14 Films About Artists That Inspire You to Create Something

As a film critic, I’ve always been drawn to movies about artists – those intense portraits of creative souls battling both their inner demons and the outside world. What really gets me is how these films don’t just show us the finished artwork, but the process – the techniques, the historical backdrop, everything that went into creating something beautiful. And honestly, watching these stories is incredibly inspiring. If you’re even thinking about pursuing a creative path yourself, these films might just give you that extra push you need.

‘Frida’ (2002)

Salma Hayek gives a stunning performance as Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican artist. The film tells the story of her life, from a devastating bus accident that caused lifelong pain, to her complicated relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera. The filmmakers skillfully combine real scenes with the colorful, dreamlike images from Kahlo’s paintings. The movie focuses on her strength and how she turned her pain into powerful, honest art. It’s a celebration of her individuality and her determination to live life on her own terms.

‘Loving Vincent’ (2017)

This innovative film is the first animated feature created using a fully painted style. Over a hundred artists meticulously hand-painted every frame, mimicking the thick, textured brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh. The story unfolds as a mystery, exploring the events leading up to the painter’s death. The film takes audiences through recognizable scenes and introduces characters from his iconic paintings. It’s a remarkable feat of animation that vividly recreates the world of post-impressionism.

‘Pollock’ (2000)

I was completely captivated by this movie about Jackson Pollock. Ed Harris not only directed it, but he also is Jackson Pollock, and it feels incredibly personal. It really shows you how he went from being unknown to one of the biggest names in art during the 1940s New York scene. What struck me most was his relationship with Lee Krasner – you see how much she gave up to help him pursue his art. The film does a fantastic job of showing how he painted, those incredible drip paintings, and you really feel the energy and effort that went into them. It doesn’t gloss over the difficult parts of his life either, like his struggles with alcohol and how things sadly ended for him.

‘Mr. Turner’ (2014)

This biopic beautifully portrays J.M.W. Turner, the renowned British landscape painter, with Timothy Spall in the leading role. The film focuses on the final 25 years of Turner’s life, highlighting his passion for capturing light and his travels. The stunning visuals closely reflect the mood and beauty of his famous seascapes and sunsets. It explores his complicated personal life, including his relationships with his family and housekeeper, as well as the challenges he faced within the art world. The film offers a thoughtful and complex portrait of a man who could be difficult to know, yet poured sensitivity into his art.

‘Basquiat’ (1996)

Jeffrey Wright brilliantly plays Jean-Michel Basquiat, a street artist rising to prominence in 1980s New York City. The film follows his incredible journey from homelessness to art world stardom. David Bowie gives a compelling performance as Andy Warhol, showcasing the close bond and guidance between the two artists. With a dynamic soundtrack and visual style, the movie captures the frenetic spirit of the time and the intense energy of neo-expressionist art. Ultimately, it’s a story about the briefness of fame and the challenges faced by rising young artists.

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

As a film lover, I was completely captivated by this movie. It centers around Marianne, a painter who journeys to a remote island off the coast of Brittany to paint Héloïse, a woman very hesitant about getting married. While Marianne paints her, something beautiful happens – a real connection develops between them. The film really focuses on the way Marianne sees Héloïse, and how that translates into her art. Honestly, it’s visually stunning – every shot feels like a painting, deliberately styled after art from the late 1700s. It’s not just pretty, though; it’s a thoughtful exploration of memory and how art can hold onto those brief, intense moments we experience.

‘Big Eyes’ (2014)

Directed by Tim Burton, this film tells the true story of Margaret Keane, a painter famous in the 1950s and 60s for her portraits of children with big eyes. While her art becomes incredibly popular, her husband, Walter, falsely claims to be the artist and profits from her work, keeping her silent. The movie centers on Margaret’s fight to be recognized for her own talent and take control of her art, exploring themes of art, money, and the challenges faced by women during that time.

‘At Eternity’s Gate’ (2018)

Willem Dafoe powerfully portrays Vincent van Gogh during the final years of his life in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise. The film uses shaky, personal camera work to put viewers inside Van Gogh’s increasingly troubled mind. Conversations reveal his deep connection to nature and his strong desire to share his unique artistic perspective. Rather than a typical life story, the film focuses on creating a feeling – showing how painting was a desperate, vital outlet for a man consumed by the beauty around him.

‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’ (2010)

This documentary tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French shopkeeper who becomes fascinated with filming street artists. He documents well-known, but hard-to-find artists like Shepard Fairey, and eventually, the secretive Banksy. The film takes an unexpected twist when Banksy encourages Thierry to become an artist himself, turning the camera around. It’s a funny and interesting look at how street art became commercialized, and the question of how genuine the whole story is only adds to its appeal.

‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ (2003)

Scarlett Johansson stars as Griet, a young servant who finds work in the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer. The film beautifully captures the look and feel of Vermeer’s paintings, paying close attention to light and how things are arranged. As Griet works, she becomes the inspiration for one of Vermeer’s most well-known paintings, all while navigating the drama and envy within the household. The story relies on quiet moments and meaningful looks to show the growing connection between the artist and his muse, offering a captivating, imagined glimpse into the making of a famous artwork.

‘Maudie’ (2016)

Sally Hawkins plays Maud Lewis, a folk artist in Nova Scotia, who bravely faces severe arthritis. While working as a housekeeper for a quiet, solitary man played by Ethan Hawke, Maud fills her small home with vibrant paintings. The movie shows how her art brings happiness to her challenging life and ultimately gains her recognition across the country. It’s a heartwarming story about determination and the natural urge to create.

‘Final Portrait’ (2017)

Geoffrey Rush portrays the famous sculptor Alberto Giacometti in 1964 Paris. Giacometti asks American writer James Lord to pose for a portrait, initially promising it will be quick. However, the painting takes weeks, as Giacometti obsessively revises his work, striving for perfection. The film shows both the difficulties and the funny moments of being an artist, and offers a look into the mind of someone who is never quite content with what they create.

‘The Agony and the Ecstasy’ (1965)

Charlton Heston plays Michelangelo in this film about the creation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The story focuses on his difficult relationship with Pope Julius II, who constantly challenged his artistic vision and the project’s deadline. The movie vividly portrays the physical strain Michelangelo endured while painting on scaffolding for years, and it examines the tension between his dedication to his art and the power of the Church. It’s a visually impressive production that highlights the lavish support Renaissance artists received from wealthy patrons.

‘Renoir’ (2012)

This film, set on the French Riviera during World War I, portrays the final years of the famous impressionist painter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Though suffering from painful arthritis, Renoir keeps painting, finding inspiration in a young woman named Andrée. His son, Jean, a wounded soldier returning home, also becomes captivated by Andrée. The movie beautifully captures the look and feel of Renoir’s paintings with its warm colors and light, and it’s a gentle story about how a father passes his love for art to his son.

Please share which film on this list inspired your own creativity in the comments.

2025-11-27 10:18