Best Picture
The Best Picture winners from 2014 to 2024 reflect a wide range of themes, from historical events to imaginative storytelling. Oppenheimer (2024) explores the creation of the atomic bomb, while All Quiet on the Western Front (2023) delves into the devastating effects of World War I.
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These films exemplify the evolution of cinema in the past decade, with each winning film reflecting important social issues, personal struggles, and intense human experiences. Oppenheimer focuses on historical tragedy and scientific achievement, All Quiet on the Western Front highlights the futility of war, while Everything Everywhere All at Once and CODA offer perspectives on personal identity, relationships, and generational conflict. Collectively, they underscore the diversity in storytelling and the importance of representing various facets of the human experience.
OppenheimerView AllOppenheimer - A story of brilliance and destruction.
All Quiet on the Western FrontView AllAll Quiet on the Western Front - War is hell, but humanity is worse.
Everything Everywhere All at OnceView AllEverything Everywhere All at Once - In a multiverse of madness, family is everything.
CODAView AllCODA - Find your voice and sing your truth.
NomadlandView AllNomadland - The journey to freedom is paved with hardship.
ParasiteView AllParasite - Social class divides us, but fate connects us.
Green BookView AllGreen Book - Two men, one road, endless possibilities.
The Shape of WaterView AllThe Shape of Water - Love transcends boundaries.
MoonlightView AllMoonlight - A story of self-discovery, love, and identity.
SpotlightView AllSpotlight - The truth is out there.
Best Picture
1.
Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist behind the creation of the atomic bomb. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film delves into moral dilemmas and the profound consequences of the weapon's development.
Pros
Stunning visuals- thought-provoking
- historical significance
- powerful performances
- intense
Cons
Complex storytelling- lengthy
- emotionally heavy
- niche subject
- slow pacing
2.
All Quiet on the Western Front
A German adaptation of the classic World War I novel, "All Quiet on the Western Front" depicts the horrors of war through the eyes of young soldiers. It explores themes of disillusionment, loss, and futility in battle.
Pros
- Visually striking
- emotionally intense
- powerful performances
- realistic portrayal of war
- historical relevance
Cons
- Heavy subject matter
- dark tone
- slow at times
- difficult to watch
- graphic violence
3.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
This genre-bending film follows an ordinary woman who is thrust into an interdimensional adventure that explores family, identity, and the meaning of life. It's a unique combination of sci-fi, drama, and comedy.
Pros
- Innovative storytelling
- emotional depth
- unique visuals
- diverse themes
- strong performances
Cons
- Confusing plot at times
- overwhelming visuals
- fast pacing
- chaotic tone
- niche appeal
4.
CODA
CODA focuses on Ruby, a hearing child of deaf parents, who is torn between her love for music and her loyalty to her family. The film explores themes of communication, culture, and finding one’s voice.
Pros
- Heartfelt
- emotional performances
- representation of deaf culture
- empowering story
- strong character development
- family-friendly
Cons
- Predictable at times
- sentimental
- familiar plot
- limited dramatic tension
- slow pacing
5.
Nomadland
Nomadland follows a woman in her sixties who loses her job and home during the Great Recession and adopts a nomadic lifestyle, traveling the American West. The film is a quiet meditation on loss, survival, and resilience.
Pros
- Beautiful cinematography
- raw emotion
- socially relevant
- meditative pace
- excellent lead performance
Cons
- Slow pace
- depressing themes
- quiet tone
- limited plot development
- niche appeal
6.
Parasite
Parasite follows a poor family that infiltrates a wealthy household, leading to dark and unexpected consequences. It's a genre-blending thriller that explores class struggles, greed, and family dynamics.
Pros
- Brilliant direction
- unpredictable plot
- social commentary
- strong performances
- original
Cons
- Dark themes
- uncomfortable social critique
- slow start
- unsettling tone
- shocking violence
7.
Green Book
Set in the 1960s, "Green Book" tells the story of an African-American pianist and his working-class Italian-American driver as they tour the segregated South. The film explores race, friendship, and cultural divides.
Pros
- Heartwarming
- excellent performances
- social relevance
- uplifting message
- great chemistry between leads
Cons
- Predictable at times
- light on social critique
- sentimentality
- overly simplistic
- historical inaccuracies
8.
The Shape of Water
The Shape of Water follows the unlikely romance between a mute woman and a mysterious amphibious creature held captive by the government. The film explores themes of love, otherness, and acceptance.
Pros
- Beautifully shot
- unique story
- strong performances
- emotional depth
- powerful visuals
Cons
- Strange premise
- slow pacing
- fantasy elements not for everyone
- niche appeal
- limited character depth
9.
Moonlight
Moonlight is a multi-layered story about a young man navigating life, love, and identity in a rough neighborhood. The film explores themes of race, sexuality, and the search for personal meaning.
Pros
- Powerful performances
- emotional depth
- intimate portrayal
- socially relevant
- beautifully shot
Cons
- Slow pacing
- heavy themes
- uncomfortable at times
- difficult for mainstream audience
- niche appeal
10.
Spotlight
Spotlight tells the true story of The Boston Globe's investigative team uncovering the massive child abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. It’s a tense, compelling exploration of accountability and journalism.
Pros
- Gripping
- important social commentary
- excellent writing
- strong performances
- timely topic
Cons
- Slow pacing
- serious subject matter
- heavy on dialogue
- less focus on character arcs
- emotionally intense