All 10 Oscars 2026 Best Picture Nominees, Ranked Worst To Best

The 2026 Oscars are almost here, and now that the nominations are out, we know the 10 films vying for Best Picture. Whether the Academy chooses the best films is always discussed, but this year’s selection is remarkably strong and diverse. I think every nominated film deserves to be there.

Ultimately, there can only be one winner. The Academy Awards uses a ranked choice voting system for Best Picture, meaning the order of preferences really counts. As the New Movies Editor, I’m going to play along and share my own ranking of the 2026 nominees – based on how good I think they are, not necessarily who I expect to win – from my least favorite to my top pick.

10. Train Dreams

This opinion might not be popular, but I didn’t connect with Train Dreams the way most critics – and the Academy – did. While the film is visually stunning, it felt like it tried to be deeply moving or meaningful, without actually achieving that effect. I enjoyed parts of it, but I struggled to understand why others found it so impactful.

Joel Edgerton delivers a strong performance, cleverly using his typically dark on-screen persona to hint at a more sensitive side. William H. Macy also stands out, making a real impression despite his limited screen time – he could have easily been a Best Supporting Actor nominee this year. I wish both actors had received individual nominations, and that this Best Picture slot had gone to a different film.

9. Frankenstein

It’s surprising that Guillermo del Toro’s passion project, a film he’d hinted at for years, isn’t among his strongest work. It might be that he was too careful to stay true to the original story, which ironically made it feel less impactful. Ultimately, Frankenstein doesn’t offer anything new in terms of visuals or themes that he hasn’t already explored more effectively in films like The Shape of Water, Crimson Peak, or Pinocchio.

Despite its flaws, this is a well-made film, displaying the team’s usual high level of skill. Jacob Elordi delivers a fantastic performance as the Creature, and his portrayal is as impressive as any of the monsters created by Guillermo del Toro and Doug Jones. If Elordi wins Best Supporting Actor, as many now predict, it would be a well-deserved award.

8. F1

The surprise nomination of Joseph Kosinski’s F1 has drawn a lot of criticism, but I think the negativity is less about the movie itself and more about the types of films being considered for Best Picture. It’s easy to forget these nominations come from filmmakers who might appreciate the technical skill and effort that goes into a compelling blockbuster. Plus, why shouldn’t the highest-grossing original film of the year be recognized?

While F1’s story and overall message aren’t as strong as those in the films I ranked higher, I found it much more engaging as a viewing experience. Like his previous film, Top Gun: Maverick, director Kosinski skillfully balances the exciting, physical sensation of racing with a compelling character journey. This creates a thrilling and cinematic portrayal of a sport where the drivers often feel distant and unreachable during competition.

7. Hamnet

I had some of the same issues with Hamnet as I did with Train Dreams, particularly in the beginning, which felt somewhat disjointed. However, around the middle of the film, director Chloé Zhao and her talented cast really found their footing and delivered a powerful experience. Seeing Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, both exceptional actors, given the freedom to express such deep emotions was a true highlight of the year.

I was so captivated by Hamnet. It doesn’t just retell a familiar story; it actually builds upon it in a beautiful way. The novel, as I understood it, focused on how art helps us deal with personal grief, but the film takes that idea even further. It shows how art can offer a shared release for everyone experiencing loss, whether they’re watching Shakespeare at the Globe or seeing this film itself. Honestly, it’s a deeply moving and smart piece of work, and I truly believe its best moments are as good as anything I’ve seen, or expect to see, this year.

6. Bugonia

It’s easy to overlook just how good this movie is. The suspense, built around the question of whether a kidnapped woman is truly an alien as her captor thinks, is genuinely gripping. This direct approach is a bit different from other films by director Yorgos Lanthimos. At first, the thrills and the strong performances from Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons might seem like the whole point, but there’s more to it than that.

Though subtle, the core ideas from the source material, Bugonia, are present throughout the film. Once you recognize them, they powerfully shape the narrative, ultimately making it a strikingly insightful commentary on our current world. Lanthimos and Tracy delve into themes of decay—of the human psyche, societal structures, and the natural world—and the factors driving that decline. The film is undeniably grim, but understanding its perspective on conspiracy theories reveals that the ending isn’t as hopeless as it initially appears.

5. Sinners

Ryan Coogler’s film is a fascinating mix of two different styles. The first part is a carefully crafted and emotional story that leads to a truly unique and memorable scene. The second half shifts into a more traditional vampire action movie, while still exploring the same interesting ideas. This blend of originality and familiar genre tropes is typical of Coogler’s films, and it sometimes prevents me from fully connecting with them, even though I appreciate his work.

He’s one of the rare filmmakers who can bring such a strong, personal style to a large-scale movie, and it shows in every detail. Sinners is packed with meaning, from the compelling performances to the flawless technical work and the powerful music, which beautifully reinforces the film’s message about the restorative power of Black art. Regardless of whether it wins an Oscar, it’s easily one of the most important films of the year.

4. Sentimental Value

Joachim Trier’s film, Sentimental Value, has been generating Oscar buzz since its debut at Cannes, and it’s clear why. The Norwegian director has created a film that’s as much about the art of acting as it is about its story. By framing the narrative around a director making a deeply personal film, Trier explores the difficulties of channeling another person’s emotions, especially when that work is also a business. The film ultimately highlights the incredible skill and artistry actors bring to their craft, even under challenging circumstances.

The actors in Sentimental Value truly deliver exceptional performances – it’s no surprise Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning all received Oscar nominations. The film is filled with inventive details that enhance its themes, and director Trier deserves praise for going beyond simply recording his actors’ performances. What truly captivated me was how the cast evoked genuine emotion, allowing it to subtly permeate each scene.

3. The Secret Agent

It’s really exciting that a complex and layered film like The Secret Agent could be nominated for Best Picture. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho tells the story of a Brazilian academic in the 1970s who gets into trouble with the authorities, exploring the lasting impact of the country’s military dictatorship. The film is a captivating neo-noir mystery, but it also delves into the blurry line between fact and fiction, and how one can shape the other, which can make the story feel deliberately elusive as it progresses.

As The Secret Agent illustrates, life under oppressive governments is often a mix of hardship and fleeting moments of joy. The film doesn’t shy away from showing both the kindness and cruelty people are capable of, and how suddenly tragedy can strike. Ultimately, though, the director seems most focused on the power of memory, and has crafted a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

2. Marty Supreme

While Timothée Chalamet worked incredibly hard to promote his new film, Marty Supreme, it’s important to remember just how good the movie actually is. Director Josh Safdie and co-writer Ronald Bronstein have created a film that feels like a cousin to their previous hit, Uncut Gems, delivering the same thrilling mix of excitement and worry. Chalamet’s character, Marty, is charming but uses that charm to get what he wants, often hurting others in the process – even the audience. We find ourselves strangely compelled to want him to win at table tennis, and the more his schemes cause problems, the more conflicted we feel about still supporting him.

Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating performance, and the film’s visual style demands your attention in every scene. The costumes and set design beautifully recreate a historical New York, making it feel incredibly real, and the movie is filled with a fantastic cast of recognizable actors. While it might not be the year’s best film overall, it’s undoubtedly the most visually stunning and meticulously crafted, and Marty Supreme is sure to be recognized by the Academy.

1. One Battle After Another

The movie I consider the best of the year is also the frontrunner to win the top prize. It’s a rare moment when my personal favorite aligns with the likely winner.

One Battle After Another is a surprisingly complex and rewarding film. It constantly shifts between different styles – action, comedy, political commentary, and intimate character studies – and each element feels fully developed. While it can be challenging and demanding, it’s also consistently engaging. The film boasts several standout performances, each unique yet working together seamlessly. It powerfully reflects our current world, creating a feeling that is both unsettling and exciting.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film is both deeply satisfying and genuinely fun, and it’s complex enough to support all the different interpretations people have. It would be fantastic to see a movie like this win Best Picture. Along with other recent films like Sinners, it really shows the value of letting talented directors have the freedom—and the budget—to create original work, rather than just sticking to pre-approved franchise projects. Hopefully, if either of these films wins, Hollywood will recognize that creative risk can pay off.

2026-01-26 21:51