38 Essential Biography Films

In 1976, Paul McCartney visits John Lennon at The Dakota. Paul is at the height of his career with his band, Wings, achieving a #1 hit. John has stepped away from the spotlight to focus on raising his son, Sean.…

The film chronicles the life of a director widely considered the "worst of all time." He consistently made low-budget movies with a group of unusual friends, but never achieved mainstream success. The story follows his strange journey through filmmaking, touching…

This film explores J.K. Rowling's journey from a creative child and self-conscious adolescent, through the grief of losing her mother, to the inspiration and development of the Harry Potter book series.

This is the story of how Kevin Smith financed his initial $27,000 movie by using only credit cards, and achieved critical acclaim at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival with the release of *Clerks*.

A New York stockbroker becomes a key witness in a major securities fraud case, exposing widespread corruption within Wall Street, corporate banking, and organized crime. Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort.

This film tells the true story of Alan Turing, a brilliant cryptanalyst, and his team at Bletchley Park. During World War II, they raced against time to break the enemy's codes.

This film chronicles the days following President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, focusing on the experiences of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. It depicts her life in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

This 2005 documentary follows the life of Daniel Johnston, a singer, songwriter, and artist who lived with manic depression. It explores his life from childhood to the present, focusing on how his mental illness shaped his work, often expressing itself…

In 2003, Harvard student and computer programmer Mark Zuckerberg develops an idea that evolves into Facebook, the world's largest social network. By 2009, Zuckerberg has become one of the youngest billionaires, but his rapid success brings unexpected challenges. He faces…

In the United States before the Civil War, Solomon Northup, a free Black man from New York, is kidnapped and forced into slavery. He endures cruelty and kindness while fighting to survive and maintain his self-respect. During his twelfth year…

Actor Jason Mewes and filmmaker Kevin Smith embark on a search for a rare Star Wars collectible. The hunt serves as a distraction for Jason as he deals with withdrawal from drugs.

Alexander, King of Macedonia, commands his army in a campaign against the vast Persian Empire. Following victory over the Persians, he leads his forces on a journey across the known world, pushing eastward into India further than any Westerner had…

This film chronicles the formative years of The Beatles, starting with their struggles as unknown musicians in Liverpool's Penny Lane and culminating in their breakthrough performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

This is the true story of Vinny Pazienza, a world champion boxer who faced the ultimate challenge when a serious car accident left him uncertain if he would ever walk again. He then embarked on one of sports' most remarkable…

Janis Joplin was a highly respected and iconic rock singer, a figure often seen as tragic and misunderstood. She captivated millions with her music and pushed creative boundaries before dying in 1970 at the age of 27. Director Amy Berg…

In 2009, Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari was reporting on Iran's tense elections for Newsweek. As one of the few reporters with access to American media, he appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in a taped interview with comedian…

During the Great Depression, bank robber John Dillinger gains popularity with many Americans struggling through hard times. However, he also becomes a major problem for J. Edgar Hoover and the new FBI. Determined to capture Dillinger, Hoover declares him Public…

The film features six actors, each embodying a different version of music icon Bob Dylan throughout his life. Through scenes spanning his career, the movie chronicles Dylan's journey from an unknown folk singer to a global phenomenon, highlighting his consistent…

This film chronicles the emergence of Charles Manson and his followers, who committed a string of notorious murders in the late 1960s. Manson, a charismatic and enigmatic figure, draws troubled single mother Linda Kasabian to his group of outcasts on…

Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee, provides journalists with access to a massive collection of classified government documents.

This biographical drama tells the story of Frances Farmer, a gifted actress who quickly rose to fame in Hollywood, only to have her promising career derailed by a series of unfortunate events. The film follows her journey from early critical…

Four friends, recently grieving a loss at Kent State, graduate from college and enter adulthood in the changing 1970s. Dexter, Eileen, Byron, and Christie soon discover their lives are diverging. They become involved with the Black Panthers, the feminist movement,…

"Notorious" tells the story of Christopher Wallace. With remarkable talent and unwavering determination, Wallace evolves from a Brooklyn street hustler – who once sold crack to pregnant women – into one of the greatest rappers ever: The Notorious B.I.G. The…

In January 1978, the Sex Pistols, after successful shows in England, tour the southern United States. As tensions rise within the band, Sid Vicious’ unpredictable behavior becomes a problem for his bandmates. They urge him to tour without his girlfriend,…

This is the true story of Gertrude Baniszewski, a suburban housewife in Indiana during the 1960s, who confined a teenage girl to the basement of her house.

This film is loosely inspired by the story of Ron Woodroof, a man known for his risky lifestyle. In 1986, he received an HIV/AIDS diagnosis with a prognosis of only thirty days to live.

In the 1980s, Miami, a city undergoing significant racial and cultural change, mirrored national tensions with its own struggles. The University of Miami football team became a focal point of this evolution when coach Howard Schnellenberger recruited primarily Black players…

In 2002, cable news producer Kim Barker takes a risky assignment in Kabul, Afghanistan, disrupting her predictable American life. Thrust into a chaotic war zone, Barker finds unexpected support in Tanya Vanderpoel, a seasoned journalist who guides her. Navigating the…

This film takes us to early 1960s Hamburg, following the beginnings of The Beatles. It focuses on the relationships between Stuart Sutcliffe, John Lennon, and Astrid Kirchherr, Sutcliffe's girlfriend and a photographer who greatly influenced them. The story shows how…

In 1987, five young men channeled their frustration and anger about life in a dangerous part of America into powerful music. *Straight Outta Compton* tells the true story of these cultural rebels who, armed with lyrics, confidence, and talent, challenged…

This is the story of the individuals who profited immensely from a worldwide financial crisis.

This biographical film explores the life of John Lennon, former Beatle, through his own narration, using rare materials from Yoko Ono’s collection and previously unseen footage from his private archives. The documentary offers an intimate look at the musician's life…

In 1950s Liverpool, England, a restless teenager named John Lennon lives with his Aunt Mimi. When Mimi's husband passes away, John sees his mother, Julia, at the funeral. Against Mimi’s wishes, John wants to connect with Julia. Julia shares her…

This film chronicles Lyndon B. Johnson's remarkable eleven-month period in power, beginning with his ascension to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It follows his determined efforts to secure passage of the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act…

This film explores John Lennon's life during the late 1960s, as the Beatles face impending breakup.

Continuing from the previous film, this installment follows the program's struggle to rebuild after NCAA sanctions and scandals led some to question the future of the football team. The Hurricanes overcome these challenges to secure another national championship, only to…

In 1972, two journalists begin an investigation that reveals the Watergate scandal amidst a turbulent political climate. They persistently uncover a network of wrongdoing by President Nixon's administration, exposing the truth behind a series of abuses. Their reporting sparks widespread…

Amidst the escalating turmoil of the Iranian Revolution, a CIA exfiltration expert devises a dangerous strategy to rescue six Americans sheltering at the Canadian ambassador's residence.