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.

  • Oppenheimer
    Oppenheimer

    Oppenheimer - A story of brilliance and destruction.

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  • All Quiet on the Western Front
    All Quiet on the Western Front

    All Quiet on the Western Front - War is hell, but humanity is worse.

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  • Everything Everywhere All at Once
    Everything Everywhere All at Once

    Everything Everywhere All at Once - In a multiverse of madness, family is everything.

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  • CODA
    CODA

    CODA - Find your voice and sing your truth.

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  • Nomadland
    Nomadland

    Nomadland - The journey to freedom is paved with hardship.

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  • Parasite
    Parasite

    Parasite - Social class divides us, but fate connects us.

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  • Green Book
    Green Book

    Green Book - Two men, one road, endless possibilities.

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  • The Shape of Water
    The Shape of Water

    The Shape of Water - Love transcends boundaries.

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  • Moonlight
    Moonlight

    Moonlight - A story of self-discovery, love, and identity.

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  • Spotlight
    Spotlight

    Spotlight - The truth is out there.

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best picture

1.

Oppenheimer

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Christopher Nolan's historical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb. A deep dive into the moral implications of scientific discovery.

Pros

  • pros Stunning visuals
  • pros thought-provoking
  • pros historical significance
  • pros powerful performances
  • pros intense

Cons

  • consComplex storytelling
  • cons lengthy
  • cons emotionally heavy
  • cons niche subject
  • cons slow pacing

2.

All Quiet on the Western Front

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A German World War I film showcasing the brutalities and horrors of war through the eyes of young soldiers. Based on Erich Maria Remarque's famous novel.

Pros

  • pros Visually striking
  • pros emotionally intense
  • pros powerful performances
  • pros realistic portrayal of war
  • pros historical relevance

Cons

  • consHeavy subject matter
  • cons dark tone
  • cons slow at times
  • cons difficult to watch
  • cons graphic violence

3.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

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A genre-defying story about a Chinese-American woman who must save the multiverse while dealing with family struggles and existential questions.

Pros

  • pros Innovative storytelling
  • pros emotional depth
  • pros unique visuals
  • pros diverse themes
  • pros strong performances

Cons

  • consConfusing plot at times
  • cons overwhelming visuals
  • cons fast pacing
  • cons chaotic tone
  • cons niche appeal

4.

CODA

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A coming-of-age story about a young girl in a deaf family who dreams of becoming a singer. A heartwarming and emotionally powerful journey.

Pros

  • pros Heartfelt
  • pros emotional performances
  • pros representation of deaf culture
  • pros empowering story
  • pros strong character development
  • pros family-friendly

Cons

  • consPredictable at times
  • cons sentimental
  • cons familiar plot
  • cons limited dramatic tension
  • cons slow pacing

5.

Nomadland

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Following a woman who loses her job and home during the Great Recession, she becomes a modern-day nomad, finding community while living on the road.

Pros

  • pros Beautiful cinematography
  • pros raw emotion
  • pros socially relevant
  • pros meditative pace
  • pros excellent lead performance

Cons

  • consSlow pace
  • cons depressing themes
  • cons quiet tone
  • cons limited plot development
  • cons niche appeal

6.

Parasite

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A darkly comedic thriller about a poor family who infiltrates the lives of a wealthy family, leading to unexpected consequences.

Pros

  • pros Brilliant direction
  • pros unpredictable plot
  • pros social commentary
  • pros strong performances
  • pros original

Cons

  • consDark themes
  • cons uncomfortable social critique
  • cons slow start
  • cons unsettling tone
  • cons shocking violence

7.

Green Book

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Based on a true story, this film follows an African American pianist and his Italian-American driver as they tour the segregated South in the 1960s.

Pros

  • pros Heartwarming
  • pros excellent performances
  • pros social relevance
  • pros uplifting message
  • pros great chemistry between leads

Cons

  • consPredictable at times
  • cons light on social critique
  • cons sentimentality
  • cons overly simplistic
  • cons historical inaccuracies

8.

The Shape of Water

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A unique fantasy film about a mute woman who forms a bond with a mysterious aquatic creature in a 1960s government facility.

Pros

  • pros Beautifully shot
  • pros unique story
  • pros strong performances
  • pros emotional depth
  • pros powerful visuals

Cons

  • consStrange premise
  • cons slow pacing
  • cons fantasy elements not for everyone
  • cons niche appeal
  • cons limited character depth

9.

Moonlight

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The coming-of-age story of a young black man growing up in a rough neighborhood, dealing with issues of sexuality, identity, and survival.

Pros

  • pros Powerful performances
  • pros emotional depth
  • pros intimate portrayal
  • pros socially relevant
  • pros beautifully shot

Cons

  • consSlow pacing
  • cons heavy themes
  • cons uncomfortable at times
  • cons difficult for mainstream audience
  • cons niche appeal

10.

Spotlight

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A film about the Boston Globe's investigative team uncovering the widespread child abuse scandal within the Catholic Church.

Pros

  • pros Gripping
  • pros important social commentary
  • pros excellent writing
  • pros strong performances
  • pros timely topic

Cons

  • consSlow pacing
  • cons serious subject matter
  • cons heavy on dialogue
  • cons less focus on character arcs
  • cons emotionally intense

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