The Academy Awards have been celebrating the magic of cinema for nearly a century. Legendary films like Titanic and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King continue to inspire audiences and define their era.
Besides these famous films, many other Oscar winners have also made a big impact. From powerful dramas to heartfelt stories, these movies are loved because they connect with us and showcase the best of what cinema has to offer.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Oscar-winning movies, diving into what made them special, how they impacted culture, and why they’re still worth watching today.
15 Best Movies With Most Oscars
There are lots of Movies With Most Oscars like Ben-Hur and Titanic. These films continue to be loved for their unforgettable stories and timeless impact.
| Movie | Released Year | Number of Oscars Won |
|---|---|---|
| Ben-Hur | 1959 | 11 |
| Titanic | 1997 | 11 |
| The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King | 2003 | 11 |
| West Side Story | 1961 | 10 |
| Amadeus | 1984 | 8 |
| Lawrence of Arabia | 1962 | 7 |
| Schindler’s List | 1993 | 7 |
| Gravity | 2013 | 7 |
| The Godfather Part II | 1974 | 6 |
| Forrest Gump | 1994 | 6 |
| La La Land | 2016 | 6 |
| Parasite | 2019 | 4 |
| Casablanca | 1942 | 3 |
| Moonlight | 2016 | 3 |
| Oppenheimer | 2023 | 3 |
Each film on this list earned its place through exceptional storytelling, memorable performances, and technical brilliance that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
1. Ben-Hur (1959)
Charlton Heston delivered a powerful performance as Judah Ben-Hur in this epic biblical film, which swept the 1959 Academy Awards. The film won the highest number of Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and more.
The famous chariot race scene remains one of the most thrilling action moments in movie history. While Ben-Hur set the standard for epic filmmaking, not all big-budget productions achieve the same level of success; some also end up as some of the worst movies in cinema history.
2. Titanic (1997)
James Cameron’s epic love story set on the famous ship became a worldwide hit, winning 11 Oscars. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s roles as Jack and Rose turned them into one of the most loved movie couples, set against the real-life tragedy of the Titanic.
Titanic’s mix of romance, emotion, and history made it the top-grossing film of its time and a movie people still talk about today. As Titanic ruled the box office, many animated films have also made huge money, like the highest-grossing animated films, irrespective of the genre.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Peter Jackson’s epic final chapter of the trilogy won Oscars in every category in which it was nominated. The film’s big success also honored the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, with Jackson receiving Best Director for his incredible work bringing Tolkien’s world to life.
With its mix of practical effects, huge sets, and emotional depth, the film gave fans a powerful ending to the Middle-earth story. Return of the King’s Oscar sweep showed that fantasy movies could be just as meaningful and respected as any other film genre.
4. West Side Story (1961)
This musical adaptation of the Broadway hit reimagines Romeo and Juliet amid 1950s New York gang rivalry. It tells the tragic love story of Tony and Maria, caught between two rival street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.
The film’s energetic dance scenes and unforgettable songs like “Maria” and “Tonight” highlight the talents of Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris. With its blend of romance, social commentary, and spectacular musical performances, West Side Story remains one of the greatest film musicals ever made.
5. Amadeus (1984)
Milos Forman’s biographical drama about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart won 8 Oscars. Tom Hulce played Mozart, and F. Murray Abraham was his jealous rival, Salieri, creating a powerful story about talent, envy, and creativity in 18th-century Vienna.
The classical music and period details brought Mozart’s world to life, while the intense relationship between the two composers added emotional depth. Amadeus showed that historical biopics can be both fun and informative, inspiring other films about famous artists.
6. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Director David Lean’s epic movie starring Peter O’Toole as T.E. Lawrence won 7 Oscars in 1963, out of ten nominations. At 222 minutes, it is the longest film ever to win Best Picture.
The beautiful desert scenes and powerful music bring the vast Arabian landscape to life. Its amazing storytelling has inspired famous directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Spielberg even called it “a miracle.”
You can also explore the legendary actors who won the most Oscars and left a lasting mark on film history.
7. Schindler’s List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s Holocaust drama was a big change from his usual action-packed movies. Liam Neeson’s role as Oskar Schindler and Ralph Fiennes’ chilling performance as Amon Goeth told a powerful true story of courage during a time of terrible cruelty.
The black-and-white visuals and John Williams’ emotional music made the film even more moving. Schindler’s List helped many understand the horrors of the Holocaust and honored those who were lost, becoming one of the most important historical films ever made.
8. Gravity (2013)
Alfonso Cuarón’s gripping space thriller stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, and is mostly known for its amazing visuals and sound. The film’s smart use of 3D and long, flowing shots made it feel as though you were truly floating in space alongside the characters.
Sandra Bullock’s role as a stranded astronaut added a heart to the story, and Cuarón’s direction made it both intense and emotional. Gravity set new standards for space movies and showed how powerful visual effects can be when used to support a strong, personal story.
9. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Francis Ford Coppola’s sequel went beyond the first film by combining two timelines about the Corleone family. The movie became the first sequel to win Hollywood’s highest honor and set new standards for franchise films.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone and Robert De Niro as young Vito gave amazing performances. The film’s story about power, family loyalty, and the American dream through organized crime made it one of the best sequels ever.
10. Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks gave one of his best performances as a kind-hearted man from Alabama who finds himself in the middle of major events in American history. He changes lives and witnesses history, all while just being himself.
The movie used clever visual effects to show Forrest in real historical moments. Its themes of love, destiny, and American life touched hearts around the world. Forrest Gump’s mix of humor, emotion, and history made it a truly special film that still inspires people today.
11. La La Land (2016)
Damien Chazelle’s modern musical, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, is a love letter to old Hollywood and a fresh take on chasing dreams. It won six Oscars, including Best Director for Chazelle, who made history as the youngest person to win that award at just 32.
With bright colors, stunning visuals, and unforgettable songs like “City of Stars,” the film captured both the magic and heartbreak of falling in love while chasing big dreams. La La Land brought new life to the musical genre.
12. Parasite (2019)
Bong Joon-ho’s darkly funny and sharp drama about class inequality in South Korea made history as the first non-English film to win Best Picture. It took home 4 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
The story follows a poor family as they gradually rise to a wealthy household, blending humor, suspense, and powerful social themes. Parasite’s worldwide success showed that great stories can come from anywhere and helped open the door for more global films in Hollywood.
13. Casablanca (1942)
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman created movie magic in this wartime romance set in Morocco. The film won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Curtiz), and Best Writing.
Classic lines like “Here’s looking at you, kid” helped make Casablanca unforgettable. Its mix of romance, wartime drama, and political intrigue turned it into one of Hollywood’s greatest achievements, inspiring generations of films to come.
14. Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins’ powerful drama follows three stages in the life of a young Black man growing up in Miami. Each part of the film shows him at a different age, played by different actors, as he struggles with identity, masculinity, and finding his place in the world.
Mahershala Ali’s moving performance and the film’s gentle, intimate style helped tell this emotional story in a real and honest way. Moonlight’s Best Picture win was a big step forward for diverse storytelling in Hollywood, showing that small, heartfelt films can make a big impact.
15. Oppenheimer (2023)
Christopher Nolan’s biographical thriller is about the man who created the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy’s role as J. Robert Oppenheimer and Robert Downey Jr. supporting part as Lewis Strauss showed a deep and complex story about science and moral responsibility.
The film used real effects and IMAX cinematography for the nuclear explosions. Oppenheimer’s success showed that audiences want iconic stories told with a strong vision.
Exciting Read: Along with these films, get ready for incredible Marvel movies set to be released in 2026.
10 Best Movies With Most Oscars To Watch
Recently, Anora won the Oscar for Best Picture. Here, take a glance at the Oscar-winning movies that are not covered above.
| Movie Title | Release Year | Oscars Won |
|---|---|---|
| Anora | 2025 | 5 |
| Everything Everywhere All at Once | 2022 | 7 |
| Nomadland | 2020 | 3 |
| The Shape of Water | 2017 | 4 |
| Spotlight | 2015 | 2 |
| Birdman | 2014 | 4 |
| 12 Years a Slave | 2013 | 3 |
| The Artist | 2011 | 5 |
| The King’s Speech | 2010 | 4 |
| The Hurt Locker | 2009 | 6 |
With so many classic films to explore, today’s movie enthusiasts have more free movie streaming options than ever before, making it easier to discover these cinematic masterpieces.
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Conclusion: Ben-Hur Is One Of The Best Movie With 11 Oscar Awards
Oscar-winning films have given us unforgettable stories and iconic moments. From powerful acting to amazing visuals, these movies show why they’re still loved by audiences and filmmakers around the world.
These movies reflect different cultures, emotions, and big ideas. From a romantic drama to a gripping thriller, each film offers something unique and worth watching.
Start with timeless classics like Ben-Hur or Titanic, then explore newer winners like Parasite or Oppenheimer to enjoy a full journey through Oscar-winning greatness.
FAQs
Three films have won 11 Oscars: Ben-Hur (1959), Titanic (1997), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).
Only three films have won the “Big Five” Oscars (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Screenplay): It Happened One Night (1934), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), and The Silence of the Lambs (1991).
Titanic won 11 Oscars out of 14 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography, among others.
Parasite (2019) became the first non-English film to win Best Picture, marking a historic moment for international cinema and Korean filmmaking specifically.
The Harry Potter film series won zero Oscars despite receiving multiple nominations. The films were nominated for Art Direction, Cinematography, and Visual Effects but did not win in any category.
