Binging Oscar’s Best of the Best! Best Picture Movie Nights
You always dreamed of traveling during your retirement and maybe you even booked a few, now canceled, river cruises. And then the pandemic hit.
One can only take so many socially-distanced activities and zoom dinners. It gets old, right? Why not binge on Oscar's best? And if you enjoy these, check out the whole list on Wikipedia. It’s hard to not choose every movie from the 1970’s and 1980’s.
The Ten of Best Pictures
Make it a Monday night tradition, or watch all in a week. No matter how you binge the best, do it. You won’t regret these choices only your snacks!
Do you remember which film won best picture in 1967? Did you see it? Maybe it is worth a re-watch with 9 others. Here's our list.
An American In Paris (1951)
Who doesn’t love a romance the involves Leslie Caron (of GiGi fame) and Gene Kelly. Memorable songs will bring you back in time. C’est magnifique!
On the Waterfront (1954)
The struggle of the working class is highlighted in this video. The struggle to be somebody. And the famous line “I could have been a contender” which was entirely improvised by Marlon Brando. It’s worth a rewatch just for the quality of acting rarely seen today.
West Side Story (1961)
West Side Story is a modern Romeo and Juliet with choreography that is so familiar now but was avant garde and innovative then. Out of the box storytelling with songs you can’t help singing along will make any Monday night better. Oh and Natalie Wood at her best!
The Godfather (1972) and Part II (1974)
This one is a two-fer. So much of the direction we see in modern films mimicked Francis Ford Coppola’s techniques. Every time you watch, you will be surprised at the nuance you missed before. Sure, it’s violent and they go to the mattresses, but wow. The characters and acting draws you in. But, don’t bother watching Godfather Part III. It’s a huge disappointment.
Kramer v Kramer (1979)
This is a classic movie about what divorce and custody changes our modern family. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep give heart-wrenching performances that suck you into the drama. Whose side do you take?
Gandhi (1982) & Chariots of Fire (1981)
Back to back historical dramas that bring you into the struggles of sticking with principles and being victorious could easily make a double feature night. Though Chariots of Fire starts rather slow and is two hours long.
So, we’ll go with Ben Kingsley starring as Mahatma Gandhi. As in every role he portrays, Kingsley draws you in in such a powerful way, you’re completely transcended.
Amadeus (1984)
Be swept away by the music, the costumes, the love affairs, and the rivalry. There is a reason this film won eight Oscars. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a genius; it’s true. But this cinema adaptation is perfect for any Hump Day blues. F. Murray Abraham’s portrayal of Antonio Salieri is powerful enough to have won him an Oscar.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Arguably the best direction by Steven Spielberg, though which of his movies aren’t, paired with Liam Neeson’s intensity, this movie is a must-see. Based on a true story, it brings us hope that one person can make a difference even in the dark hour of man’s inhumanity to man.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Not since One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest which won best picture in 1975, have we seen a film deal with mental illness and then win best picture. Humanizing the illness, Russell Crowe gives the performance of his lifetime. (Yes, we know he was in Gladiator which won Best Picture in 2000.)
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
We Americans love a good underdog story, no pun intended. This film is carried entirely by the stage presence of Dev Patel is compelling. It will make you believe in destiny and true love all over again.
