What if Rotten Tomatoes scores decided the Best Picture Oscar nominees?

Rotten Tomatoes and the Academy Awards don’t often go hand in hand. In fact, the RT scores of Best Picture nominees/winners are a mixed bag. “Parasite” won Best Picture with a RT score of 99% while “Green Book” emerged victorious with a score of just 77%. The site dishes out percentage scores to movie’s based on the film’s collection of critical reviews. The higher the score, the better the movie. Supposedly.

But, that’s not how it always work in tandem with the Oscars. For instance, “Black Panther,” “BlacKkKlansman,” and “Roma” all scored 96% but lost Best Picture to “Green Book.” Perhaps, if the Oscars listened to Rotten Tomatoes more, things would go a little more smoothly? Probably not but, just for fun, let’s pretend that Rotten Tomatoes are in charge of this year’s Academy Awards.

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With that in mind, here are the 10 Best Picture nominees the site would nominate based on their RT scores.

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” — 99%
Lionsgate
Dir: Kelly Fremon Craig
Starring: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates

“When her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.”

A treasured hug of a movie. It’s surprising that this film isn’t more of an awards player considering how popular it is. We don’t predict it will be nominated for any Oscars but McAdams is the film’s best chance. She turns in a lovely, supporting performance and could, theoretically, snag a nomination in a wide-open race in that category.

“Blackberry” — 99%
Elevation Pictures
Dir: Matt Johnson
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Glen Howerton, Kelly Van der Burg, Johnson

“The story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.”

This is one of the most underrated hits of the year. Again, however, we don’t predict any Oscar nominees for this respected movie. Its best chance comes in another supporting category for Howerton. But that race is stacked this year so it would be a huge upset if he managed to sneak in.

“Godzilla: Minus One” — 98%
Toho
Dir: Takashi Yamazaki
Starring: Minami Hamabe, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Sakura Ando

“Post-war Japan is at its lowest point when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster, baptized in the horrific power of the atomic bomb.”

One of the best-reviewed Godzilla movies of all time. This one garnered an immediate cult following thanks to its success in marrying terrifying monster movie scares with real-world character drama and themes. We don’t currently predict any Oscar nominations for this film but it has a great shot at securing a Best Visual Effects bid after making the shortlist.

“Rye Lane” — 98%
Searchlight Pictures/Walt Disney
Dir: Raine Allen Miller
Starring: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah, Simon Manyonda

“Two youngsters reeling from bad breakups who connect over an eventful day in South London.”

A really sweet, touching movie and a fantastic debut for Allen Miller. The film did very well over here in the UK, winning two BIFAs, and will likely have a good time at the BAFTAs, too. We don’t predict any Oscars success, however.

“Fallen Leaves” — 98%
B-Plan Distribution/Pandora Film
Dir: Aki Kaurismäki
Starring: Alma Pöysti, Jussi Vatanen, Janne Hyytiäinen

“In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles – from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.”

One of the best-reviewed films of the year. It earned two Golden Globes nominations — one for Pöysti for Best Comedy Actress and one for Best Non-English Language Film. And it ranks third on our Oscars odds chart for Best International Film.

“The Taste of Things” — 98%
Gaumont
Dir: Anh Hung Tran
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Benoît Magimel, Emmanuel Salinger 

“The story of Eugenie, an esteemed cook, and Dodin, the fine gourmet with whom she has been working for over the last 20 years.”

This French language film premiered at Cannes to good reviews and has only built on that reputation. This is France’s entry for Best International Film at the upcoming Oscars and we’ve got it in fifth place.

“Shayda” — 98%
Madman Films
Dir: Noora Niasari
Starring: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Selina Zahednia, Osamah Sami, Leah Purcell

“A young Iranian mother and her six-year-old daughter find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz).”

This was Australia’s entry for Best International Film but rave reviews weren’t enough to make the cut.

“The Three Musketeers: Part I — D’Artagnan” — 98%
Pathé/Alternative Films/Constantin Film/DeAPlaneta
Dir: Mark Bourboulon
Starring: François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris, Pio Marmaï, Eva Green

“D’Artagnan arrives in Paris trying to find his attackers after being left for dead, which leads him to a real war where the future of France is at stake. He aligns himself with Athos, Porthos and Aramis, three musketeers of the King.”

This new series of movies based on the classic novels has endeared itself to both critics and audiences alike. However, we don’t expect them to make any headway at the Academy Awards.

“A Thousand and One” — 97% 
Focus Features/Universal Features
Dir: A.V. Rockwell
Starring: Teyana Taylor, Will Catlett, Josiah Cross

“After unapologetic and fiercely loyal Inez kidnaps her son Terry from the foster care system, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City.”

This searing drama features fantastic performances and measured direction. While it was named as one of the top 10 independent films of 2023 by the National Board of Review, we don’t predict that it will break through at the Oscars.

“All of Us Strangers” — 97%
Searchlight Pictures
Dir: Andrew Haigh
Starring: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy, Jamie Bell

“A screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbor as he then discovers his parents appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before.”

One of the most moving movies of the year. Again, this will do well in the UK. Well, it already has — it won seven BIFAs — and is sure to find success at the BAFTAs, too. As for the Oscars, Scott is a strong Best Actor contender while Haigh could reap a bid for his Adapted Screenplay.

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