Oscars: Every Best Picture Winner Ever Ranked From Worst To Best

50. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron's Titanic is without question the most popular and iconic Best Picture winner to date: a rare instance of box office dynamite and awards success going hand-in-hand.

Though Cameron's screenplay gets no points for subtlety, the sheer magnificent craft on display is especially staggering in the movie's second half, while Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet do about as well with the oft-wonky material as can be expected.

More than anything, Titanic proves that Cameron is a master of manipulating audiences and evoking an emotional reaction. It might be hip to trash the film for its shamelessly saccharine moments, but if you're being totally honest with yourself, you probably cried at the end just like everyone else.

In a year where Good Will Hunting and L.A. Confidential were also nominated, though, its win can't seem anything other than wrong.