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Oscars 2026 are just around the corner (the glitzy event is set for Sunday, March 15). In less than a week, one of 10 movies will join the ranks of Best Picture winners and be enshrined in cinema history for the rest of time. OK, so the odds say it’s really only two flicks with a realistic shot of winning the night’s big prize: “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.”
I’m a dedicated Oscar watcher and awards season follower who has seen every single movie that’s won Best Picture over the decades (the first Oscars were held in 1929). To mark the 98th movie being added to this legendary list in a matter of days, I’m picking out my personal favorite Best Picture winner of each decade.
Article continues below1920s
‘Wings’ (1927)
What it's about: Two small-town rivals, Jack (Charles Rodgers) and David (Richard Arlen), both competing for the heart of the same girl (Jobyna Ralston), enlist in the Army Air Service during World War I. Developing a strong bond, they must rely on each other to get home to the love they’ve left behind. Also stars Clara Bow as one of cinema’s first “the girl next door.”
Why I picked it: The 1920s only had two winners, “Wings” and “The Broadway Melody.” I suspect neither will be particularly engaging to your typical modern-day viewer. However, I’m giving “Wings” the nod for its place in history as the first Best Picture winner, it’s quite incredible (for the time) tracking shot, and a tragic third-act twist that adds emotional weight.
1930s
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (1930)
What it's about: Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s novel of the same name, “All Quiet on the Western Front” is one of cinema’s strongest anti-war movies to this day. It sees a young German boy enlist in the army during World War I after being sold a dream of frontline valour and heroism. Once in the trenches, he discovers the realities of conflict are much bleaker.
Why I picked it: The first truly exceptional Best Picture winner, in this critic's opinion, “All Quiet on the Western Front” is a timeless movie with a message that still resonates. It can be a brutal watch at times, but it’s nevertheless a stunning achievement. The 2022 remake (which was actually nominated for Best Picture itself) is also utterly excellent, but the original remains the best.
1940s
‘Casablanca' (1942)
What it's about: During World War II, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) runs a nightclub in Casablanca serving a very diverse clientele. Claiming to be neutral in the conflict, when Rick’s former lover, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), unexpectedly shows up, Rick is tasked with helping her resistance leader husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), escape from the German forces.
Why I picked it: Does this one need any explanation? “Casablanca” is stuffed to bursting with memorable scenes and characters, not to mention it includes some of the most iconic lines of dialogue in all of cinema history (“of all the gin joints…”, "here's looking at you, kid," “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.). “Casablanca is quite simply cinematic perfection.
1950s
‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ (1957)
What it's about: In World War II, British prisoners of war, led by Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness), are ordered by their Japanese captors to build a large bridge over the River Kwai. The prisoners plan to sabotage the bridge’s construction, but Nicholson becomes obsessed with its successful completion, even to the point of collaboration with the sworn enemy.
Why I picked it: “The Bridge of the River Kwai” is well-made and well-acted throughout, but it’s the ultra-intense third act that really sends this movie to the top of my list. The film ends with an extraordinarily exciting finale that leaves you breathless. But the 1950s were a strong decade, and I could absolutely make an argument for “All About Eve” or “On the Waterfront.”
1960s
‘The Apartment’ (1960)
What it's about: Timid office worker C.C. Baxtar (Jack Lemmon) allows his company’s executives to use his Manhattan apartment for extramarital affairs with the promise of a promotion for his assistance. But things get complicated when Baxter’s boss uses the pad to meet with elevator operator Fran (Shirley MacLaine), whom Baxter happens to be sweet on.
Why I picked it: “The Apartment” is like a warm hug in movie form, and makes the perfect change from the numerous war movies listed above. The chemistry between Lemmon and MacLaine is simply perfect, and despite its generally lighter subject matter, it still tackles some weighty topics. This is one of those movies that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy.
1970s
‘The Godfather’ (1972)
What it's about: The mob movie that all other contenders in the genre aspire to be, “The Godfather” chronicles the Corleone crime family, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). Vito's son Michael (Al Pacino) initially has no interest in joining the family business, but is reluctantly drawn into the criminal world, and what follows is the tragic rise of a ruthless mafia boss.
Why I picked it: Another pick that surely needs no justification. “The Godfather” is a legendary crime drama packed with perfect performances, particularly from Brando (who won Best Actor) and Pacino. It’s probably as close to flawless as movies get. Its sequel, “The Godfather Part II,” also won Best Picture, making Oscar history as the first follow-up to claim the award. No other movie and its sequel have accomplished the same feat in the decades since.
1980s
‘Platoon’ (1986)
What it's about: Taking cues from “All Quiet on the Western Front,” Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” sees Charlie Sheen play Chris Taylor, a young American soldier who volunteers to ship out to South Vietnam in 1967. On the ground, he faces the horrors of warfare and is troubled by the moral ambiguity that surrounds him. Also stars Willem Dafoe and Forest Whitaker.
Why I picked it: “Platoon” was inspired by Stone’s own experience during the Vietnam War, which adds an extra wrinkle to this flick, and makes each moment of brutality feel that much more uncomfortably authentic. It’s also greatly helped by strong performances from Sheen and Dafoe. Personally, I think the 80s were a weak decade at the Oscars, but “Platoon” was worthy.
1990s
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
What it's about: To catch a serial killer named Buffalo Bill, FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is instructed to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to build a profile of the at-large criminal. But Lecter, a genius psychiatrist with a taste for human flesh, won’t give his help for free, and so begins a twisted cat-and-mouse game.
Why I picked it: The thriller genre is a personal favorite of mine, and “The Silence of the Lambs” is the gold standard in the field. Case in point, it’s the most recent movie to win Oscars in all five major categories (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay). Hopkins won his gold statue despite having less than 25 minutes of screen time. Lecter is one of cinema's great villains.
2000s
‘The Departed’ (2006)
What it's about: Mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) plants Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) as his mole within the Boston State Police department. But Frank doesn’t know that his new recruit, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), is actually an undercover cop. When both sides catch wind of the deception, each tries to figure out who the spy is among them.
Why I picked it: “The Departed” is a rarity in cinema, an American remake that is largely considered superior to the original (2002’s “Infernal Affairs). Of course, maybe that’s not a surprise when you have Martin Scorsese in the director’s chair and Nicholson, DiCaprio and Damon each giving career-best performances. The shocking ending is a particular highlight.
2010s
‘Parasite’ (2019)
What it's about: “Parasite” follows two Korean families at either end of the class divide, one extremely wealthy, one struggling to get by. As the latter uses deception to intertwine themselves into the household of their much richer counterparts, a shocking secret changes everything. I wouldn’t want to say anything else for fear of giving even light spoilers.
Why I picked it: “Parasite’s” Best Picture win was a real Oscar moment, marking the first non-English-language movie to claim Hollywood’s top prize. And “Parasite” deserved it, without question. It’s one of the best movies of the 21st century, and a masterpiece in both thriller plotting and sharp dark humor, poking fun at the cruel injustice of our society in some very clever ways.
2020s
‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)
What it's about: An epic dramatization of the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the “father of the atomic bomb.” Under his watch, as the leader of the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer led a team of scientists to a breakthrough that changed the course of history.
Why I picked it: A movie I’m convinced will stand the test of time with ease, “Oppenheimer” is Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus. It’s a three-hour drama that flies by in an instant, and is packed with powerful performances from the entire star-studded cast, Murphy most of all. It’s fascinating, compelling, thrilling, absorbing, and so much more. A very worthy Best Picture winner.
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