With 18 Best Picture Winners having been chosen since the turn of the millennium, I thought it would be interesting to look back, and rank them. Deciding the best of the best so to speak. There’s some great, some good, and a little bad, but overall, this collection of movies is still pretty special. Below the Academy Award winners are ranked from 18-1 with a short sentence or two on my thoughts on the film, my favorite line, and finally a LINK at the bottom of each section to a longer form review. I hope you enjoy and remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

P.S. You may be wondering how I came up with the percentages. Well it was calculated by adding up how I scored the film in terms of filmmaking (i.e. acting, directing, “how the film looks”) 1-10, entertainment value (pacing, strength of story, action) 1-10, and cultural impact (part of what makes a movie great is if it’s left an impact on society, this is similar to a president’s approval rating) 1-5. You can take a closer look at how I graded each film in the longer review, linked at the bottom of each section.

P.S.S Lastly, you may be wondering what I did in case of ties. I’m not gonna beat around the bush, I just picked the one I liked better. Okay, enough talking let’s get going!

18. Crash (2005) – 60%

The Skinny: While well-intentioned, ripe with insights into our country’s complicated racial dynamic, Crash, sadly falls flat due to a jumbled script with far too many plotlines, an incoherent message, and occasional sappy-ness – it would probably be better served in a television format on NBC.

Favorite Line: “It’s the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We’re always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something.” – Graham

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TlQ42Ti051pAuGQ4ePsHYilnFsYqR0ElMVmAVxPbebg/edit

17. Birdman (2014) – 62%

The Skinny: Posturing as clever and stylish, Birdman, in reality, is a poorly-written, over-acted, pretentious film that belongs near the bottom of the heap for Best Picture Winners.

Favorite Line: “Does she speak?” – Mike Shiner 

“She does. Yeah, she can sit, stay, and roll over if you have any treats.” – Sam

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pE5Bhb6GYCGwxwD_s3j2NNXSOYBTNWGruIFF6KH3LCo/edit

16. The Artist (2011) – 64%

The Skinny: While charming and inoffensive, with great performances by each of its leads, The Artist squanders its potential with an uneventful, thin plot, and serious pacing issues.

Favorite Quote: (in subtitles) Al Zimmer: “You and I belong to another era, George. The world is talking now. People want new faces, talking faces. I wish it wasn’t like this, but the public wants fresh meat, and the public is never wrong.”

George Valentin: “I’m the one people come to see. They never needed to hear me.”

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1veQk2JLsnzW4fyskpPVS73HiSqxBbLU6VbAbctxewOg/edit

15. Million Dollar Baby (2004) – 64%

The Skinny: While solidly acted, with a compelling relationship at the forefront, Million Dollar Baby falls woefully short of its Best Picture winner counterparts due to a grim, dull narrative, and a lack of humor or charm.

Favorite Line: “Boxin’ is about respect. Gettin’ it for yourself, and takin’ it from the other guy.” Eddie Dupris

https://docs.google.com/document/d/114KTU85JpOAFe5reQGrbiRX3OiVFUt51XcGDNzHvtCY/edit

14. Chicago (2002) – 70%

The Skinny: Although a perfectly watchable musical with impressive style, Chicago is hamstrung by an unspectacular plot (better suited for the stage), drawn-out musical sequences, and underdeveloped characters.

Favorite Line: “Cellophane. Mr. Cellophane shoulda been my name, Mr. Cellophane, ’cause you can look right through me, walk right by me.” – Amos

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BnjqMyOtJdv8QE9pFePbW76sMvnWonXG-C-VTj41scY/edit

13. A Beautiful Mind (2001) – 76%

 

The Skinny: Although certainly relevant, and adequately crafted with an inspired twist, A Beautiful Mind fails to reach its full potential because of pacing issues, and a clichéd, occasionally dreary, narrative.

Favorite Line: “Are you scared?” – Hansen

“Terrified, mortified, petrified, stupefied by you!” – Nash

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_x1QHDVGELZy0dCIZW6BasMPHHL8R0Kw2poOTeRUn1k/edit

12. The Shape of Water (2017) – 76%

The Skinny: The Shape of Water benefits from its director’s vibrant imagination, and solid performances across the board, but is held back from reaching elite heights due to a little bit too much quirkiness and self-indulgence on behalf of its filmmakers.

Favorite Line: “I do not fail. I deliver.” – Strickland

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SXtfGCQRXZBduF1fJzJ5W0kwrdHma9K8xTebwQariFY/edit

11. Moonlight (2016) – 80%

The Skinny:  Moonlight is a well-acted, creative film, but fails to recognize its full potential due to pacing issues, and a surprising lack of activity in the last act.

Favorite Line: “At some point you’ve got to decide who wanna be. Can’t let nobody make that decision for you.” – Juan

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VsUPpqTn4CCEQxwEvwxATLRvcwzPMQFPHjLxZH0mit0/edit

10. No Country For Old Men (2007) – 82%

The Skinny: No Country For Old Men succeeds in crafting a suspenseful thriller due to skillful directing by the Coen Brothers, and strong acting – in particular by the film’s villain, Javier Bardem.

Favorite Line: “What’s the most you ever lost in a coin toss?” – Chigurh

https://docs.google.com/document/d/15BXwzjB4JDE4k5cDkUy-n29LrB2n5Ej7rQpEYPo_BrU/edit

9. The King’s Speech (2010) – 82%

The Skinny: The King’s Speech is superbly acted – with a legendary performance from Colin Firth – well-shot, and has a interesting story, but is held back by pacing issues, and mediocre subplots.

Favorite Line: “Why would I waste my time listening to you?” – Lionel

“Because I have a voice!” – King George VI

“Yes you do.” – Lionel

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Md0Z3jkrYwfvEYzyz7CQi5yeUSK7gRZbj6PX_OG0d40/edit

8. The Departed (2006) – 82%

The Skinny: The Departed is a fun, rewatchable Boston crime drama that features two strong performances from Damon and DiCaprio, and offers an intriguing story. But, despite its positives, it’s more of a double than a true home run, due to a lack of truly emotionally investing moments, and occasionally confusing plotpoints. 

Favorite Line: “No one gives it to you. You have to take it.” – Frank Costello

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nfTcTy6K_Wmo2woFZ05adjRXU0Aoex-eNQmHFcdv6Kk/edit

7. The Hurt Locker (2009) – 86%

The Skinny: The Hurt Locker is an excellent war film with great insights into the Iraq War, very good work from its actors (in particular Jeremy Renner), and several of very intense, well-shot action sequences,

Favorite Line: “That’s gotta be a record. What’s the best way… to… to go about disarming one of these things?” – Colonel Reed

“The way you don’t die, sir.” – James

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nT-UrXEk30qNse8FaJ1F25Si6aR2diz-30zcKuUTb-8/edit

6. 12 Years a Slave (2013) – 86%

The Skinny: 12 Years a Slave, while often difficult to watch, bravely dives into the horror that was American slavery, and offers terrific acting and beautiful cinematography in the process.

Favorite Line: “I will not fall into despair! I will keep myself hardy until freedom is opportune!” – Solomon Northup

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aQ2Hw6gsiyyrVpuYSpzuPPsfluHma8U0VyvaP1pXe1w/edit

5. Argo (2012) – 86%

The Skinny: Argo does a good job of telling an interesting story, meanwhile crafting a very good movie with great set pieces, solid acting, and several entertaining, suspenseful sequences.

Favorite Line: “Argo f**k yourself.” – Many people

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gxJWpv9ZbC470qlx8DUC2OW8wMCZlVUG-j5RIg7LjoM/edit

4. Gladiator (2000) – 88%

The Skinny: Gladiator excels as both a summer blockbuster and a smart character-driven period piece, bolstered by terrific performances by Crowe and Phoenix, and Ridley Scott at the top of his game behind the lense.

Favorite Line: “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.” – Maximus Decimus Meridius

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ECJnJ4p1zvquUVpirNuPLXmijTVwkzClmCebYh9fVgQ/edit

3. Spotlight (2015) – 88%

The Skinny: Spotlight brings an important story to life, meanwhile producing an excellent, riveting drama, which includes terrific performances, a nuanced script, and a great musical score. Spotlight is among Hollywood’s best products of the past 20 years.

Favorite Line: “We’ve got two stories here: a story about degenerate clergy, and a story about a bunch of lawyers turning child abuse into a cottage industry. Which story do you want us to write? Because we’re writing one of them.” – Robby

https://docs.google.com/document/d/196wVqNJwrPHuapaTSbNrInhpmL9dQ2bUVGS5lPK0S9s/edit

2. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – 92%

The Skinny: Slumdog Millionaire is a tremendous combination of an interesting, emotionally investing story and outstanding execution by a pitch perfect cast and the ultra-talented Danny Boyle.

Favorite Line: “Since when is there a time limit on a crap?” – Young Jamal

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q6SbtqNh0vw7c7d1vtrR9-aIOFm4ehcCXtErcUtIEYQ/edit

1. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – 94%

The Skinny: Return of the King is a wholly satisfying end to a remarkable trilogy, and combines epic action sequences with  nuanced characters and an emotionally investing story.

Favorite Line: “Hold your ground, hold your ground! Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight!” – Aragorn

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BXyIps6p0Z3MXpGkLXQkGAPgOIwi0nLceSc2QJwTr4c/edit