As we approach the announcement of nominations for The Oscars 2025, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the Best Picture winners that have topped the charts on Rotten Tomatoes. Notably, the Best Picture category differs from others by featuring 10 nominations instead of the usual five across the 23 categories within the ceremony. Given the impressive array of talent emerging in 2024, predicting which film might seize the award at the 2025 Oscars is a tall order. However, the nominations from the Producers Guild of America (PGA) for Best Motion Picture offer some insight into the potential frontrunners.
Over the past century, the film industry has experienced a remarkable evolution, yielding numerous exceptional films. Since the inception of the Academy Awards in 1929, the financial success of Best Picture winners has been inconsistent. Nevertheless, this variance holds little sway over their cultural significance; of the 96 films that have earned this prestigious honor, more than half boast critics’ ratings of 90% or more on Rotten Tomatoes.This demonstrates a powerful synergy between public appreciation and critical acclaim. A look at the rankings based on Tomatometer ratings reveals a treasure trove of cinematic excellence that has been rightfully recognized.
10 Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)
98% On Rotten Tomatoes
Ranked as the tenth highest-rated Best Picture winner, Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) achieved a notable 98% on the Tomatometer. This film narrates a poignant tale of a husband’s betrayal and his affair with a city girl. It opens with a dreamlike portrayal of rural life before transitioning to the vibrant rhythm of modern American city life.
Directed by F. W.Murnau, who previously created the iconic Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, Sunrise is often associated with German Expressionism of the early 20th century. However, its ambitious scope made it a commercial disappointment upon release. Critics noted a dissonance between its nuanced expressionist approach and the grandiosity of Hollywood filmmaking. Regardless, the film has since earned its place as a cherished classic, despite failing to recover its production costs.
9 All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
98% On Rotten Tomatoes
All Quiet on the Western Front portrays the harrowing experiences of German schoolboys who are conscripted into the First World War at the behest of their teacher. This impactful film, based on Erich Maria Remarque’s semi-autobiographical novel, shines a light on the grim realities of war.
A landmark achievement in war films, it garnered five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The story saw a reimagining in 2022, directed by Edward Berger, which won accolades for Best Production Design and Best International Feature, although it fell short of its predecessor’s acclaim.
8 Rebecca (1940)
98% On Rotten Tomatoes
Rebecca, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is his sole film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. This 1940 thriller, rated 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, envelops viewers in an atmosphere of intrigue and suspense, showcasing Hitchcock’s genius. The plot follows a young bride who discovers the haunting legacy of her husband’s late wife, Rebecca.
Upon its release, the film was lauded for its critical and commercial success, receiving eleven Oscar nominations—the highest of any film that year. In 2018, it was recognized by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance, earning a place in the United States National Film Registry.
7 It Happened One Night (1934)
98% On Rotten Tomatoes
It Happened One Night, directed by Frank Capra in 1934, remains a hallmark of romantic comedy. The film chronicles a young woman’s spontaneous marriage to a pilot as an act of defiance against her father. It holds a distinct place in Oscar history, as one of only three films to sweep all five major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay.
The film soared at the box office, thanks largely to the explosive performances and chemistry of its lead actors, cementing its legacy in cinema history.
6 Schindler’s List (1993)
98% On Rotten Tomatoes
Schindler’s List, directed by Steven Spielberg, stands as one of the most profound films ever produced. This landmark historical drama details how Oskar Schindler saved over 1, 000 Jews from Nazi extermination during World War II, marking a defining moment in Spielberg’s career.
The film significantly impacted the narrative of the Holocaust and inspired countless survivors to share their own histories. At the 66th Academy Awards, it received the Best Picture award, although Ralph Fiennes was notably overlooked for his chilling portrayal of Amon Goth. With a box office performance exceeding $300 million, Schindler’s List is remembered for its historical significance and as a crucial piece of cinematic storytelling.
5 Moonlight (2016)
98% On Rotten Tomatoes
Moonlight captivated audiences with its deeply emotional narrative, earning a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Barry Jenkins for A24, the film chronicles three pivotal stages in the life of Chiron—a journey of self-discovery that highlights the African-American experience. Its groundbreaking narrative won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali.
Significantly, it marked the first occasion that a film with an all-Black cast won Best Picture. The 2017 Oscars are particularly remembered for the unforgettable moment when Moonlight was mistakenly announced as a late winner, leading to a dramatic moment on stage.
4 On the Waterfront (1954)
99% On Rotten Tomatoes
On the Waterfront features an iconic performance by Marlon Brando, solidifying its place as a definitive film in his career. The crime drama, which also won Best Picture, explores themes of moral conflict against a backdrop of corruption and violence. Brando’s remarkable performance alone redefined acting in cinema.
In celebration of its 70th anniversary, a 4K restoration was released in April 2024, rekindling interest in this powerful film that continues to resonate with audiences today.
3 All About Eve (1950)
99% On Rotten Tomatoes
All About Eve, the 23rd recipient of the Best Picture award, boasts a remarkable 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This film is particularly notable for its record-number of four female acting nominations—an achievement that still stands unmatched. Earning a total of six Oscars, the film revolves around the rise of an ambitious actress intent on sabotaging a beloved Broadway star’s career.
Critically acclaimed at its time, All About Eve presents a refreshing feminist perspective, with a stellar cast featuring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, and George Sanders.
2 Casablanca (1942)
99% On Rotten Tomatoes
Casablanca endures as a quintessential piece of cinema and is celebrated for its remarkable narrative and performances. Centering on a romance intertwined with the turmoil of World War II, the film’s magnetic dialogue and the performances by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman have ensured its continued adoration over the decades.
The film’s legacy remains unparalleled, with discussions about potential sequels consistently falling flat—demonstrating the challenge of capturing the original magic of this classic.
1 Parasite (2019)
99% On Rotten Tomatoes
Winning hearts in 2019, Parasite swiftly gained acclaim from both critics and audiences. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film delves into social themes through its darkly humorous lens that unfolds the complex dynamics between a wealthy family and a struggling household.
The film garnered four Academy Awards, including the prestigious Best Picture, and etched its name in history by being the first non-English language film to achieve this honor. With a modest budget of $11.4 million—surpassing $200 million in worldwide box office receipts—Parasite not only marked Bong’s highest-grossing film but also became a streaming sensation as Hulu’s most-watched foreign-language film, according to IndieWire.
Source: IndieWire
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