5 excellent free Oscar-winning films you should watch right away

      As the Oscars approach once again, it's essential to evaluate how effectively the Academy has managed to maintain film history. The Oscars are not without their flaws. There are instances when they get it right; whether it's in the Best Picture category or another.

      We’ve compiled a list of five Oscar-winning films that are currently available for free streaming. While not all of these films received the Best Picture award, they each secured a win in another category and are definitely worth watching if you want to see five occasions when the Oscars truly got it right.

      Looking for more suggestions? Check out the top new movies to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

      **Fargo (1996)**

      The Coen Brothers have produced several all-time classics, but Fargo might be their most iconic film. Set in Fargo, North Dakota, it follows a very pregnant sheriff with a cheerful demeanor as she looks into a murder outside her small town.

      Starring the incredible Frances McDormand, who won her first Oscar for this role, Fargo offers both humor and deep reflections. Its exploration of evil and the quirks of humanity feels just as pertinent today, while still functioning effectively as a crime caper if you're not in the mood for heavy themes.

      You can watch Fargo on Tubi.

      **Raging Bull (1980)**

      Raging Bull may not have won Best Picture, but it did earn Robert De Niro the Best Actor award, as well as Best Film Editing. The film tells the story of boxer Jake La Motta, who rises to become the heavyweight champion but ultimately sabotages his own life and career.

      De Niro delivers an outstanding performance as a man unable to escape his own flaws. Scorsese's direction in the boxing scenes is breathtaking, as he portrays what it means to be a person who alienates everyone around them.

      You can watch Raging Bull on Tubi.

      **Rocky (1976)**

      As the ultimate underdog story, both on-screen and in reality, Rocky was an unexpected Best Picture winner in 1976. The film follows a working-class boxer who gets a unique chance to fight the world champion, and it launched a franchise while making Sylvester Stallone a household name.

      Despite its modest budget, Rocky's rough and raw quality is one of its main appeals, reflecting the working-class essence of its protagonist and still inspiring audiences nearly 50 years later.

      You can watch Rocky on Pluto TV.

      **Gladiator (2000)**

      The Academy used to favor sword-and-sandal epics, and Gladiator briefly revived this genre. The film tells the tale of a Roman general betrayed by the emperor's son in his quest for power. Ridley Scott's epic showcases a level of grandeur often absent in today’s best blockbusters.

      With Russell Crowe delivering a stellar performance and featuring some impressively elaborate set pieces, Gladiator balances silliness and seriousness, contributing to its greatness.

      You can watch Gladiator on Pluto TV.

      **West Side Story (1961)**

      This iconic musical has been adapted into two classic films. By reimagining Romeo & Juliet in 1960s New York, West Side Story depicts a romance between a gang member and a Puerto Rican woman despised by his gang.

      The film is most renowned for its vibrant musical sequences, which have made it a staple in musical-loving households for decades since its release. West Side Story is a classic for a reason.

      You can watch West Side Story on Tubi.