250 Best Biography Movies of All Time
Biographical films, or biopics, are one of the most inspiring and educational genres in cinema. This genre tells real-life stories, offering audiences a path to explore personal achievements, overcoming challenges, and discovering the meaning of life. Biographical films honor significant figures and events from history, arts, science, sports, and various other fields by delving deep into the lives and experiences of individuals.
One of the greatest strengths of biographical films lies in their foundation in real-life inspiration. These films can depict historical events, the life stories of famous figures, or the extraordinary achievements of ordinary individuals. As a result, biographical films provide viewers with the opportunity to closely examine historical events and important personalities.
Another hallmark of this genre is its emphasis on character development and internal journeys. Biographical films narrate the turning points, decisions, and growth processes in the life of the main character (often a real person). This allows the audience to share in the character’s struggles and triumphs, fostering a strong connection with their story.
Biographical films also provide a platform to delve deep into social, cultural, and historical contexts. By recreating the atmosphere of a specific time period and portraying significant events, these films offer viewers a better understanding of the era. Furthermore, they illustrate how personal achievements and societal change are intertwined.
Biographical films are often recognized for outstanding performances by actors. Lead actors frequently deliver remarkable portrayals of real-life figures, further engaging the audience in the narrative.
In conclusion, biographical films celebrate the real-life stories and experiences of individuals. They inspire, educate, and provoke thought. By portraying historical events and significant figures, they allow viewers to connect with the past and gain a better understanding of the meaning and value of life. Biographical films are regarded as one of the most inspiring and educational genres in cinema.
Here are 250 of the best Biography movies
The Irishman (2019) – IMDb: 7.8
Content: “The Irishman” tells the story of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), a hitman. As Frank rises in the world of the mafia, he encounters powerful figures like Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). The film explores Frank’s life and the mysterious disappearance of Hoffa.
Main Characters: Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro), Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci)
Straight Outta Compton (2015) – IMDb: 7.8
Content: This film chronicles the rise of the rap group N.W.A. and delves into the social and political impact of their music. It presents the stories of prominent rappers like Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), and Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell).
Main Characters: Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell)
Captain Phillips (2013) – IMDb: 7.8
Content: Based on a true story, this film follows the events surrounding the hijacking of a ship by Somali pirates and the experiences of its captain, Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks).
Main Characters: Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks), Muse (Barkhad Abdi)
The Big Short (2015) – IMDb: 7.8
Content: “The Big Short” tells the story of several financiers who predicted the 2008 financial crisis. Characters like Michael Burry (Christian Bale), Mark Baum (Steve Carell), and Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) attempt to profit from the housing market collapse.
Main Characters: Michael Burry (Christian Bale), Mark Baum (Steve Carell), Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling)
Honor (2014) – IMDb: 7.8
Content: “Honor” focuses on the honor and family bonds within a British-Pakistani family, exploring the conflicts between traditional and modern values.
Main Characters: Mona (Aiysha Hart), Kasim (Faraz Ayub), Mamu (Harvey Virdi)
Loving Vincent (2017) – IMDb: 7.8
Content: This unique animated film delves into the life of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. It follows the story of Armand Roulin (Douglas Booth), who investigates van Gogh’s death.
Main Characters: Armand Roulin (Douglas Booth), Joseph Roulin (Chris O’Dowd), Dr. Gachet (Jerome Flynn)
Hidden Figures (2016) – IMDb: 7.8
Content: “Hidden Figures” tells the story of three African American female mathematicians (Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson) working at NASA and their crucial roles in space exploration.
Main Characters: Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe)
Spartacus (1960) – IMDb: 7.9
Content: “Spartacus” narrates the slave uprising during the Roman Empire, led by Spartacus (Kirk Douglas). It explores Spartacus’s quest for freedom and justice.
Main Characters: Spartacus (Kirk Douglas), Batiatus (Peter Ustinov), Crassus (Laurence Olivier)
In Cold Blood (1967) – IMDb: 7.9
Content: Adapted from Truman Capote’s novel, this film portrays the murder of a family by two criminals and Capote’s (Philip Seymour Hoffman) investigation, which leads to shocking revelations about the killers.
Main Characters: Perry Smith (Robert Blake), Dick Hickock (Scott Wilson), Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman)
Patton (1970) – IMDb: 7.9
Content: “Patton” is a biographical war film that portrays the life of General George S. Patton (George C. Scott) during World War II. The film explores his leadership, military tactics, and controversial personality.
Main Characters: General George S. Patton (George C. Scott)
My Left Foot (1989) – IMDb: 7.9
Content: This biographical drama tells the life story of Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), an Irishman with cerebral palsy, who learns to write and paint using only his left foot.
Main Characters: Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – IMDb: 7.9
Content: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is an adventure-comedy film about a daydreamer named Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), who embarks on a global journey to find a missing photograph.
Main Characters: Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller)
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – IMDb: 7.9
Content: This biographical film chronicles the rise of the iconic rock band Queen and the life of its lead singer, Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek).
Main Characters: Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek)
A Man Called Horse (1970) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: “A Man Called Horse” is a Western film that follows an English aristocrat, John Morgan (Richard Harris), who is captured by a Native American tribe and eventually earns their respect and acceptance.
Main Characters: John Morgan (Richard Harris)
Butterflies Are Free (1972) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: This romantic comedy-drama centers on the relationship between a blind man, Don Baker (Edward Albert), and his quirky neighbor Jill Tanner (Goldie Hawn).
Main Characters: Don Baker (Edward Albert), Jill Tanner (Goldie Hawn)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: Based on a true story, this crime drama follows Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino) and Sal Naturile (John Cazale), who attempt to rob a bank but find themselves in a tense hostage situation.
Main Characters: Sonny Wortzik (Al Pacino), Sal Naturile (John Cazale)
The Straight Story (1999) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: “The Straight Story” is a heartwarming drama about an elderly man named Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) who embarks on a long journey on a lawnmower to visit his estranged brother.
Main Characters: Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth)
Cinderella Man (2005) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: This sports drama tells the inspiring true story of boxer James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) during the Great Depression as he makes a remarkable comeback in the boxing world.
Main Characters: James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe)
The Sea Inside (2004) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: “The Sea Inside” is a biographical drama about the life of Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem), a quadriplegic who fought for his right to end his own life.
Main Characters: Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: This biographical drama tells the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), the editor of French Elle magazine, who becomes paralyzed and communicates by blinking his left eye.
Main Characters: Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: Based on a true story, this film follows the struggles of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a homeless salesman who works relentlessly to secure a better life for himself and his son.
Main Characters: Chris Gardner (Will Smith)
Persepolis (2007) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: “Persepolis” is an animated film based on Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel. It offers a glimpse into the life of a young Iranian girl, Marjane, during and after the Islamic Revolution.
Main Characters: Marjane Satrapi (voice: Chiara Mastroianni)
Ip Man (2008) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: This martial arts film is a fictionalized account of the life of Ip Man (Donnie Yen), a martial artist who becomes Bruce Lee’s teacher. It showcases his skills and principles.
Main Characters: Ip Man (Donnie Yen)
The King’s Speech (2010) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: “The King’s Speech” is a historical drama about King George VI (Colin Firth) and his speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), as they work to overcome the king’s speech impediment.
Main Characters: King George VI (Colin Firth), Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush)
The Imitation Game (2014) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: This biographical drama focuses on the life of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a brilliant mathematician who played a vital role in breaking the Enigma code during World War II.
Main Characters: Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Lion (2016) – IMDb: 8.0
Content: “Lion” is based on the true story of Saroo Brierley (Dev Patel), an Indian boy who gets separated from his family and embarks on a remarkable journey to find his home.
Main Characters: Saroo Brierley (Dev Patel)
My Fair Lady (1964) – IMDb: 8.1
Content: This classic musical revolves around the transformation of Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), a working-class woman, into a refined lady under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison).
Main Characters: Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison)
Gandhi (1982) – IMDb: 8.1
Content: “Gandhi” is a biographical film that explores the life of Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley), the leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement against British colonial rule.
Main Characters: Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley)
Forrest Gump (1994) – IMDb: 8.1
Content: This heartwarming film follows the life of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a man with a low IQ, as he unintentionally influences various historical events and encounters remarkable people.
Main Characters: Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks)
Raging Bull (1980) – IMDb: 8.2
Content: “Raging Bull” is a biographical sports drama that portrays the turbulent life and career of boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), exploring his rise, fall, and personal struggles.
Main Characters: Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro)
A Beautiful Mind (2001) – IMDb: 8.2
Content: This biographical drama tells the life story of mathematician John Nash (Russell Crowe), who battles schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to mathematics.
Main Characters: John Nash (Russell Crowe)
Downfall (2004) – IMDb: 8.2
Content: “Downfall” is a German war film that offers a portrayal of the final days of Adolf Hitler (Bruno Ganz) and the collapse of Nazi Germany.
Main Characters: Adolf Hitler (Bruno Ganz)
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – IMDb: 8.2
Content: This black comedy depicts the life of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), who engages in unethical and extravagant activities on Wall Street.
Main Characters: Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio)
Green Book (2018) – IMDb: 8.2
Content: “Green Book” is a biographical comedy-drama about the friendship between African American pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his Italian American driver, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), during a concert tour in the 1960s.
Main Characters: Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – IMDb: 8.3
Content: This epic historical film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole), a British officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
Main Characters: T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole)
Amadeus (1984) – IMDb: 8.4
Content: “Amadeus” is a biographical drama that explores the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) as seen through the eyes of his envious rival, Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham).
Main Characters: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce), Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham)
Hamilton (2020) – IMDb: 8.4
Content: “Hamilton” is a recorded version of the hit Broadway musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It tells the story of Alexander Hamilton’s life and his role in the American Revolution.
Main Characters: Alexander Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda)
The Pianist (2002) – IMDb: 8.5
Content: This biographical drama follows the life of pianist Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a Polish Jew who survives the Holocaust in Warsaw during World War II.
Main Characters: Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody)
Intouchables (2011) – IMDb: 8.5
Content: “Intouchables” is a French comedy-drama based on a true story. It portrays the unlikely friendship between quadriplegic aristocrat Philippe (François Cluzet) and his caregiver Driss (Omar Sy).
Main Characters: Philippe (François Cluzet), Driss (Omar Sy)
Goodfellas (1990) – IMDb: 8.7
Content: This crime drama follows the life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a mobster involved in organized crime, as he navigates the world of the mafia and its criminal activities.
Main Characters: Henry Hill (Ray Liotta)
Schindler’s List (1993) – IMDb: 9.0
Content: “Schindler’s List” is a historical drama that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.
Main Characters: Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson)