The 15 Best Biopics Ever Made
Biographical movies give us a window into the extraordinary lives of real people, offering both inspiration and entertainment. These films take actual events and turn them into unforgettable stories, giving audiences insight into historical figures’ challenges, triumphs, and legacies. Here are 15 of the best biographical movies of all time.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece tells the harrowing true story of Oskar Schindler, a businessman who saved over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. The film grossed $322 million worldwide and took the Academy Awards by storm with seven wins. Its emotionally gripping portrayal and historical significance make it a landmark in biographical cinema.
The Social Network (2010)
Chronicling the rise of Facebook, The Social Network dives into the life of Mark Zuckerberg and the controversies surrounding his billion-dollar creation. Praised for its sharp screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, the movie earned eight Oscar nominations and won three. Its unique look at modern entrepreneurship and human ambition sets it apart in the genre.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
This powerful portrayal of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician struggling with schizophrenia, earned Russell Crowe critical praise and four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film highlights Nash’s extraordinary intellect and personal battles, creating a deeply moving story about perseverance, the nature of genius, and the strength of the human spirit.
Ray (2004)
Jamie Foxx shines in Ray, a biographical drama about the legendary Ray Charles. Foxx’s transformation into the iconic musician earned him the Best Actor Award. The film explores Charles’s groundbreaking music career and personal challenges, from his blindness to his struggles with addiction. No wonder it earned a million praises for its authenticity and performances.
Raging Bull (1980)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Raging Bull tells the story of Jake LaMotta, a boxer whose violent tendencies lead to both professional success and personal destruction. Robert De Niro’s intense portrayal of LaMotta won him an Academy Award, and the film is celebrated for its gritty, unflinching look at the complexities of a flawed, real-life figure.
Lincoln (2012)
Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln offers a riveting look at the final months of President Abraham Lincoln’s life, focusing on his leadership and his fight to abolish slavery. Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal earned him his third Best Actor Oscar, and the film was a critical success, grossing $275 million worldwide.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Celebrating the rise of the legendary rock band Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody focuses on the life of lead singer Freddie Mercury. Rami Malek’s portrayal of Mercury earned him the Best Actor Oscar. The film generated over $910 million in gross profit globally. Its electrifying soundtrack and storytelling make it a fan favorite.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on the life of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman turned millionaire entrepreneur, The Pursuit of Happyness is an uplifting tale of perseverance and hope. Will Smith’s emotionally charged performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and the film was a box-office hit, grossing over $300 million. The themes of resilience and fatherhood resonate deeply with audiences.
Walk the Line (2005)
Walk the Line follows the tumultuous life and career of country music legend Johnny Cash. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon shine as Johnny and June Carter, with Witherspoon winning an Oscar for Best Actress. The film was a success, with critics and the public alike, because of its excellent musical performances and exploration of Cash’s struggles.
The Imitation Game (2014)
This gripping biopic centers on Alan Turing, the mathematician who helped crack the Enigma code. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal earned him widespread praise and an Oscar nomination. The Imitation Game grossed over $233 million and brought Turing’s vital, yet often overlooked, contributions to the forefront of public consciousness.
Selma (2014)
Selma focuses on the historical march of Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in the name of civil rights in 1965. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film was praised for its compelling performances and unflinching look at social injustice. While it earned a Best Picture nomination, its powerful depiction of social change remains its true legacy.
Goodfellas (1990)
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas is based on the book of the same name and tells the story of Henry Hill. The movie’s razor-sharp dialogue, iconic performances, and brilliant direction make it one of the greatest films of all time. Nominated for six Oscars, it took home Best Supporting Actor for Joe Pesci.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
This moving biopic chronicles the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, focusing on his battle with ALS and his groundbreaking work in cosmology. Eddie Redmayne’s transformative performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film’s blend of science, personal struggle, and triumph brought in over $123 million worldwide.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures shines a spotlight on three African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—whose mathematical expertise helped NASA win the space race. The film was celebrated for bringing these unsung heroes into the spotlight. Its feel-good narrative was bolstered by a stellar cast, including Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer.
Capote (2005)
Capote tells the life story of famed writer Truman Capote during the writing of his book, In Cold Blood. The film is a haunting exploration of obsession and morality, garnering critical acclaim for its chilling atmosphere and Hoffman’s transformative performance. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s mesmerizing portrayal of Capote earned him an Oscar.
