The 98th Academy Awards feature an interesting range of Best Picture nominees. Some feel tailor-made for awards season, while others (like “F1”) are certainly out of place.
Nonetheless, each of these films has earned their spot for a different reason.
Here’s how the Oscars 2026 best picture nominees stack up – ranked from worst to best.
10. ‘Frankenstein’
“Frankenstein” is breathtakingly beautiful and painstakingly dull at the same time.
The film struggles to find its footing, shifting between melodramatic and suspenseful tones that don’t quite mix. At 149 minutes, it sprawls through many ideas, with few of them actually sticking.
“Frankenstein” proves both overlong and rushed, losing focus on its core themes in the process.
9. ‘The Secret Agent’
“The Secret Agent” is a beautiful movie, transporting the audience to 1970s Brazil. It also has something to say, exploring a wide range of topics that still feel relevant today.
But it’s far too long. The film piles on subplots that don’t add much to the story, including several that receive no resolution.
Still, “The Secret Agent” commands respect for its craftsmanship. Wagner Moura steals the show and its darkly comedic energy works wonders.
8. ‘Hamnet’
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal do superb work in “Hamnet.” Buckley’s abrupt screams pair well with Mescal’s more reserved presence.
It’s an examination of art – the power to both heal and hurt while guiding people through grief. While the themes land, the film takes too long to fulfill its objective.
“Hamnet” is a constant barrage of sadness, delivering a movie that will likely challenge yet fulfill audiences.
7. ‘F1’
“F1” is the definition of a summer blockbuster. It delivers heart-pounding, visceral racing sequences with little to offer outside of that.
Still, the cinematography and sound mixing make every swerve, crash and hairpin turn hit like a gut punch. Brad Pitt’s performance is serviceable, effortlessly selling the cool persona once again.
Despite its flaws between the races, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the ride when the pedal hits the metal.
6. ‘Sinners’
“Sinners” explores many ideas – music, prejudice, culture, religion and more. The first half plays largely as a drama before shifting into horror-vampire territory.
Michael B. Jordan excels in dual roles but more often than not it’s Miles Caton who steals the show.
Director Ryan Coogler makes a movie that tries to be many things at once. Despite sometimes feeling like two separate films, it somehow blends together seamlessly.
5. ‘Bugonia’
Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone allow “Bugonia” to succeed. Their performances perfectly sell a strange power dynamic, mixing calculation with desperation.
Yorgos Lanthimos’ direction shines through in every shot, with more weirdness surfacing as the film moves toward its conclusion.
“Bugonia” is a bold genre blend that’s admirably ambitious. It’s a thought-provoking film that’s hard to ignore.
4. ‘Sentimental Value’
“Sentimental Value” is tedious, overstuffed and even self-indulgent. It’s also unapologetically itself and beautiful.
Renate Reinsve brings layer upon layer of emotion to the screen, telling a story through every spoken word.
The film feels overwhelming – in the best way possible. “Sentimental Value” is uncomfortable to sit with but still explores love and healing in cathartic fashion.
3. ‘One Battle After Another’
“One Battle After Another” runs a daunting 161 minutes but proves worth the investment. Thrusting audiences into a massive story, it remains tense and entertaining without letting go.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor and Benicio del Toro form one of the strongest ensemble casts of the year.
It’s a warning told through comedy. There are plenty of laughs but its social commentary reminds viewers that forgetting history ensures it will repeat.
2. ‘Train Dreams’
“Train Dreams” is immediately hypnotic. It mixes beautiful visuals, soothing narration and quiet moments to form a complete portrait of one man’s life.
Joel Edgerton may be quiet but he manages to say a lot with very little.
Exploring the meaning of life, “Train Dreams” delivers a devastatingly beautiful story about love and loss.
1. ‘Marty Supreme’
“Marty Supreme” is injected with adrenaline from start to finish. While it could easily be labeled the “ping-pong movie,” it’s much more than that.
Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-best performance, one that easily ranks among the best of the year.
It’s supreme indeed. “Marty Supreme” lives up to its title in every way.
This year’s best picture nominees show a wide range of cinema. And the meaning of “prestige filmmaking” continues to expand – with both intimate releases and loud blockbusters earning nods.
Find out who wins Best Picture during the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15.
