# Oscar-nominated movies that divided audiences and critics: 8 films people argue about

> Eight Oscar-nominated films that split audiences and critics, from The Greatest Show on Earth, Crash and The Blind Side to Bohemian Rhapsody, Green Book, Joker and Don't Look Up.

Source: https://rankiew.app/blog/divisive-oscar-nominated-movies
Published: 2026-07-11
Author: Rankiew
Tags: lists, oscars, debate

Not every Best Picture nominee is loved by everyone. This list gathers eight Oscar-nominated films that divided viewers and critics, in release order, with posters, the directors and the cast.

# How we chose

We chose Best Picture nominees (and winners) that received mixed or negative reviews, or heated debate over whether they deserved the honor. Opinions differ, so this is not a numbered ranking, and it takes no side.

## The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

::film[The Greatest Show on Earth|1952]

Directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Starring Charlton Heston, Betty Hutton.

## Crash (2004)

::film[Crash|2004]

Directed by Paul Haggis. Starring Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock.

## The Blind Side (2009)

::film[The Blind Side|2009]

Directed by John Lee Hancock. Starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron.

## Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

::film[Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close|2011]

Directed by Stephen Daldry. Starring Tom Hanks, Thomas Horn.

## Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

::film[Bohemian Rhapsody|2018]

Directed by Bryan Singer. Starring Rami Malek.

## Green Book (2018)

::film[Green Book|2018]

Directed by Peter Farrelly. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali.

## Joker (2019)

::film[Joker|2019]

Directed by Todd Phillips. Starring Joaquin Phoenix.

## Don't Look Up (2021)

::film[Don't Look Up|2021]

Directed by Adam McKay. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence.

Use the posters above to decide what to watch first, and come back to rate the ones you have already seen. Share this list with friends and compare which films each of you would put first.

# Frequently asked questions

## Which Oscar-nominated movies are controversial?

Frequently debated are Crash, The Greatest Show on Earth, Green Book, The Blind Side, Bohemian Rhapsody and Don't Look Up.

## Why do some Best Picture nominees divide people?

Critics and audiences weigh different things: craft, themes, entertainment and timing. A film can please voters yet disappoint others.

## Did these movies win Best Picture?

Some did, such as The Greatest Show on Earth, Crash and Green Book, while others were nominated and lost.

# Rate these movies

Which one is your favorite? On Rankiew you can rate every film, write reviews and build your own lists.

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*Sources: official studio releases, filmographies and public records.*