5 fantastic Oscar-winning films to watch on Hulu
There’s something unique about experiencing an Oscar-winning film; you can trust these critically acclaimed titles. After their moment in the limelight, you can easily enjoy them from the comfort of your couch, as streaming platforms like Hulu have become a treasure trove for movie lovers, providing a wide array of Academy Award winners across various genres.
From beloved classics like The Sound of Music to innovative international cinema like Parasite, there's something for every type of film enthusiast. Whether you're interested in acclaimed films that won Best Picture or want to experience an actor's Oscar-winning performance, Hulu has plenty to offer.
**Avatar (2009)**
20th Century Fox
Avatar invites viewers to the glowing moon of Pandora, where paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) takes his twin's place in the program. Jake pilots a genetically crafted Na’vi body, designed after Pandora’s native inhabitants. Under the guidance of Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), he immerses himself in their culture and learns their ways, including their bond with nature. When a greedy corporation tightens its hold on Pandora’s resources, Jake faces a difficult dilemma: remain loyal to the people he has come to care for or betray them for his own species.
Director James Cameron amazed audiences with a groundbreaking visual experience that transformed not only the sci-fi genre but filmmaking in general. The film’s pioneering use of 3D, motion capture, and CGI world-building reimagined cinematic possibilities, creating an immersive experience like never before. Its success was immense, grossing over $2.9 billion globally, making it the highest-grossing film of all time until briefly overtaken by Avengers: Endgame. The 2009 film earned nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing, winning three: Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects.
Avatar is available on Hulu.
**Titanic (1997)**
Paramount Pictures
Another Oscar-winning gem from director James Cameron, Titanic requires no introduction. Set against a backdrop of one of history’s most notorious disasters, it tells the love story of Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), a seventeen-year-old caught in an oppressive engagement with the wealthy Cal Hockley (Billy Zane), and the free-spirited artist Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio). As Rose is swept into a passionate romance with Jack, they defy the strict social hierarchy represented by the RMS Titanic, though their love story is tragically short-lived.
Cameron’s Titanic epitomizes epic filmmaking, with its grand scale and state-of-the-art special effects establishing it as a cinematic powerhouse. It dominated the 1998 Oscars, winning 11 awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Song for Celine Dion’s iconic “My Heart Will Go On.” Though some critics initially saw it as an exaggerated melodrama, Titanic has persisted as a cultural touchstone, blending romantic tragedy with stunning visuals that remain unmatched.
Titanic is available on Hulu.
**The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)**
Fox Searchlight
Once a glamorous establishment, The Grand Budapest Hotel's esteemed reputation in the fictional republic of Zubrowka is now fading. The film narrates the story through the recollections of the dedicated lobby boy, Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), highlighting the charming concierge Monsieur Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), renowned for his impeccable service and clandestine relationships with wealthy elderly guests like Madame D. (Tilda Swinton). Following her mysterious death and the bequest of a priceless painting—“Boy with Apple”—he becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Alongside Zero, Gustave must evade the law, pursued by the determined enforcer Jopling (Willem Dafoe).
Beloved by fans of director Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel exemplifies his distinctive style. With its pastel dreamscape, carefully designed symmetrical sets, quirky humor, and quick-witted dialogue, it serves as a great introduction for newcomers and a delightful choice for longtime fans. At the 87th Academy Awards, it garnered nine nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, winning four Oscars: Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Original Score.
The Grand Budapest Hotel is available on Hulu.
**The Sound of Music (1965)**
20th Century-Studios
The Sound of Music is a timeless classic that tells the story of Maria (Julie Andrews), a spirited postulant sent from her convent to be the governess for the seven children of the stern Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). The once dreary and structured household is transformed by Maria’s infectious joy and spirit as she brings music and laughter into their lives. Although the captain initially resists her unconventional methods,
Other articles
5 fantastic Oscar-winning films to watch on Hulu
Hulu offers a selection of Oscar-winning films for streaming today, including timeless classics such as The Sound of Music and influential movies like Parasite.
