Many critically acclaimed films never won an Oscar in any category. Many of these same movies were also very popular with audiences as well. Here are 7 movies that never won an Oscar, but probably should have:
1. The Shawshank Redemption
This 1994 film based on a novella by Stephen King tells the story of a banker who is sent to prison for a murder that he did not commit. The film actually received 7 Oscar nominations, but it did not win any. Though it was eventually recognized by the National Film Registry as being a significant film.
2. Fight Club
This classic 1999 film was based on a critically acclaimed novel by Chuck Palahniuk. The movie, which is about a group of men trying to find purpose in their lives through extreme violence, was also popular with both critics and audiences. But it was only able to garner a single Oscar nomination for Best Sound Effects Editing, which it lost.
3. A Clockwork Orange
In 1971, this Stanley Kubrick film about a violent gang of youth living in a futuristic dystopia shocked audiences and critics alike, much as the novel by Anthony Burgess had years earlier. While the movie was a big success and gathered 4 Oscar nominations, it failed to win any of them. But it would remain a cult classic decades after its release.
4. Psycho
In 1960, well before there was a Freddy Krueger or a Jason Voorhees, there was Norman Bates. Based on a book, which in turn was based on a real-life killer, this movie singlehandedly created the slasher genre. It also was able to avoid the censors, who at the time placed strict controls on sex and violence in films. Though while it did get nominated for 4 Oscars, it won none of them.
5. Wolf of Wall Street
This 2013 Martin Scorsese film starring Leonardo DiCaprio is based on the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, and it chronicles corruption and deceit in the financial industry. The movie was a huge commercial success, and it was popular with critics as well. But it was not as popular with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. While they gave the film 5 Oscar nominations, it did not win any.
6. The Prestige
Based on a 1995 novel by Christopher Priest, this 2006 film told the story of two competing magicians, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Like other movies in this list, it was popular with both critics and moviegoers. But it only got 2 Oscar nominations, and it did not win either one.
7. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
This 1986 teen classic starring Matthew Broderick won the hearts of a diverse group of fans that included both Kurt Cobain and former Vice President Dan Quayle. It was also popular with critics. But not only did it not win any Oscars, but it was also not even nominated for one.
Logan Sekulow is a renowned producer and director.