The Best Movies About Mathematicians Ranked

Not many figures in movies have earned appreciation of the mathematician. Since the 1970’s, mathematicians have appeared in movies. Whether’s it’s janitors, inventors or stockbrokers, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about mathematicians that deserve to be celebrated.

1. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed relationships with a psychology professor that was interested in a mental disorder which was cruel. My teacher would always love discussing a mental disorder that was dangerous. I remember my teacher was often fascinated with mental disorders placing lives in grave danger. He always sought to educate his students in class about a grim illness causing people to deteriorate. Few biopics I have ever seen have captured the impact of illness on the mind of a mathematician 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 film ever made about mathematicians. 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 mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite film about mathematicians of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most commemorated movies demonstrating mathematicians, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a genius with a beautiful mind whose mental health declined, its a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies acknowledging mathematicians which have left a long-lasting legacy behind.

2. Good Will Hunting

Therapists are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed relationships with a therapist that delivered an inspiring message. When I was diagnosed with anxiety, I began seeing a psychologist offering therapy. An inspiring role model, he made me believe it was possible to achieve goals I was hunting. Through his motivational wisdom, I was able to overcome challenges posed by the education system. As someone treasuring memories of a therapist I found inspiring, I appreciated “Good Will Hunting”. Released in 1997, Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning movie depicted therapists guiding lives of adolescents in the right direction. Gus Van Sant effectively uses naturalistic dialogue to capture the strong bond with a therapist and genius janitor. or instance, the scene where Will breaks down crying discussing his trauma with his therapist is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Robin Williams, who embodied a therapist seeking to assist a genius with dedication. Ultimately, what makes “Good Will Hunting” a commemorated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the commendable roles therapists play in lives of people which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Will Hunting’s desire to find meaning, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth celebrating.

3. Hidden Figures

NASA is a space program that always fascinated my grandfather. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa liking NASA. My grandfather would always treasure mathematicians that worked for the space program changing the world forever. He grew up to embrace movies that would capture the space race. As someone treasuring a grandfather that adored NASA figures, I appreciated “Hidden Figures”. Released in 2017, Theodore Melfi’s movie captured black mathematicians that contributed towards NASA’s space program. Melfi used captivating montages capturing hardships black women in NASA’s space program were facing. For instance, the scene in which Katharine delivers an emotional monologue about having to run to the bathroom every day causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Taraji P. Henson, who portrayed a renowned black mathematician.  Ultimately, what makes “Hidden Figures” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with NASA’s space program history to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A powerful tribute to black women in NASA’s space race, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which audiences embrace.

4. The Imitation Game

Alan Turing is a legendary mathematician that my mother always found inspiring. Several years ago, I developed bonds with a mother that considered Alan Turing a hero. She would often tell stories about a mathematician that shaped her identity. My mother grew up to value a mathematician that designed machines during WWII making her dreams come true. In 2014, Morten Tyldum honoured the mathematician achieving fame in his movie “The Imitation Game”. Tyldum used captivating non-linear storytelling to capture the life of a legendary mathematician creating a machine that’s groundbreaking. For instance, the scene in which Alan Turing is arrested by the authorities for failing to create an effective machine causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrayed an iconic artist that changed the world forever. Ultimately, what makes “The Imitation Game” a classic historic biopic is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with WWII history to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about the value of achieving one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 80 years after Alan Turing designed a great machine, it’s a bold reminder about an inspiring genre that has made great movies about the lives of inspirational mathematicians that are definitely worth watching on the big-screen.

5. Jurassic Park

Dinosaurs are dangerous creatures causing disaster that always fascinated by grandfather. At an early age, my grandfather was fascinated by dinosaurs causing damage. He grew up to adore dinosaurs with a loud roar. Fascinated with prehistoric history, he would always speak fondly about dinosaurs that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring a grandfather that adored dinosaurs with a bright spark, I loved “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie captured mathematicians that investigate dinosaurs causing tragedy. Spielberg used breathtaking practical effects capturing mathematicians expressing wonder at the sight of dinosaurs that are frightening.  For instance, the scene in which Dr. Malcolm attempts to distract a dinosaur that wreaks havoc with a torch causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jeff Goldblum, who portrayed a mathematician facing a dinosaur problem. Ultimately, what makes “Jurassic Park” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most dinosaur movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a message about discovery which would resonate with everyone. As precious as dinosaurs in the theme park, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has produced movies with a bright spark.

6. The Theory of Everything

Few physicists that created mathematical theories are as inspiring as Stephen Hawking. During the 1940’s, Hawking created groundbreaking mathematical theories. An inspiring mathematician, Hawking built a commemorated legacy that’s lasting. In 2014, James March honoured the inspiring mathematician in his movie “The Theory of Everything”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Theory of Everything” stand out is its depiction of disability. Marsh uses captivating montages capturing hardships a disabled mathematician is facing. Assisted by Eddie Redmayne who is amazing in the lead role, Marsh honoured Stephen Hawking’s enduring legacy. As strong as Stephen Hawking’s love for Jane, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has managed to gain a huge following making movies that entertain.

7. Oppenheimer

When it comes to mathematicians that changed the world forever, it’s worth discussing Oppenheimer. A legendary physicist, Oppenheimer designed a groundbreaking atomic bomb that changed history. In 2023, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic innovator in his movie “Oppenheimer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its depiction of bombings. Nolan used captivating sound design to capture hardships that a mathematical genius designing a bomb was experiencing. Assisted by Cillian Murphy who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan honoured Oppenheimer’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Oppenheimer designed the atomic bomb with consequences which were tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies that have captivated the public.

8. Margin Call

The financial crisis is a disaster that always fascinated my father. At an early age, I bonded with a father that possessed knowledge about a financial crisis causing damage. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that was interested in the economy’s downfall, I loved “Margin Call”. Released in 2011, J.C. Chandor’s movie captured mathematicians that predicted the economic crisis. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Margin Call” stand out is its depiction of finance. Chandor uses captivating montages capturing hardships mathematicians predicting economic crises are facing. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is amazing in the lead role, Chandor captured a crisis that’s frightening. A devastating depiction of the economy’s downfall, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making memorable movies that are easy to recall.

9. Moneyball

Baseball is a fascinating sports game that I was once fond of playing. I recall heartwarming childhood memories of my love for playing the game of baseball. As someone recalling the great game of baseball, I adored “Moneyball”. Released in 2011, Bennett Miller’s movie captured mathematicians predicting the game of baseball. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Moneyball” stand out is its depiction of baseball. Miller uses captivating exposition to capture mathematicians predicting the game of baseball with a resolution. Assisted by Brad Pitt who is amazing in the lead role, Miller honoured a game that’s inspiring. A magnificent tribute towards a magical game, it’s a marvellous reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced great movies about the lives of intelligent mathematicians that have achieved fame.

10. The Big Short

The financial crisis is a tricky subject to depict in movies. Since the 2008 economic downfall, it’s been hard to depict a crisis that’s hard to recall. In 2015, Adam McKay depicted the big crisis in his movie “The Big Short”. McKay used montages to capture mathematicians that forecasted a crisis that’s frightening. Assisted by Christian Bale who is amazing in the lead role, McKay recreated the crisis with detail. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of mathematicians as nerds has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 20 years after the economy faced tragedy, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies about mathematicians which I will forever treasure for motivating me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.