Ranking Every Best Picture Winner Since 2000: From Worst to Best
The Oscars have been a staple in the film industry for almost a century, celebrating the art of cinema and honoring the best films of each year. As we entered the new millennium, many wondered how the movies would change and evolve, and if the Oscars would change with them. The answer is a mix of yes, no, and sometimes. Looking back at every Best Picture winner since 2000, it’s clear that some films have aged poorly, while others have stood the test of time. Some have reminded us of the Oscars’ ability to get it right, while others have left us scratching our heads. Here is a ranking of every Best Picture winner since 2000, from worst to best.
1. ‘Crash’ (2005)
Paul Haggis’s “Crash” takes the bottom spot on our list. This ensemble drama about racism and class disparity received mixed reviews upon its release and has not aged well. Its heavy-handed symbolism and caricature-like characters make it a difficult watch. It’s unlikely that this film will ever escape its reputation as one of the Oscars’ most questionable choices.
2. ‘Green Book’ (2018)
“Green Book” tells the story of a friendship between a black pianist and his white driver during a tour of the Deep South in the 1960s. While Mahershala Ali’s performance is commendable, the film has been criticized for its simplistic take on race relations and its mishandling of LGBTQ+ representation. It’s a feel-good movie that ultimately falls short.
3. ‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001)
“A Beautiful Mind” is a biopic about mathematician John Nash, who struggled with mental illness throughout his career. While Jennifer Connelly’s performance is noteworthy, the film whitewashes Nash’s personal history and reduces him to a one-dimensional character. It’s a formulaic and forgettable entry in the Best Picture canon.
4. ‘The King’s Speech’ (2010)
“The King’s Speech” tells the story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech impediment and his relationship with his speech therapist. While Colin Firth delivers a strong performance, the film feels like a middlebrow crowd-pleaser designed to win awards. It lacks the depth and originality of other Best Picture winners.
5. ‘CODA’ (2021)
“CODA” is a heartwarming drama about a young woman from a working-class family who aspires to be a singer. While the film received praise for its representation of hearing-impaired characters, it falls into the trap of feeling formulaic and predictable. It’s an uplifting film that ultimately lacks the depth and complexity of other winners.
6. ‘Argo’ (2012)
“Argo” is based on the true story of a CIA specialist who leads a mission to rescue American hostages during the Iran Hostage Crisis. While the film has its moments, it often veers into Hollywood backpatting and fails to fully explore the complexities of the situation. It’s an entertaining thriller but lacks the substance of other winners.
7. ‘The Artist’ (2011)
“The Artist” is a black-and-white silent film that pays homage to the early days of cinema. While it has its moments of charm, it ultimately feels like a gimmick and fails to leave a lasting impression. It’s a pleasant experiment that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
8. ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004)
Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” combines elements of a boxing drama and a terminal-illness weepie. While the performances are strong, the film’s second half loses momentum and becomes bogged down by sentimentality. It’s a solid film but lacks the impact of other winners.
9. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008)
“Slumdog Millionaire” tells the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who competes on a game show. While the film received critical acclaim and was a box-office hit, it has been criticized for its portrayal of poverty and its cultural tourism. It’s an entertaining film but lacks the depth of other winners.
10. ‘Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ (2014)
“Birdman” follows a washed-up actor as he tries to revive his career on Broadway. While the film has its moments of brilliance, it often feels pretentious and self-indulgent. Its meta-commentary on the entertainment industry can be exhausting. It’s a film that divided audiences and critics alike.
11. ‘Chicago’ (2002)
“Chicago” is a flashy musical about murder and fame in 1920s Chicago. While it has its showstopping moments, the film can feel disjointed and uneven. It’s an entertaining spectacle but lacks the depth and substance
