Every Best Picture Oscar-Winning Movie Of The 21st Century

Anora (2025)

‘Anora’ is the genre-defying revolution packaged by Sean Baker. The story follows a Brooklyn stripper who makes the spontaneous decision to marry a Russian oligarch’s son. What unfolds next is a humour-laden clash of cultures and class. The movie swept the 2025 Oscars, earning Best Actress for Mikey Madison as well. Indeed, it’s a big achievement in independent cinema.

Oppenheimer (2024)

Christopher Nolan's immersive biopic of J. Robert Oppenheimer doesn’t just tell the tale of the theoretical physicist behind the atomic bomb, but the moral burden of that scientific discovery. The historical epic starring the brilliant Cillian Murphy won Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2023)

This sci-fi adventure seemed tailor-made for the Oscars. The entertaining story follows a struggling laundromat owner named Evelyn Wang who is hit by the realisation of her role in saving the multiverse. How? By taking stock of her own alternate versions. Even if chaotic, the film is emotional and deeply human. Michelle Yeoh made history as the first Asian woman to win Best Actress for this masterpiece.

CODA (2022)

‘CODA,' which stands for Child of Deaf Adults, relays the heart-touching story of Ruby, the only member of a primarily deaf family whose hearing isn’t impaired. She loves music and wants to break free, but her coming-of-age is riddled with struggles related to her dependent family. It’s no wonder this beautiful movie resonated hard, leaving a feeling of warmth and understanding.

Nomadland (2021)

Chloé Zhao dives into modern-day nomadism in this intimate movie. Fern, played by Frances McDormand, loses her job and her husband, and in that devastating juncture of life, she takes off to explore America’s vast heartlands. The result is a portrait of grief, resilience, and freedom. ‘Nomadland’ won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress Oscars.

Parasite (2020)

Bong Joon-ho's ‘Parasite' made history in 2020 as the first non-English language film to win Best Picture Oscar. The movie seamlessly blends mystery and thrills with social commentary and drama. We follow the poor Kim family as they infiltrate the wealthy Park household under false pretenses. However, the clever con boils down to a dark and violent class satire.

Green Book (2019)

'Green Book’ is an essential Civil Rights era movie wherein an African-American classical pianist—mesmerisingly essayed by Mahershala Ali—goes on a tour in the segregated American South in the 1960s. He forms an unlikely friendship with his Italian-American driver (Viggo Mortensen). The drama rightly got the Academy’s attention.

The Shape of Water (2018)

This Guillermo del Toro romantic fantasy set in the 1960s Baltimore won Best Picture and Best Director Oscars. The story is centred on a mute janitor named Elisa who forms a weird bond with an amphibious creature held captive at a secret government lab. It swept four Oscars and the global audience with its concoction of the power of love and acceptance in the face of Cold War paranoia.

Moonlight (2017)

‘Moonlight’ is a poignant coming-of-age story about Chiron, a young Black man, as he navigates a rough upbringing, identity, and sexuality. This Barry Jenkins offering is poetry in motion. There’s emotional subtlety and illuminating storytelling, all enveloped by realism. No wonder it made Oscar history with a surprise Best Picture win.

Spotlight (2016)

One of the best movies based on a true story, ‘Spotlight’ lauds the efforts of The Boston Globe’s investigative team who uncovered a massive scandal of child abuse within the Catholic Church. The exposé didn’t just shake the foundations of the powers that be, it reinvigorated journalistic integrity and need for truth and accountability. The movie showed restrained and through procedural approach, made a long-lasting impact.

Birdman (2015)

Michael Keaton’s dark comedy about a washed-up actor is supremely innovative and surreal as it blurs reality and ego. In the movie, the actor known for playing a superhero mounts a Broadway play to reclaim relevance. This Oscar winner remains relevant due to its standout treatment of fame and artistry.

12 Years a Slave (2014)

Based on Solomon Northup’s memoir, ‘12 Years a Slave’ is a harrowing historical drama about slavery. A free Black man is kidnapped, sold, and has to endure unimaginable cruelty in 1840s America. This Steve McQueen directorial won Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o.

Argo (2013)

It might seem like a classic Hollywood thriller, but ‘Argo’ traces the real CIA mission during the Iran hostage crisis. Ben Affleck leads the show as the agent who staged a fake sci-fi movie to rescue six Americans. Of course, the satire was spot-on and the patriotic edge drew viewers. The film earned multiple Oscars.

The Artist (2012)

‘The Artist’ is an enchanting love letter to the silent film era of Hollywood. Brimming with nostalgia, the movie tells the story of a struggling star named George Valentin. What changes his life is the arrival of “talkies” in late 1920s. Shot in black and white, the film charmed audiences and critics alike.

The King's Speech (2011)

Colin Firth gave a nuanced performance in this historical drama about King George VI's battle with his speech impediment. The story is inspirational as it shows the best of the human spirit. The film was recognised by the Academy for its historical significance and emotional resonance.

Slumdog Millionaire (2009)


Set in Mumbai, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is a quintessential rags-to-riches story. We meet an intelligent street kid named Jamal who goes on the reality show - Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to change his destiny. The film is a visually striking journey and became a global phenomenon alongside winning eight Oscars.

The Hurt Locker (2010)

Kathryn Bigelow's intense war drama, ’The Hurt Locker,’ made history as the first Best Picture winner directed by a woman. The movie is about a U.S. Army bomb disposal unit in Iraq and touches upon the themes of adrenaline addiction, trauma, and brotherhood.

No Country for Old Men (2008)

This gritty thriller by the Coen Brothers won widespread acclaim for its stark portrayal of evil, violence and doom. The story follows Llewelyn Moss, who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and a suitcase full of cash. The tension rises as he is pursued by a relentless killer, Anton Chigurh.

Crash (2006)

Paul Haggis' drama about racial tensions and prejudice in Los Angeles interweaves the lives of diverse characters over a 36-hour period. A divisive but thought-provoking Academy Award winner, ‘Crash’ is considered great for its bold narrative structure and moral complexity.

Million Dollar Baby (2005)


Starring Hilary Swank as a female boxer, this emotionally devastating drama directed by Clint Eastwood knocked out the competition in multiple Oscar categories. The film delivers a powerful punch with its exploration of ambition, resilience, and the painful cost of dreams. The haunting narrative and ultimate tragedy makes ‘Million Dollar Baby’ a must-watch movie.