The Oscars are the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, recognizing the best in film each year. This article highlights the top ten movies last 3 years from the past decade, showcasing their unique contributions to cinema. For more movie recommendations, including some fantastic films not covered here, check out MoviesLara.
1. Nomadland (2020)
Overview
Plot Summary
Nomadland follows Fern, a woman who loses her job and home during the Great Recession and becomes a modern-day nomad. The film, among the top ten movies last 3 years, explores themes of freedom and resilience as she travels across the American West.
Cinematic Impact
Chloé Zhao’s direction and Frances McDormand’s performance bring authenticity and emotional depth to this story of van-dwelling life. The film’s blend of reality and fiction provides a unique perspective on contemporary issues.
Critical Reception and Awards
Nomadland won the Best Picture Oscar along with Best Director for Zhao and Best Actress for McDormand. It was praised for its poignant storytelling and stunning cinematography.
Statistics
- Rating: 7.3/10
- Metascore: 87
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Genre: Drama
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2. Parasite (2019)
Overview
Plot Summary
Parasite revolves around the Kim family, who infiltrate the wealthy Park household by securing jobs under false pretenses. The film, listed among the top ten movies last 3 years, delves into themes of class struggle and social disparity with a mix of dark comedy and thriller elements.
Cultural Significance
Bong Joon Ho’s film is celebrated for its sharp social commentary and inventive narrative style. It’s the first non-English film to win the Best Picture Oscar, marking a historic moment for international cinema.
Critical Reception and Awards
Parasite received widespread acclaim and won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
Statistics
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Metascore: 97
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
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3. Green Book (2018)
Overview
Plot Summary
Green Book is based on the true story of Dr. Don Shirley and his Italian-American chauffeur, Tony Vallelonga, as they navigate the racially segregated South during the 1960s. The film, part of the top ten movies last 3 years, highlights their evolving friendship and the challenges they face.
Themes and Representation
The film addresses issues of racial prejudice and friendship, providing both a heartfelt and educational experience about America’s civil rights history.
Critical Reception and Awards
Green Book won the Best Picture Oscar and also received awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali. It was praised for its performances and emotional resonance.
Statistics
- Rating: 8.2/10
- Metascore: 69
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Genre: Comedy/Drama
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4. The Shape of Water (2017)
Overview
Plot Summary
The Shape of Water is a romantic fantasy that tells the story of Elisa, a mute woman who falls in love with an amphibious creature held captive in a government lab. The film, included in the top ten movies last 3 years, combines romance with elements of fantasy and Cold War-era drama.
Artistic Vision
Guillermo del Toro’s film is known for its imaginative storytelling and visual style, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere with its unique blend of genres.
Critical Reception and Awards
The film won the Best Picture Oscar and was acclaimed for its direction, production design, and score. It also secured awards for Best Director and Best Production Design.
Statistics
- Rating: 7.3/10
- Metascore: 87
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Genre: Fantasy/Romance
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5. Moonlight (2016)
Overview
Plot Summary
Moonlight follows Chiron, a young African-American man struggling with his identity and sexuality while growing up in a tough Miami neighborhood. The film, featured in the top ten movies last 3 years, is divided into three acts, each representing a different stage of his life.
Cultural Impact
The film is notable for its portrayal of African-American life and LGBTQ+ themes. It offers a deeply personal and emotional look at self-discovery and societal challenges.
Critical Reception and Awards
Moonlight won the Best Picture Oscar and was praised for its powerful storytelling and performances, including a Best Supporting Actor award for Mahershala Ali.
Statistics
- Rating: 7.4/10
- Metascore: 99
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Genre: Drama
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6. Spotlight (2015)
Overview
Plot Summary
Spotlight details the Boston Globe’s investigation into widespread child molestation within the Catholic Church. The film, recognized as part of the top ten movies last 3 years, showcases the rigorous work of journalists uncovering the scandal.
Impact on Journalism
The film highlights the importance of investigative journalism and its role in exposing systemic issues, offering a gripping look at a major real-life scandal.
Critical Reception and Awards
Spotlight won the Best Picture Oscar and was lauded for its screenplay and performances, including Best Supporting Actor for Mark Ruffalo. It was praised for its gripping and factual portrayal of investigative work.
Statistics
- Rating: 8.1/10
- Metascore: 93
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Genre: Drama
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7. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Overview
Plot Summary
Birdman tells the story of Riggan Thomson, a former superhero actor attempting to revive his career by staging a Broadway play. The film is known for its continuous-shot appearance and exploration of identity.
Innovative Filmmaking
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s film is celebrated for its technical achievements and creative approach to storytelling, blending reality with theatrical elements.
Critical Reception and Awards
Birdman won the Best Picture Oscar and was praised for its direction, screenplay, and innovative cinematography. It also received awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography.
Statistics
- Rating: 7.7/10
- Metascore: 87
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Genre: Comedy/Drama
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8. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Overview
Plot Summary
12 Years a Slave follows Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film, listed among the top ten movies last 3 years, portrays his harrowing journey and quest for freedom.
Historical Significance
The film is noted for its unflinching depiction of slavery and its historical accuracy, offering a powerful and educational experience.
Critical Reception and Awards
12 Years a Slave won the Best Picture Oscar and received acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances. It also won Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Statistics
- Rating: 8.1/10
- Metascore: 96
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Genre: Drama/Historical
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9. Argo (2012)
Overview
Plot Summary
Argo is based on the true story of a CIA mission to rescue American hostages in Iran by disguising the operation as a Hollywood film production. The film, part of the top ten movies last 3 years, blends historical events with suspenseful drama.
Real-Life Impact
The film provides a dramatic retelling of a high-stakes rescue operation, offering a thrilling yet informative look at a pivotal historical event.
Argo won the Best Picture Oscar and was praised for its screenplay, direction, and suspense. It also received awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing. For more details on top films and their success, visit the list of highest-grossing films in the United States by year.
Statistics
- Rating: 7.7/10
- Metascore: 86
- Runtime: 2h
- Genre: Thriller/Drama
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10. The Artist (2011)
Overview
Plot Summary
The Artist is a silent black-and-white film set in Hollywood during the late 1920s and early 1930s. It tells the story of a silent film actor struggling with the advent of talkies.
Cinematic Nostalgia
The film pays homage to the silent film era, showcasing the art of storytelling without sound and capturing the essence of early cinema.
Critical Reception and Awards
The Artist won the Best Picture Oscar and received accolades for its direction, performances, and unique approach. It also won Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin.
Statistics
- Rating: 8.0/10
- Metascore: 89
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Genre: Comedy/Drama
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More Great Movieslara Movies
If you’re a movie enthusiast or just looking for quality entertainment, exploring a diverse range of films can be incredibly rewarding. Beyond the award-winning movies listed earlier, there are countless other gems worth discovering. On MoviesLara, you can find a wide variety of movies spanning different genres, eras, and styles. Here are some highlights that you might enjoy:
1. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
- Duration: 1h 58m
- Rating: 15
- Synopsis: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth is a dark fantasy set in post-Civil War Spain. The film follows a young girl named Ofelia who, after moving to a rural military outpost with her pregnant mother, discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a faun who sets her on a quest to prove herself as the reincarnation of a lost princess. The film is known for its hauntingly beautiful visuals and profound storytelling.
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2. Fido (2006)
- Duration: 1h 31m
- Rating: 15
- Synopsis: Fido is a unique blend of zombie horror and comedy, directed by Andrew Currie. Set in a 1950s suburban town where zombies are kept as pets, the film follows a young boy who befriends his family’s zombie servant, Fido. The film’s quirky take on the zombie genre, along with its satirical commentary on suburban life, makes it a fun and thought-provoking watch.
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3. Cars (2006)
- Duration: 1h 56m
- Rating: U
- Synopsis: Cars, directed by John Lasseter, is a beloved animated film from Pixar. The story follows Lightning McQueen, a race car who ends up in a small town and learns valuable lessons about friendship and community. With its vibrant animation and engaging story, Cars is a hit for both children and adults.
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4. Brother Bear 2 (2006)
- Duration: 1h 18m
- Rating: U
- Synopsis: A sequel to Disney’s Brother Bear, this film continues the story of Kenai and Koda as they embark on new adventures. Brother Bear 2 delves deeper into their relationship and features themes of family and self-discovery. It’s a charming follow-up that fans of the original will appreciate.
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5. Final Destination 3 (2006)
- Duration: 1h 32m
- Rating: 18
- Synopsis: Final Destination 3, directed by James Wong, is the third installment in the popular horror franchise. It follows a group of friends who survive a deadly rollercoaster accident only to find that death is coming for them in increasingly inventive ways. The film continues the franchise’s tradition of combining suspense with creative, gruesome sequences.
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6. Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
- Duration: 1h 31m
- Rating: U
- Synopsis: In this sequel to Ice Age, Manny, Sid, and Diego discover that the ice age is ending and embark on a journey to find a new home. Ice Age: The Meltdown continues the franchise’s signature humor and heartwarming moments, making it a fun family film.
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7. Casino Royale (2006)
- Duration: 2h 24m
- Rating: 12A
- Synopsis: Casino Royale marks Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond. The film reboots the Bond franchise, focusing on Bond’s first mission as a 00-agent. It combines thrilling action sequences with a deeper exploration of Bond’s character, revitalizing the series.
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8. Monster House (2006)
- Duration: 1h 31m
- Rating: PG
- Synopsis: Directed by Gil Kenan, Monster House is an animated adventure about three kids who discover that a creepy house in their neighborhood is alive and malevolent. The film offers a mix of humor, suspense, and spooky fun.
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9. V for Vendetta (2005)
- Duration: 2h 12m
- Rating: 15
- Synopsis: V for Vendetta, directed by James McTeigue, is a dystopian thriller set in a future where a totalitarian regime rules Britain. The film follows V, a masked vigilante who seeks to overthrow the government. It’s known for its political themes and compelling performances.
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10. The Departed (2006)
- Duration: 2h 31m
- Rating: 15
- Synopsis: Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Departed is a gripping crime thriller about an undercover cop and a mole within the police force trying to uncover each other. With a stellar cast and intense plot, it’s a standout in the crime genre.
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Explore these films and more on MoviesLara, where you’ll find a vast collection of movies to suit all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for fantasy, horror, animation, or drama, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy watching!