As 2025 comes to a close, we have reached the end of our Bitesize Top Five Century Series. Our final list is a ranking of all the Best Picture winners within that time and for the first time we are releasing our entire ranking from beginning to end, in order.
How did we decide this? As always, each writer ranks his or her top 15 in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five.
5. SPOTLIGHT
You ever watch a movie that you didn’t want to end? That is Spotlight for me. When I watched it for the first time, it represented everything that is the epitome of why we watch film: excellent performances (Mark Ruffalo has got to win an Oscar at some point, right?) coming together as a cohesive ensemble, a heart-pounding story that is all the more engrossing due to being a real-life tale, and stellar direction from Tom McCarthy that keeps the film moving at a compelling pace. But, most of all, when a film so deftly tackles corrupt institutions that are kept in power by the comfortable complacency of others, you can’t help but feel a fire growing in your soul with each bourgeoning scene. - Amarú
4. GLADIATOR
No matter how long you spend thinking about the Roman Empire, there's a good chance Gladiator is the reason it pops in your head. Starring Russell Crowe at the height of his powers (in a performance that earned him a well deserved Best Actor Oscar) and Joaquin Phoenix in a star-making turn (that was robbed for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar), this historical epic not only set the standard for future films of the genre, it remains outmatched. Gladiator is so revered, in fact, that it managed a sequel 24 years later with a worldwide box office that just barely missed topping the original. Now that's some staying power. - Nick
3. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
No Country for Old Men is one of those masterpieces that's almost impossible to put into words, although I certainly will try. Arguably the best film the Coen Brothers have made, this movie is a masterclass in tension building, keeping the film exciting even with its slow pace and methodical backbone that takes the neo-western genre into interesting territories by exploring the contradicting ideas of destiny and circumstance. Everyone's talked in spades about the iconic turn from Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh, for which he correctly won an Oscar, but not enough is said about how much Josh Brolin brings to this film. For nearly two decades, No Country for Old Men has been analyzed, rewatched, and admired for its filmmaking, its writing, and its themes. I don't see that slowing down. - Adriano
2. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
I only saw the Lord of the Rings trilogy within the past few years, and I watched all three in one sitting. They transformed my perspective on fantasy, which I had previously found somewhat impenetrable due to the plethora of characters and locations with names I’d never remember, by showing that fantasy storytelling can be detailed yet incredibly exciting and emotionally engaging. In particular, The Return of the King is unmatched in terms of pure spectacle, with special effects that not only stand up to the most accomplished films of today, but surpass them in almost every conceivable aspect. The battle scenes are breathtaking in their sheer scale and intensity, with some of the most impressive and immersive production design ever, featuring loveable characters who we see embark on their climactic final journey. Winning all 11 Oscars it was nominated for at the 76th Academy Awards, The Return of the King is truly a singular cinematic achievement. - Katie
1. THE DEPARTED
A few days ago, my son asked for an “older movie" recommendation. He was watching Godfather II for the first time that night (I know, let’s all take a breath together), so I suggested anything directed by Martin Scorsese starring his favorite lead, Leonardo DiCaprio… “How about 2006 Best Picture winner, The Departed?!,” he asked. Perfect choice because this banger is ranked numero uno on my list of Best Picture winners of this century. The criminally stacked cast puts together performances of a lifetime in the rough-and-tumble Bostonian world of cops and Irish-American gangsters, while its gritty approach will tickle all your emotional fancies and punch you in the face with a truly kick-ass story. What else could you want in a film?! - Preston
HONORABLE MENTIONS
6. PARASITE
7. OPPENHEIMER
8. EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
9. MOONLIGHT
10. A BEAUTIFUL MIND
11. THE HURT LOCKER
12. THE SHAPE OF WATER
13. 12 YEARS A SLAVE
14. ARGO
15. CODA
16. BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
17. CHICAGO
18. MILLION DOLLAR BABY
19. THE KING'S SPEECH
20. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
21. THE ARTIST
22. NOMADLAND
23. CRASH
24. GREEN BOOK