what is biography movie

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The 140+ Best Biography Movies

Biographical films explore the fascinating lives of historical figures and cultural icons. The best biography movies offer viewers a detailed look into the lives of these people, skillfully recreating stories that have shaped history and left a lasting impact on the world. With unforgettable narratives to explore, you will find these films showcase exceptional storytelling, nuanced performances, and unparalleled cinematic vision. 

The best biography movies offer not just boring history, but gripping, groundbreaking, and original narratives. For instance, films like Catch Me If You Can follow the high-stakes exploits of a charming con artist, bringing together thrilling action with intriguing character development. Schindler's List, on the other hand, tackles the harrowing subject of the Holocaust, masterfully capturing the heroic efforts of one man to save lives during a dark time in history. Then there's A Beautiful Mind, which delves into the complex life of renowned mathematician John Nash, showcasing the challenges and triumphs associated with his brilliance. These films are but a few examples of the best biographical movies that excellently capture the essence of their subjects and the genre. 

The lasting impact of these movies demonstrates how well they resonate with audiences, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Biographical movies not only accurately depict the lives of their subjects, but they also elevate the art of storytelling by blending truth with cinematic drama. Through these exceptional films, viewers gain fresh perspectives on the world, history, and the individuals who have shaped it, marking these biographical movies as the very best in their field. 

Catch Me If You Can

Schindler's List

A Beautiful Mind

The Social Network

What is a Biopic — Definition & Best Examples Explained

D o you ever wonder what is a biopic, or what counts as a biopic? In contemporary cinema, biopic movies seem to be everywhere. Old historical figures, musicians, politicians, as well as “regular” people dealing with extraordinary events. There have been more biopic films in recent decades, but they’re nothing new. Biopics have been a staple in the cinema landscape dating back to its earliest days. So, what is a biopic, what do they usually entail and how has the genre evolved to be where it is today?

Watch: How to Make a Biopic

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Defining Biopic    

What does biopic mean.

The spectrum of what qualifies as a biographical film is rather wide, leaving room for creative expressions of true life. For example, consider how Tarantino adapted Sharon Tate's story in Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood . Before getting into the real complexities of biopic films, let’s first provide a biopic definition that all these films share. 

BIOPIC DEFINITION

What is a biopic.

A biopic is a movie that dramatizes the life of a real, non-fictional individual. Short for “biographical motion picture,” a biopic can cover a person’s entire life or one specific moment in their history. Topics for biopics are nearly endless, with famous figures from history, along with popular celebrities of late, being covered.

When pronouncing “biopic,” you should be saying it “BYE-oh-pic” and not “bi-YAW-pic.” This incorrect pronunciation of biopic can sometimes get confused with “bioptic.”

Biopic characteristics include:

• Covering the life of a real individual
• Taking "creative license" with parts of the individual’s life or character for dramatic purposes
• Covering multiple years in their life or focusing on very specific moments
• Featuring a “Where are they now?” section that covers what happened to the individual(s) after the events portrayed in the film

While all biopics are essentially movies about a real-life person, they can differ in many other ways. This video provides a great breakdown of biopics; they not only define biopics but provide excellent examples from the subgenre , just one of the many movie genres .

A quick but thorough biopic definition

The most obvious way a biopic differentiates itself is in how accurate it is to the subject’s history. Depending on the story you want to tell, a biopic can be almost wholly fictional, using only surface facts to create a mostly made-up narrative .

If the biopic is about someone who has a great myth around them, a filmmaker might be more interested in making a movie about the legend of the person instead of the facts.

Unfortunately, a 100% accurate biopic is impossible. If you are basing the movie on someone who existed centuries ago, filmmakers will only have so much to work with. In some of those cases, even if the facts are available, the myth surrounding a person might be a bigger draw or a more interesting story.

Take Todd Haynes  I'm Not There , which casts multiple actors to portray Bob Dylan. More than simply a marketing stunt, this varied cast accentuates Dylan's own constantly shifting personas. 

I'm Not There  •  Watch Todd Haynes define biopic

20th century biopics about 20th century individuals are often caught embellishing the facts for the sake of making the subject look better or worse than they really were. So if you make a biopic about someone who is still alive, you will absolutely get told about how right or wrong your biographical film is.

More often than not, though, biopics fudge the truth for the sake of making a better movie. This is nothing new, as artworks and plays have stretched the truth in some way for the sake of the art itself. After all, movies are not real life, and if someone really wanted to know the facts of an individual’s life, they could look up a written biography.

Biopic Early Days

The emergence of biopics.

It may surprise some to learn that biographical movies have always been popular. Some of the first films ever made were biopics, often focusing on historical figures such as Peter the Great, Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte, and even Jesus of Nazareth.

George Armstrong Custer and Abraham Lincoln are two historical figures, alive around the same time, who managed to get several biopics in cinema’s early years. For Custer, these include Custer’s Last Fight (1912), The Plainsman (1936 and 1966), Santa Fe Trail (1940), and They Died with Their Boots On (1941). Many of these films were criticized for fabricating and romanticizing the history and facts of Custer’s life.

Abraham Lincoln also got his fair share of many, many biopics before 1950. Of these many biopics, Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) is probably the most well known and revered, having been directed by John Ford and starring Henry Fonda as Lincoln. Unlike most movies about US Presidents, Young Mr. Lincoln exclusively focuses on Lincoln’s days as a young lawyer in Illinois, working on a murder case.

An interview with Henry Fonda on playing Lincoln

Aside from historical figures, early biopics would also feature celebrities of the day. Possibly the most significant and well known of these is Yankee Doodle Dandy (1943), starring James Cagney, focusing on George M. Cohan, otherwise known as “The Man Who Owned Broadway.” Regardless of how accurate it is, it proved to be a huge success, getting awards attention and critical acclaim.

Yankee Doodle Dandy also sheds light on a very important aspect of biopics, which is their popularity. On top of people wanting to see a dramatization of a real life person, biopics require actors to more or less “be” the real life individual, which can prove to be a challenge. As a result, it can be very impressive to see how an actor pulls off being so much like the real life subject.

This success can also bring with it awards, which many biopics receive. Regardless of the plot’s quality, the main draw for a biopic movies is often the acting, which ends up either being the most notable part.

Biopics Changes

The changing world of biopics.

As cinema began to change, so did the biopic meaning. While still retaining similar act structures and an air of romanticism, biopic films started to cover a greater swath of subjects. Additionally, the rate of biopics being released began to increase, particularly after the 1940s.

Auditioning actors is hard enough — trying to find a perfect match for the subject of a biopic is an entirely different challenge. The debate of choosing someone who looks like the person over whether they can act like the person is a never-ending debate, with various arguments for either side. While some believe what matters most is the performance, others think that looking like the subject is what’s important.

Additionally, if the film does not represent the subject in a way that others deem fair, it can cause problems for the actor doing the portrayal.

Some biopic movies have eliminated this issue by having the subjects star in the movie their lives were based on. Notable examples of this include Jackie Robinson in The Jackie Robinson Story (1950) and Howard Stern in Private Parts (1997).

Biopics can really run the gamut of all movie genres . While biopics such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Cleopatra (1963) used their subjects to tell grand narratives, other types of biopics were beginning to crop up. 

Spartacus (1960), while being a traditional epic biopic about the Third Servile War (73-71 BC), also worked as a commentary on the recent Communist witch hunt that led to The Hollywood Blacklist .

Andrei Rublev (1966), though set in the 15th century, uses its setting to criticize the then Soviet Union’s suppression of artistic and spiritual freedoms. Since the film was directed by Andrei Tarkovsky in the Soviet Union, the country had it banned and then censored.

Andrei Rublev  •  Watch Tarkovsky define biopic 

One of the most controversial films of the 1960s was also a (simplified) biopic: Bonnie and Clyde (1967). Starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as the classic crime couple, the film featured shameless sex and violence that broke new barriers in American cinema. It is now recognized as one of the first films to come from the burgeoning and vital New Hollywood era.

Later in the 1980s, Paul Schrader’s Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) took a highly artistic approach to the biopic. Balancing its focus between the last day of Yukio Mishima’s life and recreations of some of his stories, Schrader created a biopic that dared to be way more artistic than factual. This film truly complicates the answer to "What is a biopic?"

Biopic Meaning Today

The modernization of biopic movies.

As the 20th century raged on into the 21st, the subjects of biographical films expanded to include lesser known figures alongside famous ones. Film critic David Edelstein digs into some recent and classic biopic examples in this video, along with the genre’s continued popularity.

What is a Biopic  •  Biopic definition from critic David Edelstein  

In the last few decades, politicians and musicians have strongly dominated the biopic scene. Whether it’s a recent US president or someone else working in Washington D.C., plenty of notable biopics have been about American political figures.

Using Richard Nixon as one example, he managed to get two different movies made about him in the 1990s. The first was Oliver Stone’s Nixon (1995), starring Anthony Hopkins, which was a sprawling, three-hour-plus drama that touched upon his personal life and politics.

The other was Dick (1999), which starred Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams as two teenagers who somehow get involved with the Watergate scandal. While Dick is more obviously a comedy, it’s still about a real historical event and has an actor playing a real politician (Dan Hedaya as Nixon).

While politicians are fun to watch, no other industry seems to get as much biopic attention as music. Elvis Presley got a made-for-television biopic in 1979 (simply titled Elvis ), starring Kurt Russell and directed by John Carpenter (their first collaboration).

Elvis  •  Watch John Carpenter define biopic

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart got a stage play that was adapted into the film Amadeus (1984), directed by renowned Czech filmmaker Milos Forman . And Selena Quintanilla-Perez got one with Selena (1997), starring Jennifer Lopez, which also brought with it some casting controversy.

Many more music biopics between the 1970s and now have been released, proving their popularity and saturation. Some very recent and famous examples include Straight Outta Compton (2015) and Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), the latter of which became the highest grossing biopic of all-time as of this writing.

Also of note is how formulaic biopic movies can be, especially when music is the subject. Watch the video below to see a deep analysis of music biopics, courtesy of Patrick (H) Willems.

Patrick (H) Willems analyzing the common music biopic meaning 

There is no shortage of biopic movies out there, and there likely never will be. Movies now have even more technology to reproduce worlds and people, thus enhancing the authenticity of any given film.

Make-up artists continue to make sure their actors look like the subject while the actors themselves still need to convince the world with their performance. And with the amount of subjects that can be chosen from, there will never be a shortage for a movie based on a real life person.

Creating Biopics

How to write a biopic.

Writing a screenplay is hard. Writing a screenplay for a biopic can be even harder. A script for a biopic will have to walk a fine line, both telling the story truthfully and also taking creative liberties.

The first, and arguably most crucial, part of writing a biopic is research. A biopic writer will have to research, research, and then research again. They should not only understand the subject of the biopic as well as the people they regularly interacted with, but they should also understand the time and world in which they existed. 

Say you’re writing a biopic about Leon Trotsky. You’d have to read as much of his writing as you could, as well as the cornucopia of biographies that have been written about him. But you should also research his contemporaries—Lenin, Stalin, Martov, etc.— and also the larger context of the October Revolution and Russia in the beginning of the 1900s. That’s a lot of reading.

The star of our hypothetical feature

You will also have to decide how much of a person’s life you want to cover. Plenty of successful biopics keep the timeframe tight, but others want to cover most of a person’s existence. The biopic Jackie largely focuses on the days surrounding the assassination of JFK, creating a claustrophobic feeling that lasts the entire runtime.

Walk the Line , meanwhile, tackles a large portion of Johnny Cash’s life, allowing events of his childhood to clearly affect his actions later in the film.

It took his whole life to get to this moment

Remember: writing a biopic isn’t the same thing as writing a biography. First and foremost, you’re writing a compelling film. Ideally, it will capture the essence of its subject.

Creative ways to adapt a true story

Now that you have a solid understanding of "what is a biopic," their history, and what they can entail, let's turn our attention to how a few notable films adapt those real life stories. Using the scripts themselves, along with various clips, we dig into how filmmakers like Tarantino, Charlie Kaufman and the Safdie Brothers adapted their source material to make engaging cinema.

Up Next: Adapting a true story →

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What Is a Biopic? Definition, Examples & Historical Impact

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A biopic, short for biographical picture, brings real-life stories to the silver screen, immortalizing the tales of historical figures, celebrities, and unsung heroes alike.

It’s a genre that offers us a lens into the complexities and triumphs of a person’s life, often leaving us inspired or more informed.

In this article, we’ll jump into what sets biopics apart from other film genres, explore their significance in cinema, and highlight how they shape our understanding of history and culture.

Stay tuned as we unpack the art of biographical storytelling and its impact on audiences around the world.

WHAT IS A BIOPIC

What is a biopic.

There are many different types of films, but one type that is especially popular these days is the biopic.

A biopic tells the story of a person’s life or a significant event in their lives through film. Biopics can be dramatic, comedic, and even more rarely – documentary-style.

What Is A Biopic?

Biopics, short for biographical pictures, are a genre of film that dramatizes the life of a real individual.

These films go beyond mere factual recounting, weaving in creativity and dramatic elements to bring depth to the portrayal of a person’s life journey.

Often, they shine a light on notable figures who have had a remarkable impact on society, culture, or history.

The allure of biopics resides in their dual purpose – to entertain and educate.

Audiences get a glimpse into the events and personal experiences that shaped a historical figure’s contributions and legacy.

What sets biopics apart from documentaries is the focus on emotional engagement, drawing viewers into the world of the subject through compelling narratives and cinematic techniques.

Key Attributes of Biopic Films Include:

• A focus on a specific individual’s life story,
• A blend of factual detail with dramatized scenes,
• The casting of actors who often physically resemble the real-life subjects.

Films like  The King’s Speech  and  Lincoln  exemplify the genre’s power to immerse audiences in the personal struggles and triumphs of influential leaders.

Biopics don’t just retell history; they offer a cinematic interpretation of a life, fraught with all its complexity and nuance.

Our appreciation for biopics stems from their ability to humanize icons and present their stories with a unique artistic flair that resonates on a deeply personal level.

By engaging with biopics, we’re often invited to reflect on the vast tapestries of lives that have carved out significant corners of our collective consciousness.

Whether it’s  Frida  exploring the vibrant life of artist Frida Kahlo, or  The Social Network  depicting the controversial ascent of Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, biopics serve as a conduit for powerful storytelling.

They provide a lens through which we can explore the human condition, redefining our perceptions of the figures we thought we knew.

The Origins Of Biopics

Biopics stem from a long tradition of biographical storytelling that predates cinema itself.

Initially, stage plays and literature provided the primary means for exploring the lives of intriguing figures, honing a narrative artform that would later find its perfect canvas in film.

As the motion picture industry blossomed, filmmakers seized the opportunity to bring these complex, real-life narratives to the silver screen.

The inception of biographical films can be traced back to the early days of cinema.

The Story of the Kelly Gang , released in 1906, is often cited as one of the first feature-length biopics, dramatizing the life of the notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly.

This pioneer in the biopic genre laid the groundwork for future films to tell the stories of historical figures and icons.

Key Features In Early Biopics

The evolution of the biopic genre introduced several key features that became indicative of these types of films:

• Historical Context  – Biopics often set their narrative against the backdrop of important historical events to add authenticity and gravity to the protagonist’s story.
• Character Depth  – Early biopics put a strong emphasis on character development, striving to depict the protagonist’s personality, motivations, and struggles.
• Cinematic Liberty  – Filmmakers embraced the creative latitude to add drama and flair, weaving in fictional elements to highlight emotional truths over strict factual accuracy.

As storytelling traditions intersected with the expressive possibilities of cinema, biopics continued to evolve.

Directors and screenwriters found innovative ways to engage audiences with the defining moments and inner lives of historical figures, delivering experiences that resonate on both a personal and collective level.

The ongoing fascination with individual legacies ensured that the biopic remained a staple in the film industry, showcasing not only the accomplishments but the very humanity of those whose lives are depicted on the screen.

The Significance Of Biopics In Cinema

Biopics hold a mirror up to society, providing viewers with intimate access to the lives of influential figures and events that have shaped history.

Through meticulous research and artistic interpretation, these films offer an avenue for audiences to engage with the past in a deeply human way.

It’s not only about recounting events but also about exploring the psyche of individuals who’ve made a mark on the world.

By bringing historical characters to life, biopics serve as both educational tools and sources of inspiration.

• Highlight lesser-known aspects of famous personalities,
• Illuminate social issues through the lens of a single individual’s experience,
• Encourage viewers to reflect on their own lives in relation to those on screen.

The storytelling power of biopics is enhanced by their ability to resonate with contemporary issues.

While set in the past, the themes of struggle, innovation, and resilience remain evergreen, bridging the gap between then and now.

Films like  Gandhi  and  The King’s Speech  have not only entertained but also enriched our collective consciousness.

Also, the genre’s flexibility in narrative style allows directors and writers to explore various filmmaking techniques.

The use of visual elements, non-linear timelines, and dramatic recreations gives each biopic a unique voice.

As film historians, we recognize that the relationship between the featured individual’s life and the contextual history they belong to is pivotal in crafting a biopic that stands the test of time.

Biopics also contribute significantly to the legacy of their subjects, often renewing interest in their life stories and, in some cases, introducing them to new generations.

The cinematic portrayal of these figures can also catalyze discourse around their impact and the accuracy of their representation, ensuring that the dialogue around these iconic individuals continues to evolve.

Biopics As Historical And Cultural Artifacts

Biopics hold a mirror to the times they represent, offering reflections that go beyond mere storytelling.

They serve as historical and cultural artifacts, capturing the essence of an era or the spirit of a movement through the lens of an individual’s life.

Our fascination with history and culture is satiated by these films, which weave factual elements with artistic interpretation.

Watching  The Imitation Game , we’re not just learning about Alan Turing’s life, we’re diving into the complexities of World War II cryptography.

The influence of biopics extends into various domains, including education, politics, and social discourse.

By embodying the struggles and triumphs of real people, biopics encourage us to draw parallels with current affairs and recognize repeating patterns in history.

• They spur dialogue about past events and their significance today,
• They can challenge or reaffirm cultural beliefs and societal norms,
• They create a space for marginalized stories to be heard and understood.

Creators of biopics have a unique responsibility – to honor the truth while creating compelling cinema.

Films like  Selma  and  12 Years a Slave  bear the weight of accurately portraying the civil rights movement and the brutality of slavery, respectively.

While these films aim to entertain, their greater achievement lies in educating audiences, fostering empathy, and demanding reflection on the fabric of society.

Balancing entertainment with authenticity, contemporary biopics often blur the lines between documentary and dramatization.

This hybrid approach garners wider audiences, bridging the gap between those seeking knowledge and those simply looking for a powerful cinematic experience.

Biopics like  A Beautiful Mind  or  Bohemian Rhapsody  exemplify this trend, captivating viewers while shedding light on the intricacies of genius and the nuances of cultural revolutionaries.

We understand that the cultural imprint of a well-crafted biopic can be immense.

Its capacity to influence public perception and rekindle interest in historical figures or events is a testament to the genre’s potency.

By meticulously reconstructing the past, biopics provide potent stimuli for today’s conversations and tomorrow’s artworks.

The Power Of Biographical Storytelling

Biographical storytelling, often known as the biopic genre, unlocks a treasure trove of immersive narratives that engage audiences on a deeply personal level.

These powerful tales Help a profound connection between viewers and the subjects, allowing us to experience the world through the eyes of some of history’s most intriguing individuals.

The heart of biopics lies in their ability to humanize figures that have, until now, been confined within the pages of history books or the silent annals of time.

Our fascination with biopics stems from an innate desire to understand the human condition.

Films like  A Beautiful Mind  and  The Theory of Everything  provide intimate glimpses into the lives of extraordinary minds, spotlighting their triumphs and challenges.

Biopics have the unique capability to transcend time and place, crafting narratives that are both universal in emotion and specific in their cultural context.

• Biopics demystify the legend,
• They bring nuance to public perception,
• They uncover the threads that connect us all.

By delving into personal histories, biopics underscore the power of individual agency within the larger tapestry of societal progress.

Films such as  Selma  showcase the impact one person can have on the movements that shape our collective experience.

Through dynamic storytelling, the genre emphasizes the single person’s potential to enact profound change.

The rich canvas of biopics presents filmmakers with the opportunity to experiment with artistic expression, engaging in a dialogue between past and present.

Telling these stories through the audiovisual medium reinforces the relevance of forgotten or underrepresented individuals.

Whether it’s the color palette chosen to depict a period piece or the soundtrack that accompanies a protagonist’s journey, every creative decision serves to breathe life into once-distant figures.

Our understanding of heritage and identity is often expanded through the lens of biopics.

These films act as conduits for cultural reflection, offering insights into the complexities that define various eras.

Powerful narratives in  Lincoln  and  Gandhi  not only recount historical events but also encourage us to contemplate the broader implications of leadership, morality, and social responsibility.

What Is A Biopic – Wrap Up

We’ve explored the captivating realm of biopics and their profound impact on storytelling.

These films don’t just recount history—they breathe life into it allowing us to walk in the shoes of the remarkable individuals who’ve shaped our world.

Through the artful blend of fact and creative liberty biopics offer a unique lens on the human condition.

They’re not just films; they’re windows to the past and mirrors reflecting our shared humanity.

As we continue to seek out these stories let’s cherish the way they enrich our understanding of both the legends they portray and the legacy we carry forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of biopics.

Biopics focus on humanizing historical figures, letting viewers see the world through their eyes, and showcasing the universal emotions and specific cultural contexts of their stories.

How Do Biopics Affect The Perception Of Historical Figures?

Biopics demystify legends and introduce nuances to public perceptions, revealing the shared human experiences that connect us across time.

What Do Biopics Offer To Filmmakers?

Biopics provide filmmakers with the opportunity to explore artistic expression while delving into the life stories of significant individuals.

Why Are Biopics Important For Understanding Heritage And Identity?

Biopics allow us to gain deeper insights into the complexities of different eras, thereby expanding our understanding of heritage and identity.

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Aw, this was a very nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a top notch article on how to make a biopic… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.

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A quick definition for biographical films

Biopic (biographical picture; biographical film)

A film that tells the story of the life of a real person, often a well-known monarch, political leader, or artist. Thomas Edison’s Execution of Mary Queen of Scots (US, 1895) prefigures the genre but perhaps the earliest biopic is Jeanne d’Arc/Joan of Arc (Georges Méliès, France, 1900). Biopics were popular with audiences in Europe in the early 20th century, including Queen Elizabeth (Henri Desfontaine and Louis Mercanto, France, 1912), Danton (Dimitri Buchowetski, Germany, 1920), Anne Boleyn (Ernst Lubitsch, Germany, 1920), Napoleon (Abel Gance, France, 1927), and The Private Life of Henry VIII (Alexander Korda, UK, 1933). Beyond Europe and North America, biopics celebrated anti-colonial figures and continue to do so ( see Philippines, film in ). The biopic was a staple of US cinema during the studio period, with some 300 films released between 1927 and 1960. The work of director William Dieterle, including The Story of Louis Pasteur (1936), Juarez (1939), and The Life of Emile Zola (1937), is particularly worthy of note. It is common for films from this era to start in media res and proceed by way of flashbacks through a ‘stages of life’ structure, with details from a person’s early life often prefiguring the events they subsequently became known for ( see plot/story ). This structure allows the biopic to move between public and private knowledge pertaining to the film’s subject: the revelation of a private self is one of the genre’s key pleasures. Citizen Kane (Orson Welles, 1941), generally agreed to be one of the greatest films ever made, is a scathing and thinly disguised biopic of newspaper magnate, William Randolph Hearst. US versions of the genre display a shift from celebratory studio-era films to a ‘warts and all’ approach in the late 1960s and 1970s; as, for example, in the Woody Guthrie biopic, Bound For Glory (Hal Ashby, US, 1976). From the 1990s, a number of films, such as 32 Short Films About Glenn Gould (François Girard, Portugal/Canada/Finland/Netherlands, 1993) and the Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There (Todd Haynes, US, 2007), actively sought to deconstruct the genre. The lives of entertainers, film stars, and artists comprise some 36 per cent of all Hollywood biopics, a tendency that continues in the contemporary cinema with films showing the rise to fame of Freddie Mercury ( Bohemian Rhapsody (Bryan Singer, 2018)) and Elton John ( Rocketman (Dexter Fletcher, 2019)).  ...

Kuhn, A., & Westwell, G. (2020).  Biopic . In  A Dictionary of Film Studies . Oxford University Press. Retrieved 19 May. 2023

Finding library resources for biographical films

The Jones Media Center has a collection of biographies for viewing. To find them, you can do a subject search for " biographical films ." To find books about biographical films, look at the subject headings that contain " history and criticism ." These books will discuss historical films in general or those produced in different countries. To find film resources on a specific person, you can do a subject search and add " drama " with your other search terms.

• biographical films Call number range PN 1995.9 .B55 on Baker Level 4 .
• biographical films [ ... insert name of country ... ]
• autobiographical films

Introductory reading(s)

Selected book title(s)

Finding scholarly articles & journal titles

Articles and other writings about movies can be found in many publications. We don't have any periodicals that look exclusively at biographies in our collections. You can use Film & Television Literature Index to find articles. You can also search in America, History & Life or Historical Abstracts depending on which historical figure you want to research.

Selected list of biographical films

Find more biographical films in the online catalog .

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What is a Biopic? (Definition and Examples)

The genre is sweeping hollywood and getting more popular by the day..

Have you noticed a trend in Hollywood lately? It seems like every time you go to the movies or see a new trailer; it's an ad for a movie about someone famous' life.

Biopics are all the rage.

But what's the definition of biopic, and what are some of the best biopics of all time?

Today, we're going to answer those questions.

If you're looking to get the attention of an agent or manager , writing a biopic might be right for you. And it's not just Hollywood; even Bollywood is going biopic crazy .

Let's dive in.

What's A Biopic? 

A biographical film, or a biopic for short, is a film that tells the story of the life of a non-fictional or historical person.

Biopics use the central character(s) to show an important discovery, period in history, or dramatically relevant period within their lives to tell a contemporary lesson. That all seems straightforward, but there are some serious discrepancies in how you should pronounce biopic as well.

Biopic Definition

A biopic is a movie about someone's life.

There are music biopics, true story, presidential profiles, and breakdowns of military leaders. So many different ideas to choose from!

How Do You Pronounce Biopic?

You pronounce "biopic"...bio-pick. Not bi-opic. Let's just confirm that. I can't sit in any more meetings and hear bi-opic. It's a biographical picture. Biopic. This is not complicated, people. So let's get it right moving forward.

Key Characteristics of Biopics

Biopics are designed to dramatize the key events, experiences, and achievements of the subject's life, offering audiences insight into their personal and professional journey.

These films often focus on notable individuals such as political leaders, artists, musicians, athletes, scientists, and other influential figures.

• Real-Life Subject: Biopics are centered around a real person, whether they are a historical figure, a contemporary personality, or someone from the recent past.
• Narrative Structure : They follow a narrative structure similar to traditional storytelling, with a beginning, middle, and end. The story typically covers significant milestones and events in the subject's life.
• Character Study : Biopics aim to provide a deep character study of the subject, exploring their motivations, struggles, successes, and failures.
• Authenticity : Biopics often strive for authenticity by recreating the historical period, locations, and circumstances in which the subject lived.
• Casting : Actors are chosen to portray the subject, often undergoing physical transformations to resemble them and capture their mannerisms.
• Research : Filmmakers conduct extensive research to ensure accuracy in depicting the subject's life, including consulting historical records, biographies, and firsthand accounts.
• Dramatization : While biopics are based on real events, they may take creative liberties to enhance the storytelling or condense events for cinematic purposes.

Why Are Biopics Are Oscar Bait?

Typically, biopic scripts attract bigger actors looking to take on a role that the audience already understands. These bigger actors help movies get bigger budgets, meaning wider releases. If the movie is good and seen by a lot of people or both, it can usually generate Oscar buzz.

We also have a disproportionate amount of Oscar wins for biopics. Or, at least it feels that way. Part of that has to do with why so many biopics are being made.

Examples of Biopics

'BlacKkKlansman'

• “12 Years a Slave” (2013) dir. Steve McQueen
• “20th Century Women” (2016) dir. Mike Mills
• “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) dir. Ron Howard
• “A Cry In The Dark” (1988) dir. Fred Schepisi
• “Adaptation” (2002) dir. Spike Jonze
• “Ali” (2001) dir. Michael Mann
• “American Sniper” (2014) dir. Clint Eastwood
• “American Splendor” (2003) dir. Robert Pulcini & Shari Springer Berman
• “Arrival” (2016) dir. Denis Villeneuve
• “At Eternity’s Gate” (2018) dir. Julian Schnabel
• “Beyond The Sea” (2004) dir. Kevin Spacey
• “Black Panther” (2018) dir. Ryan Coogler
• "Blackkklansman" (2018) dir. Spike Lee
• “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018) dir. Bryan Singer
• “Boys Don’t Cry” (1999) dir. Kimberly Peirce
• “Braveheart” (2005) dir. Mel Gibson
• “Capote” (2005) dir. Bennett Miller
• “Catch Me If You Can” (2002) dir. Steven Spielberg
• “Dallas Buyers Club” (2013) dir. Jean-Marc Vallée
• “Darkest Hour” (2017) dir. Joe Wright
• “Dreamgirls” (2006) dir. Bill Condon
• “Eighth Grade” (2018) dir. Bo Burnham
• “Ex-Machina” (2015) dir. Alex Garland
• “First Man” (2018) dir. Damien Chazelle
• “Florence Foster Jenkins” (2016) dir. Stephen Frears
• “Foxcatcher” (2014) dir. Bennett Miller
• “Frida” (2002) dir. Julie Taymor
• “Gandhi” (1982) dir. Richard Attenborough
• “Green Book” (2018) dir. Peter Farrelly
• “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016) dir. Mel Gibson
• “Hidden Figures” (2016) dir. Theodore Melfi
• “Hotel Rwanda” (2004) dir. Terry George
• “I, Tonya” (2017) dir. Craig Gillespie
• “I’m Not There” (2007) dir. Todd Haynes
• “Invictus” (2009) dir. Clint Eastwood
• “Jackie” (2016) dir. Pablo Larraín
• “Jobs” (2013) dir. Joshua Michael Stern
• “Joy” (2015) dir. David O. Russell
• “Julie & Julia” (2009) dir. Nora Ephron
• “La Vie En Rose” (2007) dir. Olivier Dahan
• “Les Miserables” (2012) dir. Tom Hooper
• “Lincoln” (2012) dir. Steven Spielberg
• “Loving” (2016) dir. Jeff Nichols
• “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) dir. George Miller
• “Milk” (2008) dir. Gus Van Sant
• “Monster” (2003) dir. Patty Jenkins
• “Mudbound” (2017) dir. Dee Rees
• “Music of the Heart” (1999) dir. Wes Craven
• “My Week With Marilyn” (2011) dir. Simon Curtis
• “One True Thing” (1998) dir. Carl Franklin
• “Out of Africa” (1985) dir. Sydney Pollack
• “Patton” (1970) dir. Franklin J. Schaffner
• “Queen Christina” (1933) dir. Rouben Mamoulian
• “Raging Bull” (1980) dir. Martin Scorsese
• “Ray” (2004) dir. Taylor Hackford
• “Selma” (2014) dir. Ava DuVernay
• “Silkwood” (1983) dir. Mike Nichols
• “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012) dir. David O. Russell
• “Snowden” (2016) dir. Oliver Stone
• “Steve Jobs” (2015) dir. Danny Boyle
• “Swiss Army Man” (2016) dir. Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
• “The Blind Side” (2009) dir. John Lee Hancock
• “The Danish Girl” (2015) dir. Tom Hooper
• “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006) dir. David Frankel
• “The Disaster Artist” (2017) dir. James Franco
• “The Elephant Man” (1980) dir. David Lynch
• “The Florida Project” (2017) dir. Sean Baker
• “The Imitation Game” (2014) dir. Morten Tyldum
• “The Iron Lady” (2011) dir. Phyllida Lloyd
• “The King’s Speech” (2010) dir. Tom Hooper
• “The Last Emperor” (1987) dir. Bernardo Bertolucci
• “The Last King of Scotland” (2006) dir. Kevin Macdonald
• “The Lobster” (2016) dir. Yorgos Lanthimos
• “The Master” (2012) dir. Paul Thomas Anderson
• “The Post” (2017) dir. Steven Spielberg
• “The Queen” (2006) dir. Stephen Frears
• “The Revenant” (2015) dir. Alejandro G. Iñárritu
• “The Social Network” (2010) dir. David Fincher
• “The Theory of Everything” (2014) dir. James Marsh
• “The Witch” (2015) dir. Robert Eggers
• “Trumbo” (2015) dir. Jay Roach
• “Unbroken” (2014) dir. Angelina Jolie
• “Vice” (2018) dir. Adam McKay
• “Walk The Line” (2005) dir. James Mangold

What Defines A Biopic?

'Lincoln'

The Academy Awards loves biopics. that's why we see so many nominated. Whether you cover a character's entire life the way Malcolm X does, or just a few long weeks the way Selma maneuvers its tale, biopics are centered around interesting historical characters. We want to follow a famous person or historical figures through their personal life!

Many people quibble over whether or not Apollo 13 can be a biopic because it's truly an ensemble, versus First Man, which centers around one guy, so you have to take care not to mislabel historical dramas biopics. I'm more focused on writing the best thing possible, but let's entertain what the classical definition of a biopic must be.

I think the clearest way to define a biopic is to look at the central plot. If the story revolves around one person and their actions, then it's a biopic. If it revolves around a group of people trying to do one thing, then it's probably just a historical drama. That means movies like Vice are biopics. But movies like Game Change would be historical dramas.

Biopic Tropes

'Hidden Figures'

While each biopic is unique in its own right, there are several common tropes and conventions that tend to appear in many biographical films.

These tropes help to structure and dramatize real-life stories for the big screen. Here are some common biopic tropes:

• Rise to Fame: Many biopics start by showing the subject's humble beginnings and follow their journey as they rise to fame or prominence in their field. This often includes scenes of early struggles, setbacks, and determination.
• Conflict and Obstacles : Biopics frequently highlight the challenges and obstacles that the subject faced throughout their life. These could be personal, professional, or societal challenges that they had to overcome.
• Personal Relationships: Biopics often delve into the subject's personal relationships, including family, friends, and romantic partners. These relationships can provide insight into the subject's character and motivations.
• Historical Context: Biopics often place the subject's life within a broader historical or cultural context. This helps viewers understand the significance of the subject's achievements or actions.
• Flashbacks : Flashbacks are a common narrative device in biopics to provide insight into the subject's past. These flashbacks can reveal formative experiences or key moments in the subject's life.
• Iconic Moments: Biopics often include reenactments of iconic moments from the subject's life, such as historical speeches, performances, or pivotal events. These moments are often recreated with great attention to detail.
• Transformation : Actors in biopics often undergo physical transformations to resemble the subject. This can include changes in appearance, such as makeup and prosthetics, as well as changes in mannerisms and speech patterns.
• Struggles and Addictions: Many biopics explore the subject's struggles with personal demons, such as addiction, mental health issues, or other challenges. These struggles add depth and complexity to the character.
• Triumph and Redemption : Biopics often conclude with a triumphant or redemptive moment in the subject's life. This can be the culmination of their efforts or a resolution to a long-standing conflict.
• Narrator or Framing Device: Some biopics use a narrator or framing device to provide context or commentary on the subject's life. This can help guide the narrative and provide perspective.
• Music and Soundtrack: Music plays a significant role in many biopics, especially if the subject is a musician or performer. The soundtrack often features the subject's music or music from the era they lived in.
• Awards and Recognition : Biopics often depict the subject's receipt of awards, accolades, or recognition for their achievements. This can serve as a climactic moment in the film.
• Text at the End: Many biopics conclude with text that provides updates on what happened to the subject or other key characters after the events depicted in the film. This helps to tie up loose ends and provide closure.

Why Are Biopics Popular?

'Sleepwalk With Me'

We talked about intellectual property in our Public Domain post and our how to adapt a screenplay post; intellectual property rules Hollywood. People want ideas that already have a certain public recognition, so they're easier to get clicks or to sell tickets. It's really expensive to option huge books or news articles. And it's competitive.

But as you know, the Public Domain contains lots of free ideas. And you know who's part of the Public Domain? Most historical figures or famous people.

Screenplays that cover the lives of famous people are free intellectual property. They're great ways to build a story and to highlight story structure , without having to make up everything that happens.

Sure, you have to be truthful, but writing about a famous figure and chronicling their lives or a moment in their lives gives you less to pitch. Usually, these people are part of the cultural lexicon already. So you don't have to do much, just add drama and reasoning to the internal and external conflict provided by history.

That's easier said than done, but you understand the gist.

This makes writing biopics very attractive to writers.

Summing Up Biopic Films In Hollywood

So there you have it - biopic films are all the rage now. They're easy to sell, end up on a lot of the year-end lists, and can be popular with agents, managers, and audiences alike.

Got a great biopic idea?

Consider joining our Free Screenwriting Seminar to flesh out your idea.

We have lots of tips on dialogue , pitching , and treatments to get your idea together, too.

Senior Post is an award-winning Brooklyn-based post house that provides full post production services for film and television. Their work has screened at Sundance, Slamdance, Tribeca and SXSW and they've worked with clients such as HBO, Hulu, A24, Apatow Productions, Comedy Central, Vice, Vevo and Refinery 29. Their latest project, the second season of 2 Dope Queens , airs Fridays on HBO at 11pm.

• How to Write an Adapted Screenplay ›
• Read the Screenplay for Spike Lee's Unmade Jackie Robinson Biopic ›
• The Flamin' Hot Cheetos Biopic Just Got Weirder ›
• Martin Scorsese Super Bowl Commercial ›
• 20 Best Biopic Movies of the 21st Century (So Far) ›
• Biopic Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster ›
• Biographical film - Wikipedia ›

A Week in the Life of Emmy-Nominated 'Frasier' DP Gary Baum

Hear a first-hand breakdown of prepping a live multi-cam network shoot from seasoned vet gary baum..

Written by Gary Baum

Since I Love Lucy debuted on CBS in 1951, the Multi-Camera format has defined the comedy genre on television. Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball created the format along with Karl Freund, ASC.

Their original intention was to film the comedy series with 3 cameras shooting simultaneously in front of an audience. The successful format has endured for almost 75 years, with of course updated modern technology .

Now we shoot with digital 4k format in 1:78 to achieve a 16x9 view, which is compatible for network and streaming delivery. With most studio audience shoots, such as Frasier , we use four Sony VENICE cameras with Panavision primo zoom lenses, maintained by my DIT. I shoot in S-log utilizing an on set LUT created by my Video Control operator.

Since the comedy is shot proscenium style to incorporate the full effect of watching the entire scene without breaks, it affords the audience the experience of a theatrical performance and the actors with a live feedback that isn't available on other formats.

Four cameras are blocked to capture all required angles; wide, medium, overs, two shots, singles etc.

The cameras are constantly moving to predetermined queues which require different focal lengths and angles. A typical four minute scene can incorporate 40 to 50 shots. It’s a ballet of sorts, and quite the visual experience onto itself.

Lighting for the multi-camera experience is a world onto it’s own. We must light from above without any lights on the stage floor to impede the camera’s movement. Every scene is lighted for four cameras, as we don’t have the luxury of lighting for multiple setups within a scene as with a feature or single camera TV.

For a typical five day work week, the first production day starts with a production meeting followed by a table read, and usually a light rehearsal. Hopefully the sets are up and we can start our lighting. We start the “heavy lifting” of using our larger units placing them for cross back keys and to entrance points. We use fresnel incandescent units for their throw ability as these lights can be 20 plus feet away from the intended target. I carry custom engineered LED “Obie” lights on each camera.

The second day is another rehearsal with a producer run through. At this stage, we can see the actors’ movements which then we can address with our smaller lights and some fill ratios. The third day, is rehearsal again, dealing with some script re-writes and actors movements with a final studio run through. At this point we can hopefully finish our broad lighting palate.

The fourth day is the first of two camera days. All four cameras on dollies and or pedestals arrive for the director’s blocking with line queues facilitated by a camera coordinator.

On this day we try to finish our actors’ lighting and polish our architectural lighting ie; practicals, sconces, etc. Many of these days we'll pre shoot a scene or two because of guest actor availability, to release a set that is not in view of the audience, for single camera style coverage, or for children and animal performances.

All through the process we have to maintain as many as seven sets at once. We have monitors and a quad split with switching availability between each camera to view each shot simultaneously.

On the fifth day our audience day starts with a final rehearsal for actors and cameras dealing with re-writes and maybe some re-blocking before a break for touch ups and a crew meal.

Typically the audience files in to stadium style seating while being entertained by a warmup person with a DJ.

It is a theatrical experience for everyone. Show starts at 6 PM with cast intros.

At this point our lighting is done. Occasionally there are things to attend to, such as a re-block or a lamp burn out, but generally things go smoothly, and we all experience a fun evening. Typically a show will be three to four hours in length.

The next day, the process starts anew on our next episode.

After editing, the episode is cut down to 22 to 35 minutes and then I will go to post color and work with my colorist for final delivery.

Since I like to laugh, this is a fantastic medium to work in!

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The 15 Best Biopics of All Time

Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, and Robert De Niro star in some of the most enduring and enjoyable biopics.

That’s largely because the genre has gone through some pains to get here. For years, biopics were paint-by-numbers affairs, drawn up to make a quick buck and maybe score an Oscar nomination or two.

Now, most filmmakers have figured out that there are better, more cinematic ways to tell these stories. Some of the best biopics on our list still tell a person’s story from birth to death (or close to it) but do so with a grandness that reflects the way their life was lived. Others focus on a specific period, moment, or event in a person’s life and demonstrate its importance, which encourages reflection on how that particular story still resonates in the present.

This biopic renaissance didn’t happen overnight. Throughout film history, directors have taken risks that paid off in the form of timeless biopics that pushed the genre forward. These are 15 of our favorites.

Related: The Real People Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro Portray in Killers of the Flower Moon • The Tragic True Story of the Ferrari Movie • Why Michael Oher Doesn’t Like The Blind Side

Director Spike Lee takes the approach of sharing a large percentage of the life of one of America’s most well-known and impactful civil rights leaders : Malcolm X . It’s an approach that has failed more often than not, but over three hours, Lee and star Denzel Washington are able to give Malcolm’s life the richness and attention to detail it deserves in this 1992 film. The result is a fully three-dimensional portrait that follows the man from childhood to his 1965 assassination and many places in between.

Tick, Tick…Boom!

The layers in the feature film debut of director Lin-Manuel Miranda are truly one of a kind. The 2021 movie introduces us to Jonathan Larson (played by Andrew Garfield), who became best known for writing the broadway musical Rent . But in Tick, Tick…Boom! , he’s both struggling to break into the musical industry and, in a parallel but future-looking story, acting in the musical he wrote before Rent . That musical? Tick, Tick…Boom! about a writer struggling to break into the musical industry. It all makes sense—somehow—on the screen, and it’s both wildly entertaining and tinged with tragedy for people who know Larson’s fate. (He’d never get to see Rent premiere.)

Watch on Netflix

I’m Not There

Most biopics feature one primary actor depicting the portions of an individual’s life that are best known to the general public. Many others might feature a younger or older actor showing the subject at a different phase of their life. I’m Not There , meanwhile, tells the story of Bob Dylan using six very distinct actors to portray the iconic singer-songwriter in various eras of his life. Among the six in this 2007 release are Christian Bale , Richard Gere , the late Heath Ledger , and, improbably, an Oscar-nominated Cate Blanchett .

Watch on Prime Video

Here, the biopic turns into a horror movie (with one of the most uncomfortable but appropriate musical scores of the last decade), as we follow former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (played by a never better Natalie Portman ) in the immediate aftermath of her husband’s assassination in 1963. In this 2017 film, Chilean director Pablo Larraín takes you deep into what was a national tragedy, but he does so in a uniquely personal way. In one of the film’s most devastating scenes, we see Kennedy trying to wash her husband’s blood off her body . From there, it flips, and we see her put in painstaking work to shape the way history will remember the 35th U.S. president .

The Wind Rises

A rare animated biopic, this 2013 stunner from Japanese legend Hayao Miyazaki (of Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke fame) is an interesting companion piece to this summer’s hottest biopic, Oppenheimer . It depicts the life and career of Jiro Horikoshi, an engineer whose aircraft designs were eventually adopted and used by Japan during World War II. While his work advanced his field tremendously, the film shows him wracked with guilt over the way it was used, while he also deals with personal tragedy. It’s a tremendous achievement that takes advantage of its presentation to become arguably the most fanciful biopic ever.

Watch on Max Watch on Prime Video

Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most well-known figures in American history, but books and speeches can only do so much to show the person behind the ideas. Director Ava DuVernay ’s 2014 film centers around the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, explicitly showing it wasn't the act of one man but so many, including people killed in acts of racial violence. Still, where it stands out is in its portrayal of King, who carries the hopes, fears, and memories of all these individuals on his shoulders at all times, whether he’s sitting at home with his family, in an Alabama jail cell, or in the Oval Office. The result is a portrait of an icon who’s flawed, overwhelmed, and occasionally unsure of himself.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Similar to DuVernay’s work on Selma , director Marielle Heller peels back the veil on a person famous for their goodness in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood . Her focus is Fred Rogers , the famous children’s television star, but what’s especially interesting about Tom Hanks ’ portrayal of him in the film is that his on- and off-screen personas aren’t dramatically different. The film is centered on a journalist profiling Rogers who assumes someone presenting as this kind must have another side. But in this 2019 film, we learn that while Rogers might have had feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiousness, he actively chose kindness every day, which in turn made everything else feel insignificant.

One of the more fictionalized biopics on the list, this 1984 Oscar-winning epic, adapted from a Tony Award–winning play, takes the unique approach of showing the life, work, and peculiarities (that laugh!) of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of one of his lesser-known contemporaries, Antonio Salieri. As played by F. Murray Abraham, Salieri is consumed by jealousy, revulsion, and deep, deep admiration for his rival composer. As he gets closer to Mozart, he sees a similarly tortured soul, and for viewers, Mozart’s layers of caricature fade away.

Another biopic out of the tumult that was the United States in the 1960s, this 2001 masterpiece from director Michael Mann crosses between sports and politics with a hand as deft as its subject’s left. We see Muhammad Ali , played with remarkable complexity by Will Smith , from his first title fight to his famous knockout of George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle.” All the while, we’re shown the unforgettable details that made him one of the greatest icons of the 20th century—notably, the grace with which he moved around the ring and the acid on his tongue in a pre-fight interview—as well as the almost unbearable heaviness he carried on his shoulders that came with being Muhammad Ali.

Raging Bull

Staying in the boxing ring, this is arguably the quintessential biopic and one of the most admired films by one of cinema’s most admired directors, Martin Scorsese . In it, Robert De Niro plays Jake LaMotta , the world middleweight champion from June 1949 to February 1951. The 1980 film explores the ups and downs of his fighting career, his mob connections (including an infamously thrown fight in 1947), and the always tumultuous, often rage-filled, and violent relationships he had with his wife, Vikie, and his brother and manager, Joey. De Niro won his second Oscar for playing LaMotta—a performance for which he gained 60 pounds to play an older version of the fighter.

Watch on Max

In the 1960s, big, booming historical epics were all the rage. Lawrence of Arabia , Dr. Zhivago —if it had a musical overture and an intermission, people were there and all about it. (It was kind of weird.) But one biographical film that came a little later (in 1981) stands out as an especially successful epic with a number of historical figures criss-crossing at a monumentally important historical event: the start of the Russian Revolution. Among the figures profiled in the underrated Reds are Jack Reed ( Warren Beatty , who also directed the film), a journalist and activist who wrote one of the defining portraits of this period; Louise Bryant ( Diane Keaton ), his counterpart and on/off romantic partner; famous American playwright Eugene O’Neill ( Jack Nicholson ); and feminist and anarchist Emma Goldman (Maureen Stapleton). And throughout, all of the individuals featured and events chronicled are given color through real-life interviews with men and women who were actually there.

Marie Antoinette

This 2006 biopic is straight vibes. Set in pre-Revolutionary France, it features Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette not even pretending to have an accent. Converse sneakers are famously seen in the background of a shot. And the soundtrack, featuring The Strokes and The Cure among others, couldn’t sound less appropriate for the period. But by severing the connection with the time period as harshly as—well, nevermind—director Sofia Coppola crafts something that’s able to gently remind viewers this movie is a relatively simple story about a young girl who embraces the luxury around her because she’s in an otherwise impossible situation.

Julie & Julia

This 2009 Nora Ephron –directed biopic earns inclusion on this list first and foremost thanks to a truly iconic performance from the great Meryl Streep as the beloved chef, author, and television personality Julia Child . She injects tremendous heart into the role without losing some of the quirky gestures that made so many people fall in love with Child, among them blogger Julie Powell ( Amy Adams ), whose journey with Child’s cooking elevates the film further into the pantheon of best biopics. It’s a unique approach that demystifies its subject by both showing us her life and showing someone else wrestling with it.

Watch on Netflix Watch on Prime Video

An Angel at My Table

Janet Frame might not be a household name in America like other biopic subjects on this list, but hers was a life so full that a young New Zealand director named Jane Campion turned it into a true cinematic effort in 1990 in just her second feature film. Frame eventually became a renowned literary figure, and the film is based on three separate autobiographies she wrote covering different periods in her life, from childhood to adulthood. She suffered a number of personal tragedies early in her life and was later diagnosed (inaccurately) with schizophrenia. In the film’s most dramatic and pivotal scene, she learns that her first collection of short stories will be published just days before she’s scheduled to undergo a lobotomy.

Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin dissect one of the most influential individuals of the past century (you’re quite possibly reading this article on one of his devices) in this 2015 biopic. When you picture Steve Jobs in your head, you probably imagine him in black on a stage introducing a product, and this film takes place on three such days across a roughly 15-year span. But while he looks the part, Michael Fassbender’s Jobs is instead shown as vain, short-tempered, and vindictive. It’s a harsh juxtaposition, but as a biopic, it’s a fascinating experiment that is also very well-acted and relentlessly paced.

John Gilpatrick is a freelance writer and film critic from the Lehigh Valley, PA. He loves movies about space and movies about oil drillers (especially when they go together). He also thinks the Star Wars prequels are mostly OK and that Ivan Reitman's Draft Day is a low-key masterpiece. He is a member of the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS). You can read more of his reviews and columns at JohnLikesMovies.com .

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From 'Elvis' to 'The Pianist': 20 Best Biopic Movies of the 21st Century (So Far)

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Oppenheimer , Christopher Nolan 's most anticipated biopic will soon hit theaters this summer (July 21), marking not only Nolan's return but also the newest installment in the biopic genre, which is currently popular in Hollywood. In the meantime, there are tons of great biopics of the 21st century that fans can watch.

What is a biopic? A biopic (short for "biographical picture") is a non-fictional film that depicts the tale of a real person's life. Biopic movies are usually about a historical figure or a well-known individual. However, they can be about anyone as long as the subject exists. A biopic film must focus on a single protagonist and portray the narrative of that person's life across many years (rather than simply one event or era in their life).

Biopics are the goldmines of Hollywood movies, regardless of whose life they show. Many of these films served as stepping stones in the careers of their filmmakers and actors, helping to launch them to stardom. Even though many excellent biopics are produced each year, a special few have gone above and beyond after the turn of the millennia.

Updated on March 30, 2023, by Jessie Nguyen:

20 'bohemian rhapsody' (2018).

Bohemian Rhapsody tells the story of the British rock band Queen and their lead singer, Freddie Mercury , played by Rami Malek . The film traces the band’s rise to fame, from their early days playing small gigs to their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985. It also explores Mercury’s relationships with his bandmates, as well as his romantic ones and his struggle with his sexuality.

Bohemian Rhapsody nevertheless serves as a good reminder of the band's musical brilliance and Freddie's singular stage presence owing to the film's aesthetically stunning musical moments and Malek's dominating leading role. Despite its limitations, the movie is still an exquisite tribute to the band and its dedicated fans.

Watch on Hulu

19 'A Beautiful Mind' (2001)

Inspired by the 1998 biography of the same name by Sylvia Nasar , A Beautiful Mind chronicles the life of John Forbes Nash Jr. ( Russell Crowe ), who went through it all – from fame's pinnacles to its darkest abysses. He was a mathematical prodigy who was on the verge of receiving international renown when he made an astounding discovery early in his career. Yet he quickly finds himself embarking on a torturous and terrifying quest of self-discovery.

A Beautiful Mind has become one of the most engaging and well-liked movies of all time, despite issues with tone and structure as well as some significant absences from Nash's real life. Because Nash's life is the focus of the film rather than his mental health , and because of Russell Crowe's stirring portrayal, Nash is given a second chance to relive both his success and his failure.

Watch on Prime Video

18 'Elvis' (2022)

Elvis chronicles the life story of American music legend Elvis Presley , played by Austin Butler , from his youth to his 1950s rise to rock and roll stardom while retaining a complicated bond with Colonel Tom Parker ( Tom Hanks ), his manager.

Butler's spectacular portrayal of Elvis humanized the legend by bringing down the spotlight from his physical gestures to the enormous, gruff voice to reveal the troubled man hiding behind the timeless God of Rock. In addition, the wild singing, set design, reenactment of iconic incidents, and compelling performers give the impression that audiences are viewing a documentary instead.

Watch on Max

17 'Ray' (2004)

Ray tells the story of the legendary musician Ray Charles ( Jamie Foxx ) and his struggles with blindness, poverty, and addiction, as well as his relationships with the women in his life. It also delves into Charles' musical career, including his experimentation with different genres such as R&B, gospel, and country, and his collaborations with other musicians.

Ray is a moving and inspiring film that offers a window into the life of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and the struggles and triumphs that shaped his extraordinary career. Also, the acting is strong, the directing is deft, the storyline is insightful, and Foxx gives an outstanding performance.

Watch on Netflix

16 'The Wolf of Wall Street' (2013)

The story of 1990s stock trader Jordan Belfort , whose company, Stratton Oakmont, participated in unprecedented levels of corruption and fraud, is told in Martin Scorsese 's smash biopic The Wolf of Wall Street .

Scorsese's picture is the ultimate of excess, with Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort giving a truly outrageous performance. As they are in many of Scorsese’s films , the sins are visited upon the sinner, but the "Wolf" warns us at the end that no number of cautionary stories will prevent future generations from engaging in short-sighted, amoral, selfish ambitions.

Watch on Fubo

15 'A Hidden Life' (2019)

Based on the true story of Franz Jägerstätter , an Austrian farmer who refused to fight for the Nazis during World War II, The Hidden Life follows Franz ( August Diehl ) as he lives a quiet life with his family in the small village of St. Radegund. When war breaks out, Franz is called up to serve in the German army, but he refuses to swear allegiance to Hitler and fight for the Nazis.

Through a genuine account of faith, family, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of extreme persecution, director Terrence Malick presents the viewers with a rare image of a special kind of hero. Additionally, it serves as an engaging and oftentimes moving example of how regular people respond to the ills of the world.

14 'Lincoln' (2012)

Lincoln follows the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln ( Daniel Day-Lewis ), as he navigates the political landscape of the Civil War era, trying to garner support for the amendment from both Republicans and Democrats. It also focuses on the final months of his presidency and his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which would abolish slavery.

Lincoln is one of Steven Spielberg 's most methodical efforts as a director, and it is undeniably a respectable, absorbing film. Additionally, despite having a history lesson at its center, it is deftly concealed by one outstanding performance and a number of steadfast supporting characters.

13 'Capote' (2005)

Capote tells the story of Truman Capote ( Philip Seymour Hoffman ), a famous American writer, as he travels to Kansas to investigate and write about the brutal murders of the Clutter family in 1959, which later becomes the basis for his novel, In Cold Blood . The film explores Capote’s relationship with the murderers, Richard ‘Dick’ Hickock ( Mark Pellegrino ) and Perry Smith ( Clifton Collins Jr. ), as he spends them with them in jail.

Hoffman offers a captivating portrayal of and perspective on a troubled character who is nonetheless regarded by many as one of America's best authors. Moreover, Bennett Miller was able to convey the complexity of human brains and relationships, as well as the source of artistic inspiration, thanks to a fantastic screenplay.

Watch on Roku

12 'I, Tonya' (2017)

After her husband ordered an assault on her opponent, Nancy Kerrigan , Tonya Harding ( Margot Robbie ) went from one of the most skilled athletes in the country to a worldwide laughingstock. Her troubles as an outcast, her dysfunctional family, and her outspoken nature were all depicted in the film.

Craig Gillespie 's film does more than convey Harding's story, it completely reframes the narrative and rewrites her as the hero of her own story in a complicated but persuasive way. I, Tonya also provides Robbie with her first opportunity to demonstrate her entire range as an actor, and she is radiant.

11 'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013)

Dallas Buyers Club follows Ronald Woodroof ( Matthew McConaughey ), a philandering, drug addict, and homophobic electrician from Texas, living a carefree life until his doctor diagnoses him with HIV/AIDS, which will likely kill him in 30 days. Woodroof discovers an experimental medicine that can potentially prolong his life and establishes the titular "Dallas Buyers Club" to import the drug from Mexico to anyone who needs it.

The combination of sharp character study and moving pharmaceutical docudrama is lively and memorable at just under two hours. Moreover, McConaughey and Jared Leto ’s transformative performances are the reason to visit this biopic. Not only do they successfully give voice to the disaffected of the 1980s, but to everyone who is suddenly confronted with unfathomable challenges.

10 'Hidden Figures' (2016)

Loosely based on the 2016 non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly , Hidden Figures chronicles the story of a group of female Black mathematicians (played by Taraji P. Henson , Octavia Spencer , and Janelle Monáe ) who played crucial roles in NASA during the early stages of the US space program.

With its recognizable period-piece perspective on a neglected moment in space history, Hidden Figures maintains optimism for what science and technology may accomplish when the sharpest minds work together. Moreover, the film respectfully honors the unheralded female heroines of history by featuring three exceptional performances from the three leads.

Watch on Disney+

9 'Milk' (2008)

Milk is about the life of an openly gay activist and politician, Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn ), who became the first LGBTQ+ person elected to public office in California. The film chronicles the period from Milk's 40th birthday until his horrific killing in 1978, using archival footage from his life.

The film, directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Dustin Lance Black , immerses us in the political process as Penn's brilliant performance captures Milk's playful intellectual personality. Furthermore, by combining 1970s news footage with newly shot sequences, Van Sant constructed his film around some massive, screen-filling set pieces, making the audience feel as if they had stepped inside the story.

8 'The King's Speech' (2010)

When Albert "Bertie" George 's father, King George V , dies and his brother King Edward VIII chooses love over the kingdom, he is compelled to crown himself king. The King's Speech depicts the narrative of King George VI 's friendship with his speech therapist, who helped the king overcome his stutter to confidently address his subjects.

Instead of being a film about a monarch triumphantly leading his folks to victory, it is about a would-be king battling to find his voice and the strength to lead his people through one of the most challenging periods in their history. Colin Firth as Bertie also imbues his restrained character with complexity, dignity, and wit, making a lasting impression.

Watch on Plex

7 '12 Years a Slave' (2013)

Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor ) was a free Black man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. For a dozen terrifying years, he was subjected to various forms of torture and wickedness before being free once more.

Though 12 Years a Slave is full of intriguing characters, Ejiofor steals the show by maintaining the character's dignity throughout. Moreover, director Steve McQueen immerses the spectators in an unforgivably hideous era from which there is no way out. It's about as intense as a biopic can go and many viewers deem this movie to be too heartbreaking for a second screening .

6 'The Pianist' (2002)

Based on the autobiographical book of the same name by a Polish-Jewish pianist, composer, and Holocaust survivor, Władysław Szpilman , The Pianist follows Szpilman ( Adrien Brody ), who after being forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, loses contact with his family as a result of Operation Reinhard. He then hides in various places among the rubble of Warsaw from this point until the captives of the concentration camps are released.

The unflinching anti-war film is a masterpiece about the struggle between good and evil, the tenacity and mercy of art, and the horrific personal toll left by one of history's worst moments. Like many films about the Holocaust, The Pianist can be difficult to see, but it's important to remember what happened and Brody was mesmerizing in it.

5 'The Social Network' (2010)

Though it wasn’t perfectly accurate, The Social Network covers the narrative of Facebook's early years and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg ’s ( Jesse Eisenberg ) initial social decline, starting with the break-up of his romantic relationship with Erica Albright ( Rooney Mara ) and concluding with the tragic end of his friendship with co-founder Eduardo Saverin ( Andrew Garfield ).

The film is one of the best performing and acclaimed films of 2010 , thanks to screenwriter Aaron Sorkin 's typical quick-witted writing and Jesse Eisenberg's riveting portrayal of the renowned social network creator. Moreover, everyone in the film is on the verge of snapping, which adds to the film's authenticity and realism.

4 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002)

Catch Me If You Can follows Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled con man who pretended to be a doctor, lawyer, and pilot while only being 21 years old. Meanwhile, Tom Hanks ' FBI agent Carl Hanratty gets obsessed with finding Frank and later succeeds in persuading Frank to become an FBI assistant for atonement.

The story was brought to life by Steven Spielberg's skill as a filmmaker, exquisite cinematography, elegant editing, brilliant script, and a beautiful score by John Williams . Not to mention DiCaprio and Hanks' incredible chemistry and performances resulting in a gentle, charmingly adventurous film that makes you feel wonderful.

3 'BlacKkKlansman' (2018)

Based on Ron Stallworth ’s 2014 memoir Black Klansman , BlacKkKlansman takes place in the 1970s in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and follows the city's first Black detective ( John David Washington ) as he attempts to infiltrate and out the local Ku Klux Klan chapter.

BlacKkKlansman is timely because it engages in a crucial national dialogue that is full of metaphors and juxtapositions. Moreover, the chemistry between Washington and Adam Driver is crucial to keep the film's rhythm enjoyable as the movie alternates between comedy and crime . Also, through their characters, viewers feel like they have just walked through the lane of history in over two hours.

2 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' (2018)

Melissa McCarthy plays Lee Israel , a struggling writer who seeks to revive her career by selling counterfeit letters from celebrities who have died. Can You Ever Forgive Me? by Marielle Heller is one of the finest contemporary films on economic hardship and ethical compromise.

The biopic is an intellectually interesting drama due to the contradiction between blatant deception, undeniable necessity, and a group of victims who, presumably, can afford to be fooled. Moreover, McCarthy's impressive performance is both fierce and compassionate at the same time, constantly improving the material and stealing every scene she is in.

1 'Selma' (2014)

Selma was praised for its historical authenticity as it followed Martin Luther King Jr. as he fought for Black voting rights. The film follows King's frenetic three months leading up to the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Their efforts directly contributed to President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

The film focuses primarily on King's role in the events without diminishing the importance of the other leaders' contributions to molding this pivotal moment in American history. Moreover, the screenplay by Paul Webb and David Oyelowo ’s performance as King gives us a profound, gratifying depiction of King as a man capable of errors, self-doubt, and pain.

Watch on Showtime

NEXT: Great Biopics That Got Surprisingly Dark

What do you think? Leave a respectful comment.

Courtney Norris Courtney Norris

• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/what-makes-a-good-biopic-here-are-8-movies-that-mastered-the-form

What makes a good biopic? Here are 8 movies that mastered the form

A biographical film is delicate territory. The stakes are high for retelling the story of the most beloved — or loathed — people in history. This year, we’ve seen many of the lives of the world’s most infamous musicians, artists, politicians and even serial killers adapted for the big screen. From J.R.R. Tolkien, Elton John, Ted Bundy, and Fred Rogers — all subjects for 2019 films — it’s clear that biopics can either be total hits or far-off misses.

Is Ted Bundy, played by Zac Efron, glorified in “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile”? How accurate is the highly stylized “Rocketman”? Why did “Bohemian Rhapsody” sidestep Queen frontman Freddie Mercury’s queer relationships? When it comes to recent biographical films, these are just a few questions moviegoers and critics have regarding the depictions of these iconic figures.

“Very few films have been able to toe that line between fact and creative liberties,” journalist and film critic Tari Ngangura told the PBS NewsHour. “You need access to information, some of which might be denied by the subject or their estate. And fans have a vested interest in seeing films done well and factually,” she added.

Film and television writer Scott Tobias believes a successful biopic should focus on a narrow period of time, such as the recording of an album or a particular moment in history.

“I think it’s important to try to be innovative. If you can avoid the sort of birth-to-death conventions, and really try to find some creative way to access a person and access a person’s life, I think that leads to a good biopic,” Tobias said.

The NewsHour asked Ngangura and Tobias to tell us about their favorite biopics that have mastered the form. Here are eight of their all-time favorites that remain relevant today.

1. “Malcolm X” (1992)

Denzel Washington, who plays Malcolm X, received an Academy Award nomination in 1993 for Best Actor, as well as a Golden Globe nomination that same year. Years earlier, Washington had played the influential black nationalist in the off-Broadway play “When the Chickens Come Home to Roost.”

“The ‘Malcolm X’ film by Spike Lee is one of the most well-done biographies that pleased the subject’s family members, supporters and critics. It’s one that aged very well, painting a picture of not only one great man, but an entire movement and a politically violent era,” Ngangura said.

2. “Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould” (1993)

For those less familiar, Glenn Gould was a Toronto-based pianist and by all definitions a prodigy, obsessed with Johann Sebastian Bach. In fact, Gould would nearly morph into his idol through his musical adaptations. He’s described by The New Yorker as “one of the few performers who can stand alongside the great composers as an artistic equal.” In this film, events appear in chronological order– a rule of a good biopic to many critics.

“It just takes 32 different approaches to understanding his work from a lot of different formats. There’s documentaries, there’s interviews, there’s reenactments of episodes from his wife, there’s performance footage, and there’s animated stuff,” Tobias said.

3. “Capote” (2005)

“Capote” by Bennett Miller was sensational for three reasons: stunning cinematography, Philip Seymour Hoffman as the lead actor, and a brilliant script from Dan Futterman.

“Here is a film that could have been easily sensationalized, offering more flash than substance, because of the infamy surrounding its real-life inspiration. But it avoided those potholes and delivered an understated and disquieting film that was both visually stark, but also very lush,” Ngangura said.

4.Topsy-Turvy (1999)

Set in the 1880s, the film tells the story of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan who co-wrote the famous opera “The Mikado.”

“It’s at this very small period of time, but it’s also kind of deals with a very fraught time in [the duo’s]collaboration. Then, it just digs into the period, digs into their art and into who they were as people and as artists. It’s just so particular. That one I really love. I’ve been kind of annoyed that “Topsy-Turvy” hasn’t got as much attention as it deserves. In a great movie year, it’s one of the best,” Tobias said.

5. Bessie (2015)

“Queen Latifah in ‘Bessie’ is another good retelling of a layered and tempestuous life, and a great example of good casting, as opposed to the horror that was the Nina Simone film, starring Zoe Saldana,” Ngangura said. “The latter wasn’t only terribly cast, it was terribly written, with no discernible plot and no support from either the singer’s estate or her very loyal fanbase.”

6. The Social Network (2010)

“What I thought was really interesting, and almost suddenly incriminating about the film, is how much Mark Zuckerberg the person — or at least the person as depicted in this film — is sort of embedded into Facebook in all of its insidiousness,” Tobias said. “All of his sociopathy is suddenly part of the network. I like the implication about the film, and I liked how tough it is on him as well,” he added. “I think there can be a tendency when you deal with people who are innovators or geniuses, to lionize them, and it certainly does not do that.”

7. Lincoln (2012)

“[Abraham] Lincoln is the type of figure who is lionized, and who we can talk about in very broad terms,” Tobias said. “What I liked about the film was how it showed him as a gifted politician, and not only a gifted politician, but somebody who is willing to engage in a lot of horse trading and some of the ugly type of exchanges that go on in a democracy. I think it’s always a good idea when you have a figure that revered to show them to be human and flawed, and I thought that ‘Lincoln’ did a particularly good job at that.”

8. American Gangster (2007)

Known drug trafficker Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, was able to smuggle heroin into the United States during the Vietnam War. Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, is a police officer dead set on bringing Lucas to his knees.

“American Gangster had a great ensemble cast working alongside Denzel Washington, and although it was accused of straying very far from the truth, it was an entertaining film where good versus bad wasn’t quite so clear,” Ngangura said.

Courtney Norris is the deputy senior producer of national affairs for the NewsHour. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @courtneyknorris

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Arts Apr 21

14 Best Biopics on Netflix (August 2024)

Biopics are an aspirational genre of filmmaking that arouses feelings ranging from tragedy to triumphant joy inside all of us. They serve as a reminder of the achievements of real-life people and the hardships endured while trying to accomplish something. Naturally, we are drawn to these shining examples of endeavor, perseverance, and grit. Most biopics depict personalities who are driven by something greater than them, showing us what it means to strive for higher objectives. Their life and experiences, told through a dramatic lens, inspire us to look at our own while dissecting the complexities of theirs. As such, to cater to your need for stories about real-life figures, here is a list of the best biopics available on Netflix.   

14. Blonde (2022)

‘ Blonde ’ tells the story of Hollywood and film industry icon Marilyn Monroe (Ana de Armas) , whose rise to stardom is punctuated by internal conflicts and pressure to live up to a pristine image as she winds down a circuitous path of torment. Writer and director Andrew Dominik presents a more fictionalized version of her life based on the 2000 eponymous biographical novel by Joyce Carol Oates.  Although it is not the most authentic tale owing to its deviations from the real-life story of Monroe, the film’s portrayal of mental health challenges and its uncommon narration style make it an intriguing watch for those who want an inside look into the famed actresses’ life. Separating fact from fiction is a different matter altogether, but it should not detract from an otherwise solid viewing experience. It can be streamed here.    

13. Big George Foreman (2023)

Directed by George Tillman Jr., ‘ Big George Foreman, ’ also known as ‘Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World,’ follows the remarkable life of boxer George Foreman (Khris Davis). The narrative covers his retirement from boxing, his new life as a preacher, and his return to the Heavyweight Division of boxing. Owing to the vast yet astounding events surrounding his achievements, the narrative picks up on Foreman’s incredible feats when everyone thinks he is done and dusted. The underdog story of blood, sweat, and tears may be a well-versed motif, but it’s present in abundance to make the audience root for Foreman every step of the way . Watch the film here.

12. Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)

In ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ director Kasi Lemmons shines the spotlight on the life, legacy, and career of celebrated singer Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie). The film chronicles her rise from a church choir singer to the legendary vocalist she later became. The biopic dives into the major successes of her professional life and the failures that arose in her personal one, including her struggles with addiction, fame, and relationships. As such, the intimate portrayal provides a more holistic glimpse into the complexities of her superstar persona without much of a filter and what it took to get there. The film can be streamed here.

11. Victoria & Abdul (2017)

Adapted from the 2010 non-fiction book by Shrabani Basu, ‘ Victoria and Abdul ’ tells the unlikely but true story of friendship and maternal affection between Queen Victoria and her Munshi Abdul Karim. After arriving from India, Abdul strikes an accord with the Queen, challenging the societal norms of the time present in British culture. Subsequently, the narrative captures their deep alliance and trusted bond as the Queen herself learns more about Abdul’s culture and the restrictions of her own. Helmed by Stephen Frears, ‘Victoria and Abdul’ taps into a forgotten piece of history as it delves into an extraordinary bond between two people from different worlds, whose views change as they influence one another to strive for more. The film is available to watch here.

10. Roxanne Roxanne (2017)

Living in the Queensbridge housing projects during the 1980s was not easy . In the Michael Larnell-directed film, ‘Roxanne Roxanne,’ the iconic hip-hop figure, Roxanne Shanté, has to navigate the difficulties of an impoverished beginning in the projects while plotting her eventual rise to stardom amidst a whole host of challenges. 

The film depicts her challenges with making a name for herself in a male-dominated industry, the complexities of her interpersonal relationships, and her familial responsibilities. Roxanne’s journey presents a rousing tale of overcoming obstacles, achieving success, and aspiring to be the best no matter what. Although life is rarely easy, Roxanne showcases the determination and optimism it takes to push through the struggle. ‘Roxanne Roxanne’ can be streamed here.    

9. Harriet (2019)

‘Harriet’ uncovers the heroic exploits of famed American abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman (Cynthia Erivo), who was a huge proponent of anti-slavery struggles during the 1800s. The Kasi Lemmons directorial depicts Harriet’s extraordinary fight and the methods she employed to save the lives of those who had been enslaved around the country. The film highlights her work conducting the Underground Railroad, which helped save other slaves , and her contributions during the Civil War.

Few figures in history could hold a candle to Harriet’s accomplishments, which have not only stood the test of time but influenced people’s attitudes going forward. Her willingness to put herself in the line of danger is a testament to her greatness, which is portrayed sincerely in the film. Viewers will especially resonate with the movie’s core message of strength, courage, fighting spirit, selflessness, and faith in a future where equality prevails. Check it out here.

8. Srikanth (2024)

The Indian Hindi-language film, ‘Srikanth,’ tells the story of successful entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla (Rajkummar Rao), who defies all odds to turn an eco-friendly products manufacturing company, Bollant Industries, into a viable, profitable business in the modern market. Director Tushar Hiranandani depicts the struggles faced by the eponymous business leader after being born visually impaired in a rural village in the former state of Andhra Pradesh, India. 

The film is a sparkling reminder of the perceived limitations of individuals and how Srikanth turns the adversity in his life into a force for change. The narrative brilliantly showcases his drive, motivation, and inability to give up as he fights to achieve his ambitions despite a whole world of naysayers stacked against him. It is a rousing and inspiring entry that can be watched here.

7. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

In ‘ Gangubai Kathiawadi, ’ a young girl named Ganga is duped into traveling to Mumbai, India, by her boyfriend under the lure of a career in the film industry. Once there, she is sold into sex work at a brothel. However, she rises to power within the ranks and becomes the madam of the establishment, fighting for the rights of her sex workers and the equality of women who are overlooked by society.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is an adaptation of a chapter from the non-fiction novel ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories of Women from the Ganglands’ by Hussain Zaidi. The Bhansali directorial is a powerful exploration of resilience in the darkest corners of the world as the real-life protagonist climbs her way out of obscurity to fight for the freedoms she never had. It highlights her work and how formidable she was despite the cards dealt in her favor. You can watch her journey here.

6. On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Directed by Mimi Leder, ‘ On the Basis of Sex’ depicts the trials and tribulations of young fledgling lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones), whose personal challenges with her husband’s health and being a woman in a primarily male-led legal industry during the mid-1900s forces her to fight against the prevailing attitude to prove her worth. The film mainly revolves around Ginsburg’s early life and her work promoting gender equality through her cases. It is an insightful look into the life of a pioneering individual in a demanding field with various trappings. Ginsburg’s struggles and accomplishments form the tapestry of the film’s emotional core, further enhanced by the presence of those who helped her along the way and her growing influence as a powerful figure. Watch the movie here.    

5. Maestro (2023)

‘Maestro’ chronicles the life and career of famed American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. Written, directed, and produced by Bradley Cooper, who also plays Bernstein, the film dives into the complexities of the composer’s inner battles with sexuality and his complicated relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre. His turbulent bond with her plays a pivotal role in his personal life as he tries to come to grips with his identity and musical genius. 

The film is an intricate mosaic examining the various facets that made Bernstein who he was, making it an intriguing watch with a sharp performance by Cooper in the lead role. While it may not have a definite plot, watching a man’s life unfold over several decades, alongside his musical ambitions, presents a sense of deep poignancy to the narration and the humanity at its center. The film is available for streaming here.  

4. Rustin (2023)

The George C. Wolfe-directed film, ‘Rustin,’ unearths the real-life story of a lesser-known figure in history named Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo), who played an integral role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech. The film explores how, as a Black gay man, Rustin’s work and influence were diminished as he tried to fight against the discrimination of the time.

The narrative alights upon several critical moments within the Civil Rights Movement, providing an unseen perspective into the affair through the eyes of Rustin, who makes enormous contributions to the struggle despite never gaining attention. His unending work, beliefs, vision, and optimism are faithfully brought to the fore through the prescient movie and Colman Domingo’s stellar portrayal of a complicated man torn by the forces of his time but looking ahead all the same. Stream the film here.

3. Darkest Hour (2017)

With fears surrounding World War II gathering in Western Europe, the world looks for comfort and leadership in a precarious period. Newly appointed British prime minister Winston Churchill faces a difficult task in ‘ Darkest Hour ’ when he has to navigate the treacherous waters of parliament while trying to fight Hitler’s growing power, which threatens the rest of Europe, including his home nation. 

Helmed by Joe Wright, the film explores the strength, caliber, and legacy of the iconic leader facing the impossible task of unification against a turbulent tide of War. The film is graced by a mesmerizing performance by Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, who evokes the great man with deftness. Additionally, the film provides a fresh vantage point into World War II, one led through politics, making it a unique exploration of an otherwise well-covered subject. Watch it here.  

2. Tick, Tick … Boom! (2021)

In his directorial debut, ‘ Tick, Tick… Boom! ’ Lin-Manuel Miranda tells the story of Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield), a composer in his early 30s who hears a strange ticking sound in his head that sounds akin to the expiring time limit on his life. Larson is worried about the pressures of his career, constantly wondering if he made the wrong choice. While battling his inner fears, he discovers what it means to be an artist who is caught in the web of achieving success without finding any triumph.  

Based on the eponymous semi-autobiographical stage musical by the real-life Jonathan Larson, the film explores his doubts, relationships, and anxieties about an uncertain future in which nothing seems to go to plan. The narrative is a meditation on a person’s dreams and what it takes to see them through, regardless of the countless failures on the path. Larson’s life is one that many aspiring career professionals will latch on to as they find moments of levity, joy, and creativity in a story about human perseverance. Check it out here.  

1. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

‘ Hacksaw Ridge ’ delves into the miraculous true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), a drafted soldier in World War II who refuses to bear arms and wage violence against the enemy owing to his religious formation. Desmond is ostracized by his fellow soldiers, who ridicule his pacifism. However, when push comes to shove, he single-handedly saves the lives of 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa, earning the admiration and respect of those who shun him.

Directed by Mel Gibson, the film is based on the documentary film ‘The Conscientious Objector’ by Terry Benedict, which chronicles the extraordinary heroism of Desmond Doss. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ is a deep, introspective look into the power of faith, love, and forgiveness in a harrowing and impossible situation. The film earned nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Sound Editing at the Academy Awards and is a must-watch for those looking for a genuinely complex but entertaining biopic brimming with all kinds of emotions. You can stream it here now.   

Read More: Best Historical Movies on Netflix

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The 10 Best Biographical Movies of All Time

If you consider yourself a serious film fan, you must be familiar with at least a handful of essential undisputed masterpieces from every film genre, from horror to comedies and from Westerns to biographical films.

This list concerns the latter category. The majority of cinema aficionados are likely to already be familiar with most of these films and if you consider yourself one, you might already have seen most of them but perhaps you are still missing a few. If you have just recently discovered the art of cinema, and are now looking for your next cinematic obsession, these ten films serve as a great starting point for anyone wanting to discover the amazing world of biopics.

Most biographical films attempt to comprehensively tell the life story of a non-fictional or historically-based person, yet some films confine themselves to depicting only a certain period in that person’s life.

Most biopics try to do so as truthful to history as possible, however, some chose to deliberatively avoid telling the truthful story in order to dramatize their own story, thereby merely utilizing the biographical aspect of the story as an off-set for, perhaps, an even greater story. However, this doesn’t mean that the first way of making biopics is any better or worse than the second, it’s just different, and both methods have their virtues and can be used to tell a powerful story.

It should be mentioned that this list seeks to serve as a representation of the highest quality in the biopic genre, based on criteria that try to look past personal and popular taste, to encompass only the films that artistically defined the history of biographical films.

It is, of course, impossible to definitively select only ten films to represent the pinnacle of a genre. But it can at the very least and with complete certainty be said that these films helped to define the biopic genre, and still to this day serves as indispensable reference points for any serious filmmaker wanting to depict the life story of a non-fictional character.

10. The Elephant Man (1980, David Lynch)

Based on the life of the deformed Joseph Merrick

Depicting the life of the severely deformed John Merrick (his Americanized name in the film) as he struggles to live a peaceful life, David Lynch’s “The Elephant Man” proves to be a truly captivating and timeless study of the nature of prejudice as one critic rightfully has stated.

The film follows London Hospital surgeon Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins) as he one day finds John Merrick (John Hurt) being terribly mistreated in a Victorian freak show at the outskirts of London. We quickly gather that he has been kept at the freak show against his will by his “owner”, the vicious Mr. Bytes (Freddie Jones), ever since his mother abandoned him as an infant.

When Treves realizes what is going on, he pays Mr. Bytes to let Merrick go to the hospital for exams but later decides to keep Merrick at the hospital against Bytes’ will. Before long, Merrick and Treves develop a close bond as Treves tries to cure Merrick and bring happiness to his life.

Throughout the film, Treves, and the audience, begins to see Merrick’s interior beauty which lies beneath his disfigured outer. This is just one of the reasons “The Elephant Man” can be viewed as David Lynch’s most humanist work to date as well as being a masterclass in emotional filmmaking.

Perhaps this is the reason why “The Elephant Man” also happens to be Lynch’s most commercial film as it brought back the cost of the film five times.

Yet, reviewing Lynch’s “The Elephant Man” without mentioning John Hurt’s superb performance as John Merrick would be completely ludicrous. The film stand or fall by his performance and fortunately, Hurt delivers what may be considered as a performance of a lifetime. Never for one second do you think there’s an actor under the many layers of make-up, and despite all his make-up, Hurt is convincingly able to make you feel his agony and frustrations.

Upon studying the historic source material on which “The Elephant Man” is based, you learn that several characters have been portrayed misleadingly in the film, Treves, for instance, acted much more selfishly than he appears to do in the film. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be seen as a flaw. By dramatizing the life of Joseph Merrick, Lynch not only convincingly depicts the life of Joseph Merrick but manages to humanize him, ultimately creating a tour-de-force of pure emotional filmmaking on par with “Schindler’s List” and “The Grapes of Wrath”.

9. Ivan the Terrible, Parts I & II (1958, Sergei Eisenstein)

Based on the life of the Great Tsar Ivan IV of Russia

Often referred to as Eisenstein’s greatest film, “Ivan the Terrible” was originally supposed to be one three-part historical epic depicting the triumph of Ivan IV, commissioned by Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin, who is said to have admired and identified himself with Ivan. Instead, after the release of Part I, Part II got banned by Stalin himself, who disliked the depiction of Ivan in Eisenstein’s film, and Part II wasn’t shown before 1958, 10 years after Eisenstein’s death. Unfortunately, when Part II got banned, the filming of Part III was stopped and the footage which had been filmed was destroyed.

In Part I, Ivan IV (Nikolay Cherkasov) crowns himself Tsar of Russia and begins to reclaim lost Russian territory as he wants to unite and protect Russia against foreign armies outside of the border. Soon after, Ivan marries, however, his marriage causes him to lose the friendship of his two best friends.

At the wedding, Ivan receives a ceremonial knife from the Khanate of Kazan. The knife implies that he should use it to commit suicide. This causes him to immediately proclaim that his kingdom is at war with Kazan. In Part II, he finds his wife dead from poisoning which causes him to get stricken with loneliness as he continues to pursue a unified Russia. That is when he realizes that in order to consolidate his power, he must establish a personal army. Meanwhile, his political rivals, the Russian boyars, learn that their only option is to assassinate Ivan.

In the majority of biographical films, the director and the scriptwriter (for “Ivan the Terrible”, this is the same person), usually tries to focus on one particular aspect of that person’s life, but sometimes the maker(s) of the biopic can write/direct themselves into that very film and as one critic argues, that is the case of “Ivan the Terrible”, “Depicting the growing isolation and ruthlessness of the ruler who united Russia in the 16th century, [Ivan the Terrible] can also be seen as an anguished self-portrait of Eisenstein’s own solitude at the end of his career.”

As Eisenstein moved from silent cinema to sound, he realized that he couldn’t, to the same extent, rely on his montage editing style – it was now a thing of the past – instead, he chose to enhance his storytelling by the use of breathtaking visuals – a skill he quickly mastered. By the time he made “Ivan the Terrible”, he had become an expert in visual and auditory storytelling and “Ivan the Terrible” is the proof of it.

In one of the most extraordinary scenes, not only in the film but in the history of cinema, Eisenstein opts to shoot the sequence in color, a vast contrast to the black and white used in the rest of the film. The color is made use of, to emphasize the transition from good to bad and it also appropriately serves as to indicate the climax of his epic three-hour masterpiece.

8. Napoleon (1927, Abel Gance)

Based on the life of military leader Napoléon Bonaparte

Like Eisenstein’s “Ivan the Terrible”, Abel Gance’s “Napoleon” is also amongst one of the most aesthetically and visually beautiful films ever exposed to celluloid. But unlike “Ivan the Terrible”, “Napoleon” is perhaps one of the most groundbreaking masterpieces in the history of cinema.

In “Napoleon”, Abel Gance employed many innovative techniques to enhance his portrayal of Napoléon Bonaparte’s life, some for the first time. Some of the techniques he used were multiple-camera setups, a wide variety of hand-held camera shots, underwater camera, split screen and mosaic shots, just to mention a few. The reason for the awesomeness of “Napoleon” isn’t because he used these techniques but because of the way he was able to integrate these advanced techniques into his storytelling.

The film chronologically follows Napoleon’s life from early childhood when he attended military school to the early stage of his military career. During his adolescence, in one magnificent scene, he’s seen managing a snowball fight like a military campaign, afterward, we follow a short portion of his life in military school.

A decade later we find Napoleon (Albert Dieudonné) as a young army lieutenant during the French Revolution. He returns home to visit his family in Corsica but as politics have shifted against him, he suddenly finds himself in mortal danger. So he decides to flee, taking his family back to France where he will become officer of artillery in the Siege of Toulon.

Many biographical films portraying historical persons usually ends with the death of the protagonist, yet, “Napoleon” ends many years before that. The reason for this abrupt ending is that Gance originally planned for “Napoleon” to be the first of six films portraying Napoleon Bonaparte’s life and career, “a chronology of great triumph and defeat ending in Napoleon’s death in exile on the island of Saint Helena”. But as Gance spent the entire budget (and more) on the first film (“Napoleon”), he realized that the costs involved would make the full project impossible.

“Napoleon” is an undisputed masterpiece and the triptych climax of the film, which alternates widescreen panoramas with “complex multiple- image montages projected simultaneously on three screens”, is simply one of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring moments in all of cinema and serves as a perfect conclusion to a perfect film.

7. My Darling Clementine (1946, John Ford)

Based on the life of frontier marshal Wyatt Earp

Few films and even fewer Westerns are as sweet and good-hearted as “My Darling Clementine”. It is one of the great films of the twentieth century, poetically depicting a couple of days in the life of Wyatt Earp along with his involvement in the gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. The famous story of the gunfight has often been depicted in movies but never like Ford did it in “My Darling Clementine”.

Usually, the showdown becomes the cornerstone of the film, leaving the rest of the film merely trivial, but in “Clementine”, Ford doesn’t emphasize the melodrama of the showdown, it is simply a result of what has happened earlier in the film, thus, Ford makes us realize that it is what lead up to the gunfight that is significant.

We follow the story through Wyatt Earp (Henry Fonda), a good-hearted former town marshal who believes in rules and regulations. We first meet him as he and his brothers are driving cattle east to Kansas. In need of a break, Wyatt and his brothers leave their youngest brother James in charge of the herd. When they reach the town, much to their dismay, they find out that Tombstone has become a lawless town without a marshal, driven by anarchy. They quickly return to their camp but it’s too late, the cattle have been stolen and James murdered.

At this point, one might imagine that the story would turn into a run-of-the-mill revenge story, but it doesn’t. Wyatt seeks to avenge his brother but he isn’t blinded by hate. He wants revenge, but legally. Therefore, Wyatt takes on the much-needed job of town marshal in Tombstone and vows to stay there until James’ killers are found.

For most viewers, “My Darling Clementine” is the story of the gunfight at the OK Corral and while this isn’t untrue, “Clementine” is just as much a story about the end of the Old West and the arrival of civilization. That is why John Wayne wasn’t cast for Wyatt Earp because Wayne had become the embodiment of the Old West while Fonda could be seen as a representation of the New. Perhaps this is also why the film is set a year later than the actual event, to depict the clash between the New and the Old West.

The renowned director of the film, John Ford (1895-1973), is often quoted as saying, “My name’s John Ford. I make Westerns”, and it is not unlikely that he very well might have been the greatest director of Westerns, possibly the greatest of all American directors, and “My Darling Clementine” is the proof of that, as it has often been hailed as Ford’s best film by notable figures such as Roger Ebert. It is truly one of the greatest films ever made and an absolute must-see for any fan of Westerns or biographical films.

6. Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972, Werner Herzog)

Based on the life of the Basque Spanish conquistador Lope de Aguirre

“Aguirre, the Wrath of God”, Werner Herzog’s third film, stands as the supreme achievement of his career. This extraordinary film that helped put the New German Cinema on the map, has been acclaimed by generations of audiences. It is a consummate study of the possessive nature of man, and a devastating character study of the eponymous Lope de Aguirre. The film possesses a haunting quality which is always apparent but impossible to describe, leaving most viewers speechless, and by utilizing guerrilla filmmaking techniques, Herzog creates a raw, yet awe-inspiring masterpiece.

Werner Herzog’s “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” is likely the greatest cinematic expressions of insanity and an experience every film fan deserves to have at least once. It tells the story of the real-life Spanish soldier Gonzalo Pizarro (Alejandro Repullés), who in 1560, along with his conquistadors, in search of the fabled legendary city of gold, El Dorado, lead more than one hundred Indian slaves through the Amazon Jungle.

The opening shot of “Aguirre” conveys a feeling of timelessness and mystique as we see the hundreds of Indian slaves, marching down the steep Andes mountains, while clouds of mist obscure our view. As we witness this striking image through Herzog’s masterful lens, we forget that “Aguirre” was made in 1972.

Herzog’s successfully manages to re-create Lope de Aguirre’s search for El Dorado in 1560 – it feels as if we’re witnessing the legend unfold for the very first time. Later in the film, on New Year’s Eve, the soldiers have reached the end of their supplies and without more information, finding El Dorado seems near impossible.

Pizarro orders a small group of men to scout the area farther up-river. It is led by Don Pedro de Ursua, with Lope de Aguirre (Klaus Kinski) as his second in command, they’re told to raft down the river to seek food and directions to El Dorado. But before long, Aguirre leads a mutiny which eventually results in the loss of his sanity and the death of everyone else.

At the center of this dreamlike masterpiece, along with Herzog’s idiosyncratic direction, is Klaus Kinski’s tour-de-force portrayal of insanity itself, Lope de Aguirre. His obsession with finding El Dorado is present in every word he utters and by the end of the film, we find that Kinski has become the embodiment of pure madness.

After more than 40 years, “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” continues to repeatedly top critics’ “greatest films” lists and amaze its audience with its visionary audacity, only equaled in Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” and Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”. A true masterpiece of world cinema that will continue to be relevant as long as the medium exists.

Biography Movies 2020 List

Top Biography Movies 2020

Hillbilly Elegy

Radioactive

Jump to: December 4 • December 11 • November 24 • September 11 • September 30 • August 21 • July 10 • July 24 • June 5 • June 30 • April 3 • February 21

Released Friday, December 4, 2020

Released Friday, December 11, 2020

Released Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Hillbilly Elegy R

Released friday, september 11, 2020.

Released Wednesday, September 30, 2020

The Glorias R

Released friday, august 21, 2020.

Tesla PG-13

Released friday, july 10, 2020.

Released Friday, July 24, 2020

Radioactive NR

Released friday, june 5, 2020, released tuesday, june 30, 2020.

Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash NR

Released friday, april 3, 2020.

Released Friday, February 21, 2020

Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson And The Band R

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The 15 Best Biography Movies About Actors and Actresses

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Biography movies (also known as biopics) come in all kinds of flavors, but most of them tend to be focused on musicians, politicians, soldiers, and geniuses. What about actors?

Even though Hollywood loves making movies about itself, the majority of them are fictional. If you dig around a bit, however, you'll find several great biography films about real actors and actresses.

Here are my picks for the best biographical movies that give a peek into the Hollywood industry, where famous actors toil behind the scenes with work, love, heartbreak, family, and addiction.

15. Mommie Dearest (1981)

Directed by Frank Perry

Starring Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest

Biography, Drama (2h 9m)

6.6 on IMDb — 48% on RT

A quick Google search might show you that Mommie Dearest is considered one of the worst films ever made, but hear us out! For this movie to be labeled so extremely is proof of its lasting impact.

In fact, Mommie Dearest is so bad that it's good—if you watch it as a comedy rather than a drama—even if lead actress Faye Dunaway still regrets taking the part, haunted by the soul of Joan Crawford who's "just hanging around... as if she couldn't rest."

While Mommie Dearest doesn't show Crawford's whole life, it does show the part where she becomes an abusive, controlling mother. And while her daughter Christiana has said that Joan deserved to go to jail, even she found Frank Perry's depiction over the top...

14. Blonde (2022)

Directed by Andrew Dominik

Starring Ana de Armas, Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale

Drama, History (2h 47m)

5.5 on IMDb — 42% on RT

Everybody was excited for the release of Blonde . The crisp black-and white shots, the vintage square ratio, and the illustrious Ana de Armas promised a stylish biopic of the legendary Marilyn Monroe.

Although director Andrew Dominik didn't quite meet expectations, Blonde is still a refreshingly unconventional biography that's held together by visual prowess and keen acting from Armas.

Critics were mainly divided on Blonde 's fictionalization of true events. Although it certainly kept things interesting, some found the filled-in gaps of Monroe's memoirs to be exploitative.

13. The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004)

Directed by Stephen Hopkins

Starring Geoffrey Rush, Charlize Theron, Emily Watson

Biography, Comedy, Drama (2h 2m)

6.9 on IMDb — 69% on RT

Peter Sellers was an English actor known for his caricature style of comedy, often embodying more than one role at a time (which he did in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove ).

Sellers is most famous for portraying the clumsy French detective in The Pink Panther movies. His specific techniques made him a master of comedic timing, parody, and improvisation, although we won't condone his use of brownface in The Party .

Years later, Geoffrey Rush embodied Peter Sellers in Stephen Hopkins's TV movie The Life and Death of Peter Sellers . It might not capture the entirety of Peter Sellers's creative genius, but it does give us a curious look behind closed doors.

12. Mahanati (2018)

Directed by Nag Ashwin

Starring Keerthy Suresh, Dulquer Salmaan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Biography, Drama (2h 57m)

8.4 on IMDb — 100% on RT

There's more to Indian cinema than just Bollywood. Mahanati is much closer to the narrative arcs we see in Western biopics: a rise to fame, a complicated love life, then alcoholism, illness, bankruptcy, and fall.

However, Nag Ashwin doesn't present us with just another rise-and-fall story. Instead of reducing actress Savitri to her struggles, she's celebrated and enlivened through popping colors and an acclaimed central performance from Keerthy Suresh.

Mahanati was a dazzling success, not just in India but across the globe (even if the runtime is a tad lengthy). The film isn't perfect, but the good parts were great enough to earn it multiple awards.

11. Life (2015)

Directed by Anton Corbijn

Starring Robert Pattinson, Dane DeHaan, Joel Edgerton

Biography, Drama (1h 51m)

6.0 on IMDb — 64% on RT

Director Anton Corbijn offers a small snippet into the life of James Dean, who was basically the male equivalent of Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s.

The first James Dean biography movie on our list, Life centers on Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson), a photographer for LIFE Magazine. We get to see how his iconic photoshoot of James Dean came about, with Dean himself played by Dane DeHaan.

Like those actual photos—which are cleverly woven into the film— Life is an artistic sliver of Dean's life, with poetic narrations and a bang-on performance by DeHaan as the sensitive, soft-spoken, chain-smoking rebel without a cause.

10. My Week With Marilyn (2011)

Directed by Simon Curtis

Starring Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne, Kenneth Branagh

Biography, Drama (1h 39m)

6.9 on IMDb — 83% on RT

My Week With Marilyn depicts one segment of Marilyn Monroe's glamorous life: the time when she was visiting London with her famous playwright husband Arthur Miller.

She was there to film The Prince and the Showgirl but kept forgetting her lines and leaving the set. She couldn't connect to her character or her husband, so she confided in fresh-faced Oxford graduate Colin—one of many men who got to spend a week with Marilyn Monroe.

Michelle Williams and Eddie Redmayne star as the unexpected couple, taking in the British sights alongside Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Emma Watson, and Dominic Cooper.

9. Elvis (2022)

Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Starring Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge

Biography, Drama, Music (2h 39m)

7.3 on IMDb — 77% on RT

Elvis Presley was obviously more of a musician than an actor, but he starred in more films than pretty much anyone else on this list. After all, he was first and foremost a performer (which is why he was taken in by circus huckster Colonel Tom Parker).

After breaking racial barriers and rocketing to stardom, Elvis naturally transitioned to Hollywood and churned out an impressive 31 movies that started out as fun but gradually ended up soulless.

Austin Butler embodies the King of Rock in Baz Luhrmann's biopic that's even more glittery than Presley's outfits. We see the light fade from his eyes as he fake-surfs through various movie productions, pill-popping his career away to a hotel prison sentence.

8. Frances (1982)

Directed by Graeme Clifford

Starring Jessica Lange, Sam Shepard, Kim Stanley

Biography, Drama, Romance (2h 20m)

7.2 on IMDb — 67% on RT

Frances Farmer was one of those celebrities who was more famous for her private life than her professional one. The American actress appeared in a string of movies during the 1930s, but her hospitalization was the main thing to reach headlines.

Jessica Lange gives a driven performance as Frances, who was a controversial figure since childhood. As a kid, she wrote anti-God essays. As an adult, she refused to play the Hollywood game.

Frances cheats, drinks, refuses to wear makeup on screen, and is eventually committed to Kimball Sanitarium after her abusive mother becomes her legal guardian.

7. Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)

Directed by Rob Cohen

Starring Jason Scott Lee, Lauren Holly, Robert Wagner

Action, Biography, Drama (2h)

7.0 on IMDb — 73% on RT

Bruce Lee is the champion of martial arts movies. The actor/filmmaker moved from British Hong Kong to Seattle at 19 years old to open his own martial arts school before entering the film industry.

Bruce Lee was nicknamed Dragon (or "Little Dragon" when he was young) since he was born in the hour and year of the Chinese zodiac Dragon. His dual identity is explored in Rob Cohen's biography, and thankfully Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story goes beyond skin-deep.

Jason Scott Lee stars as the chiseled karate icon, delving into his Hollywood career and his relationship with Linda Lee Cadwell, all of it flourished with elements of mysticism.

6. Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2017)

Directed by Paul McGuigan

Starring Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Vanessa Redgrave

Biography, Drama, Romance (1h 45m)

6.7 on IMDb — 81% on RT

"We never expected Gloria Grahame in our kitchen, necking a bacon butty, asking for tommy sauce." Absolutely true! We wouldn't expect the Oscar-winning starlet of Hollywood's Golden Age to be staying in a humdrum area of rainy Liverpool.

Whether or not she really did scarf down bacon butties at the local boozer, we can't be sure. However, we do know that Grahame (played by Annette Bening) spent a lot of her final years in Liverpool.

Initially there for work, she strikes up an unexpected relationship with an amateur actor 30 years younger (Jamie Bell). In Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool , director Paul McGuigan shows us how age is just a number.

5. Man on the Moon (1999)

Directed by Miloš Forman

Starring Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito, Paul Giamatti

Biography, Comedy, Drama (1h 58m)

7.4 on IMDb — 64% on RT

Andy Kaufman was a very different kind of actor. The "Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion" purposefully went out of his way to annoy people. Indeed, there were no Oscar ceremonies for him—but there were quite a few wrestling matches (with women only).

In Man on the Moon , Andy Kaufman is played by Jim Carrey, who famously stayed in character and went around annoying everyone on set. A whole documentary— Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond (2017)—was even made about Carrey's behavior.

Andy Kaufman was initially a stand-up comedian who made people laugh by being terrible. His Tony Clifton character was particularly grating, and he later featured in the sitcom Taxi with Danny DeVito (who plays Kaufman's manager in Man on the Moon .)

4. Stan & Ollie (2018)

Directed by Jon S. Baird

Starring Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly, Shirley Henderson

Biography, Comedy, Drama (1h 38m)

7.2 on IMDb — 92% on RT

Laurel and Hardy were an infamous comedy duo of the silent film era, mixing with the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Their slapstick gags were beloved around the world, with Stan Laurel playing the clumsy man-child and Oliver Hardy the mean bully.

By the 1950s, this type of cinema was dwindling. The pair were starting to age and—having spent so much time together—their friendship even started taking a toll. Clutching at straws, they embarked on a less-than-easy UK musical hall tour.

Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly flesh out the men in Stan & Ollie , moving with humor and humility. Jon S. Baird's biography doesn't try to be too heavy. It's simply sincere.

3. James Dean (2001)

Directed by Mark Rydell

Starring James Franco, Michael Moriarty, Valentina Cervi

Biography, Drama (2h)

7.1 on IMDb — 93% on RT

James Franco's depiction of another actor named James is what effectively put him on the map. Mimicking such a specific personality as James Dean? A tightwalk situation that, thankfully, worked out.

Dean's elusive and cool exterior occasionally breaks away to the chaos and anger underneath in Mark Rydell's biopic. Nobody believed Dean could make it big, but he proves them all wrong.

Dean's own indifferent father likely fueled his emotive performances in East of Eden (1955) and Rebel Without a Cause (1955), which Franco recreates seamlessly here in James Dean .

2. Judy (2019)

Directed by Rupert Goold

Starring Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock

Biography, Drama, Music (1h 58m)

6.8 on IMDb — 82% on RT

Actress Judy Garland starred in hits like A Star Is Born (1954) and Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), but she remains most famous for playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939).

Most people already know that Judy Garland had a hard life, but few of us really understood how bad it was until we watched Judy . Heaps of horror stories have since come out about the production of The Wizard of Oz , and that's where all the trouble began for Garland.

For starters, MGM forcing her to take drugs as a teenager is likely what propelled Garland into early-life substance abuse.

While Garland's troubles are at the center of Rupert Goold's drama, Judy switches between the start and end of Garland's life (played by an unrecognizable Renée Zellweger).

1. Chaplin (1992)

Directed by Richard Attenborough

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Dan Aykroyd, Geraldine Chaplin

Biography, Comedy, Drama (2h 23m)

7.5 on IMDb — 60% on RT

Charlie Chaplin is a name everyone's heard of. Even if you took the title off Chaplin 's poster, you'd know what this film was about! The silhouette of a bowler-hatted tramp is recognizable anywhere.

Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for an Oscar for his honorable portrayal of this timeless figure. Looking eerily similar to the real Chaplin, Downey takes us on his literal rags-to-riches journey. (Chaplin went from homelessless to being one of the richest men in the world.)

Chaplin's character of The Tramp was revolutionary for many reasons—mainly for blending pathos and humor during the Keystone days—but he wasn't always so innocent in real life.

The 20 Best Biographical Movies

2. Schindler's List

3. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

6. Cleopatra

8. Elizabeth

9. Waterloo

10. 1492: Conquest of Paradise

11. Lawrence of Arabia

12. The Iron Lady

13. Lust for Life

14. Miss Potter

16. The Young Victoria

17. Bright Star

18. MacArthur

19. The Letters

20. Coco Before Chanel

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