18 Oscar-Winning Movies on Netflix You Should Watch Right Now
Need to add a few more titles to your list of "Oscar-winning movies I've seen?" Netflix has got you covered -- here are 18 great Oscar-winning performances and films you must watch.
'Sunset Blvd.' (1950)
Billy Wilder's classic drama, about a silent film star's comeback attempt, was nominated for 11 awards and won three, including Best Original Screenplay and Music. It lost out on the big prizes, but remains one of the greatest movies ever made about Hollywood.
'The African Queen' (1951)
Humphrey Bogart netted a Best Actor Oscar for his role as the whiskey-loving Charlie Allnut in this John Huston drama. This was one of Katharine Hepburn's 12 nominations (but not one of her still-record-holding four wins.)
'To Kill a Mockingbird' (1962)
This adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer-winning novel won three Oscars, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck's indelible portrayal of lawyer Atticus Finch.
'The Longest Day' (1962)
Robert Mitchum, John Wayne, and Henry Fonda headline this all-star drama that tells the story of the D-Day invasion from all sides. It was nominated for five Oscars and won two: Best Cinematography and Best Special Effects.
'The Godfather' (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece still stands as one of the greatest American films ever made. It won three of the 11 Oscars it was up for, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Marlon Brando. Al Pacino, James Caan, and Robert Duvall were all nominated for Supporting Actor but went home sans trophy.
'The Godfather, Part II' (1974)
Robert De Niro won his first Oscar for playing young Vito Corleone in this masterful sequel, which also won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Music, Best Art Direction, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Al Pacino was nominated again, but didn't win.
'Cinema Paradiso' (1988)
Giuseppe Tornatore's loving tribute to movies follows a young Sicilian boy who escapes to his local theater during World War II. It won Best Foreign Film. French actor Philippe Noiret (who plays the projectionist) received a BAFTA nomination and was named European Actor of the Year.
'My Left Foot' (1989)
Daniel Day-Lewis won his first Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Irishman Christy Brown, who, due to cerebral palsy, was only able to write and paint with his left foot. Brenda Fricker, who played his mother, became the first Irish actress to win an Oscar. Jim Sheridan directed.
'Howards End' (1992)
Emma Thompson won Best Actress for this sumptuous Merchant-Ivory film. It also won awards for screenplay and art direction. It was nominated for Best Picture, Director, Cinematography, Costume Design, Music, and Supporting Actress (Vanessa Redgrave). Stream on Netflix.
'Schindler's List' (1993)
Steven Spielberg's acclaimed Holocaust drama won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. Stars Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes were nominated (and robbed)? Stream on Netflix.
'Training Day' (2001)
Denzel Washington collected his second Oscar for his larger-than-life performance as corrupt cop Alonzo in this gritty crime drama. Costar Ethan Hawke was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
'Michael Clayton' (2007)
Tilda Swinton won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance as a ruthless corporate lawyer on the verge of a breakdown. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (George Clooney), and Best Supporting Actor (Tom Wilkinson), as well as screenplay and score.
'Man on Wire' (2008)
Easily taking home Best Documentary, this astounding look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's 1974 walk between the World Trade Center towers still gives us goosebumps.
'Inglorious Basterds' (2009)
Christoph Waltz won the first of two Best Supporting Actor Oscars for his memorable turn as Nazi Col. Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino's revisionist WWII action movie/drama/damn good time. It had seven more nominations, including screenplay, which it did not win.
'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013)
Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto both underwent incredible transformations -- and both took home Oscars for this true-life drama. It also won Best Makeup and Hairstyling, with nominations for Best Picture, Editing, and Screenplay.
'Boyhood' (2014)
The Academy flipped for Richard Linklater's 12-year indie project, giving it six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Ethan Hawke). It took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress Patricia Arquette.
'Spotlight' (2015)
The 2016 Best Picture Oscar race was a tight one, but this true-life drama about the reporters who uncovered the Catholic church's abuse scandal took home the big prize, as well as Best Original Screenplay. Its six nominations included nods for Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo.
'Zootopia' (2016)
It's always hard to beat Pixar in the Best Animated Film category, but this funny and tolerance-busting comedy about a crusading bunny and a (stereotype alert!) sly fox more than earned the gold.
