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. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor that was interested in a mental disorder which was cruel. I remember my teacher was often fascinated with mental disorders that put lives in grave danger. He always sought to educate his students in class about a grim illness causing people to deteriorate. Fascinated with disorders that affected the mind, my teacher was always determined to leave a lasting legacy behind. Few biopics I have ever seen have captured the impact of illness on the mind of a genius as powerfully as “A Beautiful Mind”. Ever since its release in 2001, Ron Howard’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest biopic ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Howard used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the life of a mathematician that faced despair. Howard uses stunning unreliable narration to capture the mind of a genius. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a tense breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Russell Crowe, capturing a genius that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite biopic of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most commemorated movies demonstrating disorders, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about a mathematician with a beautiful mind whose mental health declined, its a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which have left a legacy behind.
2. Gandhi
Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved a leader with courage. I remember my grandfather would always praise a political leader that changed India forever. He believed Gandhi deserved to be celebrated for feats he achieved. In 1982, Richard Attenborough honoured the iconic political figure that changed history in his movie “Gandhi”. Attenborough uses captivating montages capturing an Indian politician that changed the course of history. For instance, the scene in which Gandhi delivers an inspirational speech towards a crowd of spectators during a political rally taking place in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Ben Kingsley, who embodied the iconic Indian politician that changed history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a historical masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian history to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An incredible tribute towards an iconic political leader that changed India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
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 brave Jewish pianist miraculously managed to survive frightening ghettos in WWII, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate making movies audiences value.
4. Raging Bull
Rage has impacted my personality. At an early age, I developed habits of bursting into temper tantrums throwing fits of rage. I remember my parents complained about how I had short temper. In elementary school, I would often beat up kids in ways which were cruel. It isn’t until I grew older that I learned to control my temper putting 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. 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 the ring causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robert De Niro, capturing a real-life commemorated boxer facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Raging Bull” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a commemorated 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 commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage making timeless movies with a meaningful message.
5. 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. However, our bond came to a 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 touch with a friend on social networks that I had grown to treasure. As someone treasuring memories of a friend on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured the formation of the social network organization Facebook. Fincher successfully used non-linear storytelling to capture a social network organization that’s awe-inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo throws a 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” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about friendships which resonates with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the creation of a famous social network organization that changed communication, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that is definitely worthy of celebration.
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. Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill is a commemorated prime minister that guided Britain. During WWII, Churchill became a prime minister that citizens of Britain would value. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic political leader facing his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Darkest Hour” stand out is its makeup. Wright uses captivating makeup to recreate a president that guided his country in ways that are inspiring. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Wright honoured Winston Churchill’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable films about the lives of larger-than-life historical figures which audiences treasure.
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. The King’s Speech
When it comes to the most beloved figures in the royal family, it’s worth discussing King George V. A troubled leader, George V suffered from severe speech impediments affecting his ability to guide the country. In 2010, Tom Hooper honoured the iconic political leader with speech disabilities in his movie “The King’s Speech”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The King’s Speech” stand out is its depiction of speech impediments. Hooper uses captivating montages capturing a royal figure that suffered from speech disabilities that are frightening. Assisted by Colin Firth who is amazing in the lead role, Hooper honoured the king’s legacy. As strong as King George V’s desire to overcome speech disabilities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which are worth celebrating.
10. Oppenheimer
Few biopics ever made about a historical figure are as beloved as “Oppenheimer”. Released in 2023, Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning movie depicted a bomb inventor in history. Nolan used non-linear storytelling capturing an innovator that designed a bomb that’s frightening. Assisted by Cillian Murphy who is superb in the lead role, Nolan honoured an innovator in history. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s ignorance of victims affected by bombs Oppenheimer created has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb with effects which were tragic, its a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies about iconic figures which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to gain dreams of being a film critic.
The Film Buff 