10 Award-Winning Films That Aged Terribly in Just 5 Years

Some films dazzle at award shows, earning praise and golden statues, only to fade fast when viewed through a modern lens. Shifts in culture, new societal expectations, or revelations about the people involved can make even celebrated movies feel dated or uncomfortable just a few years later.

I’ve rounded up ten award-winning films that haven’t held up well in the last five years. From problematic themes to outdated portrayals, these movies highlight how quickly time can change our view of art. Each entry explores why these once-adored films now spark unease or criticism.

Crash (2004)

‘Crash’ swept the Oscars, snagging Best Picture over strong contenders like ‘Brokeback Mountain.’ Its interwoven stories aimed to tackle racism in Los Angeles, earning praise for bold storytelling. The cast, including Don Cheadle and Matt Dillon, delivered gripping performances that fueled its award-season buzz.

But today, the film feels heavy-handed. Its approach to race relies on stereotypes, presenting oversimplified narratives that clash with today’s push for authentic representation. Critics now call it preachy, and its redemptive arcs for flawed characters, like Dillon’s racist cop, feel unconvincing in light of real-world discussions on systemic issues.

Green Book (2018)

‘Green Book’ charmed audiences and won Best Picture for its tale of an unlikely friendship between a Black pianist, Dr. Don Shirley, and his white driver, Tony Lip. Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen’s chemistry drove its emotional core, earning Ali a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Yet, within years, the film faced backlash. It’s been criticized for leaning into a white savior narrative, sidelining Shirley’s story for Tony’s growth. Historical inaccuracies and the portrayal of Shirley as a secondary figure in his own life story make it feel out of touch with today’s demand for nuanced depictions of race.

The Blind Side (2009)

‘The Blind Side’ won hearts and a Best Actress Oscar for Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, who helps a homeless Black teen, Michael Oher, find success. The feel-good story resonated widely, blending sports drama with family warmth.

Recent years have soured its appeal. The film’s white savior trope overshadows Oher’s agency, portraying him as overly passive. Real-life disputes, including Oher’s claim that the Tuohys exploited his story, have further tarnished its legacy, making it a lightning rod for debates on narrative authenticity.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ rocked the box office and awards, with Rami Malek earning a Best Actor Oscar for his electric portrayal of Freddie Mercury. The film’s celebration of Queen’s music and Mercury’s charisma made it a crowd-pleaser.

But its glossed-over depiction of Mercury’s life, especially his sexuality and AIDS diagnosis, now feels shallow. Critics argue it sanitizes his story to fit a mainstream mold, and the shadow of director Bryan Singer’s controversies adds discomfort, making the film feel less triumphant today.

The English Patient (1996)

‘The English Patient’ swept nine Oscars, including Best Picture, for its sweeping romance between Laszlo de Almasy and Katharine Clifton. Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche’s performances anchored this lush wartime epic.

Time hasn’t been kind. The film’s slow pace and melodramatic tone feel tedious to modern audiences used to tighter storytelling. Its romanticized view of colonialism and lack of depth in non-white characters also clash with today’s expectations for inclusive narratives, dimming its once-bright allure.

Chicago (2002)

‘Chicago’ dazzled with its jazzy musical numbers, winning Best Picture and a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Catherine Zeta-Jones. Its tale of fame and crime in the 1920s felt fresh, reviving the movie musical genre.

Now, it struggles to stand out. The flashy style feels dated compared to modern musicals with deeper emotional stakes. Its satirical take on celebrity culture, once sharp, now seems tame in an era of social media scandals, making it less impactful today.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

‘Call Me by Your Name’ won Best Adapted Screenplay for its tender coming-of-age romance between teenager Elio and older grad student Oliver. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer’s performances were lauded for their raw emotion.

Recent years have highlighted its issues. The age gap between the leads, with Elio at 17 and Oliver in his 20s, raises ethical questions about power dynamics. Combined with off-screen controversies surrounding Hammer, the film’s once-romantic glow feels unsettling to many now.

The King’s Speech (2010)

‘The King’s Speech’ won Best Picture and Best Actor for Colin Firth as King George VI, overcoming his stammer. Its heartfelt story of personal triumph and friendship with Geoffrey Rush’s therapist resonated deeply.

But its historical gloss and stiff-upper-lip tone feel dated today. The film sidesteps the complexities of British monarchy and colonialism, and its traditional storytelling lacks the edge modern audiences crave, making it less compelling in hindsight.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

‘Shakespeare in Love’ surprised many by winning Best Picture over war epics, with Gwyneth Paltrow earning Best Actress as Viola. Its witty blend of romance and theater charmed audiences and critics alike.

Five years on, it feels overhyped. The lightweight plot struggles to justify its Oscar win against heavier contenders. Cultural shifts also highlight its lack of diversity and dated gender dynamics, making it less enchanting in today’s context.

American Beauty (1999)

‘American Beauty’ dominated the Oscars, winning Best Picture and Best Actor for Kevin Spacey as suburban dad Lester Burnham. Its dark satire of family dysfunction and desire was hailed as a bold masterpiece.

Today, it’s tough to watch. Spacey’s real-life scandals mirror the film’s creepy obsession with a teenage girl, played by Mena Suvari. The once-clever critique of suburbia now feels indulgent and out of step with modern sensitivities around predation and consent.

Which award-winning film do you think has lost its luster, or is there another that’s aged worse? Drop your thoughts in the comments!