20 Movies to Watch If You’re a Leo
Looking for big stories filled with presence, performance, and characters who step into the spotlight, shape their worlds, or wear the crown with ease. This list brings together films that follow leaders and luminaries, celebrate stages and arenas, and track bold journeys across kingdoms, cities, boardrooms, and beyond. It focuses on plot, cast, and crew details so you can decide what fits your watchlist.
Each entry lists the title and year upfront and then shares the essentials. You will find directors, writers, key actors, and the creative teams that built the worlds on screen. You will also see clear story points without commentary, so you can pick based on the facts.
‘The Lion King’ (1994)
The story follows Simba as he grows from a young cub into the heir of the Pride Lands after the death of his father Mufasa and the rule of his uncle Scar. The voice cast features Matthew Broderick as adult Simba, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Jeremy Irons as Scar, Moira Kelly as Nala, Nathan Lane as Timon, and Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa.
The film was directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff and produced by Don Hahn for Walt Disney Feature Animation. The music team includes songs by Elton John and Tim Rice with a score by Hans Zimmer and it received Academy Awards for Original Score and Original Song.
‘Black Panther’ (2018)
T Challa returns to Wakanda to assume the throne while a challenger named Erik Killmonger forces a confrontation over the future of the nation and its Vibranium technology. The cast includes Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, and Martin Freeman.
Ryan Coogler directed and cowrote the film with Joe Robert Cole for Marvel Studios with production design by Hannah Beachler and costumes by Ruth E Carter. Rachel Morrison handled cinematography and Ludwig Göransson composed the score and the film won multiple Academy Awards in craft categories.
‘The Great Gatsby’ (2013)
Nick Carraway recounts his encounters with the mysterious Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan in Long Island and New York as fortunes, parties, and personal histories collide. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Gatsby with Carey Mulligan as Daisy, Tobey Maguire as Nick, Joel Edgerton as Tom Buchanan, and Isla Fisher as Myrtle Wilson.
Baz Luhrmann directed and cowrote the adaptation of the F Scott Fitzgerald novel with Craig Pearce for Warner Bros and Village Roadshow Pictures. The film features production and costume design by Catherine Martin, cinematography by Simon Duggan, and a score by Craig Armstrong with Oscars for production design and costume.
‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001)
A writer named Christian arrives in Montmartre and falls for Satine while a new stage show takes shape inside the nightclub and a financial patron complicates their plans. The cast features Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent, and Richard Roxburgh.
Baz Luhrmann directed with a screenplay by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce and music supervision and arrangements by Craig Armstrong. The film showcases production and costume design by Catherine Martin, editing by Jill Bilcock, and it received Academy Awards for art direction and costume.
‘A Star Is Born’ (2018)
The story follows musician Jackson Maine as he meets singer songwriter Ally, supports her early career, and faces the pressures that arrive as her success grows. The cast stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga with supporting roles by Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, and Dave Chappelle.
Bradley Cooper directed and produced with a screenplay credited to Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, and Will Fetters. Matthew Libatique served as cinematographer and the soundtrack features original songs including Shallow which won the Academy Award for Original Song.
‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)
Andrea Sachs takes an assistant role at the fashion magazine Runway where editor in chief Miranda Priestly sets strict expectations and a demanding schedule. The cast includes Meryl Streep as Miranda, Anne Hathaway as Andy, Emily Blunt as Emily, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel.
David Frankel directed from a screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger. The film features costume design by Patricia Field, music by Theodore Shapiro, and earned major award nominations for acting and costume design.
‘Gladiator’ (2000)
Roman general Maximus is betrayed and forced into slavery and rises through the gladiatorial arena while the new emperor Commodus consolidates power. The cast features Russell Crowe as Maximus, Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Oliver Reed, and Richard Harris.
Ridley Scott directed with a screenplay by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson. The score is by Hans Zimmer with vocals by Lisa Gerrard, cinematography by John Mathieson, and the film won Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor.
‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)
Stockbroker Jordan Belfort builds a brokerage called Stratton Oakmont as aggressive sales tactics, pump and dump schemes, and federal investigations intersect. The cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Matthew McConaughey, and Rob Reiner.
Martin Scorsese directed from a screenplay by Terence Winter based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort. Rodrigo Prieto handled cinematography, Thelma Schoonmaker edited, and the production involved Appian Way and Sikelia Productions with distribution by Paramount Pictures.
‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)
The drama follows Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson as they contribute mathematical expertise and engineering work to NASA missions including the flight of John Glenn. The cast features Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parsons.
Theodore Melfi directed and cowrote the screenplay with Allison Schroeder based on the non fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly. The music team includes Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, and Benjamin Wallfisch and the film received multiple award nominations in picture, acting, and screenplay categories.
‘The King’s Speech’ (2010)
Albert the Duke of York becomes King George VI and works with speech therapist Lionel Logue to manage a stammer while preparing a national broadcast. The cast includes Colin Firth as George VI, Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue, and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth.
Tom Hooper directed from a screenplay by David Seidler with music by Alexandre Desplat and cinematography by Danny Cohen. The film received Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.
‘Amélie’ (2001)
A shy server named Amélie Poulain finds a lost keepsake box and begins a series of quiet interventions in the lives of neighbors while searching for connection with a man named Nino. The cast stars Audrey Tautou and Mathieu Kassovitz with notable appearances by Rufus and Serge Merlin.
Jean Pierre Jeunet directed and cowrote the screenplay with Guillaume Laurant. The film features cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel, a score by Yann Tiersen, and production design that highlights locations in Paris including Montmartre.
‘La La Land’ (2016)
Mia is an actor pursuing auditions and Sebastian is a jazz pianist and their paths cross as both weigh creative goals and personal choices in Los Angeles. The cast stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling with appearances by John Legend and Rosemarie DeWitt.
Damien Chazelle wrote and directed with music by Justin Hurwitz and songs with lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The film features cinematography by Linus Sandgren, editing by Tom Cross, and received multiple Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Actress.
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
The story follows Imperator Furiosa as she helps five captives escape from the Citadel and joins forces with Max Rockatansky during a chase across the desert. The cast includes Tom Hardy as Max, Charlize Theron as Furiosa, Nicholas Hoult as Nux, and Hugh Keays Byrne as Immortan Joe.
George Miller directed and cowrote the film with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. John Seale handled cinematography, Margaret Sixel edited, the music is by Tom Holkenborg also known as Junkie XL, and the production earned Academy Awards in multiple craft categories.
‘Wonder Woman’ (2017)
Diana of Themyscira meets pilot Steve Trevor and travels to the world of humans as a conflict unfolds and a final confrontation with Ares approaches. The cast features Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, and Connie Nielsen.
Patty Jenkins directed with a screenplay by Allan Heinberg from a story by Heinberg, Zack Snyder, and Jason Fuchs for Warner Bros and DC. Matthew Jensen served as cinematographer with music by Rupert Gregson Williams and the film marked a major entry in the DC Extended Universe.
‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)
The musical follows P T Barnum as he forms a troupe, opens a circus, and collaborates with partner Philip Carlyle while balancing family life. The cast features Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams, and Rebecca Ferguson.
Michael Gracey directed from a screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon with songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The film includes choreography by Ashley Wallen, music production by Alex Lacamoire and Greg Wells, and a soundtrack that reached wide commercial success.
‘Selena’ (1997)
The biographical drama traces Selena Quintanilla s early years, her work with the band Selena y Los Dinos, and career milestones that expanded Tejano popularity. The cast stars Jennifer Lopez as Selena with Edward James Olmos as Abraham Quintanilla, Jon Seda as Chris Pérez, and Constance Marie as Marcella Quintanilla.
Gregory Nava wrote and directed with cinematography by Edward Lachman and production involvement from Q Productions and others. The film uses Selena s original vocals, features concert recreations including a large stadium performance, and was distributed by Warner Bros.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018)
The film chronicles Freddie Mercury and the band Queen from formation through recording sessions and public performances and culminates with the Live Aid concert. The cast includes Rami Malek as Mercury with Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, and Lucy Boynton.
Bryan Singer is the credited director with later work completed by Dexter Fletcher and the screenplay is by Anthony McCarten. John Ottman edited, Newton Thomas Sigel handled cinematography, the production used original Queen recordings, and the film won Academy Awards including Best Actor and sound categories.
‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000)
Warrior Li Mu Bai entrusts the sword Green Destiny to Yu Shu Lien and a theft leads to a pursuit that intersects with a young aristocrat named Jen. The cast features Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen.
Ang Lee directed with a screenplay by Wang Hui ling, James Schamus, and Tsai Kuo jung based on the novel by Wang Dulu. Peter Pau handled cinematography, Tan Dun composed the score with cello by Yo Yo Ma, and the film received Academy Awards including Best Foreign Language Film.
‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001)
Mia Thermopolis learns that she is heir to the throne of Genovia and begins lessons with her grandmother Queen Clarisse while managing school and friendships. The cast features Anne Hathaway as Mia with Julie Andrews, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, and Robert Schwartzman.
Garry Marshall directed from a screenplay by Gina Wendkos based on the novel by Meg Cabot. The film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures with music by John Debney and it later spawned the sequel ‘The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement’.
‘The Last Emperor’ (1987)
The narrative follows Puyi from his childhood coronation to abdication and later life including periods in Manchukuo and under the People s Republic of China. The cast features John Lone as Puyi with Joan Chen and Peter O Toole in principal roles.
Bernardo Bertolucci directed and cowrote with Mark Peploe from a story by Bertolucci, Peploe, and Enzo Ungari. Vittorio Storaro handled cinematography, the score is by Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, and Cong Su, and the film won Academy Awards across multiple categories including Best Picture.
Share your own bold picks for fellow Leos in the comments.