Some films come along and manage to win not just one, but multiple Academy Awards across various categories. These films are often monumental in their impact, showcasing outstanding performances, direction, and technical achievements. Winning multiple Oscars is a rare feat, and it’s a testament to a film’s excellence. Let’s take a look at 10 movies that dominated the Oscars and explore why they became so successful.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Peter Jackson’s epic conclusion to The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a shining example of cinematic excellence. It brought the grand fantasy world of Middle-Earth to a close with action-packed sequences, emotional depth, and breathtaking visuals. The film swept the Oscars, winning all 11 of its nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
- Why It’s Great: Jackson’s vision and the movie’s remarkable world-building, combined with exceptional performances from the ensemble cast, made it a perfect storm of cinematic achievement.
- Awards: 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Jackson), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
2. Titanic (1997)
James Cameron’s Titanic is a love story set against the backdrop of the infamous ship’s doomed voyage. The film blends a heartfelt romance with the historical disaster, offering audiences a mixture of spectacle, tragedy, and epic storytelling. It became the highest-grossing film of all time (until Avatar surpassed it), and it won 11 Academy Awards, matching The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King for the most Oscar wins.
- Why It’s Great: With its combination of groundbreaking visual effects, compelling performances, and a story that transcended its historical setting, Titanic became a cultural phenomenon.
- Awards: 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (James Cameron), and Best Original Song (“My Heart Will Go On”).
3. Ben-Hur (1959)
William Wyler’s Ben-Hur is one of the most legendary films in Hollywood history. This epic biblical drama about the life of Judah Ben-Hur, who seeks revenge after being betrayed, set the standard for historical epics. The film’s extravagant set pieces, including the famous chariot race, and its emotional depth made it an instant classic.
- Why It’s Great: The film’s epic scale, combined with its emotionally charged story of redemption and revenge, made it one of the most unforgettable experiences in cinema history.
- Awards: 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (William Wyler), and Best Actor (Charlton Heston).
4. The English Patient (1996)
This sweeping romantic drama, directed by Anthony Minghella and based on Michael Ondaatje’s novel, tells the story of a disfigured man (Ralph Fiennes) who reflects on his past love affair while stranded in an Italian villa during World War II. The film’s intricate narrative and stunning cinematography helped it win multiple Academy Awards.
- Why It’s Great: The film’s beautiful cinematography, heartbreaking romance, and powerful performances made it an instant classic. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
- Awards: 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Anthony Minghella), and Best Supporting Actress (Juliette Binoche).
5. The Godfather Part II (1974)
The sequel to The Godfather is often regarded as one of the few sequels that surpasses the original. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film delves deeper into the Corleone family’s history and the rise of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). The film is a masterclass in storytelling, exploring themes of power, family, and betrayal.
- Why It’s Great: The complex storytelling, strong character arcs, and exceptional performances, especially from Pacino and Robert De Niro (who won Best Supporting Actor), make this film an enduring classic.
- Awards: 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Francis Ford Coppola), and Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro).
6. Gladiator (2000)
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator brought the epic historical drama back into vogue, telling the story of Maximus (Russell Crowe), a betrayed Roman general who seeks revenge against the emperor who murdered his family. The film’s combination of thrilling action, emotional depth, and epic storytelling earned it multiple Oscars.
- Why It’s Great: Crowe’s standout performance as the vengeful general, combined with Scott’s direction and stunning battle sequences, made this film a modern classic.
- Awards: 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Ridley Scott), and Best Actor (Russell Crowe).
7. The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water is a fantastical romance set against the backdrop of the Cold War. The film tells the story of a mute woman (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with a mysterious amphibian creature held captive in a government facility. The film combines elements of fantasy, horror, and romance in a unique way.
- Why It’s Great: Del Toro’s vision of a love story between two unlikely characters, combined with strong performances and breathtaking visuals, made it one of the most distinctive films of 2017.
- Awards: 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), and Best Production Design.
8. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
This film, based on Ken Kesey’s novel, stars Jack Nicholson as a man who feigns insanity to avoid prison time and ends up in a mental institution. What follows is a power struggle between him and the institution’s oppressive head nurse, Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). The film is a powerful examination of freedom, authority, and individuality.
- Why It’s Great: Nicholson’s unforgettable performance, paired with Fletcher’s chilling portrayal of Nurse Ratched, creates an intense atmosphere. The film’s psychological themes and social commentary made it a groundbreaking success.
- Awards: 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Milos Forman), and Best Actor (Jack Nicholson).
9. The Deer Hunter (1978)
Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter is a haunting exploration of the Vietnam War’s effects on a group of working-class friends. The film follows their lives before, during, and after the war, examining trauma, friendship, and the brutality of conflict. It’s a deeply emotional and powerful film that lingers in the mind long after viewing.
- Why It’s Great: The Deer Hunter is a raw and uncompromising look at the emotional and psychological scars of war. Its brutal, unflinching portrayal of the conflict is coupled with memorable performances from Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep.
- Awards: 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Cimino), and Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken).
10. La La Land (2016)
Damien Chazelle’s modern musical La La Land captured the hearts of audiences with its nostalgic yet fresh take on the genre. The story of an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) in Los Angeles became a massive hit, earning both commercial success and critical acclaim.
- Why It’s Great: With its dazzling visuals, memorable soundtrack, and captivating performances from Stone and Gosling, La La Land revived the musical genre for a new generation while also delivering a poignant, bittersweet love story.
- Awards: 6 Academy Awards, including Best Director (Damien Chazelle), Best Actress (Emma Stone), and Best Original Song (“City of Stars”).
FAQs About Movies That Win Multiple Academy Awards
What makes a movie win multiple Oscars?
A movie that wins multiple Oscars often excels in multiple areas—direction, acting, writing, cinematography, and technical achievement. It’s typically a well-rounded film with standout performances, innovative filmmaking, and a story that resonates deeply with audiences and critics.
Can a film win too many Oscars?
While winning multiple Oscars is usually a sign of quality, sometimes the Academy’s preference for a film that sweeps all the categories can lead to controversy, especially when other deserving films or performances are overlooked.
Why do some films win more Oscars than others?
Films that win more Oscars tend to be those that make a significant impact in several areas of filmmaking. A film that is universally praised for its acting, directing, writing, and technical achievements stands the best chance of dominating the Oscars.
Resources for Exploring Academy Award Winners
- Oscars.org: The official website of the Academy, featuring complete information on past and present Oscar winners.
- IMDb: A great resource for discovering which films have won multiple Academy Awards and the categories in which they won.
- Rotten Tomatoes: A trusted source for movie reviews and rankings, including the best Academy Award-winning films.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Oscar-Winning Movies
Winning multiple Academy Awards is a rare and impressive achievement, and these 10 films prove that the Oscars can be more than just a stamp of approval—they can define a movie’s place in cinematic history. From sweeping epics like The Lord of the Rings to intimate dramas like The Deer Hunter, these films set the standard for filmmaking excellence.
