The Best Movies Made About Hollywood Ranked

Not many genres have stood the test of time like Hollywood. Stories about the film industry have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s western actors, aspiring filmmakers or 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 the film industry that deserve to be celebrated.

1. La La Land

L.A. is a beautiful city my father always loved dearly. During my childhood, I bonded with a father that once acknowledged Hollywood. He would always marvel at the way in which great actors prepared for big roles in L.A. He would love to discuss a great city which had offered entertainment that left him in a state of astonishment. My father often believed that movies were an art form that could never capture the beauty of a city that held a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the beauty of Hollywood as a magical land of dreams as powerfully as “La La Land”. Ever since its release in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about Hollywood. With the greatest film of his career, Chazelle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture beauty of a city where dreams appear. Chazelle has always had an aptitude for making compelling movies about Los Angeles, and “La La Land” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Chazelle effectively uses musical montages to capture lovers pursuing dreams in Los Angeles. For instance, the scene in which Mia sings about her dreams to become an actress in an audition inspired by her grandma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of great turns from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who portray a pair of strong artists chasing dreams in L.A. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” my favourite film about Hollywood of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the film industry, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly a decade following the release of a musical demonstrating lovers dancing on a lovely night in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that manufactured unforgettable movies which deserve to definitely be celebrated immensely today.

2. Adaptation

Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block impacted by ability to write effectively. I have often faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with great ideas as a writer. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I appreciated “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie captured hardships that screenwriters in Hollywood with writer’s block go through. Jonze effectively used voice-over narration to capture the troubled mind of a screenwriter with writer’s block facing frustration. For instance, the scene in which Charlie stares at his typewriter struggling to put a word on the page causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Nicolas Cage, who embodied a screenwriter in Hollywood facing emotional damage. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a great Hollywood movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the writing process which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of writer’s block causing screenwriters in Hollywood to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences appreciate.

3. Birdman

Broadway actors have figures that fascinate my mother today. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a mother admiring actors performing on stage. Fascinated with Broadway, she would marvel at the meticulous way in which theatre actors created a stage play. As someone treasuring a mother 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 used unreliable narration to capture a mentally disturbed theatre actor with multiple personality disorder.  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 to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of mental health struggles experienced by actors seeking success on stage, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage making movies that always deliver a meaningful message.

4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Quentin Tarantino is a legendary filmmaker that inspired my teacher years ago. I remember my teacher was once a huge fan of a famous filmmaker making movies about the film industry in danger. He would always love having a discussion about a filmmaker making timeless pulp fiction. Tarantino has often made engaging movies about Hollywood, and his strengths as a filmmaker are clearly evident in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Released in 2019, Quentin Tarantino’s movie offered a captivating tribute to the film industry of the 1960’s. With the most personal film of his career, Tarantino created a passionate love letter to the city that he grew up in. Tarantino effectively uses montages to capture actors bonding in Hollywood during the 1960’s. For instance, the scene in which Rick has a breakdown before filming a scene causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrayed a legendary western actor. Ultimately, what makes “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” a masterpiece is appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A touching tribute towards an era once upon a time in in Hollywood, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has stood the test of time making memorable movies that are always good.

5. The Player

Hollywood producers are figures that always fascinated my grandfather. During my childhood, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that adored Hollywood. He would always marvel in astonishment at Hollywood producers that made engaging entertainment. As someone cherishing fond memories of a grandfather that would treasure Hollywood producers, I admired “The Player”. Released in 1992, Robert Altman’s movie captured the lives of Hollywood producers seeking prosperity. Altman used captivating montages capturing the life of a Hollywood executive receiving death threats that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Griffin becomes aware that he has been sent death threats causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Tim Robbins, who embodied a Hollywood producer under intense pressure. Ultimately, what makes “The Player” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood, it tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about scandals which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Griffin’s desire to become a world-famous Hollywood producer, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about the industry which audiences always treasure.

6. Tropic Thunder

Comedy is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in movies about the film industry. Movies have often captured the lives of precious Hollywood actors from a perspective that’s serious. In a genre that lacks a sense of humour, it’s worth praising “Tropic Thunder”. Released in 2008, Ben Stiller’s movie offered a satirical portrait of the film industry. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Tropic Thunder” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Stiller used captivating satire to capture the obstacles faced by Hollywood producers people admire. Assisted by Robert Downey Jr. who is amazing in the lead role, Stiller created a captivating satire about the film industry. As strong as Tugg Speedman’s love for performing, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured engaging movies which are definitely worth celebrating.

7. The Substance

Aging affects the lives of actresses living in Hollywood. Actresses are often under intense pressure to achieve the perfect body image in an industry where the odds are stacked against their favour. The struggles faced by actresses seeking to change their appearance is beautifully depicted in the movie “The Substance”. Released in 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s Oscar-winning movie captured aging actresses in the film industry. 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 a humongous audience.

8. My Week With Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe is a legendary movie-star that achieved fame in Hollywood years ago. With her attractive looks, charming personality and strong demeanour, Monroe gained a following in the 1950’s. In 2011, Simon Curtis honoured the iconic actress in his movie “My Week With Marilyn”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” stand out is its outsider perspective. Curtis effectively uses various perspectives of actors Marilyn worked with in the film industry to create a powerful portrait of the iconic actress. Assisted by Michelle Williams who is magnificent in the lead role, Curtis honoured a legendary movie-star’s legacy. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured great movies giving audiences huge dreams to always follow.

9. Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that I’ve always loved dearly. A timeless icon in Hollywood, Hitchcock made memorable movies that shaped my childhood. I have always had immense respect for the Master of Suspense. In 2012, Sacha Gervasi honoured the legendary filmmaker in his movie “Hitchcock”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hitchcock” stand out is its strong makeup. Gervasi uses stunning makeup to capture the larger-than-life presence of Alfred Hitchcock. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gervasi honoured a legendary filmmaker in Hollywood history. A terrific tribute towards a world-famous filmmaker that was psychotic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies that have always captivated the general public.

10. Argo

Few movies ever made about Hollywood years ago are as beloved as “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie captured a real-life scandal in the film industry. Affleck used captivating montages capturing hardships Hollywood producers seeking to evacuate hostages in Iran were facing. Assisted by John Goodman who is superb in the lead role, Affleck created a portrait of the industry. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of producers making a fake movie has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. Nearly 40 years after a CIA Agent sought to rescue civilians held hostage in an Iranian city, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies about Hollywood which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.