The Oscars are finally here, and you know what that means–champagne, speeches that go on too long, and inevitably shouting at your TV because your favorite movie didn’t win. This year’s 2025 slate of nominees has given us everything from gripping dramas to genre-bending musicals, and there’s a ton to discuss. With the Academy recognizing 10 films for Best Picture, ranking these cinematic heavyweights feels as daunting as picking just one snack for movie night.

But hey, someone’s got to do it! Whether you’re here to see if your favorites made the top of the list or to prepare for a heated debate at your Oscar party, we’ve got you. From the universally beloved hits to those that left people scratching their heads, here’s how the 2025 Best Picture nominees stack up.

#1 - "Anora"

Honestly, you can’t argue with a powerhouse. Sean Baker’s Anora cleaned up at the Oscars, winning Best Picture and four other awards. The story follows a young woman navigating the complexities of survival and independence as a New York City stripper. Mikey Madison knocks it out of the park as Anora, securing the Best Actress win in the process.

What made Anora really stand out? It blended raw, unfiltered realism with a deeply emotional core. Director Sean Baker has a knack for crafting characters that cling to your brain long after the credits roll, and this one more than delivers. If you didn’t cry at least once during the film, we might need to double-check your humanity.

#2 - "The Brutalist"

This isn’t just a movie–it’s an experience. Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is an epic tale following a Holocaust survivor rebuilding his life in post-World War II America. The film won three Oscars, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody’s jaw-dropping performance.

Clocking in at a hefty 215 minutes, The Brutalist isn’t for the faint-hearted. But for anyone who loves character-driven storytelling and beautiful cinematography (seriously, the visuals are chef’s kiss!), this one was worth every second. It might not have won Best Picture, but it left an undeniable impression.

#3 - "Wicked"

Wicked fans, rise up! This one had a lot riding on it, with Broadway stans waiting years for a big-screen adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked dives into the backstory of Elphaba and Glinda, the witches of Oz. It picked up two Oscars and was a crowd-pleaser for musical lovers everywhere.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were perfectly cast, with their performances lighting up the screen. Not to mention, the production design and costume design were out of this world. Even if musicals aren’t typically your thing, you can’t deny this one had star power.

#4 - "A Complete Unknown"

Bob Dylan fans got a treat with this unconventional biopic. Timothée Chalamet plays Dylan in A Complete Unknown, capturing his swagger and mystery while showcasing his rise to fame. The script, adapted by James Mangold and Jay Cocks, won huge praise for its depth. Plus, Edward Norton’s performance was a standout in the Best Supporting Actor category.

The real highlight? The film didn’t play it safe. Instead, it embraced Dylan’s contradictions and complexities, just like the man himself. Whether you’re a hardcore Dylan fan or just know him as “the guy with the harmonica,” this is a must-see.

#5 - "Conclave"

Ever wondered what happens behind closed doors when a new pope is chosen? Conclave lets you in on the drama in a gripping way. Ralph Fiennes leads an ensemble full of heavy-hitters, and director Edward Berger keeps the suspense sharp.

While the film didn’t pull in heaps of praise from the box office crowd, critics couldn’t stop talking about the intricate storytelling and clever commentary on power and faith. If political intrigue with a side of religion sounds like your thing, put this on your list.

#6 - "Dune: Part Two"

It’s a blockbuster, it’s a flex, it’s Dune. Denis Villeneuve returns to the desert planet of Arrakis for Part Two, and it’s packed with tension, stunning visuals, and a killer cast. It won two Oscars, including Best Visual Effects.

The only reason this doesn’t rank higher? While the movie did everything right, it felt more like a transition piece, bridging Part One to the inevitable Part Three. Still, you can’t beat the cinematic magic of sandworms, spaceships, and Zendaya.

#7 - "I’m Still Here"

Representing Brazil as both a Best Picture and Best International Film nominee, I’m Still Here is already historic. Walter Salles directs this moving tale about Eunice Paiva, a courageous woman fighting for justice during Brazil’s military dictatorship.

The story is as powerful as they come, and Fernanda Torres’s performance comes with all the awards buzz you’d expect. While it might not have been the flashiest contender for Best Picture, it had something none of the others did–an inspiring account of resilience.

#8 - "Nickel Boys"

Based on Colson Whitehead’s jaw-dropping novel, Nickel Boys is one of the most haunting entries on this list. The adaptation dives into the horrors of a reform school in 1960s Florida and the lasting impact on its survivors.

While the movie hits hard, it also suffered from pacing issues that slowed things down in the middle. Still, it’s a vital story, and the stellar performances helped it stand tall.

#9 - "The Substance"

If you’re a fan of horror that makes you genuinely uncomfortable (in a good way), The Substance might be your jam. Demi Moore takes the lead in this biting horror flick about the costs of perfection.

The problem? While it delivered in tone and visuals, the plot left some scratching their heads, especially with its riskier choices. Some might call it genius, others might call it confusing, but there’s no denying it left folks talking.

#10 - "Emilia Pérez"

Last but not least, we have Emilia Pérez, a Netflix-backed musical centered on a cartel leader navigating her transition. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film aimed to break boundaries in storytelling–and earned Karla Sofía Gascón a groundbreaking Best Actress nomination.

Unfortunately, while its ambition was clear, the movie couldn’t quite match its lofty goals. Critics found it somewhat uneven, though its cultural significance can’t be understated.