55 Award-Winning Movies to Watch on Amazon Prime This Weekend

Amazon Prime brings you the best set of award-winning movies streaming on the platform. These movies not only captivated the audiences and hooked them, but they also did it for the critics. Explore a list of 55 award-winning movies on Amazon Prime according to award-winning year, ranging from gripping dramas to light-hearted comedies.

These movies have been recognized for their outstanding storytelling, acting, directing, and cinematography. By the year they won their awards, we provide an overview of their stories, achievements, and contributions to cinema.

55 Award-Winning Movies on Amazon Prime Video

The splendid making of these films deserve an insight for you to get prepared to be blown away, therefore, let’s delve deeper into the stories and key themes of these films.

1. An American in Paris

“An American in Paris,” a vibrant musical directed by Vincente Minnelli, won the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film follows an American painter living in Paris who falls in love with a French girl, showcasing breathtaking dance sequences and the music of George Gershwin. This delightful musical captures the romance and artistic spirit of post-war Paris. Stunning dance sequences, iconic Gershwin tunes, and a charming story make it a timeless classic.

2. The Bridge on the River Kwai

David Lean’s epic war drama “The Bridge on the River Kwai” won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film tells the story of British prisoners of war forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors during World War II. This powerful drama explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It delves into themes of duty, purpose, and the psychological effects of war, earning its acclaim.

Do you know that Sydney Pollack & Steven Spielberg talked about the classic movie recently?

Sydney Pollack & Steven Spielberg talk about David Lean’s stone cold classic

THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)

pic.twitter.com/lewlSmfgqV

— Michael Warburton (@TheMonologist) May 13, 2024

3. The Apartment

“The Apartment,” a comedic drama directed by Billy Wilder, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film follows an insurance clerk who allows his superiors to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs, leading to unexpected complications. This Billy Wilder comedy cleverly blends humor and social commentary. Jack Lemmon’s performance and the film’s witty script earned awards, while its satire on corporate culture resonates even today.

4. Lawrence of Arabia

Another epic by David Lean, “Lawrence of Arabia,” won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film is a biographical drama about the life of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who played a crucial role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

5. In the Heat of the Night

Norman Jewison’s “In the Heat of the Night” won the Academy Award for Best Picture. This groundbreaking crime drama follows a black detective from Philadelphia who becomes involved in a murder investigation in a small Mississippi town, facing racism and prejudice along the way.

6. The Sting

George Roy Hill’s comedic caper “The Sting” won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford as two grifters who set out to con a mob boss in 1930s Chicago.

7. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

[Video Credit: RottenTomatoesCLASSICTRAILERS] 

Milos Forman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film, based on Ken Kesey’s novel, is set in a mental institution and follows the rebellious Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) as he challenges the oppressive Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher).

8. Annie Hall

Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This romantic comedy follows the relationship between neurotic comedian Alvy Singer (Allen) and aspiring singer Annie Hall (Diane Keaton).Woody Allen’s iconic work explores the complexities of love and relationships through a witty and nostalgic lens. The film’s innovative style, sharp dialogue, and genuine portrayal of love’s ups and downs make it a must-watch for rom-com fans.

9. Kramer vs. Kramer

The family drama “Kramer vs. Kramer,” which Robert Benton directed, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film explores the impact of divorce on a family, focusing on a father (Dustin Hoffman) who must learn to care for his young son after his wife (Meryl Streep) leaves him. This poignant drama tackles the challenges of divorce and single parenthood. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep deliver powerful performances, showcasing the film’s emotional depth and exploration of family dynamics, which earned its acclaim quite significantly.

10. Gandhi

Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi” won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This epic biographical drama follows the life of Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley), the Indian leader who used nonviolent resistance to lead India to independence from British rule. Witness the power of nonviolent resistance in this inspiring biopic. It celebrates the fight for justice and human rights, making it a timeless and relevant story.

11. Terms of Endearment

James L. Brooks won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for his comedic drama “Terms of Endearment.” The film explores the complex relationship between a mother (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter (Debra Winger) over the course of several decades. This poignant drama explores the complexities of family relationships across generations. Stellar acting and its honest portrayal of love, loss, and life’s challenges make it a captivating watch.

12. Platoon

Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This war drama, featuring Willem Dafoe and Johnny Depp, based on Stone’s own experiences, follows a young soldier (Charlie Sheen) serving in the Vietnam War and the moral challenges he faces. Witness the brutal realities of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. Gritty realism and a powerful anti-war message earned it acclaim. It’s a must-watch for those wanting a thought-provoking war film.

13. Rain Man

Barry Levinson won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for his film “Rain Man.” The film stars Dustin Hoffman as a secluded savant and Tom Cruise as his self-centered brother, who learns to connect with him during a cross-country road trip. Tom Cruise’s and Dustin Hoffman’s performances, along with its message of acceptance, resonate with audiences.

14. Dances with Wolves

Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This Western epic follows a Union Army lieutenant (Costner) who befriends a Native American tribe and becomes immersed in their culture. Experience a soldier’s journey of cultural understanding and acceptance. Stunning visuals and a powerful message about breaking down barriers make it a classic

15. The Silence of the Lambs 

Jonathan Demme won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for his psychological thriller “The Silence of the Lambs.” The film stars Jodie Foster as an FBI agent who seeks the help of an imprisoned cannibal (Anthony Hopkins) to catch a serial killer. It grips viewers with its psychological tension, not to mention the stellar acting and exploration of good vs. evil that earned its acclaim. It challenges viewers to consider the darkness within ourselves

16. Unforgiven

Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This revisionist Western follows a retired gunslinger (Eastwood) who takes on one last job, confronting the mythology of the Old West and his own violent past, exploring the cost of vengeance,  and winning fans over for its gritty portrayal of the Wild West. It deconstructs the romanticized gunslinger image, showing the violence’s lasting impact and challenging viewers’ expectations of heroes and villains

17. Schindler’s List

Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This powerful historical drama tells the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.

18. Forrest Gump

Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump,” which he directed, won six Academy Awards in 1995, including Best Picture. The film follows the life of Forrest Gump , played by the legendary actor Tom Hanks, a simple man considered a low-IQ man with a big heart who unwittingly becomes involved in some of the most significant events of the 20th century. The movie is surely one of the iconic ones.

19. American Beauty

Sam Mendes’ “American Beauty” won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This satirical drama explores the lives of suburban Americans, focusing on a middle-aged man played by Kevin Spacey, who becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter’s best friend. The movie carries the message on life, love and reality that drove it to become one of the most awarded movies of 2000.

20. A Beautiful Mind

“A Beautiful Mind,” directed by Ron Howard, is considered one of the best movies of 2002 Based on a prominent mathematician, John Forbes Nash Jr, bagged several awards, including four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, along with BAFTAs and Golden Globes.

[Video credit: @salihgonuller] 

The film is a biographical drama about the life of mathematician John Nash, played by Russell Crowe, who struggles with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to game theory. The movie exemplifies the recovery of mental illness.

21. The Pianist

Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist” won three Academy Awards: Best Director, Best Actor and Best Writing. This biographical drama tells the story of Władysław Szpilman, played by one of the most talented actors, Adrien Brody, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survives the Holocaust in Warsaw. The dark reality and violence leave the viewer grieving in empathy.

22. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” the final installment of Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy, won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film brings the story of Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring to a dramatic conclusion. The iconic movie is part of every fantasy fiction lover’s childhood and brings imagination and thrills to life.

23. Million Dollar Baby

Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film is a sports drama about a female boxer (Hilary Swank) and her coach (Eastwood), who face unexpected challenges both in and out of the ring, the story is about sports drama with themes of redemption, ambition, and facing tough choices.   It explores themes of redemption, ambition, and facing tough choices, with powerful performances earning its awards.

24. Crash

“Crash” (2004), an ensemble drama directed by Paul Haggis, won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film explores racial tensions and interconnected lives in modern-day Los Angeles, Even though it sparked criticism for being superficial and relying on stereotypes, it was appreciated for its sprawling story, which stars Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, and Brendan Fraser.

25. The Departed

The brilliant Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This crime thriller, set in Boston, follows an undercover cop played by Leonardo DiCaprio and a mole in the police department, played by Matt Damon, as they try to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang. The movie is considered a masterclass of the art of storytelling visuals, with stellar sound tracks that keep the movie energetic and straining at the same time.

26. The Lives of Others

“The Lives of Others,” a German drama directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, at the BAFTA for Best film not in the English Language, and many other prominent awards. The film is set in East Germany during the 1980s and follows a Stasi agent who becomes disillusioned with the communist regime while surveilling a writer and his lover.

27. The Counterfeiters

Stefan Ruzowitzky’s “The Counterfeiters” won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. This Austrian crime drama tells the true story of a Jewish counterfeiter who is forced to work for the Nazis during World War II, producing fake currency to support the German war effort. It explores the moral complexities of survival under Nazi rule, raising questions of collaboration and the desperate measures people take to survive.

28. No Country for Old Men

“No Country for Old Men” a neo-Western thriller directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film, based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, follows a hunter (Josh Brolin) who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and is pursued by a ruthless hitman (Javier Bardem).

No Country for Old Men is one of the very, very few cases where the movie is just as good as the book and it actually follows the book pretty closely. pic.twitter.com/PkWqHkeSEC

— BowtiedReverend (@BowtiedReverend) May 21, 2024

29. Slumdog Millionaire

“Slumdog Millionaire” directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, and Irrfan Khan, won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film follows a young man from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, and uses his life experiences to answer the questions. It leaves a strong message on fate, resilience, and the reality of society.

30. The Hurt Locker

Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making Bigelow the first woman to win the Best Director award. This war thriller follows an elite bomb disposal team in Iraq and the psychological toll their dangerous work takes on them.

31. The King’s Speech

Tom Hooper won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for his film “The King’s Speech.” The film is a historical drama about King George VI (Colin Firth) and his struggle to overcome his stammer with the help of an unconventional speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush). It celebrates the power of perseverance and the importance of communication, making it a heartwarming and uplifting watch.

32. The Artist

Michel Hazanavicius’ French comedy-drama “The Artist,” which won five Academy Awards overall, including Best Picture. The movie, a homage to Hollywood’s silent era, follows a silent film star (Jean Dujardin) whose career is in jeopardy due to the introduction of talking pictures. This black-and-white silent film is a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age.

It showcases the enduring power of storytelling and silent film’s artistry, with its unique style and performances earning critical praise.

33. Argo

Ben Affleck’s “Argo” won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Based on a true story, the film follows a CIA operative (Affleck) who poses as a Hollywood producer to rescue six Americans during the Iranian hostage crisis.  It celebrates ingenuity and bravery in the face of danger, with its suspenseful plot and historical significance earning its acclaim.

34. 12 Years a Slave

The movie “12 Years a Slave,” which Steve McQueen directed, won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This powerful historical drama, based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, tells the story of a free black man , played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the antebellum South. The movie shows endurance, strength and spirit.

35. Dallas Buyers Club

Matthew McConaughey won Best Actor for the movie “Dallas Buyers Club,” which Jean-Marc Vallée directed. The film tells the true story of Ron Woodroof, a Texas cowboy who smuggles unapproved pharmaceutical drugs to treat HIV after being diagnosed with AIDS.

36. Birdman

Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film follows a washed-up Hollywood actor (Michael Keaton) who attempts to revive his career by staging a Broadway play.  It delves into themes of ego, ambition, and the fleeting nature of fame, with its innovative filmmaking and Michael Keaton’s performance earning awards.

37. Spotlight

Tom McCarthy won two Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for his film “Spotlight.” The film tells the true story of The Boston Globe’s investigation into widespread child molestation by Catholic priests and the cover-up by the Archdiocese of Boston. It celebrates the power of the press to hold institutions accountable, making it a powerful and thought-provoking film

38. Manchester by the Sea

Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea” won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay. The film is a powerful drama about a man (Casey Affleck) who returns to his hometown to care for his teenage nephew after his brother’s death.

39. The Salesman

Asghar Farhadi’s drama “The Salesman,” from Iran, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film follows a couple whose relationship begins to unravel after the wife is assaulted in their new apartment. It explores themes of grief, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, with its powerful performances earning recognition.

40. Moonlight

Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight” won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, and Alex Hibbert play young black men who are struggling with their sexuality and identity in the coming-of-age story. It’s a beautifully crafted film with a powerful message of self-acceptance, earning critical acclaim.

41. La La Land

Damien Chazelle, the director of “La La Land,” won six Academy Awards, including Best Director. The film is a romantic musical that follows an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) as they pursue their dreams in Los Angeles.

42. The Shape of Water

Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This fantasy romance tells the story of a mute cleaning woman (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with an amphibious creature held captive in a government laboratory during the Cold War era.

43. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” directed by Martin McDonagh, won two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Frances McDormand. The film is a darkly comic crime drama about a mother who publicly challenges the local police to solve her daughter’s murder case.

44. Green Book

Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book,” which he directed, won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Based on a true story, the film follows an African American classical pianist (Mahershala Ali) and his Italian American driver (Viggo Mortensen) as they navigate the Deep South during the 1960s.

45. If Beale Street Could Talk

Barry Jenkins’ “If Beale Street Could Talk” won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Regina King. The film, based on James Baldwin’s novel, is a romantic drama about a young couple whose love is tested when the man is falsely accused of a crime.

46. Parasite

Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, among its four total wins. The South Korean dark comedy thriller explores class inequality through the story of a poor family that infiltrates the household of a wealthy family.

[Video credit: @Oscars] 

This South Korean masterpiece offers a gripping story with unexpected twists, earning awards for its originality and social commentary.

47. Joker

Todd Phillips’ film “Joker,” which featured Joaquin Phoenix as the best actor, won two Academy Awards. The film is a gritty character study of the iconic Batman villain, exploring his descent into madness and violence in a decaying Gotham City. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance and the film’s exploration of mental illness and societal issues sparked discussions, making it a thought-provoking watch.

48. Sound of Metal

Darius Marder’s “Sound of Metal” won two Academy Awards, including Best Sound. The film follows a heavy metal drummer (Riz Ahmed) who begins to lose his hearing and must adapt to a new way of life. It explores themes of loss, acceptance, and finding a new path in life, with Riz Ahmed’s performance earning praise.

49. Another Round

Thomas Vinterberg’s Danish comedy-drama “Another Round” won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The film tells the story of four high school teachers who experiment with maintaining a constant level of intoxication to improve their lives.

50. Nomadland

Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, making Zhao the second woman to win the directing award. The film, based on Jessica Bruder’s non-fiction book, follows a woman (Frances McDormand) who embarks on a journey through the American West as a modern-day nomad.

51. The Father

Anthony Hopkins won Best Actor for Florian Zeller’s film “The Father,” which received two Academy Awards. The film is a powerful drama about an aging man struggling with dementia and his daughter’s attempts to care for him. Anthony Hopkins’ performance and the film’s realistic portrayal of the disease make it a powerful and moving watch.

52. Minari

Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari” won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Youn Yuh-jung. The film, based on Chung’s own childhood, is a tender family drama about a Korean American family that moves to rural Arkansas to start a farm in the 1980s.

53. Judas and the Black Messiah

“Judas and the Black Messiah,” directed by Shaka King, won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya. The film tells the true story of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal, the FBI informant who betrayed him.

54. Everything Everywhere All at Once

“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, have achieved the Academy Awards for Best Directing and many more, starring Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang, Stephanie Hsu as Joy Wang, Ke Huy Quan and more. A frustrated laundromat owner discovers she can access parallel universes and must connect with alternate versions of herself to stop a powerful villain from destroying all existence.

It’s a wild ride through genres like martial arts, sci-fi, and animation. The film celebrates the importance of finding joy in the ordinary and the strength we can find within ourselves

55. Oppenheimer

The Academy Awards for best direction and best actor in a leading role went to Christopher Nolan’s biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy. The “father of the atomic bomb,” and Oppenheimer’s role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. It explores the moral complexities of creating such a devastating weapon. The potential for strong performances, historical accuracy, and exploration of weighty themes have managed to make the movie one of the best of all time.

Takeaways

On movie-marathon nights, these award-winning movies should be the top choices for you. Ranging from dramatic screenplay to directorial perfection, these are enough to light up your mood for the weekend. Watch out for the classic breadth and depth of the cinematic offerings, currently available on Amazon Prime.