The Best Movies Made About Journalists Ranked

Not many professions have earned the stardom of journalism.  Since the 1970’s, stories of journalists have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s news reporters, famous music writers or troubled screenwriters, the genre has created several 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 journalists that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Spotlight

Journalism is a profession my cousin always regarded with admiration. I remember a cousin having dreams of becoming a celebrated news reporter. He was an enthusiastic journalist dedicated to write bold stories about religious scandals hidden in plain sight. My cousin always believed movies were art that couldn’t honour a commemorated profession that held a precious place in his heart. Through his admiration for journalism, my cousin inspired me to pursue careers in film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the difference journalists can make through stories they write as powerfully as “Spotlight”. Ever since its release in 2015, Tom McCarthy’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about journalism. With the greatest film of his career, McCarthy used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the lives of journalists investigating shocking scandals causing despair. McCarthy has always had an aptitude for making great movies about journalists in danger, and “Spotlight” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. McCarthy uses montages capturing dedicated journalists working together to uncover a scandal that’s shocking. For instance, the scene in which Robby confronts representatives that refuse to accept abuse committed by the Catholic Church causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied a journalist seeking to uncover a scandal of religion. Ultimately, what makes “Spotlight” my favourite film about journalism of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about journalism targeted to an intellectual audience, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of abusing religion which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade after the release of a classic film about journalists shining spotlight on scandals by stories they write, it’s a strong reminder of a great genre that has made bold movies that have fulfilled audiences’ appetite.

2. Nightcrawler

Night crime is a subject matter that always fascinated my grandfather. Years ago, I bonded with a beloved grandfather appreciating watching crimes aired on television. Fascinated with media, my grandpa always appreciated journalists investigating crimes causing trauma. He would always be excited to see heated crimes occurring on television that were unexpected. Through his interest in night crime, my grandfather gave me appreciation for a profession I have grown to value. As someone treasuring a grandfather that loved watching night crimes, I adored “Nightcrawler”. Released in 2014, Dan Gilroy’s offered dark depictions of night crimes aired on television. Gilroy uses captivating montages capturing a sociopathic journalist recording night crimes that are frightening. For instance, the job interview scene in which Lou Bloom interviews a potential candidate in news media is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, who portrayed a journalist investigating frightening crimes. Ultimately, what makes “Nightcrawler” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about news media which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with frightening crimes in America to appreciate it. A portrait of sociopaths whose recording of crimes deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing movies audiences appreciate.

3. Misery

Obsession is a dangerous emotion that can cause journalists 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. 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 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. It delivers a meaningful message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre producing great movies which audiences consider special.

4. The Devil Wears Prada

Bosses are powerful figures that shape employees’ futures. Several years ago, I worked for a cruel manager that mistreated employees causing sorrow. She was a cruel manager that would often treat her employees with ridicule. Despite her strict managerial style, I always admired a manager making my work worthwhile. As someone treasuring memories of a devilish manager with charisma, I adored “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, David Frankel’s movie offered a fantastic portrait of journalists in the fashion industry. Frankel uses gorgeous costumes to capture the lifestyles of journalists working in a renowned fashion firm. For instance, the scene in which Miranda humiliates Andy for wearing a blue shade dress in front of everyone causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre.  At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Meryl Streep, who embodies a devilish fashion manager of a successful company. Ultimately, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the fashion industry that are targeted towards a specific audience, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. As precious as clothes Miranda seeks to design, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless movies which shine.

5. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes journalists 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. Writer’s block has been a barrier that has often made me question my abilities as an author. 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. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing movies which audiences cherish.

6. American Fiction

Stories penned by minorities are rarely recognized by the publishing industry. The publishing profession has built tight barriers against stories black authors write. In an industry mistreating black authors with discrimination, it’s worth praising “American Fiction”. Released in 2023, Cord Jefferson’s movie depicted barriers black authors fight. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “American Fiction” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Jefferson effectively uses satire to capture barriers faced by black authors that are dire. Assisted by Jeffrey Wright who is extraordinary in the leading role, Jefferson created a spectacular satire about race. As precious as stories Monk seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has managed to accomplish impressive feats manufacturing memorable movies that audiences cherish.

7. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. His wisdom inspired me to achieve dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured poetic professors facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dead Poets Society” stand out is its poets. Weir used captivating montages capturing poetic professors that guide students that are inspiring. Assisted by Robin Williams who is extraordinary in the lead role, Weir created a compelling poetry drama.  A heartwarming portrait of the role teachers play motivating students to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

8. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

David Fincher is a fantastic filmmaker that has often made movies about journalists in danger. Fincher has built an image of being a director that thrives at telling stories of journalists which engage. In 2011, Fincher showcase his aptitude to tell stories about journalists in his movie “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Fincher uses captivating montages capturing a female hacker investigating a murder that’s frightening. Assisted by Daniel Craig who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher created a captivating adaptation of a book about journalism. As precious as Lisbeth’s dragon tattoo, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to captivate by making timeless movies which audiences value.

9. The Hours

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

10. The Report

Few films ever made about journalists writing a report are as beloved as “The Report”. Released in 2019, Scott Z. Burns’ movie documented journalists that created the torture report. Burns used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing journalists investigating torture that’s frightening. Assisted by Adam Driver who is amazing in the lead role, Burns created a captivating journalism thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of torture tactics used by the CIA following 9/11 has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. 40 years after the creation of the CIA’s torture report, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies that transport viewers into the lives of journalists which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking that I support.