Here we are, once again, telling you that nothing is as extraordinary, as unbelievable, and as fascinating as real life. Sounding a bit like a broken record, aren’t we? Well, we cannot promise that it is the last time we’ll state the fact, but if you need any more proof of our words, why not check these awesome biographical movies we’ve rounded up on this list?
We bet that you haven’t even heard about some of these people who have movies about them before. For instance, did you know the incredible story of Tammy Faye Bakker depicted in The Eyes Of Tammy Faye? Neither did we, but gosh, isn’t that quite a story! Of course, not all of these biographical movies are based on the lives of the underdogs, as there are also quite a few following very well-known people like in the movie Spencer (Princess Diana) and Bohemian Rhapsody (Freddie Mercury), just to name a few. However, you must forgive us for adding a couple of upcoming movies, too - Oppenheimer and Blonde - as they seem so very worthy of the hype!
So, the movies, as per usual, are just a bit further down! Our twenty top picks of these biographies also have short descriptions added to them, all so it will be easier for you to choose the flick of the evening. Be sure to vote for the personal stories that you’ve loved the most and share this article with anyone who, unlike you, does not believe in the magic of real life!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1 Schindler's List
1993 | 3h 15m | Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” Set in Krakow during World War II, Schindler’s List tells the true story of industrialist Oskar Schindler, who becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis. He gradually involves himself in their lives through bribes and favors, ultimately saving over 1000 Jews from certain death in concentration camps. Steven Spielberg was able to get permission to film inside Auschwitz but chose not to, out of respect for the victims, so the death camp scenes were filmed outside the gates on a set constructed in a mirror image of the real location on the other side. This masterpiece earned 91 wins (including several Academy Awards) and 49 nominations.
Report
57points
#2 Belfast
2021 | 1 hour 38 minutes | Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Starring Jude Hill, Lewis McAskie, Caitriona Balfe
Belfast is a coming-of-age drama following a boy’s childhood in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the beginning of The Troubles in 1969. Nine-year-old Buddy, surrounded by violence and growing danger, tries his best to understand the unfolding Troubles. But when the time comes for his family to decide to pack and move or stay home risking their lives, Buddy’s world changes drastically. It’s a deeply personal story of Belfast’s director, one that’s mesmerizing, gripping, and compelling at the same time.
Report
55points
#4 Walk The Line
2005 | 2 hours 16 minutes | Directed by James Mangold
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Whitherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin
Walk The Line is a biographical musical romantic drama based on the life of the legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. The movie follows him from his early life to his romance with June Carter, and to his rise to the music industry Olympus. Johnny definitely wasn’t a simple man, but Joaquin Phoenix was exactly the right actor to reveal his complex personality. Even if your interest in this musician is equal to null, Walk The Line will definitely astonish you with its drama, stellar acting, and awesome musical performances by the ever-charming leading duo.
Report
52points
#5 Green Book
2018 | 2 hours 10 minutes | Directed by Peter Farrelly
Starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini
Green Book is a biographical comedy-drama film and basically the only movie in which Viggo Mortensen doesn’t die. The film is set in 1962 and is inspired by a real story of an African American classical pianist going on a tour with Italian American bouncer Frank Vallelonga as his chauffeur and bodyguard. Of course, their working relationship is quite a rocky one at best, but the road is a long one and gives the two of them plenty of time to find respect for each other. Green Book is an honest portrayal of a difficult time in American history - not an easy watch at times, but absolutely worth it.
Report
51points
#6 The Greatest Showman
2017 | 1 hour 45 minutes | Directed by Michael Gracey
Starring Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, Zac Efron
The Greatest Showman is a biographical musical drama movie with a story based on the life of P. T. Barnum, a famous showman, and entertainer. Although P. T. Barnum was famous for many things, this movie centers around the creation of the legendary Barnum & Bailey Circus and the lives of its stars. And although some critics named it to be a bit shallow, The Greatest Showman was still praised for the performances, music (which consists mostly of an original score written specifically for it), visuals, and production value.
Report
51points
#7 The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
2021 | 2 hours 6 minutes | Directed by Michael Showalter
Starring Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield, Cherry Jones
The Eyes Of Tammy Faye is a biographical drama based on the 2000 documentary of the same name by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. It’s the story of Tammy Faye Bakker - from her humble beginnings to the rise and the fall of her televangelist career and her marriage. Upon its release, the film was a total box-office flop, but despite the fact it has won several esteemed awards, most of them praising the stellar performance of Jessica Chastain.
Report
51points
#8 Spencer
2021 | 1 hour 57 minutes | Directed by Pablo Larrain
Starring Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Jack Nielen
Spencer is a historical fiction psychological drama centering around the events in Princess Diana’s life in 1991. This was a time of existential crisis for her as she pondered divorcing Prince Charles and leaving the Royal Family. It is a disturbing and sorrowful story elevated by Stewart’s pitch-perfect performance. No wonder Spencer was met with a three-minute standing ovation upon its official release, later winning quite a few prestigious awards.
Report
50points
#9 Rescued By Ruby
2022 | 1 hour 30 minutes | Directed by Katt Shea
Starring Grant Gustin, Scott Wolf, Kaylah Zander, Bear and Shiloh the Dogs as Ruby
Rescued By Ruby is a Netflix original biographical drama film that follows the story of a state trooper, Dan, who dreams of joining the K-9 police forces. However, he is unsuccessful in his quest until he befriends an oddball shelter dog named Ruby. What’s even better is that this movie is based on a completely real story! It’s a warm, family-friendly movie about two underdogs chasing their dreams that you won’t regret watching.
Report
50points
#10 Bohemian Rhapsody
2018 | 2 hours 18 minutes | Directed by Bryan Singer
Starring Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee
Bohemian Rhapsody is a biographical musical drama film based on the events in the life of the legendary performer Freddie Mercury. The movie tells the story of the iconic Queen singer from the time of the formation of the band in the ‘70s to their 1985 performance at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium. Freddie defied every possible stereotype and became one of the most beloved performers ever. However, his life really wasn’t an easy one. So, if you’ve missed his story, check the glorious Bohemian Rhapsody movie that did the absolute best in portraying this ever-shining icon.
Report
49points
#11 The Sound Of Music
1965 | 2 hours 52 minutes | Directed by Robert Wise
Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
The Sound Of Music is a musical drama film that’s an adaptation of the 1959 stage musical of the same name composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. But, however beautiful and mesmerizing the music here is (we bet that even if you proudly say you’ve never listened to a musical, you know all of the songs from The Sound Of Music!), the story behind it is just as astonishing. It a story of a family trying to survive the Nazi occupation which, as you very well know, demanded thousands of lives and an uncountable number of broken fates. So, as beautiful as The Sound Of Music is, it also has a much much deeper story behind the pretty veneer.
Report
49points
#12 Erin Brockovich
2000 | 2 hours 11 minutes | Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, David Brisbin
Erin Brokovich is a biographical legal drama that’s a dramatization of the real story of the very real Erin Brokovich. Erin, an unemployed single mother, becomes a legal assistant at a law firm. Mainly because of her smarts, but mostly because she is determined to give the best life to her kids she possibly can. Then, much to everyone’s surprise, Miss Brokovich manages to single-handedly bring down a California power company for poisoning a city’s water supply. It is a wonderful story about strength and determination that will both inspire you and entertain you throughout its runtime.
Report
49points
#13 The Wolf Of Wall Street
2013 | 3 hours | Directed by Martin Scorsese
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
The Wolf of Wall Street is a biographical crime black comedy film based on the 2007 memoir by Jordan Belfort.
So yeah, this grand movie is based on a very real story about a man’s rise to the ranks of wealthy stockbrokers, living the high life full of crimes, scheming, corruption, and his ultimate demise from the life of the party.
Now, picture it all played by Leo - intriguing, isn’t it? So, if you haven’t already watched The Wolf of Wall Street, don’t be intimidated by its lengthy runtime, as those three hours will fly by!
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
The Wolf of Wall Street is a biographical crime black comedy film based on the 2007 memoir by Jordan Belfort.
So yeah, this grand movie is based on a very real story about a man’s rise to the ranks of wealthy stockbrokers, living the high life full of crimes, scheming, corruption, and his ultimate demise from the life of the party.
Now, picture it all played by Leo - intriguing, isn’t it? So, if you haven’t already watched The Wolf of Wall Street, don’t be intimidated by its lengthy runtime, as those three hours will fly by!
Report
48points
#14 tick, tick... BOOM!
2021 | 1 hour 55 minutes | Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Starring Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesus
tick, tick… BOOM! is a biographical musical drama film directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda in his feature directorial debut. The film is based on a stage musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, which in turn is based on Larson’s story about entering the theater industry. So here, a promising young theater composer prepares for his make-it-or-break-it performance while navigating love, friendships, and life itself. tick, tick… BOOM! will please any musical lover and even those who aren’t too keen on the genre - a great well-rounded movie!
Report
48points
#15 Hacksaw Ridge
2016 | 2 hours 19 minutes | Directed by Mel Gibson
Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey
Hacksaw Ridge is a biographical war film focusing on the World War II experiences of Desmond Doss. Desmond, an American pacifist combat medic, as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, refused to carry or use any weapons. He was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for his unbelievable heroism during the Battle of Okinawa, without firing a single shot. Hacksaw Ridge is a gripping wartime drama that has garnered plenty of accolades and awards that prove its unique qualities.
Report
47points
#16 Remember The Titans
2000 | 1 hour 53 minutes | Directed by Boaz Yakin
Starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
Remember The Titans is a biographical sports film that’s based on the real story of a football coach named Herman Boone. Boone’s quest was to integrate the T. C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971. Now, remember the harrowing times of segregation and you will understand the importance of the African-American coaches' noble actions. In the end, of course, people do finally understand that trusting each other and loving one another prevails over all else. Remember The Titans, while at times might be a bit predictable, is still a universal crowd-pleaser and an inspiring one at that.
Report
47points
#17 Goodfellas
1990 | 2h 26m | Directed by Martin Scorsese
Starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci
Martin Scorsese’s gangster epic is among the most acclaimed crime films of the last three decades. Based on a true story, this tale has been hailed for its technical achievements and powerful performances from Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta, as well as the observations it makes about the criminal lifestyle. The fact-based story is endlessly fascinating, but Goodfellas wins repeat viewers with its gripping tension, black humor, and ability to make us sympathize with a group of cold-blooded killers.
Report
46points
#18 Ford V Ferrari
2019 | 2 hours 32 minutes | Directed by James Mangold
Starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
Ford v Ferrari is a sports drama film that tells the story of an iconic rivalry in motorsport. To be more exact, Ford vs Ferrari centers around an American car engineer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles as they try to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari in the 24 hours of the Le Mans race in 1966. Now, if you are not a huge fan of car racing, you might think that this movie isn’t for you, but believe it when we say that it is full of plot twists and intensity that just sucks you right into the story! A great, well-rounded movie for anyone’s taste.
Report
46points
#19 The Blind Side
2009 | 2 hours 9 minutes | Directed by John Lee Hancock
Starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw
The Blind Side is a biographical sports drama based on the book The Blind Side: Evolution Of A Game by Michael Lewis. It centers around the story of an American football offensive lineman, Michael Oher, who overcame impoverished upbringing to play in the National Football League. The Blind Side was a huge box office success and that notion is often a good indicator that the movie should be pretty much great. So, if you're looking for something inspiring and good-natured for the evening, why not pick The Blind Side?
Report
46points
#20 Oppenheimer
2023 | N/A | Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh
Oppenheimer is an upcoming biographical film scheduled for release in 2023. Yeah, we know, that’s at least a year from now, but this movie seems so very awesome that we couldn’t resist putting it on our list. So, J. Robert Oppenheimer - an American scientist who played a vital role in the development of the atomic bomb. A story about ‘father of the atomic bomb’ directed by Christopher Nolan and played by Kenneth Brannagh and Florence Pugh? Sign us the heck up!
Report
46points