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25 best Oscar-winning movies on Netflix

By Mario McKellop

HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Gold dusted chocolate Oscar statues are displayed during the 91st Academy Awards Governors Ball press preview at Dolby Theatre on February 15, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Gold dusted chocolate Oscar statues are displayed during the 91st Academy Awards Governors Ball press preview at Dolby Theatre on February 15, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Actors Colin Firth (L) and Geoffrey Rush attend ‘The Kings Speech’ photocall during 54th BFI London Film Festival at the Vue West End on October 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Actors Colin Firth (L) and Geoffrey Rush attend ‘The Kings Speech’ photocall during 54th BFI London Film Festival at the Vue West End on October 21, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images) /

9. The King’s Speech (2010)

Ostensibly, The King Speech is one of the most unlikely Oscar-winning movies of the last few decades. It’s not an epic, a love story or a portentous social issues drama. And though it is a historical drama, the story tells is not one where the fate of the free world or the principle of human dignity is at stake. And yet in claimed the Academy Award for Best Picture, Actor, Director and Original Screenplay.

Set in 1930s England, the film details the unconventional relationship between King George V (Colin Firth) and his speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). As the story begins, George is Prince Albert, the second son of the reigning king and therefore believes he will never become the Defender of the Faith. However, after his brother King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) unexpectedly abdicates, “Bertie” is forced to work with Lionel to finally come to terms with a speech impediment that he has had since childhood.

Despite featuring a plot that makes it sound like an okay British TV movie, The King’s Speech is a truly excellent film. Featuring understated direction, a legitimately funny and touching script, and some unconventional but striking cinematography, the film more than earns its 12 Academy Award nominations and four wins. However, what makes it one of the best Oscar-winning movies of the century is its two central performances.

As Logue, Rush embodies the platonic ideal of a teacher; he’s challenging, insightful and deeply compassionate. And as King George, Firth is truly fantastic, embodying both the gravitas befitting a world leader and the frailty of a troubled but courageous man.

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