Every Best Picture Oscar Winner Ranked Worst To Best

With The Silence of the Lambs, the Academy came as close as they ever have to awarding Best Picture to a horror film, though Jonathan Demme's iconic mystery is more of a thriller than a relentless scare-fest.

But that's not to say it isn't horrifying, thanks in large part to Anthony Hopkins' iconic and chilling Hannibal Lecter performance, and the way he matches wits with Jodie Foster's strong-willed FBI agent Clarice Starling, who's on the trail of a killer just as twisted as the cannibal she's begrudgingly aligned with.

The Silence of the Lambs is a meticulous vision, bracingly paced and tremendously acted to create a feeling of dread and unpredictability that still feels fresh to this day. Hollywood thrillers remain a little bit in its shadow.