The Academy Awards are supposed to celebrate the best of cinema, but let's be honest—sometimes they miss the mark spectacularly. While classics like Casablanca and The Godfather deserve every ounce of praise, there's a whole other category of Best Picture winners that make you wonder what the voters were thinking. These films have aged poorly, were never that great to begin with, or have become downright embarrassing to defend. Here are eight Oscar winners that nobody actually likes anymore.
'American Beauty' (1999)
If you asked someone about American Beauty in 2000, they'd probably call it a masterpiece. Fast forward to today, and it's a different story. Sam Mendes' debut has aged like milk, thanks in large part to Kevin Spacey's real-life scandals that mirror his character's creepy behavior. The film's self-indulgent take on suburban angst feels laughable now, especially when you consider it beat out Fight Club—a movie that actually understood toxic masculinity. The infamous plastic bag monologue? Pure cringe. Even the strong performances from Annette Bening can't save this one from being a relic of its time.
'Out of Africa' (1985)
On paper, Out of Africa had everything: Sydney Pollack directing, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford starring, and sweeping African landscapes. But somehow, this romantic epic is a total snooze. The love story between Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton feels flat, and the film's three-hour runtime is a test of endurance. It wanted to be the next Lawrence of Arabia but ended up as a footnote in Oscar history. Even the gorgeous cinematography can't make up for the lack of emotional stakes.
'Green Book' (2018)
When Green Book won Best Picture, even Spike Lee—whose BlacKkKlansman was nominated—called it out. Peter Farrelly's road-trip dramedy is pleasant enough, thanks to Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali's chemistry, but its racial politics are painfully simplistic. The film whitewashes history, turning a complex story into a feel-good fairy tale. It's the kind of movie that makes you smile while watching, but leaves a bad taste once you think about it. After the progress of Moonlight, this win felt like a step backward.
'Around the World in 80 Days' (1956)
This adaptation of Jules Verne's novel is a prime example of old Hollywood excess. It's a bloated, episodic adventure that hasn't aged well. The special effects that once wowed audiences now look dated, and the pacing is glacial. It's no wonder this win is often cited as a reason the studio system collapsed—audiences wanted something fresher.
'Crash' (2004)
Perhaps the most infamous Best Picture winner of the 21st century, Crash is a heavy-handed mess. Paul Haggis's ensemble drama tries to tackle racism by connecting a bunch of shallow characters in the most on-the-nose ways possible. It beat Brokeback Mountain, which is now considered a classic, while Crash is remembered as a punchline. Even its defenders have gone quiet.
'Driving Miss Daisy' (1989)
Another race-themed winner that hasn't held up, Driving Miss Daisy is a gentle, safe take on segregation that avoids any real discomfort. Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy give fine performances, but the film feels like a whitewashed version of history. It's the kind of movie that makes you feel good without challenging you—and that's exactly why it's fallen out of favor.
'The English Patient' (1996)
Remember when Seinfeld made fun of this movie? Elaine's hatred for The English Patient was a running joke, and for good reason. This romantic drama is slow, pretentious, and overlong. It beat Fargo, which is now considered a masterpiece, while The English Patient is mostly remembered for being boring. Even its beautiful cinematography can't save it from being a slog.
'Chicago' (2002)
Okay, Chicago is fun—but Best Picture? It's a flashy musical with great performances, but it lacks the depth of other winners. The film's cynical take on fame and justice feels shallow, and it hasn't aged as well as other musicals like Moulin Rouge! (which wasn't even nominated). It's a crowd-pleaser, sure, but it's hardly a timeless classic.
These eight winners prove that the Oscars aren't infallible. Whether it's due to changing tastes, scandals, or just bad judgment, these films have become the black sheep of the Best Picture club. Next time you're arguing about the worst Oscar winner, you've got plenty of ammunition.
