The Best Movies Made About Authors Ranked

Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like authors. Since the 1970’s, authors writing stories have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, screenwriters or miserable authors, the genre has created several compelling characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about authors that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Shining

Isolation has impacted my identity. Several years ago, isolation affected my abilities to write movie reviews causing sorrow. When I was diagnosed with COVID during the pandemic, I was forced to isolate myself in rooms taking measures which were catastrophic. Unable to step outside for a walk in the fresh air, I struggled to write film reviews about which I had grown up to care. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how frightening isolation can affect the mental health of authors as powerfully as “The Shining”. Ever since its release in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about authors. With the most frightening film of his career, Kubrick did an extraordinary job of adapting Stephen King’s beloved book about isolated authors that face despair. Kubrick has an aptitude for using foreshadowing in his movies to build tension, and his strengths shine through in “The Shining”. Kubrick effectively used foreshadowing to capture a writer facing isolation in a hotel that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Jack tells off his wife to leave him alone when she distracts him from writing causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jack Nicholson, who embodies a grim author. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” my favourite film about authors of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of isolation which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a groundbreaking horror film about authors facing hotels that are frightening, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies honouring the art of writing which are worth celebrating.

2. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that can prevent authors from achieving success. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with original ideas as a writer. Writer’s block is a severe problem that has often affected my abilities to achieve stardom. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I appreciated “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie captured hardships screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter affected by writer’s block that causes depression. For instance, the scene in which Charlie stares at his typewriter struggling to put a word on the page causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Nicolas Cage, who embodies a regretful screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about writing which resonates with everyone. A powerful portrait of writer’s block causing screenwriters to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences appreciate.

3. Little Women

Rejection is a common obstacle that every writer faces causing frustration. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a cyberbully that harassed me online. He would insult me by criticizing my writing in ways that were demeaning. I felt humiliated being insulted by a bully that criticized my writing leaving me emotionally affected. As someone that has witnessed rejection as a writer causing frustration, I adored “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Greta Gerwig’s movie honoured a beloved book about feminist authors. Gerwig effectively used emotional monologues to capture a female author impacted by rejection causing depression. For instance, the scene in which Jo has a nervous breakdown after her book is burned by Amy destroying her writing causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodies a female author facing rejection. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. Centuries following the publication of a book about women with a writing passion, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which deserve celebration.

4. Misery

Obsession is a dangerous emotion that can cause authors to face frustration. Several years ago, I formed friendships with a teen girl that adored J.K. Rowling. I remember she was fascinated with an author whom she could talk about forever. Her dream was to one day meet an author that she had grown up to treasure. However, her dreams never materialized into reality causing her to face misery. As someone that witnessed an obsessed girl face misery, I appreciated “Misery”. Released in 1990, Rob Reiner’s movie captured obsessive authors. Reiner used captivating emotional monologues capturing a fan stalking an author causing misery. For instance, the scene in which Annie throws a temper tantrum getting upset with Paul when she becomes aware he has killed off a great character causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Kathy Bates, who portrayed a woman stalking a famous author. Ultimately, what makes “Misery” a classic is appeal. Unlike most Stephen King films, it tackles themes that everyone can relate to. It delivers a bold message about writer’s block which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre producing great movies which audiences consider special.

5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This anxiety began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Anxiety became a barrier that impacted my abilities to become a successful writer. As someone that has often faced anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about writers. Chbosky uses stunning montages to capture the lives of teenagers with severe mental health issues. For instance, the scene in which Charlie faces a breakdown causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Logan Lerman, capturing a thought-provoking teenager. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite focusing on teenagers during the 1990’s, its themes remain relevant today. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to become an author, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about the hardships of writers which audiences treasure.

6. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming strong bonds with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured lives of teachers seeking to become authors. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dead Poets Society” stand out is its depiction of teachers. Weir uses captivating montages capturing inspiring teachers that motivate students to become authors. At the centre of it all is Robin Williams, who reminds us why he was a great actor before he tragically passed away. A bold portrait of the role teachers play motivating students to seize the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making astonishing movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

7. The Hours

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about authors, it’s worth discussing The Hours. Since its publication in 1998, Michael Cunningham’s book has become a literary classic that audiences appreciate. In 2002, Stephen Daldry celebrated the book about women writing over many hours in his movie “The Hours”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hours” stand out is its sensitive depiction of mental health. Daldry uses clever non-linear storytelling to capture hardships three female writers are facing. Assisted by Meryl Streep who is exceptional in the lead role, Daldry honours literature that’s lasting. A spectacular adaptation of a celebrated book about writers committing suicide, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which have always left audiences satisfied.

8. The Help

Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I bonded with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. As someone treasuring memories of a housemaid that gave my family help, I adored “The Help”. Released in 2012, Tate Taylor’s movie depicted authors penning stories about housekeepers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Help” stand out is its depiction of the segregation era. Taylor uses stunning production-design to capture an era where black housekeepers faced a decline. Assisted by Emma Stone who is superb in the lead role, Taylor honoured a book about racism that’s well-known. A bold adaptation of a book about housemaids that face racism, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured timeless movies offering wisdom about authors achieving stardom.

9. Moulin Rouge!

The Moulin Rouge is a famous French nightclub that impressed my father.  I recall with nostalgia fond memories of a father that appreciated old nightclubs in Paris. Fond of Paris, he would always praise a famous French nightclub that he considered precious. In 2001, Baz Luhrmann honoured the iconic nightclub in his movie “Moulin Rouge!”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moulin Rouge!” stand out is its depiction of poets. Luhrmann stages marvellous musical numbers capturing frightening hardships poets in love are facing. Assisted by Ewan McGregor who is extraordinary in the lead role, Luhrmann created a captivating musical about authors. As strong as Christian’s love for Satine, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies about the lives of authors which demand to be seen on the big-screen.

10. Mank

Few screenwriters in cinematic history are as beloved as Herman J. Mankiewicz. During the 1940’s, Mank managed to gain praise when he made the film “Citizen Kane”. In 2019, David Fincher honoured Mank in his movie “Mank”. Fincher uses black-and-white visuals to capture an artist that loved to write. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is superb in the lead role, Fincher honoured Mankiewicz’s legacy. Although I’m a fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s exaggerated depiction of an author with alcoholism has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As precious as the script for “Citizen Kane”, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about pain faced by authors which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that keeps me sane.