Biographical dramas, often referred to as biopics, are excellent sources of inspiration. They provide insights into the lives of actual individuals, showing their hardships, triumphs, and extraordinary characters. These stories can be about famous figures battling personal challenges or lesser-known individuals living exceptional lives. Biopics demonstrate how determination and perseverance can help one surpass the ordinary and reach great heights. They remind us that many captivating tales are rooted in real-life events. Plus, who wouldn’t be intrigued by learning about historical figures who made a significant impact?
Shirley
Director: John Ridley
Release Year: 2024
Featuring prominently: Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, André Holland, and Terrence Howard.
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
The movie portrays the journey and hardships faced by Shirley Chisholm, the pioneering Black congresswoman (played by Regina King), who contested against Richard Nixon during the 1972 presidential election – making her the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. The film illustrates how she overcame misogyny and racism to emerge as a powerful figure in American politics. Additionally, it explores her personal connections, particularly her relationship with her sister and Alabama’s segregationist governor, George Wallace.
Maestro
Director: Bradley Cooper
Release Year: 2023
Featuring prominently: Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Vincenzo Amato, Michael Urie, Miriam Shor, and Sarah Silverman.
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
The movie “Maestro” narrates the life story of Leonard Bernstein, a renowned American conductor and composer, portrayed by Bradley Cooper, and his intricate relationship with his wife Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan. The film delves into Bernstein’s personal struggles, particularly his grappling with his sexuality and self-identity. Bradley Cooper’s performance in the biopic was highly praised, with many applauding his acting skills. In 2024, the movie received numerous Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay.
Blonde
Director: Andrew Dominik
Release Year: 2022
Starring: Ana de Armas, Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, and Julianne Nicholson
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my thoughts on “Blonde,” a film inspired by Joyce Carol Oates’ 2000 biographical novel of the same name. Directed by Dominik, this movie offers a creative take on the life and career of iconic American actress Marilyn Monroe, exploring her internal battles with mental health amidst fame. Ana de Armas, in her role as Monroe, garnered widespread acclaim, yet the film’s script stirred controversy among critics due to its departures from the real-life story of Monroe. Despite this, her exceptional performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination, making it a must-see for any Marilyn Monroe fan like myself.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Release Year: 2019
Featuring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Felix Lemburo, Aissa Maiga, Lily Banda, Robert Agengo, and Joseph Marcell
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In the main roles: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Felix Lemburo, Aissa Maiga, Lily Banda, Robert Agengo, and Joseph Marcell
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Prominent cast members: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Felix Lemburo, Aissa Maiga, Lily Banda, Robert Agengo, and Joseph Marcell
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The Wind-Powered Boy recounts the journey of a young man named William (Maxwell Simba), who strives to supply water to his Malawian village of Kasungu by constructing a windmill. This movie adaptation is inspired by the memoir penned by Malawian innovator and author, William Kamkwamba. The film delves into William’s intricate bond with his father (Chiwetel Ejiofor). With powerful acting and an engaging narrative, this biopic is a highly recommended watch.
Moneyball
Director: Bennett Miller
Release Year: 2011
Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, and Chris Pratt
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
The film Moneyball revolves around the Oakland Athletics baseball team and their manager, Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt), who strives to create a competitive squad using only half of what his opponents have in terms of financial resources. Drawing from the 2003 book “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game,” this biopic portrays how Beane, along with his assistant Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), employ a cutting-edge statistical analysis method to find undervalued players. This innovative approach met with doubt and hostility within the baseball community. Additionally, the movie delves into Beane’s personal life, particularly his relationships with his former wife Sharon and daughter Casey.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Director: Bryan Singer
Release Year: 2018
Featuring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, and Mike Myers
In the main cast: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, and Mike Myers.
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Bohemian Rhapsody centers on the life of British musician Freddie Mercury, a key member of the rock band Queen, and their journey to fame. The movie delves into Mercury’s battles with his self-importance, sexual identity, and a debilitating illness that threatened his meteoric rise in the music industry. This biopic was a commercial success, garnering numerous awards and nominations. At the 91st Oscars ceremony, Rami Malek was awarded Best Actor, while Bohemian Rhapsody also took home trophies for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.
Erin Brockovich
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Release Year: 2000
Featuring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Marg Helgenberger, Tracey Walter, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones, Conchata Ferrell, Adilah Barnes, Scarlett Pomers, and Michael Harney (in this production)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Erin Brockovich is a movie based on the real-life events of Erin Brockovich, an American paralegal, consumer advocate, and environmental activist. In 1993, she played a crucial role in bringing a lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) due to their part in groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California. The film became both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It received five nominations at the 73rd Academy Awards, among them Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Albert Finney).
Frida
Director: Julie Taymor
Release Year: 2002
Featuring: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot in the main cast
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Prominent roles for: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
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This production boasts an impressive ensemble of: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
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Starring alongside each other: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
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Featuring in key roles: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
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The cast includes: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
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In the lead roles: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
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Joining forces on screen: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
or
Starring together: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot
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This production features: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Mía Maestro, Ashley Judd, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Diego Luna, Margarita Sanz, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Omar Rodriguez, Felipe Fulop, Saffron Burrows, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot as its main cast members.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
The movie provides a daring and contentious portrayal of artist Frida Kahlo’s life. Set in Mexico City, it delves into her complex, tumultuous connections throughout her lifetime, including her mentorship and subsequent relationships with various individuals, such as Trotsky and several women. The biopic also examines her progressive views on art, politics, and sexuality, showcasing the strong-willed, impassioned woman of the early 1900s who was known for her heavy drinking habits. Salma Hayek received an Oscar nomination for her role in this film.
Oppenheimer
Director: Christopher Nolan
Release Year: 2023
Featuring: Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh (in main roles)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The film follows the life story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a famous American physicist, who played a crucial role in creating the first atomic bombs during World War II. Drawing inspiration from the 2005 biography “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, it highlights significant moments in Oppenheimer’s life, such as his scholarly endeavors, his work at the Los Alamos Laboratory, and the intense examination he underwent during his 1954 security hearing.
The Theory of Everything
Director: James Marsh
Release Year: 2014
In the Spotlight: I, as a devoted fan, can’t help but be thrilled about the ensemble cast of this upcoming movie. I’m Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox, Emily Watson, Simon McBurney, Christian McKay, Harry Lloyd, and David Thewlis all under one roof! This is going to be a spectacular experience!
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
The Movie “The Theory of Everything” narrates the life story of physicist Stephen Hawking, as portrayed in Jane Hawking’s 2007 memoir “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.” This biopic delves into Hawking’s personal relationship with his former spouse and his battle against motor neuron disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The film also highlights his achievements in the realm of physics. It garnered numerous Academy Award nominations, such as Best Picture, Best Actor for Eddie Redmayne, Best Actress for Felicity Jones, and Best Adapted Screenplay, among others.
These ten movies about real-life figures will give you a glimpse into the lives of individuals who made a significant impact on history. They not only provide enjoyment, but also enlighten and motivate.
Which Biopic Do You Like The Most?
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2025-05-27 19:08