Every Best Picture Oscar Movie Winner Of 21st Century Ranked Worst To Best

21. The King's Speech (2010)

What should have won: The Social Network. 

It's almost embarrassingly easy to see why The King's Speech won Best Picture over more acceptable nominees The Social Network and Inception; it's an overly sentimental, real-life story about a stuttering king (Colin Firth) and his speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) forming an unlikely friendship in wartime. Duh. 

But to its credit, Tom Hooper's drama is just fine. Firth and Rush, both at their best, are nimble and lovely as a mismatched pair, and Hooper's disciplined direction gives their story a regal elegance that's easy to admire. Throw in understated turns from Helena Bonham Carter and Guy Pearce, and there's much here to enjoy. 

That being said, its focus and predictability, paired with its inflated story and bluntly inspirational historical backdrop, also makes The King's Speech a slightly forgettable picture, digestible in the moment without ever bowling you over with big creative leaps or emotional surprises. 

It's merely good, never great; a suitable Saturday night movie and little more.