And the winner is? Yes, it is that time of year. The Oscar nominees have been released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and movie lovers from around the world prepare for the Academy Awards. Fans tune in with excitement to see if their favorite films earn recognition on Hollywood’s biggest night. However, winning the Oscar does not always guarantee strong box office results. Some acclaimed films struggle to connect with broad audiences. Others break through and deliver major commercial success. These standout titles show how Oscar winning Best Picture movies can achieve both critical praise and financial power.
That doesn’t mean that box office success should lead to Academy consideration and votes. Top grossing movies, while good as proven by their box office success, doesn’t mean they are what Oscar winning Best Picture movies are comprised. However, there are occasions where box office hits do translate into Oscar winning Best Picture moves.
Here is a list of the top 10 highest grossing Oscar winning Best Picture movies of all time. They are that rare breed where the movie generates box office victory on its way to winning a Best Picture Oscar. The following list is based upon worldwide gross box office receipts, and all numbers are adjusted for inflation.
10. The King’s Speech (2010) – $610 Million
The King’s Speech earned global acclaim for its intimate story and strong performances. The film follows Prince Albert as he works to overcome a lifelong stammer with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue. Their partnership shapes his confidence as he prepares for a major wartime broadcast that will define his leadership. The film’s emotional depth helped it connect with audiences worldwide.
Its success at the box office surprised many industry watchers. Historical dramas rarely reach this level of commercial impact. Viewers responded to its honest portrayal of personal struggle and responsibility. The film also benefited from strong word‑of‑mouth support.
As one of the standout Oscar winning Best Picture movies, The King’s Speech demonstrates how character‑driven stories can achieve broad appeal. Its awards recognition increased interest and helped sustain its impressive theatrical run. The film remains a clear example of how compelling storytelling can drive both critical and financial success.
9. Gladiator (2000) – $820 Million
Gladiator revived large‑scale historical epics with its intense action and emotional storytelling. The film follows Roman general Maximus as he seeks justice after betrayal destroys his family and position. His journey from respected commander to enslaved fighter gives the story strong emotional weight. Audiences connected with his determination and courage.
The film’s striking visuals and powerful performances helped it stand out in a crowded year. Ridley Scott created a vivid world that blended spectacle with grounded character moments. The arena battles delivered excitement while supporting the film’s deeper themes of loyalty, honor, and resilience.
Its commercial success showed that audiences still embraced ambitious historical dramas. Gladiator became one of the most influential Oscar winning Best Picture movies of its era. Its impact extended beyond awards season and shaped future large‑scale productions. The film’s strong box office performance confirmed its broad appeal and lasting cultural presence.
8. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) – $1.1 Billion
The Bridge on the River Kwai remains one of the most enduring war dramas in film history. The story follows British prisoners forced to build a strategic bridge for the Japanese army during World War II. Colonel Nicholson leads the prisoners with strict discipline, believing their work will preserve morale and dignity. His commitment creates tension as the project grows in scale and importance.
The film blends psychological conflict with sweeping adventure. Its jungle setting, strong performances, and memorable score helped it reach audiences worldwide. Viewers responded to its exploration of pride, loyalty, and the cost of obsession. The film’s dramatic tension builds steadily as the bridge nears completion.
Its remarkable box office success shows the lasting appeal of classic storytelling. As one of the most influential Oscar winning Best Picture movies, it continues to attract new generations of film fans. The film’s legacy endures through its craftsmanship, character depth, and powerful themes.
7. The Godfather (1972) – $1.3 Billion
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, The Godfather reshaped modern crime drama. The story follows the powerful Corleone family, led by Don Vito Corleone, played with iconic restraint by Marlon Brando. His influence reaches across business, politics, and the criminal underworld. The film explores loyalty, power, and the cost of family duty.
Michael Corleone begins as an outsider who wants no part in the family’s criminal life. Circumstances force him to protect his father, and his choices pull him deeper into the violent world he once rejected. His transformation drives the film’s emotional core and gives the story lasting impact.
Audiences embraced the film’s rich characters, striking cinematography, and unforgettable scenes. Its cultural influence continues to shape crime storytelling across film and television. As one of the most celebrated Oscar winning Best Picture movies, The Godfather stands as a landmark achievement. Its box office success reflects its enduring appeal and unmatched legacy.
6. Forrest Gump (1994) – $1.4 Billion
Slow‑witted Forrest Gump never sees himself as disadvantaged, and his supportive mother encourages him to live without limits. Her guidance shapes his belief that he can achieve anything with determination. Forrest approaches every challenge with sincerity and optimism, which helps him navigate an unpredictable life filled with remarkable moments.
Whether dominating on the gridiron as a college football star or inspiring crowds as a war hero, Forrest moves through major historical events with ease. His simple outlook allows him to influence people without trying. Each chapter of his life reveals another unexpected achievement that strengthens his legacy.
Audiences embraced the film’s emotional warmth, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. Its blend of personal growth and cultural history created a unique cinematic experience. As one of the most beloved Oscar winning Best Picture movies, Forrest Gump continues to resonate with viewers worldwide. Its impressive box office success reflects its broad appeal and timeless message.
5. Ben-Hur (1959) – $1.68 Billion
This epic drama follows Judah Ben‑Hur, an aristocratic Jew living in Judaea during a turbulent era. His life changes when he angers a childhood friend who now serves as a Roman tribune. The betrayal destroys his family and forces him into slavery aboard a Roman galley. Judah endures harsh conditions while holding onto hope and a desire for justice.
His journey takes him through danger, loss, and unexpected alliances. A dramatic sea battle marks a turning point in his fight for freedom. Judah eventually returns to confront the forces that shattered his life. His determination drives the story and gives the film its emotional strength.
The legendary chariot race remains one of cinema’s most iconic sequences. The production used 300 sets at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, showcasing unmatched scale and ambition. As one of the most influential Oscar winning Best Picture movies, Ben‑Hur continues to impress audiences with its scope, craftsmanship, and powerful themes.
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – $1.9 Billion
The culmination of nearly ten years of work, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King delivers a powerful conclusion to Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy. The film brings the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil as they battle for the future of Middle‑earth. Its sweeping scale and emotional depth helped it connect with audiences worldwide.
Hobbits Frodo and Sam push toward Mordor as they struggle to destroy the One Ring. Their journey grows more dangerous with every step, and their bond strengthens as they face immense challenges. Their mission anchors the film’s emotional core.
Aragorn rises to claim his destiny and leads the forces of good against Sauron’s vast army at Minas Tirith. His courage inspires allies and unites kingdoms. The film’s blend of character drama and large‑scale action created a landmark cinematic experience.
As one of the most celebrated Oscar winning Best Picture movies, it showcases unmatched craftsmanship and storytelling. Its global box office success reflects its enduring impact and devoted fan base.
3. The Sound of Music (1965) – $2.7 Billion
A tuneful and heartwarming story, The Sound of Music draws inspiration from the real‑life Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world’s most beloved concert groups before World War II. The film blends music, family bonds, and personal growth into a timeless narrative that continues to resonate with audiences.
Julie Andrews plays Maria, a spirited and tomboyish postulant from an Austrian abbey. She becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain who struggles to manage his lively children. Maria brings warmth, patience, and music into their lives, helping the family rediscover joy and connection.
Her influence transforms the household and strengthens their unity during a period of rising political tension. The film’s memorable songs, sweeping landscapes, and heartfelt performances helped it achieve remarkable global success.
As one of the most enduring Oscar winning Best Picture movies, The Sound of Music remains a cultural landmark. Its emotional depth and musical charm continue to attract new generations of viewers.
2. Titanic (1997) – $4.1 Billion
James Cameron’s Titanic delivers an epic, action‑packed romance set against the doomed maiden voyage of the R.M.S. Titanic. The ship represented the pride of the White Star Line and stood as the largest moving object ever built at the time. Its scale and luxury created a sense of wonder for passengers who believed they were boarding the “ship of dreams.”
The film follows Jack and Rose as they form an unexpected bond aboard the grand liner. Their relationship grows while the ship crosses the Atlantic, and their story highlights the contrast between wealth, class, and personal freedom. Their connection gives the film emotional depth and anchors its dramatic moments.
The Titanic’s tragic sinking claimed more than 1,500 lives in the freezing North Atlantic. Cameron’s detailed recreation of the disaster added intensity and realism. As one of the most successful Oscar winning Best Picture movies, Titanic continues to captivate audiences with its scale, emotion, and unforgettable storytelling.
1. Gone with the Wind (1939) – $4.4 Billion
This epic Civil War drama follows the life of Scarlett O’Hara, a determined and often stubborn southern belle played by Vivien Leigh. The film begins with her privileged life on a sprawling plantation and traces her struggle to survive as the South collapses during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Scarlett’s resilience drives the story and shapes her journey through loss, conflict, and personal reinvention.
Her complicated love for Ashley Wilkes and her fiery relationship with Rhett Butler add emotional depth to the narrative. These relationships highlight her ambition, pride, and vulnerability. Scarlett’s choices reveal her desire for security and control in a world that changes faster than she can accept.
The film’s sweeping scale, memorable performances, and historical backdrop helped it achieve extraordinary success. As one of the most iconic Oscar winning Best Picture movies, Gone with the Wind remains a landmark in cinematic history. Its cultural impact and box office strength continue to influence generations of film lovers.