Cinema isn't just about stunning visuals – sound plays a crucial role in conjuring the atmosphere, tension and excitement of every great film. If you've put any effort into your home cinema setup, you’ve probably already tested it with go-to films for complex and immersive sound, like Saving Private Ryan (and other classic 90s TV testers), with its pinging ricochets and that endlessly copied moment where an explosion momentarily deafens a character.
That’s just one example of how sound heightens the storytelling of classic films. With Dune: Part Two having just last night picked up the 2025 Academy Awards' Best Sound gong, we've dived back into the history of Oscar-worthy sound. These are some of the classic movies that won Academy Awards for their exceptional sound design, from the early days (of both the Oscars and movie sound) through the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and right up to the most deserving winners of recent years. You won't regret giving them a watch – and a listen...
