My Favourite Films About Poets of All-Time

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as poetry. Since the 1990’s, movies about writers have earned a huge audience. Whether its shining authors, little women publishers or wallflower teenagers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the immense number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about writers that deserve to be celebrated.

1. 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. I grew up to cherish a great English teacher that made me believe that there was nothing in the world that I couldn’t accomplish. A bold movie-buff, he became a person in whom I could easily confide when my grim life became tough. His inspirational words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism.  Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big roles that poetic teachers play shaping students’ identity as powerfully as “Dead Poets Society”. Ever since its release in 1989, Peter Weir’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about poets. With the greatest film of his career, Weir used innovative cinematic techniques to capture poetic professors about whom students care. Weir has always had an aptitude for creating emotional monologues in his movies, and “Dead Poets Society” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell towards his students standing atop chairs in a classroom with nostalgia is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. As John Keating, Williams created one of the most inspiring poets in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” my favourite film about poetry all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about the importance of seizing the day which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about poetic teachers that play a pivotal role in the lives of students inspired to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great films about poets which deserve to be celebrated today.

2. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes poets to face stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t spring to a writer’s mind. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with original ideas as a writer. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships that anxious screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter with anxiety struggling to create stories. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely unable to communicate with a pretty publisher causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrayed an anxious writer. 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 the writing process which would resonate with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing great movies which audiences cherish.

3. Bright Star

Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet in English history. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of a legendary poet with a lifelong love for writing. For instance, the scene in which John Keats first meets Fanny beginning their lifelong romantic affair in a bygone era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a poet inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a poet that readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies which audiences appreciate.

4. Little Women

Criticism 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 writers. Gerwig effectively used emotional monologues to capture a female writer 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 writer facing rejection. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a beloved book about women with a writing passion, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which deserve celebration.

5. Misery

Obsession is a dangerous emotion that can cause authors to face frustration. Several years ago, I formed friendships with a teen girl appreciating J.K. Rowling. I remember she was fascinated with an author whom she could talk about forever. Her dream was to someday meet an author that she had grown up to treasure. 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 a great role 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. A powerful portrait of authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre producing great movies which audiences consider special.

6. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Few authors in English literature that wrote poetry are as beloved as Charles Dickens. During the 1800’s, Dickens was a legendary poet that penned timeless stories. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the legendary poet in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” stand out is its satire. Iannucci effectively uses satire to honour a legendary poet that created stories readers admire. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Iannucci honoured Charles Dickens’ legendary legacy.  A spectacular tribute towards a legendary English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about inspiring poets that audiences treasure.

7. 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 doomed love. Luhrmann stages marvellous musical numbers capturing hardships poets in doomed love affairs 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 poets which demand to be seen on the big-screen.

8. Mank

Herman J. Mankiewicz is a legendary poet that built a lasting legacy. During the 1940’s, Mank managed to gain praise when he wrote the script for the film “Citizen Kane”. An awe-inspiring poet, Mank penned scripts that are captivating. In 2019, David Fincher honoured the iconic screenwriter in his movie “Mank”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mank” stand out is its depiction of Hollywood. Fincher uses black-and-white visuals to capture a legendary screenwriter in Hollywood that loved to write. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is amazing in the lead role, Fincher honoured Mank’s commemorated legacy. As precious as the script for “Citizen Kane”, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has managed to gain a huge fan following by making great movies about the lives of legendary poets which entertain.

8. The Hours

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about poets, 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.

9. American Fiction

Few films ever made about poets that publish fiction are as beloved as “American Fiction”. Released in 2023, Cord Jefferson’s Oscar-winning movie captured the life of a black writer. Jefferson used captivating montages capturing hardships that an African-American author is facing. Assisted by Jeffrey Wright who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jefferson honoured black authors in the publishing industry. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of black authors treated poorly in the publishing industry has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Monk’s desire to overcome racism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies about poets with wisdom which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my dreams of film criticism.