20 Most Oscar Nominated Movies Ever - Ranked From Worst To Best

16. Gladiator (2000)

Nominations: 12

Wins: 5 (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects)

It's still absolutely baffling that Ridley Scott's sword-and-sandals epic beat out Traffic for Best Picture, but on its own terms Gladiator is a highly entertaining ride that excels in just about every area, even if the screenplay is a little on the familiar side.

The action sequences are breathless, Russell Crowe's central performance magnetic, and of course, it hits some broad but undeniably effective emotional notes. Still, it ends up feeling like the blockbuster that inexplicably sneaked through to steal the Oscar.

It's not particularly complex or outstanding as people generally expect from a Best Picture winner. Entertaining, but simplistic and suffering a sure backlash because of its bizarre awards success.