Biographical films -commonly known as biopics- offer a compelling blend of history, drama, and personal storytelling that brings audiences closer to some of the most fascinating figures in modern history.
A Complete Unknown (2022)
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Oscar nominee for Best Actor, Timothée Chalamet delivers an unforgettable performance as Bob Dylan in his biopic A Complete Unknown. Set in the 1960s, the film chronicles the rising career of the young artist and his transformation into the icon he is today. Focusing on his early years in folk music, it highlights his shift to rock and the reactions of his audience. The biopic also explores how Dylan’s personality evolves as he gains fame and recognition. To everyone’s surprise, Chalamet not only portrays Dylan but also sings in the film, having prepared for two years by learning to play guitar and harmonica and taking extensive singing lessons.
Elvis (2022)
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The most famous artist of the 20th century, Elvis Presley, captivated audiences, especially women, with his iconic pelvic moves. Known for timeless hits like Burning Love, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Suspicious Minds, Elvis continues to influence music today. In the biopic Elvis, portrayed by Austin Butler, the film explores the King of Rock and Roll’s life, from his early days to his rise to fame. It examines the people who surrounded and managed him and how they impacted both his personal life and career.
Green Book (2018)
Based on a true story, Green Book is a biographical drama that recounts the story of African American pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his Italian-American driver and bodyguard, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), as they embark on a tour through the segregated southern United States in the 1960s. The title of the movie refers to a travel guide listing safe places for Black people during the era of racial segregation. Themes of racism, friendship, and the power of cultural differences are explored. It won three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali, and Best Original Screenplay.
Amadeus (1984)
This biographical film takes a unique approach by presenting the story from the perspective of Antonio Salieri, rather than the protagonist, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri, who was the most celebrated musician in the court of Emperor Joseph II of Austria, became both fascinated and envious of Mozart’s unparalleled talent upon his arrival. While Mozart continues to astonish and inspire those around him, Salieri’s jealousy grows, and he begins to secretly plot his revenge. The film explores the complex dynamics of envy, talent, and rivalry in the world of classical music.
Schindler’s List (1993)
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Directed by Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factory. The film portrays Schindler’s transformation from a war profiteer to a hero who risks everything to protect his workers from the Nazis. Widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, it depicts the horrors of the Holocaust through a deeply human and emotional lens. The movie won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Spielberg.
The King’s Speech (2010)
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This Biopic develops the story of King George VI (UK) and his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936. The focus is not only on the King but put on the speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. George VI had difficulty speaking and needed to give a speech in the context of World War II.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
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A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama that follows Nobel Prize winner John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggled with schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, particularly in game theory. His journey, from academic success to grappling with mental illness, makes his story even more inspiring. His wife, Alicia, plays a key role in supporting him through his challenges. Russell Crowe’s performance earned widespread acclaim.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
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Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker in New York, in The Wolf of Wall Street. The movie follows how his firm, Stratton Oakmont, profited from fraudulent activities. Belfort’s extravagant lifestyle, filled with wild parties, drugs, and excess, makes his story even more captivating. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film explores the darker side of wealth, greed, and corruption, showcasing the rise and fall of Belfort’s career in the high-stakes world of Wall Street.
Gandhi (1982)
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The life and achievements of Mahatma Gandhi are the focus of this biopic. The film follows Gandhi’s journey from his early days as a young lawyer in South Africa to his leadership in the Indian independence movement. It highlights key moments in Gandhi’s life, including his philosophy of nonviolence, his imprisonment, and his efforts to unite a divided India. Gandhi gained international recognition, winning multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Ben Kingsley, who portrayed Gandhi.
Oppenheimer (2023)
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Christopher Nolan directs this biographical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer explores Oppenheimer’s moral dilemmas, his personal struggles, and the impact of his work on both science and humanity. Cillian Murphy won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as Oppenheimer. He portrays, in an extraordinary way, the intense pressure he faced as he came to terms with the devastating power he helped create.
American Sniper (2014)
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Clint Eastwood’s excellent work is undeniable in every project he’s involved in, whether as an actor, director, or producer. In American Sniper, he shines as the director, bringing to life the story of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL who served in Iraq. The film explores Kyle’s experiences in combat, his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, and the toll his service took on his family, especially his relationship with his wife, Taya (Sienna Miller). Eastwood’s direction made the film both a box office hit and a critical success, earning several award nominations.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
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Acclaimed by cinema critics, 12 Years a Slave is based on the 1853 memoir of Solomon Northup, an African American man who was free but kidnapped and sold into slavery. The film follows his harrowing journey to survive the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to regain his freedom. Northup’s resilience and determination are tested as he faces unimaginable cruelty, but he also forms unlikely alliances. The film won three Oscars, including Best Picture.The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network (2010)
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The Social Network tells the story of Facebook and its co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg. The film follows Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) from his time as a Harvard student to becoming a billionaire, highlighting his legal battles with former friends, including Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield). What began as a social platform for Harvard students quickly grew into the global business Facebook is today. The movie has themes of ambition and betrayal, winning 3 Oscars.
The Aviator (2004)
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Martin Scorsese directs The Aviator, a biographical film that chronicles the life of Howard Hughes, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie focuses on Hughes’ rise to prominence in the 20th century, his groundbreaking achievements in aviation, and his turbulent personal life as an eccentric billionaire. The film explores his obsessive-compulsive disorder, his struggles with mental health, and his complicated relationships with Hollywood stars and business moguls. It earned critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and visual storytelling.
The Imitation Game (2014)
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Based on the life of Alan Turing, The Imitation Game recounts the story of this brilliant British mathematician who played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. Turing’s work at Bletchley Park helped shorten the war and save countless lives. However, despite his heroic contributions, Turing faced persecution for his homosexuality, which was illegal at the time. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the film explores his genius, struggles, and tragic end, highlighting both his pivotal role in history and the personal challenges he faced, creating bitterness and injustice.
Rocketman (2019)
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Rocketman is a biographical musical drama that tells the life story of legendary musician Elton John. It highlights his struggles with addiction, his rise to fame, and the personal challenges he faced along the way. The film explores how he thought, lived, and navigated through the difficulties that came with his stardom. It was widely celebrated by audiences.
Raging Bull (1980)
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Robert De Niro portrays the boxer Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull. The movie is based on the memoirs of the middleweight boxer, titled Raging Bull: My Story. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is considered one of the greatest movies ever made. LaMotta was a troubled and aggressive boxer whose life spirals out of control due to his violent tendencies, both in and out of the ring. The film highlights his rise to the middleweight championship and the personal destruction that follows, particularly his strained relationships with his wife and brother. De Niro’s performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
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This biopic has become a classic, making audiences tear up every time they watch it, no matter how many times they’ve seen it. The inspiring story follows Chris Gardner, portrayed masterfully by Will Smith, a salesman who becomes homeless while caring for his young son, played by Smith’s real-life son, Jaden. The movie beautifully captures a father’s love and the lengths parents go to give their children a better life. Truly, a beautiful film.
Walk the Line (2005)
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Walk the Line tells the story of country music legend Johnny Cash, focusing on his rise to fame and the challenges he faced throughout his life. The film captures his struggles with addiction, the emotional impact of his early years, and his intense relationship with fellow musician June Carter. Joaquin Phoenix received acclaim for his portrayal of Cash, while Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar for her role as June.
Better Man (2024)
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Better Man tells the life story of Robbie Williams, portrayed as a chimpanzee in the film, which is created using CGI technology. Williams explained that he always felt “less evolved” than others, adding a unique twist to the biopic. The film covers his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, following his journey to becoming the iconic music star he is today.
Ray (2004)
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From his early years as a blind child to becoming one of the most influential figures in the world of music, Ray is the biographical film that chronicles the life of legendary musician Ray Charles. Struggles with addiction, his groundbreaking contributions to the music industry, and his personal battles are some of the topics of the film. Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of Ray Charles earned him widespread acclaim and won him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
La Vie en Rose (2007)
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Offering a captivating portrayal of Édith Piaf, La Vie en Rose recounts important and sad moments of her life. From the gritty streets of Paris, where she began her journey, to becoming one of the world’s most beloved voices, the film immerses us in the heartache and triumphs that shaped Piaf’s unforgettable music. Marion Cotillard’s brilliant performance as Piaf earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Sid and Nancy (1986)
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A biography that reflects the complicated and tragic story of Sid Vicious, the bassist of the band Sex Pistols, and his relationship with Nancy Spungen. Sid and Nancy explores their chaotic romance, drug addiction, and the destructive path they followed. The movie highlights their dark and self-destructive behaviors, which culminate in Nancy’s murder and Sid’s subsequent death, ruled as an overdose. It is a gritty portrayal of fame, addiction, and the destructive side of the punk rock lifestyle.
What’s Love Got to Do With It? (1993)
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What’s Love Got to Do with It? takes us on a rollercoaster ride through Tina Turner’s life, a journey filled with both intense highs and devastating lows. From her early years in an abusive marriage to Ike Turner to her rise as an independent music icon, the film paints a raw picture of how Tina battled through pain and adversity.
The Pianist (2002)
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Adrien Brody won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of the Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman in The Pianist. This biographical drama, directed by Roman Polanski -who also won the Oscar for Best Director- chronicles Szpilman’s life during World War II. When the war breaks out, Szpilman is forced to endure the horrors of the Holocaust. The story follows his struggle for survival in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, where he faces separation from his family, starvation, hiding, and constant danger. The film powerfully highlights his resilience, love for music, and the devastating impact of war.
