Few genres have built a legacy as iconic as the biopic. Since the 1950’s, the biopic genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether its powerful political leaders, bomb inventors or raging boxers, the biopic genre has produced several characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest biopics ever made that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Social Network
Friendships are relationships that often face hardships. I remember developing friendships with a kid in school that I grew up to treasure. We enjoyed playing soccer creating bonds with each other. However, our bond came to a sudden closure. No longer the friend that I had grown up to adore, he became a stranger I didn’t recognize anymore. Years later, I lost all touch with a friend on social networks that I once used to treasure. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the hard work it takes to maintain friendships on a social network as powerfully as “The Social Network”. Following its release in 2010, David Fincher’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest biopic ever made. With the greatest film of his illustrious career, Fincher captured the formation of a famous social network organization. With “The Social Network”, the director took a step out of his comfort zone by making his first commemorated biopic. Fincher successfully used non-linear storytelling to capture introduction of a social network organization that’s awe-inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo throws a temper tantrum confronting Mark about lowering his shares in Facebook remains one of the greatest moments of the biopic genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the larger-than-life personality of Mark Zuckerberg. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” the greatest biography ever made is its message. Unlike most biographies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the introductions of a famous social network organization that changed communication, it’s a fantastic reminder of a great genre that is worthy of celebration.
2. Raging Bull
Rage has impacted my personality. At an early age, I developed habits of bursting into temper tantrums throwing a fit of rage. I remember that my parents complained about how I had a short temper. It isn’t until I grew older that I learned to control my short temper putting an end to violent behaviour. As someone impacted by consequences of rage that was stressful, I loved “Raging Bull”. Released in 1980, Martin Scorsese’s mesmerizing biopic celebrated the legacy of a legendary boxer in American history. With the first biopic of his career, Scorsese showcased his strengths for using techniques to capture characters facing despair. Scorsese has always excelled at using silence in his movies to build tension, and “Raging Bull” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jake LaMotta faces silence before being beaten up in rings is one of the greatest moments of the biopic genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robert De Niro, capturing a real-life boxer facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Raging Bull” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about rage that would resonate with everyone. A remarkable portrait of a real-life boxer with rage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage making timeless movies with a meaningful message.
3. The Pianist
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that has fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a professor with immense knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about the genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a ghetto. He always believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture genocides that tore lives apart. As someone treasuring a teacher that was fascinated with Holocaust figures he loved to list, I adored “The Pianist”. Released in 2002, Roman Polanski’s breathtaking biopic captured the life of a Jewish pianist that survived WWII. With the most personal film of his career, Polanski drew from his personal experiences to celebrate a pianist that overcame warfare. Polanski has always excelled at using point-of-view shots in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Pianist”. For instance, the scene in which Szpilman breaks down in tears after he is separated from his parents is one of the the greatest moments of the biopic genre. Ultimately, what makes “The Pianist” a great biopic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a Jewish pianist miraculously managed to survive ghettos in WWII, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate producing movies audiences value.
4. Oppenheimer
Bombings are intense incidents that shaped my personality. At an early age, my family faced trauma when we experienced bomb blasts causing damage. In 2003, my family endured bomb blasts that caused insomnia in Saudi Arabia. Through a sheer miracle, my family managed to survive the worst disaster imaginable. As someone haunted by frightening bomb blast disasters that changed my life forever, I adored “Oppenheimer”. Released in 2023, Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning biopic captured the life of the renowned bomb inventor Oppenheimer. Nolan is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for using non-linear storytelling to capture lives of characters, and his strengths are evident in “Oppenheimer”. For instance, the scene in which Oppenheimer asks Einstein about the consequences of his creation is one of the best moments of the biopic genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Cillian Murphy, who embodied a bomb inventor that changed history. Ultimately, what makes “Oppenheimer” a great biopic” is universal appeal. Unlike most films in the genre, it strikes a fine balance between entertainment and educational value. 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb with consequences that were tragic, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has built a legacy which is iconic.
5. Gandhi
Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather admiring a political leader with courage. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a grandfather appreciating a political leader in India. He believed Gandhi was an inspirational leader that deserved to be celebrated for feats he achieved. In 1982, Richard Attenborough did an extraordinary job celebrating the political leader that changed Indian history in his movie “Gandhi”. Attenborough has always had an aptitude for telling stories of historical figures, and “Gandhi” showcased his strengths. For instance, the scene in which Gandhi delivers an inspirational speech towards crowds of spectators in a political rally is one of the greatest moments of the biopic genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance from Ben Kingsley, who embodied a legendary political figure. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a commemorated biopic is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about political leaders which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of India to appreciate it. An incredible tribute towards a political leader that changed India, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre filled with unforgettable movies that always attract audiences to the Cinema.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from depicting atrocities committed against slaves in American history. In an industry that has avoided discussing a subject that’s grave, it’s worth praising “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning biopic honoured a real-life slave that faced atrocities. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its bravery. McQueen uses effective techniques to capture slavery on the big-screen. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Chiwetel Ejiofor, who embodied a real-life slave enduring atrocities in history. Centuries after Solomon Northup faced slavery leading his life to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate.
7. A Beautiful Mind
When discussing the greatest mathematicians in American history, it’s worth recognizing John Nash. A brilliant mathematician, Nash gained recognition. His scientific theories are regarded highly today. In 2001, Ron Howard did a brilliant job depicting the life of the mathematician with a beautiful mind in his Oscar-winning biopic “A Beautiful Mind”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” stand out is its depiction of mental illness. Howard captured a mathematician with mental illness. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a mathematician that achieved fame years ago. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has made one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.
8. Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is a powerful president that gave America greater direction. A president with larger-than-life personality, Lincoln guided the country during slavery. With his bold presence, wisdom and strong leadership, Lincoln guided America. In 2012, Steven Spielberg did an excellent job honouring the legacy of Abraham Lincoln in his biopic “Lincoln”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Lincoln” stand out is painstaking attention to detail. Spielberg meticulously recreated the era of the 1800’s through production-design. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is extraordinary in the leading role, Spielberg honoured the legacy of a president that’s legendary. A powerful tribute towards a prestigious American president, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies providing entertainment.
9. Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs is an iconic entrepreneur that has always inspired me. Through his passion, intellect and relentless drive, he introduced the world to technology. Following his death in 2011, Jobs’ ideas inspire individuals to this day. As someone treasuring an entrepreneur that did his jobs effectively, I adored “Steve Jobs”. Released in 2015, Danny Boyle’s biopic celebrated the late Apply founder’s legacy. In contrast to most biopics, what makes “Steve Jobs” stand out is its honesty. Boyle captures both the positive and negative sides towards a historical figure through sharp dialogue. Assisted by an excellent performance from Michael Fassbender, Boyle celebrates an inventor. A spectacular tribute towards an entrepreneur doing his jobs effectively that designed technology, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences love dearly.
10. The Wolf of Wall Street
Jordan Belfort is a stockbroker that fascinated my brother. I remember a brother fascinated with a stockbroker engaging in criminal behaviour. He spoke fondly about a stockbroker that shaped his identity. In 2013, Martin Scorsese honoured the Wall Street stockbroker in his biopic “The Wolf of Wall Street”. Unlike most biopics, what makes “The Wolf of Wall Street” stand out is its bold nature. Scorsese captured the hedonistic lifestyle of a stockbroker. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is excellent in the lead role, Scorsese honours a stockbroker committing crimes years ago. As strong as Jordan Belfort’s desire to succeed on Wall Street, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to treat audiences that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to chase dreams of film criticism I have managed to complete.
The Film Buff 