My Favourite Films About Fame of All-Time

Not many genres have earned acclaim of fame.  Since the 1990’s, stories of celebrities achieving fame have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s psychotic actors, shallow singers or famous film producers, the genre has produced several strong 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 stardom which deserve to be celebrated.

1. A Star is Born

Drug addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. Several years ago, I formed friendships with a kid in high school that suffered from severe drug addiction that caused sorrow. He always had dreams of becoming a famous musician. However, his dreams of fame were forever shattered by grim alcoholism. Our friendship ended when I decided that I couldn’t longer bear witnessing him getting wasted. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how drug addiction can prevent stars from being born as powerfully as “A Star is Born”. Ever since its release in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about fame. With the greatest film of his career, Cooper used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an alcoholic musician facing despair. Cooper has always had an aptitude for making great movies about fame putting people in danger, and “A Star is Born” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jackson Maine invites Ally on stage to perform “Shallow” for the first time attracting media attention is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Lady Gaga, who embodied an actress seeking stardom with charisma. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” my favourite film about fame of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about fame, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade after the release of a great musical about stars suffering from alcohol addiction that’s far from shallow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about fame giving audiences dreams to follow.

2. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful problem that can prevent writers from achieving fame. 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 publishing fame. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships isolated screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter struggling to have social interactions. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating being unable to communicate with a 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 portrays a lonely screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about screenwriters, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about the writing process which resonates with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making memorable movies which audiences cherish.

3. Birdman

Broadway actors have figures that fascinate my father today. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father admiring actors performing on stage. Fascinated with Broadway, he would marvel at the meticulous way in which theatre actors created a stage play. As someone treasuring a father that adored Broadway performers with a plan, I admired “Birdman”. Released in 2015, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu’s Oscar-winning movie captured mentally unstable theatre performers. Inarritu effectively uses unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mentally disturbed theatre actor facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Riggan faces a breakdown arguing with his alter-ego in his apartment causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied an actor facing self-destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Birdman” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Broadway theatre to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about mental illness which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of mental health struggles faced by actors seeking success on stage, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage by manufacturing unforgettable movies that deliver a message.

4. La La Land

Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was a girl my entire school would admire. However, immigration became a big barrier bringing our bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated, I was forced to end relationships with a girl I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured sacrifices of achieving fame dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Released in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s musical captured actors seeking fame in Los Angeles. Chazelle used musical numbers to capture lovers whose romance is threatened by stardom in their respective careers. For instance, the scene in which Mia sings about her dreams to become an actress in an audition is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of phenomenal performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who portray a pair of artists in L.A. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a musical masterpiece is its message. It delivers a profound message about the sacrifices involved in achieving fame which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about consequences of fame which are worth celebrating today.

5. My Week With Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe is a legendary movie-star that inspired my mother years ago. I remember my mother was once a huge fan of the legendary actress she would treasure. Drawn towards Hollywood’s Golden Age, she would love discussing an iconic actress with abilities to engage. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that adored Marilyn Monroe, I appreciated “My Week With Marilyn”. Released in 2011, Simon Curtis’ movie celebrated the legendary movie-star’s legacy. Curtis used captivating production-design to recreate the life of a legendary movie-star that faced a decline. For instance, the scene in which Marilyn questions whether she is loved by her husband causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Michelle Williams, who honoured an iconic movie-star in history. Ultimately, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” a great movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Marilyn Monroe to appreciate it. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies about the consequences of achieving fame giving audiences dreams to follow.

6. The Substance

Body image impacts the lives of women. At an early age, I formed bonds with a girl that was deeply concerned about her body image. She desired to use a substance that could transform her into a younger version of herself. As someone haunted by a girl that yearned for drugs to change her appearance, I adored “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s movie captured the impact of body image on actresses. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Substance” stand out is its depiction of addiction. Fargeat uses captivating montages capturing hardships an actress is facing. Assisted by Demi Moore who is extraordinary, Fargeat created a compelling drama. A bold portrait of actresses that lack confidence using a substance, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made movies earning an audience.

7. Slumdog Millionaire

Fame is often hard for orphans to find in India. India has built an image of being a country where it’s hard for impoverished orphans to achieve prosperity. The heavy burden faced by orphans that experience despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie depicted the lives of orphans in India.Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating real-life locations in India to capture a country where orphans face adversity. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of trauma. A profound portrait of trauma faced by orphans in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.

8. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Few filmmakers that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Quentin Tarantino. With their compelling characters, sharp dialogue and strong acting, Tarantino’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2019, Tarantino made a memorable movie about stars seeking success in Hollywood in his movie “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” stand out is its depiction of the 1960’s. Tarantino uses gorgeous production-design to recreate the era of the 1960’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Tarantino honoured actors that achieved fame years ago. A touching tribute towards an era once upon a time in in Hollywood, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has stood the test of time making memorable movies that are good.

9. The Great Gatsby

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about fame that have built a lasting legacy, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture a millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A breathtaking adaptation of a famous book about commemorated millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a one-of-a-kind genre that has manufactured movies which audiences consider precious.

10. Almost Famous

Few movies ever made about rock bands that are famous are as beloved as “Almost Famous”. Released in 2000, Cameron Crowe’s movie depicted a teen journalist joining a rock band that’s famous. Crowe used captivating montages capturing hardships a teen journalist in a rock band is facing. Assisted by Patrick Fugit who is extraordinary in the lead role, Crowe created a compelling coming-of-age movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a teen treated poorly by a rock band achieving fame has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as William’s love for rock music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making iconic movies about tragic consequences of fame which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish dreams of becoming a film critic.