When it comes to
award shows, the Academy Awards is arguably one of the most famous, long
lasting, and has always been the most important to me as a long-time movie fan.
The titular Best Picture winners have likewise always stood out among the alite
of “Must see Movies”. While I haven’t always agreed with the Oscars, I’ve still
mostly felt content with the movies that get the honor of being called “Best
Picture” of it’s respected year. It’s been a long time coming, but I finally
want to rank my own personal Top 10 Favorite movies that have received the
Academy Award for Best Picture. Again, I’m not trying to make an objective
argument that these are the Best … just my own personal favorites, and the ones
I’m most glad to see received the title.
#10 TITANIC (1997)
Like this movie even needs an introduction … while the tragic sinking of the Titanic has always been common knowledge, it became an inescapable part of our pop-culture thanks to the overwhelming popularity of this film. Being honest for a moment, I’ve always fond this film a pinch overrated. James Cameron basically gave us a movie that crossed a traditional Hollywood romance with a heartbreaking historical drama, and a little too often I found the fictional elements overshadowed the significantly more important historical presentation. Still, I’m not going to pretend that I don’t like this movie either, as it’s consistently engaging to watch, the cast play their parts well, and the emotional horror and tragedy of the situation still hit home. Even the romance is done well, and there’s no shortage of memorable highlights ... including an excellent final scene, which is another one of my favorite moments from any romantic picture I’ve ever viewed. The film is likewise visually striking to look at, and James Honors music score is one of the great iconic film compositions that has yet to be surpassed in the realms of romantic cinema.
#9 ROCKY (1976)
Small-town, down-on-his-luck boxer Rocky Balboa is arbitrarily chosen to take on the running heavyweight champion, but can this nobody rise to the challenge and become a somebody? While the plot of “Rocky” is formulaic and admittedly predictable, a down to earth tone, air-tight script, relatable characters, and an iconic leading performance from Sylvester Stallone all add-up to something special. It’s a movie that’s been celebrated over the years as one of the all-time great underdog stories, and it’s still being used as the main template for sports Drama’s to draw inspiration from. When it comes to a conventional “hero archetype”, I’m always drawn to the underdog the most. The hero’s that rise to the challenge, the ones that face all odds, and for me, Rocky will always be the pinnacle underdog hero. This is a character that inspires me to do more with myself, to break out, and make a difference. Even if it’s something small, Rocky has always encouraged me to stick to my passions, and follow them through to the end.
#8 CHICAGO (2002)
Roxie Hart is a lone girl in Chicago, who’s determined to become a famous celebrity. Fame however comes in the form of going to prison on account of murder. While in prison, she finds herself in competition with her theater idle Velma Kelly, who’s likewise using her situation to put her face on all the papers. In between these two is smooth-talking attorney Billy Flynn, who’s determined to prove the girl’s innocents … they just have to put on a good show. Sense Roxie is obsessed with both music and the theater, all the proceeding events and dialogue are interpreted from her point of view as lavish musical numbers. This is one case in which the appeal all comes from the execution of its highly original presentation, eye popping set designs, and sheer spectacle on display. Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, and especially Oscar winner Catherine Zeta Jones absolutely light-Up the screen, and compliment the films unique style with their own larger than life performances. The songs were already Broadway staples, and seeing such iconic songs all come to life on the screen is a treat for any musical fan. It’s just a fun experience that rejuvenates my love for the theater, and helped bring back the appeal of Movie Musicals to modern audiences. It Razzled the Oscars by winning six Academy Awards … obviously including Best Picture … and has sense been regarded as a genera classic.
#7 THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (2003)
It was already something of a rare anomaly to see a sequel win Best Picture, but on top of that, this marked the very first Fantasy Epic to win the gold prize. For a genera that’s commonly associated with B-list entertainment, this marked a special event when both audiences and critics were seeing eye-to-eye. I personally liked this movie when it first came out back in 2004, but it was admittedly the one I liked the least of the original trilogy. However, over the years, not only have I come around to loving this film, but I’ve really come to view it was one of the most important movie sequels ever made. It proved that third times the charm, and an already mighty franchise can have a near-flawless sendoff … which has proven increasingly more difficult with other big trilogies that have come in the wake of “Lord of the Rings”. All these years later, this film still feels epic, and features some of the most stunning action the genera has to offer. Visually breathtaking and emotionally powerful, "The Return of the King" remains a moving experience, and a satisfying conclusion to a classic movie trilogy!
#6 WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
The time period is mid 1950’s, the place is New York, and the situation revolves around a turf war in the slums of Manhattan. Two rival teams called the Jets and the Sharks are at each-other’s throats, yet both sides are willing to set differences aside for one night, and they attend a party. At the event, one of the leaders of the Jets named Tony meets a girl named Maria, who’s the sister of the leader of the Sharks. Without batting an eye, the two fall in love, and are determined to start a new life together. As their relationship grows, conflicts between the two teams get worse, which leads to bloodshed, tragedy, betrayal and two young lovers trying to do all in their power to stop the fighting. All the familiar stamps of “Romeo and Juliet” are very recognizable, from the party, to recreating the balcony scene, to the rumble between the two opposing groups, to the tragic ending, etc. However, director Robert Wise adds his own uniquely dazzling style to the experience, which makes the film feel original … despite a familiar narrative. The songs are unforgettable, and the dance choreography moves with both the grace and poetic rhythm of a ballet. The cast members are all fantastic in their respected parts, and the experience breathes magical new life into one of Shakespeare’s most iconic stories.
#5 GLADIATOR (2000)
General Maximus Meridius is named “Keeper of Roam” by the dying Emperor, only to be betrayed by Roams new ruler, and after the murder of his family is then forced into a life of slavery. Yet, Maximus wins several admirers as a Gladiator, and his quest for both vengeance and the liberation of his nation has only just begun. Director Ridley Scott aimed high with his $100 Million budgeted production, in hopes to revive the genera of “Ancient Epic’s”. Needless to say, under his shinning direction, and bonded by a strong cast … this is the sword and shield classic that made the genera achieve its title of “EPIC”! At face value, it would almost seem that “Gladiator” had an easier time winning over the Oscars then my previously mentioned “The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King", as this wasn’t a fantasy, and had more of a historical backdrop. However, “Gladiator” still had a lot to prove for itself, as the story is admittedly an amalgamation of various other epics. Yet, through the films approach and presentation, it never once felt like a run-of-the-mile action flick … at least not to me. I’ve seen countless other movies throughout the millennium try to replicate the same crowd pleasing, Oscar approving, adrenaline pumping power of “Gladiator”, and not one of them captured the same effect that both Ridley Scott and lead star Russel Crow delivered in that film. Beyond its brilliantly staged Gladiatorial combat, there’s something at the core of “Gladiator” that’s always felt human, and genuinely inspiring … “are you not entertained!”
#4 AMADEUS (1984)
Winner of eight Academy Awards, along with the obvious Best Picture trophy … it’s the story of one Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart … his life, and classic music. Mozart needs no introduction, as he’s one of the most legendary music composers to ever live, and this film gives us a peek behind the curtain of his life, the struggles he endured to bring his music to the stage, and his rivalry with fellow composer Antonio Salieri. Arguably one of the more epic and theatrical movie drama’s, “Amadeus” highlights the influence, both positive and negative, of the renowned artist, resulting in an experience that’s just as entertaining, as it is powerful. With its lavish set design, absorbing atmosphere, and classical music heard throughout, this is one of those films that just feels “perfect”. Granted, there’s some debate on the historical accuracies of the film, but it’s such an engaging character study of the man, and the performances are so sharp that it largely makes-up for any faults in the historical presentation. Then again, the movie is presented as historical fiction, which makes it easier to appreciate it as simply a good story as is. Like any one of Mozart’s classic songs, “Amadeus” is a work of art, with engaging character arcs at the center.
#3 PATTON (1970)
When it comes to War movies in general, the 1970 classic “Patton” has always been my personal favorite … with one of my all-time favorite characters taking the charge. The first thing to highlight of course is George C. Scott, who is phenomenal in the role. His sympathetic, unflinching portrayal is what cares this great war epic, and it’s as definitive as any performance in the history of American biopics. On top of that, the movie itself is just a fascinating character study of a famous military general. This is a guy who lived for war, and almost viewed it like a religion in of itself. Many of his actions were questionable, but by the end of the day, he was still someone to look up to and admire. He was daring, and didn’t always go by the books, but he was also dignified and willing to admit when he was wrong. Throw in quotable lines, memorable imagery, thrilling tank battles, and an iconic music track provided by the late great Jerry Goldsmith, and it’s all around a perfect package. When it comes to American biopics, “Patton” will always be one of my absolute favorites, and it’s George C. Scott’s captivating performance that makes it a classic.
#2 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (2008)
When a young Indian Teen is accused of cheating on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, it sends us on a trip down his troubled memory lane, and we discover that beyond having an exceptionally rough life of going from the slums to the streets, he also has a great memory that allowed uniquely specific details of culture, literature and history to stick with him. Thus, with his stored-up knowledge, he went on the game show in an effort to be spotted by a young woman he’s madly in love with … and one who’s had an equally difficult life-journey. This was yet another winner of eight Academy Awards, including best Picture, and it’s always stuck with me as a decade favorite. Few other movies mix relentless and intense emotion, while also being extremely entertaining and fun to watch, quiet like “Slumdog Millionaire”. While set in the real world, and featuring genuine real-world drama, the story is structured like a fantasy, as the events are woven around varying emotions and feelings, rather than logic or plausibility. The structure works largely thanks to Director Danny Boyle’s visually stylized direction, which gives the film a “fantastical” personality. The film is also structured with a great deal of comedy, and we find ourselves drawn to the characters through some genuinely funny circumstances. Yet, the comedy never over steps it bounds, so we can still appreciate the more tragic and heartbreaking elements. With a talented ensemble cast, a rousing musical score by A. R. Rahman, an engaging character journey, and you get a movie experience that’s every bit as exciting as it is emotionally resonate.
Before I crown my personal Number 1 favorite Best Picture
winner, here are some note worthy Honorable Mentions …
SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
THE GODFATHER, PART II (1974)
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
UNFORGIVEN (1992)
FORREST GUMP (1994)
#1 BRAVEHEART (1995)
It’s 13th century Scotland, and freedom fighter William Wallace leads an uprising against the tyrannical reign of Edward the Longshanks. What can be said about one of the 90’s most respected and successful films. Well, let me start by saying that, when I first saw “Braveheart”, I was still very young … in fact, it was one of the very first R ratted movies I ever saw, which intimidated me at the time. While I wasn’t one for intensely violent films, there was something powerful and magnetic at the center of “Braveheart” that hooked me in at a young age, and carried me through both the excessive violence and lengthy runtime. While the concept of a rugged hero inspiring a rebellion has always been a favorite of mine, “Braveheart” was the first to introduce me to the epic tragedy of Martyrdom, in which the climax isn’t a massive battle spectacle, but a single man refusing to surrender his beliefs or his freedom as he’s slowly being tortured to death. It’s really no surprise that Mel Gibson would go on to direct “The Passion of the Christ” less than a decade after this. Mel Gibson naturally shines in the leading role, but this was also his first time directing, and I feel it remains the Gold Standard of both his talents on screen. The film also delivers all the sweeping action, compelling drama, and touching romance to match the pictures grand ambitions … even if it’s not a perfect historical retelling. It was one of those special movie experiences that left me with chills all over after my first viewing, and the only thing I could think of was … “Wow, I just saw a really good movie!” Even after all these years, and repeated viewings, “Braveheart” still continues to leave an impression on me, and it’s personally my favorite movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture!
Thanks for reading my countdown, and continue to enjoy whichever movies you love … weather they be Oscar winners or not.