Biographical movies or biopics have been in Hollywood for over a century. They are generally made as a tribute or honor to those great legends or to provide the viewers with a sense of inspiration, a boost of motivation.
Being the script of the real life of someone else once, it is challenging to bring out the character’s feelings and struggles in the perfect setting and convey it to the audience within a few hours.
Today, we have accumulated a list of biographical movies you wouldn’t want to miss. They are challenging to make for copyright reasons or gain the family’s approval.
It is also a task to blend all characters, emotions, and ambiance into a perfect mix to make the audience’s heart moss.
Lawrence of Arabia (1960)
Director: David Lean
Genre: War, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play Movies &Tv
Being one of the tops in its genre, it’s a must-watch movie. Set in the theme of British historical Drama, it is a cinematic masterpiece that rightfully won a total of seven Academy Awards.
The script revolved around the First World War when the Ottomans captured Arabs and how a British official, T. E. Lawrence, was on a mission to aid the Arab tribes.
The performance of Peter O’Toole was lauded by critics and viewers alike, making the movie a stirring phenomenon.
Chaplin (1992)
Director: Richard Attenborough
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+
From the name we know, the movie depicts the fascinating life of the worldwide film icon, “Charlie Chaplin.”
The film revolves around his poverty struggles and how he came beyond them to have worldwide success. The role of Charlie Chaplin is played by Robert Downey Jr., who is none other than our love Ironman.
The supporting cast includes Dan Aykroyd, Marissa Tomei, and even Chaplin’s real-life daughter Geraldine Chaplin. The movie was released on the 15th anniversary of the beloved star’s death.
Gandhi (1982)
Director: Richard Attenborough
Genre: Historical period, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max
This film accurately portrays the Indian independence movement, along with brief perks of Indian culture being added here and there.
The lead role, Ben Kingsley, was raised in foreign origin from a Gujarati family and led the function to its perfection.
If you have ever been looking for something Indian in Hollywood, then this would be a worth watching experience. This film has won a total of eight Oscars.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Director: Ron Howard
Genre: Romance, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
If you ever like psychological movies, this one would be perfect in this genre for you. The leading role, John Nash, played by Russell Crowe, beautifully portrayed the development of a man from the age of 19 to his sixties.
The movie has a hint of suspense, which adds an exciting tinge to the overall experience. And believe me. Your eyes would be fixed on the screen until the very last scene. So it’s a must-watch for me.
The Elephant Man (1980)
Director: David Lynch
Genre: Historical period drama, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO Max
Before you dive to watch this movie, let me tell you this one is a bit sensitive, but it’s worth trying too!
The film revolves around the life of Joseph Merrick, who was abandoned and treated harshly by the world due to his congenital disease.
Being the winner of the French Ceśar Award, this is one of the movies highlighting the traits of humanity and how beauty is prejudiced in our society.
The Social Network (2010)
Director: David Fincher
Genre: Historical, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play Movies &Tv, Netflix
And here comes a movie on the advent of social media. The film covers the life of Mark Zuckerberg and how incidents played a significant role in revolutionizing human interaction.
The movie also creates an appeal to the audience by serving raw emotions like betrayal, anger, loneliness, and jealousy.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: War, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix
The story is taken from World War 2 when a German member, Oskar Schindler, arrives in Krakow to make a fortune and flourish his business but ends up saving many Jewish lives.
The movie creates a breathtaking appeal to the audience with black-and-white cinematography.
And the acting by Liam Neeson was superb as he started in the film with a cocky, carefree attitude which then gradually shifted to concern and determination and ended up with noble and humble features of humanity.
Goodfellas (1990)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Crime, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play Movies &Tv
If you ever wanted a movie thriller or Drama with hints of crime and comedy and then you feel like putting it up with a touch of reality, then none but this movie is your best option.
Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, and Paul Sorvino, the film delineates the rise and fall of Henry Hill.
It comes packed with suspense, degradation, and intense violence, which then peaks up with the power of Scorsese’s storytelling.
Raging Bull (1980)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Sports, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu
Another incredible creation by Scorsese, the film revolves around a boxer’s life.
Jake LaMotta, the role being led by Robert De Niro, was an Italian-American man who received success and fame inside the ring with his temper and violence but failed to do so outside.
Their outstanding performance in the leading role made him claim the Academy Award for Best Actor. This biography is worth it for any sports lover as it aims to give them inspiration and a warning!
Lincoln (2012)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: War, Drama
Where to watch: Sony Liv
The movie made its debut at the New York Film Festival in 2012.
The film covered the peak moments of Abraham’s life and gave the audience a brief overview of that period.
With such a fantastic actor as Daniel Day-Lewis playing the lead role, the movie was lauded and significantly acclaimed by critics. Though having a despondent portrayal, the film heavily depicts reality.
Theory of Everything (2014)
Director: James Marsh
Genre: Romance, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play Movies &Tv
Set at the University of Cambridge, the movie portrays the relationship between the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane.
The film was adapted from a memoir, ‘Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, written by Jane Hawking.
Not only did the movie earn numerous awards and nominations, but it also got Eddie Redmayne, the leading role, nominated for the best actor award.
This would be a perfect watch if you ever feel like watching something emotional and deep but honest.
Malcolm X (1992)
Director: Spike Lee
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
An epic biography of an African-American activist, the film was quite a star. It revolves around the life of Malcolm X, the role being led by Denzel Washington, and dramatizes the peak events of his life.
The additional cast featured Hollywood greats like Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, and Al Freeman Jr.
The movie aims at reminding us of a specific time in American history that is quickly forgotten by some than others.
If you are into American history or would love to know about black lives a bit more, this movie is an excellent addition to your list.
Brian’s song (1971)
Director: Buzz Kulik
Genre: Sports, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu, Redbox
The movie was a part of ABC’s Movie of the Week. It highlights the friendship of the two men, Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers.
Though the film starts with fun and enthusiasm, let me warn you, the ending is quite tragic and heavy.
Get your tissue papers ready if you go to this movie! But let that not stop you from enjoying the movie’s notorious and comedy theme. Take advantage of this one!
American Splendor (2003)
Director: Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max
Enjoy this movie to explore the beauty of the ordinary! It is an exciting film covering the life of Harvey Pekar, an author of the ic book series, ‘The American Splendor.’
The scenes keep shifting from his real-life peeks to his documented versions and even into his comic series bringing together a fascinating life. The movie is a calm roller coaster of emotions.
Frida (2002)
Director: Julie Taymor
Genre: Romance, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
When life wants to bestow you with bad luck, but you still try to turn it into a good one until you lose it all, that’s the story of Frida Kahlo, a painter.
The movie begins with a traumatic accident and then leads to several romantic plots, each coming with a twist and taste of their own, and then it touches a bit of every emotion we feel.
Through these appealing moments and Salma Hayek’s moving performance as Kahlo, the character of Kahlo is enhanced more.
La Vie En Rose (2007)
Director: Oliver Dahan
Genre: Musical, Drama
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+
This movie covers the life of a French singer, Èdith Piaf. Though a talented young lady who manages to achieve worldwide fame, her life keeps throwing challenges at her and how she faces them.
It stands out from other musicians’ biopics due to Marion Cotillard’s breathtaking La Vie En Rose performance. If you have ever been to music, you won’t miss this one!
Featured Image Source: Time