Who said history can’t be entertaining?
1917 (2019)
Sam Mendes’ 1917 was a smash hit culminating in 10 Oscar nominations and 3 Oscar wins for Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound Mixing. Perfectly exemplified by the breathtaking Battlefield Run Scene which included 500 extras, two of which actor George MacKay accidentally ran into during filming. The error remained in the final cut of the film. It looked so natural it only increased the drama of the moment!
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The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
To put it mildly, Martin Scorcese’s The Wolf Of Wall Street is pure and utter chaos. Much like the rise and subsequent fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort during the 1990s. Most of which actually happened. The film contains a record of 506 f-bombs in the film’s 3-hour run time and it was banned in 5 countries for explicit content. Although not for the faint of heart, this film is an absolute joyride that led to the highest earnings of Martin Scorcese’s career of $392 million.
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Schindler’s List (1993)
Everyone loves a good redemption story! Schindler’s List absolutely cleaned up during 1993’s award season with 7 Oscar wins for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Film Editing, and Best Music (Original Score) out of 12 total nominations.
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Braveheart (1995)
I’m willing to bet at least one person ran through the wall of their theater when Mel Gibson delivered his infamous blue-faced speech. Like many other entries on this list, Braveheart dominated award season. It had 5 Oscar wins out of 10 nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Effects (Sound Effects Editing), and Best Makeup.
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Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is arguably the greatest organized crime movie of all time with unforgettable performances from Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci. Pesci’s performance earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Although it’s a lifestyle that shouldn’t be glamorized, Scorsese really has a way of making criminals look cool!
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Malcolm X (1992)
Denzel Washington absolutely crushed his leading role in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X. Washington was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor In A Leading Role and lost to another household name, Al Pacino. It received another nomination for Best Costume Design.
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My Friend Dahmer (2017)
If you love true crime this one is a must-watch! My Friend Dahmer offers a unique perspective on infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s adolescent years. Although it didn’t receive any major award nominations, it did win Best Picture at the Austin Fantastic Fest film festival.
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Vice (2018)
If Christian Bale drastically alters his body for a role, you know it’s good! Vice won 1 Oscar out of 9 nominations for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling. Not surprising when you see the transformation Christian Bale made to look like former Vice President, “Richard” Cheney.
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The Queen (2006)
If you love all things involving the Royal Family and Netflix’s The Crown, I have a movie for you! The Queen has all of the drama stemming from rich people talking in rooms you can’t get enough of accompanied by an Oscar-winning performance from Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II.
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Titanic (1997)
Does this one need an introduction? Titanic featured career-defining performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. It also won 11 Oscars including Best Picture and made all of the money.
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Miracle (2004)
Everyone loves a good sports movie! Miracle covers the story 1980 US Men’s Hockey Team and their victory over the Soviet Union in the Olympics.
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Apollo 13 (1995)
This movie reminds us that space is downright terrifying! Apollo 13 featured monster performances from Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon, and won two Oscars for Best Sound and Film Editing.
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Rocketman (2019)
Rocketman covers the rise of one of the greatest performers we will likely ever see, Elton John. Although he wasn’t nominated for any major awards, Taron Egerton absolutely crushed his leading role!
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BlacKkKlansman (2019)
BlackKklansman is an undercover cop movie based on an outrageous true story directed by Spike Lee and produced by Jordan Peele. It also features sensational performances from John David Washington and Adam Driver. Need I say more?
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Zodiac (2007)
Similar to another entry on this list, if you’re a true crime lover, Zodiac is a must-watch! Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, and Mark Ruffalo hunting down a serial killer? Sign me up!
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A League Of Their Own (1992)
There’s no crying in baseball! A League Of Their Own is definitely one of the more feel-good movies on our list! Who doesn’t want to see Tom Hanks coaching Madonna to play baseball??
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American Hustle (2019)
A crime movie starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence? Yep! American Hustle was nominated for 10 Oscars; however, I didn’t win any.
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