Only Three Films in History Have Won 11 Oscars

Among thousands of films recognized over the years, only three have managed to win 11 Academy Awards each. Those movies are Titanic, Ben-Hur, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Released in 1997, James Cameron’s Titanic blended romance and disaster in a story about two young passengers who fall in love aboard the ill-fated ship.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the film became a worldwide phenomenon and set new standards for blockbuster filmmaking. Its emotional love story, combined with groundbreaking visual effects, made it one of the most talked-about films of the decade.

Decades earlier, in 1959, William Wyler’s Ben-Hur delivered one of the most epic productions in film history. Charlton Heston played Judah Ben-Hur, a man betrayed and enslaved during Roman rule. Known for its massive scope and legendary chariot race sequence, the movie remains one of the defining examples of old Hollywood spectacle.

The most recent member of this exclusive group is Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, released in 2003. The final chapter of the Middle-earth trilogy closed the story of Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring.

With sweeping battle scenes, emotional storytelling, and groundbreaking visuals, the film won every Oscar it was nominated for, tying the record with 11 trophies.

These three movies stand apart not just for their awards, but also for the way they captured audiences. Each represents a different era of filmmaking, yet all of them delivered the scale, emotion, and craftsmanship that the Academy recognized at the highest level.

Winning 11 Oscars is something only three films in history have achieved, which says a lot about how rare and difficult it is.

Each of these movies had a mix of strong storytelling, unforgettable characters, and huge spectacle that helped them stand out. Personally, I think The Return of the King feels like the most complete win, since it wrapped up a trilogy in such a powerful way.

What about you? Which of these three films do you think deserved its Oscar sweep the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.