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Oscars 2025: Best Picture Nominees Ranked by Box Office and Reviews

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - February 13th 2025, 12:15 GMT+1

Wicked — About this gallery:

For this list, we're diving into all the nominees for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars – because who doesn’t love a good showdown? We’re looking at the relationship between worldwide box office earnings, what the critics are saying, and how audiences actually feel about these films.

Just a heads-up: these numbers were last updated on February 1, so they might shift in the coming days – especially since some of these movies haven’t hit theaters worldwide yet. The drama continues!

Cropped Nickel Boys — 10. Nickel Boys

**Runtime**: 2h 20m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 90%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 76%
**Worldwide Total**: $1.89 million

Based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "Nickel Boys" takes us on a harrowing journey through a reform school in 1960s Florida. Ethan Herisse delivers a powerful performance as Elwood, a young man whose idealism is tested in the face of systemic abuse. Critics awarded the film a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were slightly more reserved at 76%. With a box office total of $1.89 million, it's clear that this isn't your typical feel-good flick. Director RaMell Ross doesn't pull any punches, delivering a poignant narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. It's a tough watch, but an important one. | © Orion Pictures, Plan B Entertainment, Louverture Films

Cropped The Brutalist — 9. The Brutalist

**Runtime**: 3h 35m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 93%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 81%
**Worldwide Total**: $12.8 million

Clocking in at a hefty 3 hours and 35 minutes, "The Brutalist" is the cinematic equivalent of running a marathon – but with more concrete and existential angst. Adrien Brody stars as László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect trying to rebuild his life in post-war America. Critics were impressed, awarding it a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were slightly less enthused at 81%. Despite its modest box office earnings of $12.8 million, director Brady Corbet's ambitious epic is a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-century architecture and brooding protagonists. Just remember to stretch before settling in for this one. | © Brookstreet Pictures, Kaplan Morrison, Andrew Lauren Productions

Cropped Emilia Pérez — 8. Emilia Pérez

**Runtime**: 2h 10m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 74%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 19%
**Worldwide Total**: $13.37 million

"Emilia Pérez" dances onto the screen as a musical crime drama, telling the story of a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes gender transition to escape his past. While the film garnered a 74% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences were less enthused, with a 19% score. Despite its star-studded cast, including Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, and a Jury Prize win at Cannes, it managed a modest $13.37 million worldwide. Director Jacques Audiard delivers a bold narrative, but it seems this genre-blending escapade was a hit-or-miss affair. Sometimes, even the most daring stories can't buy love – or box office gold. | © Why Not Productions, Page 114, Pathé, France 2 Cinéma, Saint Laurent Productions, Pimienta Films

Cropped Im Still Here — 7. I'm Still Here

**Runtime**: 2h 18m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 95%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 99%
**Worldwide Total**: $15.56 million

Delving into Brazil's tumultuous past, "I'm Still Here" tells the poignant story of Eunice Paiva, a mother who becomes a human rights advocate after her husband's disappearance during the 1970s military dictatorship. With a staggering 95% critics score and an almost unheard-of 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, this film struck a deep chord. While its box office earnings were a modest $15.56 million, the impact of its narrative and Fernanda Torres's award-winning performance cannot be overstated. Director Walter Salles masterfully brings this true story to life, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit. | © VideoFilmes, RT Features, MACT Productions, Arte France Cinéma, Conspiração Filmes

Cropped Anora — 6. Anora

**Runtime**: 2h 19m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 93%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 90%
**Worldwide Total**: $33.12 million

From the gritty streets of Brooklyn to the opulent halls of Russian oligarchy, "Anora" takes us on a wild ride. Mikey Madison shines as Ani, a sex worker whose impulsive marriage to a billionaire's son turns her world upside down. With a 93% critics score and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that this modern-day Cinderella story, complete with a Palme d'Or win at Cannes, resonated with many. Grossing over $33 million worldwide, director Sean Baker once again proves his knack for storytelling that’s both raw and captivating. And let's not forget Madison's dedication – months of dance training for a 20-second pole scene! Talk about commitment. | © Cre Film, FilmNation Entertainment

Cropped A Complete Unknown — 5. A Complete Unknown

**Runtime**: 2h 20m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 80%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 96%
**Worldwide Total**: $75.75 million

Timothée Chalamet channels a young Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown," chronicling the iconic musician's controversial shift to electric guitar at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Directed by James Mangold, the film strikes a chord with audiences, boasting a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, even if critics were a tad more reserved at 80%. Strumming up $75.75 million worldwide, this biopic hits the right notes, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous transformation of a folk legend. For those who wondered how it feels to be on your own, this film provides a melodic answer. | © Searchlight Pictures, Veritas Entertainment Group, White Water, Range Media Partners, The Picture Company, Turnpike Films

Cropped The Substance — 4. The Substance

**Runtime**: 2h 20m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 89%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 75%
**Worldwide Total**: $76.825 million

In "The Substance," director Coralie Fargeat serves up a potent mix of body horror and satire, with Demi Moore portraying Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity who takes a mysterious drug to regain her youth, only to face grotesque consequences. Margaret Qualley shines as the younger version of Elisabeth, bringing depth to this twisted tale. With an 89% critics score and a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film intrigued many, even if it wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Grossing $76.825 million worldwide, this cinematic concoction proves that vanity can be a killer. Remember, folks, age before beauty – or at least, think twice before downing unknown substances. | © Working Title Films, Blacksmith

Cropped Conclave — 3. Conclave

**Runtime**: 2h
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 93%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 86%
**Worldwide Total**: $84.535 million

Who knew that the secretive process of electing a new pope could be such a box office hit? "Conclave" invites us into the clandestine corridors of the Vatican, where Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by the ever-enigmatic Ralph Fiennes, navigates a labyrinth of secrets and scandals following the sudden death of the pope. With a critics score of 93% and an audience score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that both the clergy and the laity (or at least moviegoers) were intrigued. Raking in over $84 million worldwide, this film proves that divine intrigue sells. Kudos to director Edward Berger for turning ecclesiastical elections into must-watch drama. | © FilmNation Entertainment, House Productions, Indian Paintbrush

Dune part two date plot cast — 2. Dune: Part Two

**Runtime**: 2h 46m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 92%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 95%
**Worldwide Total**: $714.64 million

In a galaxy not so far away, "Dune: Part Two" swept into theaters and conquered the box office with a sandstorm of epic proportions. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, teaming up with Zendaya's Chani to seek revenge and, let's be honest, look fabulous while doing it. With a critics score of 92% and a whopping 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that spice isn't the only thing people crave. Raking in over $714 million worldwide, director Denis Villeneuve proves that sequels can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Who knew that intergalactic politics and giant sandworms could be such a winning combination? | © Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Wicked — 1. Wicked

**Runtime**: 2h 40m
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 88%
**Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score**: 95%
**Worldwide Total**: $718 million

Defying gravity and box office expectations, "Wicked" soared into theaters, enchanting audiences with its spellbinding tale of friendship and rivalry in the Land of Oz. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande dazzle as Elphaba and Glinda, bringing a fresh twist to the beloved Broadway musical. With a critics score of 88% and a whopping 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear that this adaptation cast a potent charm. Raking in a magical $718 million worldwide, director Jon M. Chu proves that there's no place like the box office for a well-told story. Who knew that a green-skinned witch and a bubbly blonde could make such a dynamic duo? | © Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions

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The 2025 Best Picture nominees represent some of the year's most critically acclaimed films, but box office success doesn’t always align with critical praise. Some movies captivated both audiences and critics, raking in millions, while others struggled to find their footing despite Oscar recognition.

So, which films soared at the box office, and which ones barely made a dent? Did audiences embrace these nominees, or were they largely ignored outside the awards circuit? We’re breaking down the numbers, reviews, and audience reactions to see which contenders truly won over hearts – and wallets.

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The 2025 Best Picture nominees represent some of the year's most critically acclaimed films, but box office success doesn’t always align with critical praise. Some movies captivated both audiences and critics, raking in millions, while others struggled to find their footing despite Oscar recognition.

So, which films soared at the box office, and which ones barely made a dent? Did audiences embrace these nominees, or were they largely ignored outside the awards circuit? We’re breaking down the numbers, reviews, and audience reactions to see which contenders truly won over hearts – and wallets.