Though there are a lot of amazing movies on Netflix, but all movies are not created equal, and there are some that have earned critical acclaim, and have become classics. If you’re thinking of watching (or introducing someone to) the most well written, acted, directed movies out there, we’ve got you covered. Here are 40 award winning movies on Netflix that you should watch right now.
Best Award-Winning Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now (2022)
To make things easier for our readers, we have divided this article into several sections based on genre. Below are the quick links to each section. You can click on the table below to quickly move to the section you find interesting.
Best Netflix Award-Winning Romantic Comedy/Drama Movies
1. As Good As It Gets (1997)
- IMDb: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%/86%
- Director: James L. Brooks
- Writer: Mark Andrus, James L. Brooks
- Cast: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr.
- Runtime: 2 hours, 19 minutes
I would like to kickstart this roundup by putting “As Good As It Gets” right at the top as it’s undoubtedly one of the best comedy movies on Netflix. Oh yes, it also shows a great side of romance as Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt have performed exceedingly well and their chemistry looks fascinating.
In this flick, Nicholson has donned the role of a misanthropic novelist, while Hunt has played the role of a single mother of a chronically ill son. Thanks to the adorable acting, both Nicholson and Hunt have grabbed the Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively.
Watch Trailer here
Check out As Good As It Gets on Netflix
2. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
- IMDb: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 85%/70%
- Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Writer: Quentin Tarantino
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Emile Hirsch, Margaret Qualley
- Runtime: 2 hours, 41 minutes
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, who is known for making award winning movies, Once Upon a time in Hollywood is a comedy-drama taking place in 1969 in Hollywood. The film follows a fading actor and his stunt double as they navigate the rapidly changing film industry. It received 10 nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards and won Best Supporting Actor (Pitt) and Best Production Design. Brad Pitt’s acting is truly breathtaking and you will fall in love with his performance. Even being a lengthy movie with a slow-paced storytelling, the movie consists of a quirky plot and entertains viewers throughout the movie.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Once Upon a Time in Hollywood on Netflix
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
- IMDb: 8.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 70%/95%
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Writer: Eric Roth
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, Sally Field
- Runtime: 2 hours, 22 minutes
You will love Tom hanks in and as Forrest Gump. If you haven’t yet watched this movie, I must say you were missing out on one of the brightest gems of Hollywood cinema. Forrest Gump is loosely based on the 1986 novel by the same name and revolves around a dim-witted and kindhearted man from Alabama. He witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century United States. Forrest Gump won six Oscars namely Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Tom Hanks, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, and Best Film Editing in the 67th Academy Awards.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Forrest Gump on Netflix
4. Fargo (1996)
- IMDb: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/93%
- Director: Joel Coen
- Writer: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Cast: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, Peter Stormare
- Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes
Fargo is a vintage black comedy that has won plenty of awards and nominations. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, the movie also has an interesting mix of thriller elements. The movie is about Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), who is a pregnant Minnesota police chief. Gunderson is investigating roadside homicides.
The movie also stars William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, and Peter Stormare. It received both critical and commercial success. Moreover, it received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. While McDormand won the Academy Award for Best Actress, Coens received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Another story takes place in the same fictional universe in the series Fargo released in 2014 winning similar critical success.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Fargo on Netflix
5. Marriage Story (2019)
- IMDb: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: Not available
- Director: Noah Baumbach
- Writer: Noah Baumbach
- Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda
- Runtime: 2 hours, 17 minutes
Another award winning movie you can watch on Netflix is Marriage Story. Consisting of powerful acting performances, Marriage Story shows the life of a married couple, an actress (Johansson) and a theater director (Driver), going through a coast-to-coast divorce. It received critical acclaim, particularly for Director Baumbach’s screenplay and direction and the performances of Johansson, Driver and Dern. Laura Dern won the 92nd Academy Award for Best Supporting Role.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Marriage Story on Netflix
6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- IMDb: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71%/80%
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: Eric Roth, Robin Swicord
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Mahershala Ali, Taraji P. Henson, Julia Ormond
- Runtime: 2 hours, 46 minutes
Loosely based on the 1922 short story of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a curious movie that was nominated for multiple Oscars, and won quite a few as well. The award winning romantic drama movie follows a man who was born as an older person and grows young throughout the movie. The plot focuses more on his extraordinary life and love story rather than his intriguing condition.
The movie’s concept was ready in the early 1990s but was finally released in 2008 after the shooting commenced in 2005. The movie was nominated for 13 Academy Awards out of which it bagged the Oscar for Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, and Best Visual Effects.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Curious Case of Benjamin Button on Netflix
Best Netflix Award-Winning Documentary Movies
7. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
- IMDb: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/91%
- Directors: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed
- Writers: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed
- Cast: Craig Foster, Tom Foster
- Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Bagging the award for Best Documentary Feature at the 93rd Academy Awards, My Octopus Teacher documents the year spent by filmmaker Craig Foster as he forge a relationship with a wild common octopus. The movie provides a great insight into the world of Octopus. How they live, sleep, hunt, and more. Besides, the emotional bond between Foster and the wild octopus seems natural and lovable.
Watch the Trailer here
Check out My Octopus Teacher on Netflix
8. Amy (2015)
- IMDb: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/87%
- Director: Asif Kapadia
- Cast: Amy Winehouse
- Runtime: 2 hours, 8 minutes
“Amy” is one of the best documentary films I have ever watched. This documentary movie is about the life and death of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Directed by Asif Kapadia, the film shows Winehouse’s struggle and the unbearable abuse that she had to encounter both before and after her career peaked. It’s this traumatic abuse that eventually led to her shocking death.
Thanks to the superb direction and gripping story, this British documentary has won a whopping 30 film awards including Best European Documentary at the 28th European Film Awards and Best Documentary at the 69th British Academy Film Awards.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Amy on Netflix
9. Icarus (2017)
- IMDb: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/94%
- Director: Bryan Fogel
- Writer: Bryan Fogel, Mark Monroe
- Cast: Bryan Fogel, Dave Zabriskie, Don Catlin
- Runtime: 2 hours
Bryan Fogel’s Icarus has impressed me to no end. And I guess I’m not alone to have been left speechless by this one of the top award-winning films on Netflix. It follows Fogel who is on a mission to learn about performance-boosting drugs.
During his extensive research, he discovers a number of shocking things. Courtesy a thought-provoking story, Icarus has won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award and the Academy Award for the Best Documentary Feature.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Icarus on Netflix
10. 13th (2016)
- IMDb: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/91%
- Director: Ava DuVernay
- Writer: Ava DuVernay, Spencer Averick
- Cast: Melina Abdullah, Michelle Alexander, Cory Booker
- Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
13th is a heart-touching documentary movie. The film puts light on justice, the intersection of race, and mass incarceration in the United States. Directed by Ava DuVernay, it asserts that slavery has existed since the end of the American Civil War through criminalizing behavior.
13th was highly acclaimed and also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards. It won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary.
Watch Trailer here
Check out 13th on Netflix
11. 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
- IMDb: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99%/82%
- Director: Morgan Neville
- Cast: Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer
- Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Produced by Gil Friesen and directed by Morgan Neville, 20 Feet from Stardom is a classy documentary movie that would easily win you over. The movie covers the behind-the-scenes experiences of backup singers. It features Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Táta Vega, and Jo Lawry.
20 Feet from Stardom received a lot of praise for its portrayal of the passion, talent, and the hard work of the backup singers. In addition, it also won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 86th Academy Awards.
Watch Trailer here
Check out 20 Feet from Stardom on Netflix
Netflix Award-Winning Biographical/Historical/Fantasy/Sports Drama Movies
12. The Aviator (2004)
- IMDb: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%/79%
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Writer: John Logan
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin
- Runtime: 2 hour, 50 minutes
If you adore an epic biographical drama, I would recommend you to watch “The Aviator”. The movie is based on the 1993 non-fiction book Howard Hughes: The Secret Life (by Charles Higham) and features Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn, and Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner.
It portraits the life of Howard Hughes who was the director of Hell’s Angels and also known as an aviation pioneer. The Aviator has got plenty of accolades and even won Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actress (Cate Blanchett), Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Aviator on Netflix
13. Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
- IMDb: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/91%
- Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
- Writer: Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack
- Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto
- Runtime: 1 hour, 57 minutes
As someone who has a liking for a biographical drama film, I have really enjoyed watching “Dallas Buyers Club”. Set in the mid-1980s when HIV/AIDS treatments were still a subject of research, the movie revolves around Ron Woodroof (played by Matthew McConaughey), who is an AIDS patient.
At the time when the disease was not understood and used to be highly stigmatized, Woodroof smuggled pharmaceutical drugs to not only treat his symptoms but also help other AIDS patients. Due largely to the superb acting and intriguing story, the movie has won multiple Oscars including Best Actor (Matthew McConaughey), Best Supporting Actor (Jared Leto), and Best Makeup.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Dallas Buyers Club on Netflix
14. The Imitation Game (2014)
- IMDb: 8.0
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/91%
- Director: Morten Tyldum
- Writer: Graham Moore
- Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear
- Runtime: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Based on the 1983 biography Alan Turing: The Enigma, the Imitation Game takes place during the second world war when Alan Turing deciphered the Enigma by creating a machine. It played a major role in the US winning the war. Alan is considered as the father of artificial intelligence and answered an important question of the time, “Can machines think?” Words are not enough to say how much Turing has helped humanity on the technological path we are headed. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay which shows you will love the movie and it will leave you thinking about the beginning of the new age we are living in currently.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Imitation Game on Netflix
15. The Power of The Dog (2021)
- IMDb: 6.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/76%
- Director: Jane Campion
- Writer: Jane Campion
- Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie
- Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes
Based on Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel of the same title The Power of the Dog covers themes such as love, grief, resentment, jealousy, masculinity, and sexuality. The movie is acclaimed by critics and viewers for direction and screenplay, cinematography, score, and performance and won the 94th Academy Award for Best Director. The movie had a limited theatrical release in November 2021, and was released to stream worldwide on Netflix in December 2021.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Power of The Dog on Netflix
16. The Fighter (2010)
- IMDb: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/89%
- Director: David O. Russell
- Writer: Keith Dorrington, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson
- Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
- Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes
Very few biographical sports drama films have been as successful as The Fighter (2010). This boxing film is about a real-life boxer called Micky Ward (played by Mark Wahlberg) who is trying to get out of the shadow of his older and more famous boxing brother “Dicky Eklund ” (Christian Bale) and achieve greater heights.
With an impressive story backed by the commendable acting of Wahlberg and Bale, the movie turns out to be a massive victor. Furthermore, The Fighter has also won the Academy Awards for both Best Supporting Actor (Christian Bale) and Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo).
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Fighter on Netflix
17. Good Will Hunting (1997)
- IMDb: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/94%
- Director: Gus Van Sant
- Writer: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon
- Cast: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, Minnie Driver
- Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes
“Good Will Hunting” is an excellent drama film in which you would love to catch up with your friends and loved ones. Written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, the movie is about a 20-year-old boy “Will Hunting” (played by Matt Damon) who studies with a Harvard professor and a famous therapist to fight out his demons and become a successful person in life.
Moreover, this drama film has won a couple of Academy Awards like Best Supporting Actor for Williams and Best Original Screenplay for Affleck and Damon.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Good Will Hunting on Netflix
18. Howards End (1992)
- IMDb: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/82%
- Director: James Ivory
- Writer: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
- Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson
- Runtime: 2 hours, 22 minutes
Based on the novel of the same name (written by E. M. Forster and published in 1910), Howards End is a classy romantic drama film. Set in the early 20th century, the movie elegantly portraits the story of class relationships. Featuring noted actors including Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, and Helena Bonham Carter, the film was a massive hit at the box office.
What’s more, it also succeeded in winning three Academy Awards for Best Actress (Emma Thompson), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Howards End on Netflix
19. The Social Network (2010)
- IMDb: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/87%
- Director: David Fincher
- Writer: Aaron Sorkin
- Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer
- Runtime: 2 hours
The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film based on the book The Accidental Billionaires published in 2009. The story gives us insights about the founding of social networking website Facebook and the resulting lawsuits. None of the actual founders or staff from the tech company was involved in the film. However, Eduardo Saverin, one of the co-founders, provided significant details for the book. The movie won three Academy Awards out of the eight nominations in the categories Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Social Network on Netflix
20. Lincoln (2012)
- IMDb: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/80%
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Tony Kushner
- Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Runtime: 2 hours, 30 minutes
As a historical drama, Lincoln is pure gold. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie stars Daniel Day-Lewis as U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. The film focuses on the final four months of Lincoln’s life, including the grand endeavor to have the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution passed by the United States House of Representatives.
What’s more, the movie was highly praised and bagged the Academy Award for the Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Best Production Design.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Lincoln on Netflix
21. The King’s Speech (2010)
- IMDb: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/92%
- Director: Tom Hooper
- Writer: David Seidler
- Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall
- Runtime: 1 hour, 59 minutes
When there is a debate on one of the most popular historical dramas, leaving out “The King’s Speech” would be a blunder. The movie has been directed by Tom Hooper and Colin Firth as the future King George VI.
The king is faced with a big stammering problem which he wants to get rid of at all cost. The way he succeeds in overcoming the stammering problem is commendable. As for the awards, the film has got quite a few notable ones: Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Score.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The King’s Speech on Netflix
22. Milk (2008)
- IMDb: 6.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/89%
- Director: Gus Van Sant
- Writer: Dustin Lance Black
- Cast: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, James Franco
- Runtime: 2 hours, 8 minutes
I wouldn’t hesitate in calling “Milk” one of the most loved biographical films of all time. Based on the life of activist and politician Harvey Milk, who happened to be the first gay to be elected for the public office in California, the film features Sean Penn in the leading role.
The biggest highlight of this movie is Penn’s brilliant performance as Milk which won praise both from fans and critics. With impactful acting and emotional story to boot, Milk received Best Actor (Sean Penn) and Best Original Screenplay awards.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Milk on Netflix
23. The Pianist (2002)
- IMDb: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/96%
- Director: Roman Polanski
- Writer: Ronald Harwood
- Cast: Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Maureen Lipman, Emilia Fox
- Runtime: 2 hours, 30 minutes
When there is a desire to settle with nothing less than the very best, “The Pianist” should be a notable inclusion in the watchlist. This biographical drama has been directed by Roman Polanski and stars Adrien Brody as the protagonist.
The film is based on the autobiographical book “The Pianist” which is a very popular Holocaust memoir by the Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman. In terms of awards, this biographic flick has won three Oscars: Best Director (Roman Polanski), Best Actor (Adrien Brody), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Pianist on Netflix
24. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- IMDb: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/91%
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Writer: Guillermo del Toro
- Cast: Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones
- Runtime: 1 hour, 59 minutes
If you are a fan of a dark fantasy drama film, you shouldn’t miss out on Pan’s Labyrinth. Set in the summer of 1944 in Spain, the plot is centered around an abandoned labyrinth and a mysterious faun creature. Well, I have loved watching this flick intertwined with the mythical world.
And I bet it would succeed in winning your heart as well. A must for the movie-lovers who adore dark fantasy! Not to mention, Pan’s Labyrinth has also got three major awards: Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Makeup.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Pan’s Labyrinth on Netflix
25. Roma (2018)
- IMDb: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/71%
- Director: Alfonso Cuarón
- Writer: Alfonso Cuarón
- Cast: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira
- Runtime: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Let’s put it straight, “Roma” is a once in a generation drama film that should automatically find a safe place in your wishlist of the top award-winning movies on Netflix. This movie is loosely based on the autobiography of Cuarón’s upbringing in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City.
The story is set around the life of a live-in housekeeper of a middle-class family and shows the enormous struggle that she has to encounter. Expectedly, this drama film has won quite a few Oscars: Best Director (Alfonso Cuarón), Best Foreign Language Film, and Best Cinematography.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Roma on Netflix
26. Schindler’s List (1993)
- IMDb: 8.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/97%
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Steven Zaillian
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall
- Runtime: 3 hours, 18 minutes
What a way to wrap up this awesome movie collection by adding Steven Spielberg’s masterclass – Schindler’s List! Yeah, this is the same movie that gave Spielberg his first Oscar.
Talking about the plot of this epic historical period drama, it revolves around Oskar Schindler, Sudeten German businessman, who saved more than a thousand lives by employing them in his factory during the turbulent time of World War II. Do I need to say that this movie has bagged a ton of awards: seven Academy Awards, seven BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, and many more.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Schindler’s List on Netflix
Best Netflix Award-Winning Science-Fiction Movies
27. Arrival (2016)
- IMDb: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/82%
- Director: Denis Villeneuve
- Writer: Eric Heisserer
- Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg
- Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes
When we think of Aliens, we either think of a global attack beginning in the US, or something like Star Wars. However, if you ever wondered if the aliens may have a culture, civilization, and if you have curious questions related to their anatomy, language, and more, Arrival will provide a satisfactory answer. The movie revolves around a linguist enlisted by the United States Army to discover how to communicate with extraterrestrial aliens who have arrived on Earth. Otherwise, the tension might lead to war. The movie is praised by critics and viewers for its concept involving the exploration of communication with extraterrestrial intelligence. Actress Amy Adams won numerous awards for her breathtaking role for the movie.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Arrival on Netflix
28. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
- IMDb: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/94%
- Director: Michel Gondry
- Writer: Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, Pierre Bismuth
- Cast: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo
- Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Should you wish to give a shot at a fascinating romantic science-fiction comedy-drama film, I would suggest you kickstart “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” straight away.
Featuring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in the prominent roles, the movie is set around an estranged couple who have completely thrown each other from their respective lives and even memories. But their romance gets an all-new start when they re-met. Beyond the story, the movie has won the Academy Award for the Best Original Screenplay.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on Netflix
29. Her (2013)
- IMDb: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/82%
- Director: Spike Jonze
- Writer: Spike Jonze
- Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson
- Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes
What I have liked most in “Her” is a unique story. The entire movie is centered around Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) who gets emotionally attached to Samantha (Scarlett Johansson) – an artificially intelligent virtual assistant.
Watch this science-fiction romance film to find out different shades of love. Talking about the award the film has bagged, it has deservedly won the Academy Award for the Best Original Screenplay.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Her on Netflix
30. Ex Machina (2014)
- IMDb: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/86%
- Director: Alex Garland
- Writer: Alex Garland
- Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac
- Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes
As a science-fiction psychological thriller film, Ex Machina excels in most aspects. The movie has been written and directed by Alex Garland. Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, and Oscar Isaac, it’s about a programmer who is given the responsibility to administer the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot.
Made on a budget of $15 million, Ex Machina amassed $36 million worldwide and was praised for Vikander’s performance, the screenplay, and editing. Furthermore, the science fiction movie won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 88th Academy Awards.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Ex Machina on Netflix
Best Netflix Award-Winning Crime/Thriller Movies
31. Joker (2019)
- IMDb: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 68%/88%
- Director: Todd Phillips
- Writer: Todd Phillips, Scott Silver
- Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy
- Runtime: 2 hours, 2 minutes
No list about the best award winning movies on Netflix would be complete without this one. Joker is a 2019 American psychological thriller based on the DC comics character of the same name. The movie is independently made by Todd Phillips and provides a possible origin story for the character. The plot follows Arthur Fleck, a failed clown and aspiring stand-up comedian who descends in nihilism and insanity raising a violent revolution in Gotham city. The movie was nominated for 11 Academy Awards winning Best Actor for Phoenix and Best Original Score for Hildur Guðnadóttir. Phoenix is highly praised for his performance by many film societies and audiences.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Joker on Netflix
32. The Departed (2006)
- IMDb: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/94%
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Writer: William Monahan
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen
- Runtime: 2 hours, 32 minutes
This one is a must-have for the movie buffs who never seem to get enough of crime films. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson in the prominent roles, the movie is a remake of the critically acclaimed Hong Kong film called Infernal Affairs.
DiCaprio has looked convincing as an undercover state trooper ( William Billy) and if you are a fan of his acting, you shouldn’t give it a miss. Moreover, The Departed won four Oscars at the 79th Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Departed on Netflix
33. Mystic River (2003)
- IMDb: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%/89%
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Writer: Brian Helgeland
- Cast: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden
- Runtime: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Mystic River is a 2003 American neo-noir psychological mystery crime drama film based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. The movie follows the lives of three childhood friends who are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy. The movie won two Academy Awards in categories Best Actor for Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor for Tim Robbins.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Mystic River on Netflix
34. The Hateful Eight (2015)
- IMDb: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%/76%
- Director: Quentin Tarantino
- Writer: Quentin Tarantino
- Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir
- Runtime: 2 hours, 48 minutes
Set in the American West just after the Civil War, “The Hateful Eight” is an American western thriller film. The plot is set around a group of eight strangers who desperately seek refuge from a blizzard. The film has a notable star cast that includes Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
With plenty of intense scenes and thrilling moments, The Hateful Eight has got what it takes to liven up your showtime. Not to mention, it has also won an Academy Award for the Best Original Score.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Hateful Eight on Netflix
35. No Country for Old Men (2007)
- IMDb: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/86%
- Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Writer: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
- Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin
- Runtime: 2 hours, 2 minutes
A neo-western crime thriller film like “No Country for Old Men” can seamlessly find a top spot in your watchlist. The movie is based on Cormac McCarthy’s 2005 novel of the same name and stars Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin in the pivotal roles.
The plot revolves around a Texas welder in the desert landscape. With high-voltage thrilling scenes and engrossing storyline, the movie has got four prestigious Academy Awards like Best Picture, Best Director (Joel and Ethan Coen), Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem), and Best Adapted Screenplay. This is definitely one of the award winning movies on Netflix that you should check out.
Watch Trailer here
Check out No Country for Old Men on Netflix
Best Netflix Award-Winning Epic War Movies
36. The Hurt Locker (2008)
- IMDb: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/84%
- Director: Kathryn Bigelow
- Writer: Mark Boal
- Cast: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Evangeline Lilly, Ralph Fiennes
- Runtime: 2 hours, 11 minutes
Are you on the hunt for an action-packed war epic film? If yes, give a chance to “The Hurt Locker” as it’s one of the most loved war-drama movies. It has an appreciable star cast led by Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty. The story is centered around the Iraq War Explosive Ordnance Disposal team who is on the hit list of insurgents. Find out their bravery and how they tackle the huge challenges.
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Hurt Locker on Netflix
37. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- IMDb: 8.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/95%
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Writer: Robert Rodat
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore
- Runtime: 2 hours, 49 minutes
The epic war movie that’s widely considered as the gold standard is Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan. Written by Robert Rodat, the movie is set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. The graphic portrayal of war and the intensity of its second scene of 23 minutes which is an amazing depiction of the Omaha Beach assault during the Normandy landings stand out.
The story is about the United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad. It was nominated for eleven Academy Awards at the 71st Academy Awards and was able to win five awards including the Best Director and Best Film Editing.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Saving Private Ryan on Netflix
Best Netflix Award-Winning Action/Adventure Movies
38. Mad Max Fury Road (2015)
- IMDb: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/86%
- Director: George Miller
- Writer: George Miller, Brendan McCarthy, Nico Lathouris
- Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne
- Runtime: 2 hours
Mad Max: Fury Road is a 2015 Australian post-apocalyptic action film co-written and directed by George Miller. He came up with the idea for the fourth installment in the Mad max franchise in 1987. However, the movie was in development hell for almost two decades. The movie follows Max Rockatansky in the post-apocalyptic setting where water and petroleum is scarce. The movie bagged six Academy Awards for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing in the 88th Academy Awards, making it the movie with most awards in the ceremony.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Mad Max Fury Road on Netflix
39. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)
- IMDb: 8.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/86%
- Director: Peter Jackson
- Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson
- Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin
- Runtime: 3 hours, 21 minutes
Boasting a fascinating story, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is an epic fantasy adventure movie. Directed by Peter Jackson, the award-winning Netflix film is based on the third volume of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. It’s the third installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and features an ensemble cast including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, and Cate Blanchett.
The fantasy adventure received critical acclaim and grossed $1.142 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2003 and the second highest-grossing film of all time. Moreover, it won all the eleven Academy Awards for which it had been nominated including best film editing, best picture, and best director.
Watch Trailer here
Check out Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on Netflix
40. The Dark Knight (2008)
- IMDb: 9.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/94%
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Writer: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart
- Runtime: 2 hours, 32 minutes
One of Christopher Nolan’s best works so far, the Dark Knight is the second installment in the The Dark Knight Trilogy written and directed by Nolan. The movie is popular for the portrayal of the villain Joker by Heath Ledger. He died months before the release of the movie and was critically acclaimed for one of his best acting performances.
The movie broke several records while screening and is considered one of the most influential movies of the decade. It won two Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Ledger was posthumously awarded Best Supporting Actor. The Dark Knight rises is preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Watch Trailer here
Check out The Dark Knight on Netflix
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Oscar-nominated Movies are on Netflix 2022?
There are quite a few Oscar-nominated movies on Netflix 2022. For instance, The Irishman is nominated for 10 Oscars including best picture, Marriage Story is nominated for 6 Oscars including best picture and best actress (Scarlett Johansson), The Two Popes for 3 Oscars, and more.
- What Academy Award-winning Movies are on Netflix?
Netflix boasts a huge library of Academy Award-Winning movies such as Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Saving Private Ryan, No Country for Old Men, and more.
- What’s a Good Movie on Netflix 2022?
When it comes to having a large collection of top-notch movies, Netflix is undoubtedly the best place. From Total Recall to The Hurt Locker to The Departed, it’s got you fully covered.
Set the Showtime on Fire with the Best Award Winning Movies on Netflix
Now is the time to set your showtime for a long video-streaming spree. So, bring on the popcorn and call the couch buddies for a fun-filled media watching. When you have a luxurious collection of the best Oscar winning Netflix movies at your disposal, even a long vacation seems to run out a bit faster, doesn’t it? Therefore, make it count to the fullest. By the way, let me know your favorite flicks and the things that make them stand out for you.
