And the Oscar goes to…Ten best winners over the past 50 years

Inspired by this weekend’s Academy Awards, I decided to give you a list of my favorite Oscar winners from the past 50 years. Here is the list, based solely on my own enjoyment of the films. See if you agree with my picks.

10. ‘Birdman’ (2015)

“Birdman” is one of the more unusual films on my list. Michael Keaton stars in the film as an egotistical sociopath version of himself who has an alter ego, Birdman. With many interesting yet confusing scenes, the film is somewhat hard to follow but still finds a way to pique your interest. 

9. ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2015)

With lead roles played by major stars Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Hillary Swank, the movie is about a female who is looking to become a boxer while seeking the help of a renowned trainer (Eastwood). With one of the best conclusions to a film I have ever seen, the film was more than deserving of the Oscar.

8. ‘The Hurt Locker’ (2010)

The Hurt Locker is considered by many as one of the best war based movies of all time. It follows a military explosives unit in Iraq, with a sergeant recently put in charge of the unit who is at odds with the rest of the group due to his intense way of order. The film is eye-catching and a must-watch if you like action films.

7. ‘Titanic’ (1998)

“Titanic” is just one of those films that you just have to give credit to as a classic even if it isn’t the genre of movie that you typically watch. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet do an amazing job winning over everyone throughout the whole movie.

6. ‘The Godfather Part II’ (1975)

While still a great movie, the second “Godfather” movie never really had a chance to live up to the first installment of the trilogy. With a twist from the first one, the film focuses on the early days of the Corleone family in the 1910s-20s. Overall, I thoroughly enjoy crime genre movies so the movie may have had an advantage to start.

5. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2009)

“Slumdog Millionaire” could have easily been much higher on this list, but I think that shows how great the movies are ahead of this. I would say this is the most feel-good out of all of the films. The plot follows an 18-year-old kid from the slums of India attempting to prove his innocence from an accusation of cheating on a game show. 

4. ‘The Godfather’ (1973)

As one of the most classic movies of all time, it is known as the original “gangster” movie and was one of the first films to portray the mafia in a realistic manner, with the Corleone family being the main focus.

3. ‘The Departed’ (2007)

Going along with the crime genre that is one of my personal favorites, “The Departed” takes place in Boston with a couple fresh cops who have recently gotten the job in very different positions. The film is a great watch if you’re interested in a thriller with high-profile actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson.

2. ‘Forrest Gump’ (1995)

“Forrest Gump” is one of those movies almost everyone has seen. The plot is as action-packed and unpredictable as it gets with many moments where you want to root for Tom Hanks’s character, Forrest Gump. No doubt, this film deserves the No. 2 spot.

1. ‘Rocky’ (1977)

The story of Rocky Balboa is one that many people already know, and if they don’t, they should. The whole series is legendary with a gritty young boxer by the name of Rocky Balboa working his way to the top of the sport. The first iteration of the series is the most exciting and interesting out of all of the Oscar winners ever.