Ever since Bohemian Rhapsody came out, biopics have been thrust to the forefront of the public’s interest. Instead of reading a dozen articles or watching a YouTube video, films like these can educate the viewer on the life of a prolific singer, activist, or public figure in an entertaining and dramatized way. Of course, they’re never 100% accurate, but they provide information in a neat and cohesive way that can often spawn further interest in the subject. Alright, enough rambling. Here are nine awesome biopics you should watch right away!
Trigger Warning: Some of these films contain heavy subjects such as racism, genocide, and drug use. Please exercise caution, as this article includes a synopsis of each film.
Respect – Aretha Franklin
This film chronicles the life of the legendary Aretha Franklin, detailing the highs and lows of being a famous Black artist. Respect discusses her childhood, the loss of her mother, her abusive marriage, her struggles with racism, and ultimately her success as one of the most prolific singers of all time. Although viewers believe the plot dragged a bit, causing the film itself to fall flat, they also agree that Jennifer Hudson’s outstanding performance outshone most negative aspects of Respect.
Amadeus – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Amadeus recalls Mozart’s life through the eyes of fellow composer Antonio Salieri. Salieri—who was devoutly religious — was incredibly jealous of Mozart’s talent and fame. He steadfastly believed that Mozart’s vulgarity and immoderation made him undeserving of the gift God had bestowed upon him. Amadeus won the award for best picture in 1985, and while it’s almost three hours long, it’s a fascinating watch.
Malcolm X – Malcolm X
This biopic is more traditional than Amadeus but takes on a heavier topic. It chronicles the life and death of the Black Nationalist leader Malcolm X as he struggled with homelessness, racism, and finding religion on his path for justice. It’s an exceedingly insightful look into one of the most influential and intellectual people of our time.
The Pianist – Wladyslaw Szpilman
Based on an extraordinary novel, this tearjerker film focuses on the life and hardships of an acclaimed Polish-Jewish musician during World War II. When Wladyslaw witnesses his home in Warsaw gradually being destroyed around him and his family taken away, he must hide among the rubble of the once-thriving city to survive. It’s a heartbreaking and haunting movie that will stay with you for a long time.
Hotel Rwanda – Paul Rusesabagina
Hotel Rwanda is one of the most influential films about the Rwandan genocide. At the time, Rwanda was deeply divided between the Hutus and the Tutsis, resulting from compulsory ethnic identity cards imposed under Belgian rule as well as a “Hutu Manifesto” denouncing the Tutsis’ role in government. Hotel Rwanda describes the sudden violence perpetrated by the Hutus and Paul Rusesabagina’s incredibly heroic effort to hide Tutsi refugees in his hotel.
Into the Wild – Christopher McCandless
Based on a book about Christopher McCandless, Into the Wild conveys the puzzling story of a man who graduated at the top of his class and then immediately disappeared to the Alaskan wilderness. McCandless had just graduated from Emory University when he gave away every penny he had to “rough it” in the wild. The film chronicles his journey and the stories told by people he met along the way. Did anyone else read this book for high school? It was insane.
Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
Walk the Line tells the story of Johnny Cash and his relationship with music, drugs, and women. It follows him through his journey with addiction and recovery as he rises to fame and falls in love with June Carter, his second wife. This movie actually earned Reese Witherspoon her first Oscar for her performance of Carter.
A Hidden Life – Franz Jägerstätter
Sorry folks, but this is another one you’ll probably cry at. This film is about the Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in WWII. He was threatened with execution, but he never wavered because of the wife and family he was utterly devoted to. It’s heartbreaking yet inspiring to watch Jägerstätter stand up for what he believes in, only for each and every one of his friends and neighbors to turn against him. You can also read about the story in the novel Franz Jägerstätter: Letters and Writings from Prison.
Rocketman – Elton John
Ending on a fun note, let’s talk about Rocketman! This movie is a fantastical biopic detailing Elton John’s rise from student at the Royal Academy of Music to international stardom. It’s a big, bold, and bright musical that somehow still gives importance to heavier subjects that occasionally cast a shadow over Elton John’s sequined and sparkly life.
Every time I watch a biopic like this, I learn a ton of facts about the films’ subjects that I had no idea about before. They’re always worth watching; even if you think you know everything about Malcolm X or Mozart, these movies will still find a way to surprise and entertain you.
Want to learn about another prolific figure I didn’t get to cover here? Read our article about James Baldwin!
For some fascinating non-fiction titles, check out our bookshelf.
