11 Best Picture Winners With Surprisingly Low Rotten Tomatoes Scores, Ranked By Fans

Forrest Gump is often remembered as a feel-good classic, with Tom Hanks delivering one of his most beloved performances. Despite its enduring legacy and the affection audiences have for both the film and Hanks himself, critics are not quite as enthusiastic; on Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 75 percent Tomatometer score. While reviewers acknowledge its technical achievements and heartfelt moments, some have mixed feelings about its sentimentality and storytelling choices.

Audiences, on the other hand, have embraced Forrest Gump wholeheartedly. The Popcornmeter sits at an impressive 95 percent, reflecting just how much viewers connect with its memorable characters and quotable lines. Over the years, the film’s reputation has only grown, making it a rare case where popular opinion far outweighs critical reservations, especially when it comes to Tom Hanks in one of his most iconic roles.

A Beautiful Mind won Best Picture and is often remembered for Russell Crowe’s performance as the mathematician John Nash and its emotionally resonant storytelling. Critics gave it a respectable but still surprisingly low 74 percent on the Tomatometer, praising the acting and direction but sometimes questioning its accuracy and sentimentality. The film’s dramatic approach to real-life struggles drew both admiration and a bit of skepticism from reviewers.

Audiences, however, have been much more enthusiastic. The Popcornmeter hit high at 93 percent, suggesting that viewers were deeply moved by Nash’s journey and the film’s uplifting message. For many, A Beautiful Mind stands out as a powerful story about overcoming adversity, making it one of those Oscar winners that regular movie fans embraced even more than the critics did.

Crash pulled off a surprise Best Picture win, sparking a debate that still lingers. Critics gave it a decent but not overwhelming 73 percent on the Tomatometer, often noting its ambition and strong ensemble cast but also pointing out heavy-handed storytelling and obvious themes. The film’s approach to complex social issues has led to plenty of discussion, both positive and negative.

Audiences have generally responded more positively. The Popcornmeter is a robust 88 percent, showing that viewers connected with its emotional intensity and intertwined stories. Even years later, Crash remains one of those Oscar winners where the gap between critical opinion and popular response is pretty clear.

Out of Africa took home the Best Picture Oscar and is known for its sweeping cinematography and memorable performances, especially from Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Critics, however, have been somewhat lukewarm, giving it a modest 62 percent on the Tomatometer. While the film’s visuals and romance are often praised, some reviewers find its pacing slow and the story a bit drawn out.

Audiences have responded much more warmly. Audiences offered it a strong 82 percent, showing that viewers connect with the film’s emotional core and grand sense of place. For many, the lush scenery and classic love story outweigh any criticisms about length or pacing. In this case, Out of Africa is one of those Oscar winners that regular movie fans end up loving more than most critics did.

The Western epic Cimarron once rode high as a Best Picture winner, celebrated for its grand scale and ambitious production. Today, though, it gets a lukewarm 52 percent on the Tomatometer, with critics often citing its dated approach and uneven pacing.

Audience reaction is even colder. The Popcornmeter is just 26 percent, showing that modern viewers struggle to connect with the film. Despite its early Oscar success, Cimarron is now more of a historical curiosity than a crowd favorite.

Around the World in 80 Days ran away with the Best Picture Oscar with its globe-trotting adventure and star-studded cameos. Critics have given it a less-than-stellar 72 percent on the Tomatometer, while praising its impressive visuals and ambitious scope, as well as sometimes noting the story can feel a bit stretched.

Audience enthusiasm is noticeably lower. The Popcornmeter is chilling at just 57 percent, suggesting that modern viewers find the film less engaging than its reputation might suggest. While Around the World in 80 Days has its place in Oscar history, it is one of those winners that seems to have lost some of its charm with time.