5 Best Picture Nominees For 2026 Oscars Ranked From Good To Great

And so far, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has been gathering trophies as if it’s Thanos with his infinity stones this awards season, and could snap Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars in March.

Films Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, and Train Dreams are up for Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars. Though One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Sinners are speculated to be the movies most likely to snag Best Picture this year, their wins aren’t guaranteed. It’s just statistically hot.

Here are five films ranked from good to great, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Frankenstein

Based on the novel by Mary Shelley and directed by Guillermo Del Toro, this was another highly anticipated film. When it came out, many people appreciated how this classic story was visually stunning. Starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as The Creature, this was the unexpected duo that ended up being innovative.

“It exceeded my expectations. For someone who has never consumed anything official about Frankenstein and his creature, everything here seems unique, emotional, and weighty, captivating me from beginning to end. The script and direction are excellent; Del Toro clearly doesn’t falter in aesthetics or coordination. The cast is also phenomenal, with everyone being great in their roles without any weak points. Honestly, a pleasant surprise,” said Kauā M.

However, with a rating of only 85%, this is the film that became a solid middle on whether it will win Best Picture or not.

Hamnet

Even though this had a rating of 86%, the reviews claim otherwise. Based on Rotten Tomatoes, unlike One Battle After Another or Marty Supreme, this was the film with the fewest one-star reviews.

The movie took place with William Shakespeare and his life as the famous play “Hamlet” was being created. The novel Hamnet was adapted into this film that critics and audiences are totally geeking out about.

As Charlotte claims, “I had read Maggie Farrells book and eagerly looked forward to the movie it did not disappoint. It was wonderful to see William Shakespeare, his wife Agnes, and their children come to life on the screen. Their love story, while imagined, is touching, and the tragedy that alters the trajectory of their relationship, cuts deep. This movie is beautifully filmed, and the actors – adults and children – are brilliant. Loved it.”

Even though it already won Best Picture for Golden Globes this year, this is the film that might have an exception for getting two awards this year.

Bugonia

A story about a CEO getting kidnapped, a man and his brother are convinced she is an alien. Starring Emma Stone and Jessie Plemons, this horror comedy film also received mixed reviews. But this time, people are talking about this film like it’s Letterboxd, claiming the ending was completely predictable.

Such as this comment from Movie T, “This is the kind of movie that tends to divide audiences—you either love it or completely dislike it. For me, it started strong, with solid story development and engaging characters, but as the film progressed, it became increasingly bizarre.

By the final third, I found myself completely disengaged, and the ending pushed my overall impression firmly into the “disliked” category. The main cast delivered strong performances, but ultimately, this just wasn’t my cup of tea.” Tough crowd.

Although this was rated 88%, the reviews suggest otherwise.

As Darren K claimed, “Blunt commentary on current events. Wasn’t scary or tense when it was trying to be. Finally interesting when it was ending. Should’ve just been a 45-minute Black Mirror episode.” Agreed.

Besides, where was the humor in this one? A question many people on Rotten Tomatoes have been asking themselves.

Marty Supreme

A film about a ping pong player from the 1950’s, A24 Studios did what they could with their marketing strategies.

Starring Timothee Chalamet alongside supporting actress, Otessa Azion, Timothee wore multiple outfits with the same shade of orange (to match the ping pong balls), had an orange blimp, and even came out with a comedy skit and a music video of him rapping. The man even has his own jacket!

Even though this was a top-tier career moment for Lil Timmy with a 95%, there were still many booming one-star reviews on how Marty Supreme is actually not supreme at all.

As Dov 2 put it, “Self-indulgent cinema at its best, because you can doesn’t mean you should. A cast of misanthropists who meander through the movie seeking to uncover some merit in the script. Maybe with another 3 hours they might have had success.”

Seems like director Josh Sadie needs his brother alongside him after all.

Sinners

A story about twin brothers trying to escape their troubled lives, they return to their hometown to try again, except there’s a greater evil that arrived since they left.

Starring Michael B. Jordan, this movie had reviews with the same compliments of a great script using more suspense than horror for a vampire film. With a 97% and the biggest film talked about from word of mouth, this was the iconic film that “wowed” audiences.

As Sanne D put it, “Sinners delivers an intense and gripping thriller experience. The performances are fantastic, especially the lead actors, and the story kept me hooked with its twists and emotional depth. As a movie lover in my 30s, I appreciate a film that combines style with substance, and Sinners does that beautifully. Definitely recommend checking it out!”

“​Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have done it again. Jordan’s performance is absolutely flawless; playing twin brothers is no small feat, but he gives each one a distinct soul, making the tension between survival and blood feel incredibly real.​The film is a haunting, atmospheric masterpiece that explores what happens when the shadows of the past literally come to life. Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow-era South, it’s more than just a supernatural thriller… it’s a raw look at isolation and the strength required to protect what’s yours. For anyone who understands the deep connection between the land and the spirit, this movie hits home,” said Squirel T.

As people were describing the amazing score and soundtrack to even the cinematography, there were multiple claims that this was the film viewers would overall rewatch many times.