth and impact present in other aspects of the film.

19. Argo (2012)

Best Thing: The Pacing Argo’s fast-paced narrative keeps viewers engaged, ensuring an enthralling experience from start to finish, showcasing Ben Affleck’s adept handling of tension and suspense.

Worst Thing: The Ending While the intense final act contributes to an exciting conclusion, it takes liberties with the real-life events, introducing an element of fiction that may be deemed unnecessary.

20. The Sound Of Music (1965)

Best Thing: The Songs The Sound of Music’s musical prowess shines through, featuring one captivating song-and-dance number after another, contributing to its enduring popularity.

Worst Thing: The Length While not a significant flaw, the film’s nearly three-hour runtime might test the patience of younger viewers, potentially impacting its accessibility.

21. Nomadland (2020)

Best Thing: Frances McDormand’s Performance Frances McDormand’s exceptional performance as Fern anchors Nomadland, adding depth to the film and earning her accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Worst Thing: The Lack Of Structure Nomadland’s loose plot may leave some viewers feeling aimless, reflecting the transient nature of its characters and contributing to a unique but potentially divisive viewing experience.

22. Birdman (2014)

Best Thing: The Long Takes Birdman’s use of long takes, creating the illusion of a continuous sequence, enhances the intensity and beauty of its storytelling, showcasing Alejandro G. Inarritu’s directorial prowess.

Worst Thing: The Ending Despite the movie’s exploration of the human spirit, the ending may leave audiences with lingering questions, creating a slightly ambiguous conclusion to an otherwise compelling narrative.

23. Platoon (1985)

Best Thing: The Adagio For Strings Scene Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” elevates one of Platoon’s best scenes to an all-time great, underscoring the emotional impact of this Vietnam War film.

Worst Thing: The Narration Narration can be a challenging element in film, and in Platoon, it feels less effective, detracting from the immersive experience that Oliver Stone attempts to create.

24. Gone With The Wind (1939)

Best Thing: The Story Gone with the Wind’s epic love story, set against a backdrop of war and social upheaval, is a cinematic triumph that remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

Worst Thing: The Racism Despite its narrative merits, the film is marred by depictions of racism that are triggering, highlighting the need to critically engage with its historical context.

25. Wings (1927)

Best Thing: That Tracking Shot Wings’ groundbreaking tracking shot is a cinematic marvel, showcasing the film’s technical innovation and making it a must-watch nearly 100 years after its release.

Worst Thing: Primitive Special Effects While the tracking shot impresses, some primitive special effects may appear dated to modern audiences, a minor drawback in an otherwise remarkable film.

26. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Best Thing: The Visuals The Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once, a recent addition to the Best Picture winners, captivates audiences with its visually stunning elements, ranging from eye-popping to mesmerizing.

Worst Thing: The Plot Is Sometimes Hard To Follow While a minor concern, the intricate plot of Everything Everywhere All at Once may be challenging to follow at times, requiring viewers to navigate through its complex narrative.

27. 12 Years A Slave (2013)

Best Thing: Lupita Nyong’o’s Performance Lupita Nyong’o’s performance in 12 Years a Slave is a standout, leaving an indelible mark and earning her acclaim in a film that tackles the brutal realities of slavery.

Worst Thing: Michael Fassbender’s Brutality Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of Edwin Epps, while powerful, is deeply unsettling, potentially alienating some viewers due to the intensity of his brutality.

28. Rocky (1976)

Best Thing: Rocky’s Story Rocky’s underdog story, coupled with Sylvester Stallone’s breakthrough performance, solidifies its place as one of the best sports films, launching Stallone into stardom.

Worst Thing: The Title Fight’s Length While the championship match between Rocky and Apollo Creed is iconic, its brevity, occupying only 10 minutes of the film’s runtime, leaves audiences craving more.

29. The French Connection (1971)

Best Thing: The Car Chase The French Connection’s legendary car chase is a defining moment, contributing to the film’s success and recognition, particularly in the crime thriller genre.

Worst Thing: The Ending Despite the gripping drama and action, the movie concludes abruptly, with crucial details provided through title cards, leaving some viewers wanting a more satisfying resolution.

30. Annie Hall (1977)

Best Thing: Diane Keaton’s Performance Diane Keaton’s portrayal of Annie Hall is a triumph, bringing charm and authenticity to Woody Allen’s 1977 classic and earning her accolades, including an Academy Award.

Worst Thing: Alvy Singer’s Neurosis Woody Allen’s character, Alvy Singer, is challenging to empathize with due to his neurotic tendencies, occasionally grating on viewers and detracting from the film’s overall appeal.

31. American Beauty (1999)

The Best – Thomas Newman’s Score

American Beauty benefits from Thomas Newman’s masterful score, enhancing the film’s emotional depth and resonance.

The Flaw – Creepiness Factor

Despite its merits, American Beauty’s unsettling themes contribute to an uncomfortable viewing experience for some, particularly with the benefit of hindsight.

32. Crash (2006)

The Best – Ensemble Cast

Crash boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, including Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, and Brendan Fraser, contributing to its Best Picture win.

The Flaw – Lack of Nuance

While the film’s themes are prominent, Crash lacks the nuance expected from a Best Picture winner, often relying on heavy-handed storytelling.

In conclusion, these Best Picture winners, despite their flaws, represent the pinnacle of cinematic achievement. Their strengths, whether in performances, storytelling, or technical brilliance, have left an indelible mark on film history. As with any art form, imperfections coexist with greatness, contributing to the rich tapestry of cinematic excellence.

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Sam Cleal: Sam Cleal, a dynamic voice on HuffPost, brings a fresh perspective to cultural commentary. With a flair for storytelling, Cleal freelances for MarkMeets.com, enriching our news site with engaging insights at the intersection of entertainment and current affairs.