The Best Movies About Genius Minds Ranked

Few genres are as precious as the genius. Since the 1970’s, stories of geniuses have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s gifted mathematicians, intelligent janitors or bomb inventors, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the humungous number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about geniuses that deserve to be celebrated.

1. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a dark disorder that fascinated my teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a great teacher that was fascinated with Schizophrenia. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a grim disorder that was cruel. He often sought to educate students about illness causing minds of people to deteriorate. Fascinated with a grim disorder affecting the mind, my teacher was determined to leave a lasting legacy behind. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how mental disorders can impact the mind of geniuses 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 genius minds. With the greatest film of his career, Howard used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the turmoil of a real-life mathematician that faced despair. Howard has always had an aptitude for making great movies about the lives of geniuses with an intelligent nature, and “A Beautiful Mind” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which John Nash experiences a nervous breakdown when he realizes that his roommate Charles Herman is a figment of his imagination causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Russell Crowe, who embodies a mathematician that faced sorrow years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite film about geniuses of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s commemorated theories to appreciate it. The film delivers a profound message about mental illness which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about a brilliant mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a one-of-a-kind genre that has manufactured commemorated movies about intelligent geniuses leaving a legacy behind. 

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 genius screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze effectively used voice-over narration to capture the troubled mind of a genius 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about screenwriters, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 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 commonly appreciate.

3. Dead Poets Society

Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I grew up to cherish a teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. A professor with a larger-than-life presence, he always offered students valuable guidance. His wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my personality, I loved “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie captured the impact of genius teachers on boarding schools. Weir uses montages to capture the impact of genius teachers on boarding schools. For instance, the final scene in which John Keating bids emotional farewell to his students standing on top of chairs in salute is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who reminds us of how great an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about teachers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about seizing the day that would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of roles genius professors play inspiring students to seize the day, it’s a profound reminder of a genre that has made memorable films which deserve to be celebrated definitely today.

4. Good Will Hunting

Therapists are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond 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. As someone treasuring fond 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 ives 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 unquestionably celebrating.

5. The Social Network

Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise genius founders of a company that changed his outlook. He would often yearn to see the genius founders of Facebook depicted in Cinema.  In 2010, David Fincher celebrated the genius entrepreneurs that formed the social network in his movie “The Social Network”. Fincher used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the genius entrepreneurs that formed a company which revolutionized social networking. For instance, the scene in which Mark is accused by the twins of stealing their idea for Facebook causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the ambitious founder of a social network. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute to a company that changed social media, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre manufacturing commemorated movies commonly attracting audiences towards Cinema.

6. The Theory of Everything

Stephen Hawking is a genius physicist that built a legacy that’s lasting. An inspiring historical figure, Hawking overcame disabilities to create groundbreaking theories. In 2014, John Marsh honoured the genius physicist in his movie “The Theory of Everything”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Theory of Everything” stand out is depiction of disability. Marsh uses captivating montages capturing a nerdy physicist that overcame frightening disabilities to create theories that are groundbreaking. Assisted by Eddie Redmayne who is extraordinary in the lead role, Marsh honoured Stephen Hawking’s legacy. A powerful tribute towards a physicist that changed the world forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies about icons that audiences commonly treasure.

7. Matilda

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about genius children facing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing Matilda. Since its publication in 1988, Roald Dahl’s book has become a literary classic. With its compelling story, colourful characters and strong themes, the book earned a huge following. In 1996, Danny DeVito honoured the book about orphans facing trauma in his movie “Matilda”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Matilda” stand out is its depiction of gifted orphans. DeVito uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the struggles faced by an orphan girl with genius abilities. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is amazing in the lead role, DeVito created a compelling orphan drama. As strong as Matilda’s love for Miss Honey, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that audiences love dearly.

8. Hidden Figures

Geniuses have often contributed towards space missions in NASA. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become legendary figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. What makes “Hidden Figures” stand out in the space genre is its empowering depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Accompanied by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards Africa-American women that participated in the space race, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless movies about the lives of geniuses which audiences commonly embrace.

9. Bright Star

Poets are geniuses that my grandfather always loved dearly. I remember my grandfather once had dreams of becoming a famous Pakistani author. As someone treasuring a grandfather that sought to become a poetry star, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2008, Jane Campion’s movie depicted legends in poetry. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Bright Star” stand out is its depiction of poets. Campion uses captivating montages capturing hardships that genius commemorated poets facing terminal illness are experiencing. Assisted by Ben Whishaw who is amazing in the lead role, Campion created a powerful poetry drama.  As precious as stories that John Keats seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies about the lives of intelligent geniuses which audiences cherish.

10. The Accountant

Few movies ever made about geniuses that face mental impairment are as beloved as “The Accountant”. Released in 2016, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted an accountant with Autism. O’Connor used captivating montages capturing hardships that an Autistic accountant is facing. Assisted by Ben Affleck who is brilliant in the lead role, O’Connor created a bold thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of genius accountants that use intellect to commit criminal activities has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Christian’s desire to overcome his Autism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies offering valuable wisdom about great geniuses that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.