16 Movies That Deserved the Oscar for Best Picture but Got Snubbed
These aren't just movies; they're masterpieces that, for some reason, didn't charm the Academy enough.
From edge-of-your-seat thrillers that got your heart racing to thought-provoking dramas that lingered in your mind long after the final scene, these films had it all. But when it came to Oscar night, they were left in the cold, their brilliance unrecognized by the golden statue.
Boyhood (2014)
The life of a boy, Mason, from early childhood to his arrival at college. Boyhood was a rare film project that spanned over a decade, showcasing the actual aging of its actors, a novel approach in film-making.
Why It Should Have Won: Filmed over 12 years, it's a unique cinematic experience. It lost to Birdman, but Boyhood stands out for its realistic portrayal of growing up.
Fargo ( 1996)
A crime-filled dark comedy set in snowy Minnesota. Frances McDormand won her first Oscar for Best Actress in this film, beginning a long and successful collaboration with the Coen brothers.
Why It Should Have Won: Fargo mixed crime, drama, and dark humor brilliantly but lost to The English Patient. Its storytelling and character depth set a new standard.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
A complex love story between two cowboys over several years.
Why It Should Have Won: A poignant and beautifully acted tale, it lost to Crash. Brokeback Mountain was a major step forward in the portrayal of gay relationships in Hollywood films.
Goodfellas (1990)
_29080.webp)
The rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill and his friends over three decades.
Why It Should Have Won: A masterful gangster film, it lost to Dances with Wolves. Goodfellas remains a genre-defining classic with its raw, gritty narrative.
The Social Network (2010)
The founding of Facebook and the legal battles that followed. The film's relevance and portrayal of modern themes made it a standout.
Why It Should Have Won: A timely, sharp, and engaging film, it lost to The King's Speech. But Aaron Sorkin's screenplay was widely praised for its rapid-fire dialogue and won him an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
_29080.webp)
A space voyage to Jupiter turns into a journey of human evolution and AI. Stanley Kubrick's meticulous attention to scientific accuracy in 2001 set a new standard for the portrayal of space in film.
Why It Should Have Won: Revolutionary in visuals and storytelling, it wasn't even nominated. And yet, its impact on science fiction and film language is unparalleled.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
_29080.webp)
A mission to save the last of four brothers in World War II.
Why It Should Have Won: The film's D-Day landing sequence is often cited as one of the most realistic depictions of combat in film history. But, Spielberg's war epic, known for its realism, lost to Shakespeare in Love.
The Dark Knight (2008)
_29080.webp)
Batman battles the chaotic Joker in Gotham City. Heath Ledger posthumously won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, a rare instance of a superhero film actor receiving such acclaim.
Why It Should Have Won: A game-changer for superhero films, it wasn't even nominated. It elevated the genre with its depth and Heath Ledger's performance.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Indiana Jones 's adventure to find the Ark of the Covenant. Spielberg and George Lucas crafted Raiders as an homage to classic adventure serials, inadvertently creating an iconic film franchise.
Why It Should Have Won: A defining action-adventure, it lost to Chariots of Fire. Its influence on popular culture and the adventure genre is immense.
There Will Be Blood (2007)
_29080.webp)
An epic tale of greed and obsession in the early days of oil.
Why It Should Have Won: A towering achievement in film, it lost to No Country for Old Men. Daniel Day-Lewis's immersive method acting in preparing for the role of Daniel Plainview is often cited as a benchmark in character preparation.
Black Panther (2018)
T'Challa, the king of Wakanda, fights to protect his advanced African nation.
Why It Should Have Won: It's more than a superhero movie; it's a cultural icon, showing African culture and discussing race. It lost to Green Book, which was seen as more traditional.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
_29080.webp)
In a desert wasteland, Max teams up with Furiosa to escape a warlord.
Why It Should Have Won: The film's action and effects were groundbreaking. It lost to Spotlight, but Mad Max had a bigger cultural impact and showed how action movies can be art.
Citizen Kane (1941)
The life story of wealthy media mogul Charles Foster Kane.
Why It Should Have Won: Often called the greatest film ever, it was groundbreaking in storytelling and visuals. It lost Best Picture but remains influential in cinema history.
Star Wars ( 1977)
_29080.webp)
Luke Skywalker joins a space rebellion against an evil Empire.
Why It Should Have Won: Star Wars changed movies forever but lost to Annie Hall. Its cultural impact outweighs the winner, especially given Woody Allen 's later controversies.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Interconnected stories of crime and redemption in L.A.
Why It Should Have Won: It redefined cinema with its style and storytelling, losing to Forrest Gump. Pulp Fiction remains influential and a fan favorite.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
_29080.webp)
Andy Dufresne is wrongly jailed for murder. In prison, he becomes friends with Red.
Why It Should Have Won: This film tells a great story and shows amazing acting. Despite losing to Forrest Gump, it's often rated as one of the best movies ever on IMDb.