Best Autobiographies/Biographies Movies
These films bring the lives of real people to the screen, often focusing on significant historical figures or extraordinary personal stories.
1. Gandhi (1982)
Biography of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest.
Why it’s great:
- Ben Kingsley‘s transformative performance as Gandhi
- Richard Attenborough’s epic direction
- Comprehensive portrayal of Gandhi’s life and philosophy
2. The Pianist (2002)
A Polish Jewish musician struggles to survive the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto of World War II.
Why it’s great:
- Adrien Brody‘s Oscar-winning performance
- Roman Polanski’s personal connection to the material
- Harrowing portrayal of survival during the Holocaust
3. Raging Bull (1980)
The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.
Why it’s great:
- Robert De Niro‘s intense, transformative performance
- Martin Scorsese’s visceral direction
- Exploration of masculinity and self-destruction
4. Frida (2002)
A biography of artist Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage into her work.
Why it’s great:
- Salma Hayek’s passionate portrayal of Frida Kahlo
- Julie Taymor’s visually inventive direction
- Exploration of art, politics, and personal struggle
5. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
The true story of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffers a stroke and has to live with an almost totally paralyzed body; only his left eye isn’t paralyzed.
Why it’s great:
- Innovative cinematography reflecting Bauby’s perspective
- Mathieu Amalric’s nuanced performance
- Julian Schnabel’s poetic direction.