The Oscars 2025 are just around the corner, and you can bet what that means - Hollywood’s biggest night, heated debates, and, of course, the battle for Best Picture! Every year, the Oscars give a mix of outright masterpieces, surprise shockers, and some head-scratchers no one sees coming. This year is no different. Some films have already won over critics, while others sparked debates that will not die down anytime soon.  

So, which movie truly deserves that golden statue? Which nominee is over-hyped? And who might pull off something with a last-minute shocker? Here is a ranking of this year's Best Picture contenders from worst to best breaking down what makes them great—or not-so-great—before the big night!

Emilia Pérez was intended to marry musical talent with graphic storytelling, but it stumbled in execution. The movie's depiction of a Mexican cartel boss's gender transition has been accused of being stereotypical and shallow in its portrayal of transgender experiences. Its representation of Mexican culture has been called superficial by critics, and its musical numbers, including one infamously addressing gender dysphoria, have been labeled as misguided. 

Despite early award buzz, controversies surrounding lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón's Academy rule breach and her past offensive remarks have further tarnished the film's reception, leading to a significant decline in its Best Picture prospects. 

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Wicked, despite its dazzling musical numbers and star-studded cast, finds itself lower in the Best Picture rankings. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film boasts standout performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, whose on-screen chemistry brings the fan-favorite characters to life. However, the movie's extended runtime, as it only takes up the first act of the original musical, creates pacing issues that some viewers find challenging. 

While Wicked has achieved remarkable box office success, breaking multiple records and raking in millions globally, its critical reception has been mixed. Some reviews praise its enchanting adaptation, while others critique its length and tonal inconsistencies. These reasons cannot be overlooked and are part of its ranking despite its undeniable popularity and commercial success.

Nickel Boys stands out for its bold storytelling, plunging into the cruel realities of a racially segregated reform school in the 1960s Florida. Director RaMell Ross uses an innovative first-person point of view, immersing viewers directly into the lives of the protagonists. Although this method provides an intimate representation, it has divided audiences. 

While some see it as revolutionary, others feel it creates a barrier to emotional connection. Despite its critical acclaim, including multiple Oscar nominations, the film has struggled at the box office, becoming the lowest-grossing Best Picture nominee this year. Nickel Boys' creative ambition cannot be denied, but its unorthodox style may have limited its wider appeal here.

A Complete Unknown takes you back to the early 1960s, tracing the path of young Bob Dylan from Minnesota to the lively streets of New York City. Timothée Chalamet steps into Dylan's shoes, bringing his evolution from a folk lover to a musical legend to life. The movie presents. Dylan's interactions with legends like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger all led up to his groundbreaking electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. 

Although Chalamet's performance has been appreciated here, the film has come under fire for its traditional storytelling, presenting a predictable narrative that does not deeply explore Dylan's mysterious character. Even with its eight Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Chalamet, A Complete Unknown ranks lower in lists because of its conventional approach, which, while fun, does not do anything new with the biopic genre. 

Brady Corbet's The Brutalist stands as a monumental cinematic achievement, earning 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. The 215-minute epic explores the life of an immigrant architect, played by Adrien Brody, and his desperate fight for artistic liberty in a foreign land. Though the film's ambitious reach and breathtaking imagery have been celebrated, others have found its long running time and complicated storytelling difficult to follow, resulting in mixed reactions. 

While these criticisms push away from the film's potential, its creativity and electrifying performances make it a compelling choice, sitting squarely in the middle here. Its combination of innovation and dramatic tension makes it a strong contender, but not necessarily the definitive frontrunner for Best Picture. 

In Dune: Part Two, director Denis Villeneuve continues the Paul Atreides' saga, diving deeper into the rich lore of Frank Herbert's universe. The second installment begins exactly where the first left off, with Timothée Chalamet returning as Paul and Zendaya's Chani stepping into a more central role, bringing depth and strength to her character in the world of the Fremen and their desert planet, Arrakis.  

While critics praise its epic scale and faithfulness to Frank Herbert’s novel, some argue it lacks emotional depth compared to other nominees. Dune: Part Two is a technical masterpiece, but does it have enough heart to win Best Picture? The Academy has honored ambitious sci-fi before, but Dune: Part Two faces tough competition from more intimate, emotionally driven films.

Set in the 1970s Brazil, I'm Still Here tells the suspenseful tale of Eunice Paiva, played by Fernanda Torres, who sets out to find her husband, Rubens, who disappeared during the military dictatorship. Torres's stunning performance has earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, making her the first Brazilian actress to receive this honor. 

The movie, directed by Walter Salles, recreates Rio de Janeiro's history authentically, transporting viewers to the period's environment. Its engaging story and increasing critical praise have earned it a place among the leading contenders for Best Picture.

Horror films rarely get their due at the Oscars, but The Substance refuses to be ignored. This gripping body horror thriller, directed by Coralie Fargeat, brings a wrecking ball to Hollywood's fascination with youth, and Demi Moore delivers a performance so raw it is impossible to look away. As an aging TV fitness icon chasing eternal youth, she dives into something truly terrifying—both physically and emotionally. 

Critics are raving, and Moore, having already snagged a Golden Globe, makes her a serious Best Actress frontrunner. While Best Picture is a long shot, if the Academy is in the mood for a surprise, and willing to take a chance on bold, fearless storytelling, this one has definitely got a shot!

Coming to you from the center of the Vatican, Conclave weaves a thrilling story of deception and faith. Directed by Edward Berger, the movie explores the clandestine process of choosing a new pope following the sudden death of the pontiff. Ralph Fiennes gives a masterful performance as Cardinal Lawrence, heading a star cast that adds depth to the plot. Conclave's success, including a whopping eight Oscar nominations and box office success, nearing five times its budget, highlights its global appeal, making it a serious contender for the Best Picture honor.

Clearly, these films have served a platter of unforgettable stories sparking endless debates. But in the end, only one will take home the golden statue. Will it be the critics' favorite? Or will the Academy throw a curveball like they have done before? No matter who wins, this year’s nominees have given us some of the best cinema has to offer and if you have not watched them yet it is time to now!

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Now, it is your turn - who do you believe really deserves to win? Leave your ranking in the comments below!