15 Movies That Should Have Taken Home the Oscar Gold

1. Citizen Kane 1941，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 468831, ID: 0033467
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Despite being hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, Citizen Kane only won one Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Its innovative storytelling, groundbreaking cinematography, and Orson Welles’ masterful direction make it a timeless classic that deserved more recognition from the Academy.
2. The Wizard of Oz 1939，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 432014, ID: 0032138
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The Wizard of Oz enchanted audiences with its magical world and unforgettable characters, yet it lost the Best Picture Oscar to Gone with the Wind. Its vibrant Technicolor, iconic performances, and enduring songs like ‘Over the Rainbow’ make it a beloved family favorite that should have won more accolades.
3. Vertigo 1958，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 431031, ID: 0052357
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Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, now considered a masterpiece, was overlooked at the Oscars, receiving only two nominations. Its complex narrative, stunning visuals, and haunting score create a psychological thriller that has influenced countless films and deserved far more recognition.
4. Psycho 1960，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 725118, ID: 0054215
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Psycho, with its shocking twists and iconic shower scene, was a game-changer for the horror genre. Despite its groundbreaking impact, it didn’t win any Oscars, a glaring oversight for a film that redefined suspense and horror.
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey 1968，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 726064, ID: 0062622
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Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, a visionary sci-fi epic, won only one Oscar for its visual effects. Its profound exploration of human evolution and artificial intelligence, combined with stunning visuals and a haunting score, make it a film that deserved much more recognition.
6. The Godfather Part II 1974，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 1377223, ID: 0071562
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While The Godfather Part II did win several Oscars, including Best Picture, its profound storytelling and exceptional performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro make it a film that could have swept even more categories.
7. Taxi Driver 1976，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 932105, ID: 0075314
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Taxi Driver, with Robert De Niro’s unforgettable performance as Travis Bickle, was nominated for four Oscars but didn’t win any. Its gritty portrayal of urban decay and psychological unraveling deserved greater recognition from the Academy.
8. Star Wars 1977，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1462782, ID: 0076759
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Star Wars revolutionized the sci-fi genre and became a cultural phenomenon, yet it didn’t win Best Picture. Its groundbreaking special effects, memorable characters, and epic storytelling make it a film that should have been more celebrated at the Oscars.
9. Apocalypse Now 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 716400, ID: 0078788
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Apocalypse Now, a harrowing depiction of the Vietnam War, was nominated for eight Oscars but won only two. Its powerful performances, haunting visuals, and intense narrative make it a film that deserved more accolades.
10. Raging Bull 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 383226, ID: 0081398
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Raging Bull, with Robert De Niro’s transformative performance as Jake LaMotta, won only two Oscars. Its raw portrayal of a boxer’s life and Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction make it a film that should have received more recognition.
11. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 441061, ID: 0083866
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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure that captivated audiences worldwide. Despite its critical acclaim and box office success, it missed out on the Best Picture Oscar, which many believe it deserved for its emotional depth and groundbreaking special effects. The film’s ability to connect with both children and adults makes it a timeless classic that should have been recognized with the highest honor.
12. Blade Runner 1982，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 829339, ID: 0083658
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Blade Runner, with its stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes, is a masterpiece of science fiction that was ahead of its time. Although it received nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects, it did not win an Oscar, which seems unjust given its lasting impact on the genre. The film’s exploration of humanity and identity continues to resonate, making it a deserving candidate for an Oscar.
13. Do the Right Thing 1989，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 113781, ID: 0097216
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Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is a powerful and provocative film that tackles racial tensions in America with unflinching honesty. Despite its critical acclaim and cultural significance, it was overlooked for the Best Picture Oscar. The film’s raw portrayal of social issues and its enduring relevance make it a film that should have been honored with an Oscar.
14. Goodfellas 1990，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 1270989, ID: 0099685
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Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a gripping and stylish portrayal of life in the mob. While it won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, it lost the Best Picture award, which many argue it deserved. The film’s dynamic storytelling, memorable performances, and influence on the crime genre make it a standout that should have taken home the top prize.
15. The Shawshank Redemption 1994，IMDB Rating: 9.3, IMDB Votes: 2920170, ID: 0111161
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The Shawshank Redemption is a deeply moving story of hope and friendship set against the backdrop of a prison. Despite being nominated for seven Oscars, it did not win any, which is surprising given its profound impact on audiences and critics alike. The film’s powerful narrative and emotional resonance make it a deserving candidate for an Oscar.