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Hollywood might be the United States of America, but when it comes to talent it sure is not limited to the country. Actors, writers, filmmakers, and more have for years graced the film industry with their remarkable talents.
However, not all have managed to make a mark as some have. The Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu is certainly one who has not only shocked audiences and critics with his mind-bending films but has also gone on to earn five Academy Awards as well as a Special Achievement Academy Award for his virtual reality work Carne y Arena.
Alejandro González Iñárritu | Credit: Image by Raph_PH licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 via Wikimedia CommonsA cut above the rest, he stands apart from his contemporaries, whether it be in Hollywood or elsewhere, as one of the most influential filmmakers of the 21st century. From deeply psychological drama films to profoundly introspective narratives, his masterful direction and unconventional storytelling have made him no less than an auteur.
From earning widespread praise in the Mexican film industry to his journey into Tinsletown, Iñárritu has always stood out with his distinctive visual style, reliance on long takes, and often hauntingly beautiful scores.
Despite the language barrier, Iñárritu’s work has gone beyond the borders and boundaries of the two continents and has resonated with audiences all across the world.
So without further ado, here are all of the Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning films, ranked from worst to best, although the ‘worst’ certainly does not signify them as undeserving of praise and acclaim.
3 Babel (2006)
Babel is a film set in four different locations with an ensemble cast | Credit: Paramount PicturesA deep psychological drama, this Alejandro González Iñárritu film was written by Guillermo Arriaga and stood out for its ensemble cast and interwoven stories taking place in different parts of the world. From Morocco to Japan to Iñárritu’s native Mexico and the United States of America, this international co-production weaved multiple, deeply insightful narratives that explored themes of communication, cultural misunderstandings, and shared humanity.
Babel’s huge cast included Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Rinko Kikuchi, Gael Gracia Bernal, Koji Yakusho, Mohamed Akhzam, Elle Fanning, and more. Containing four main storylines set in different parts of the world, it is a truly entertaining film that keeps viewers engaged and at the end of their seats as the drama unfolds and shocking details are uncovered.
Hence, it wasn’t surprising that Babel earned over seven Academy Award nominations, and eventually won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the Argentine composer and musician Gustavo Santaolalla.
What made Babel stand out was its thought-provoking exploration of human connections and the way Iñárritu shot and ultimately arranged the film in a non-linear order.
As the film kept unfolding, each arc masterfully fell into place. Yet, the film eventually struggled under the weight of its sprawling narrative, which, to be honest, might be a bit too much for the average audience who doesn’t want to do the mental work of keeping track of each of these connected yet tangent storylines, especially not when there are constant narrative shifts.
2 The Revenant (2015)
Leonardo DiCaprio in a still from The Revenant | Credit: 20th Century StudiosWe all know The Revenant, which won Leonardo DiCaprio his first-ever career Oscar. A brutally visceral and visually arresting tale of survival, this 2015 film showcased Alejandro González Iñárritu’s dedication and his willingness to push traditional cinematic boundaries for authentic storytelling.
Based on the true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass, portrayed by DiCaprio, it is an awe-inspiring and heart-rending account of a man left for dead after a deadly bear attack.
While DiCaprio gave one of his best performances to date, the film features Glass’ harrowing journey through an unforgiving wilderness, all the while driven by a desire for revenge and vengeance against Tom Hardy‘s John Fitzgerald, the man who not only leaves him to die but also mercilessly kills his son in front of his own eyes.
What makes the film stand out is the film’s production, which was notoriously grueling since the director insisted on shooting in natural light under extreme conditions (see The Hollywood Reporter).
Despite the criticism and controversy the shoot drew, the final product, as Iñárritu predicted, was a visually stunning masterpiece that captured both the raw beauty and brutality of nature.
The Revenant earned the director his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Director, while the film received a record 12 nominations. However, some fans and critics found its narrative thin and pacing slow, given its long runtime.
Moreover, others felt that its intense focus on physical suffering tends to overshadow its deeper themes of resilience and redemption. Nevertheless, it is a raw masterpiece set against the backdrop of how brutal Mother Nature can be despite her beauty.
1 Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (2014)
Birdman is one of Alejandro González Iñárritu best films of all time | Credit: Fox Searchlight PicturesTopping this list is Alejandro González Iñárritu’s dark-comedy and drama film Birdman. A deeply introspective exploration of identity, relevance, and artistic ambition, this 2014 film is one of the best works of Iñárritu’s life. Starring Michael Keaton as a former superhero actor trying hard to make a comeback by reinventing himself and directing a Broadway play in the process, the actor gives a career-defining performance in the film as Riggan Thomson.
Starring actors like Zack Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, and Andrea Riseborough in supporting roles, the film is now famous for its innovative presentation— crafted to appear as one continuous shot— immerses viewers in Riggan’s chaotic world. Receiving 9 nominations at the 87th Academy Awards, Birdman bagged four Oscars in total: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
A meta-commentary on fame, ego, and artistic integrity, it is a film that resonates universally, not just with artists but even with the general audience.
A one-of-a-kind film seemingly presented as if it’s just one single take, it is a masterpiece both technically and thematically. Even though some might find its satire and tone polarizing at times, Birdman stands as Iñárritu’s most cohesive and impactful work. Seamlessly blending humor, pathos, and innovation with real-life struggles. It is a unique, original, and creative marvel that deserves its top place in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning film.
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