The Best Movies About Real People That Premiered During the Last Few Years

Biographical cinema has experienced a significant resurgence, offering audiences deep dives into the lives of historical figures, cultural icons, and unsung heroes. These films utilize meticulous research and dramatic storytelling to explore the personal struggles and public achievements of their subjects. From political revolutionaries and legendary musicians to pioneering athletes, the following movies provide a window into the lived experiences of real individuals. Each entry represents a significant contribution to the genre, characterized by authentic portrayals and historical accuracy.

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

The film depicts the life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, specifically his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project. It explores the scientific challenges and moral dilemmas faced by the team at Los Alamos during the development of the atomic bomb. The narrative also delves into Oppenheimer’s 1954 security hearing, where his past associations and political leanings were scrutinized by the government. This production emphasizes the weight of scientific discovery and the lasting impact of the nuclear age on global politics.

‘Maestro’ (2023)

This biographical drama chronicles the life of American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, focusing heavily on his complex marriage to Felicia Montealegre. The story spans decades, illustrating Bernstein’s rise to fame and his contributions to classical music and Broadway. It highlights the tension between his public persona and his private struggles with his identity and fidelity. The film utilizes a shifting visual style to reflect different eras of the couple’s life together.

‘Priscilla’ (2023)

Directed by Sofia Coppola, this film offers a perspective on the life of Priscilla Presley and her relationship with Elvis Presley. Based on her memoir, ‘Elvis and Me’, the narrative follows Priscilla from her teenage years in Germany to her life at Graceland. It examines the power dynamics within the marriage and the isolation she experienced as a young woman in the shadow of a global superstar. The film focuses on her personal growth and eventual decision to seek independence.

‘The Iron Claw’ (2023)

The film tells the tragic true story of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestlers who achieved great success in the 1980s. It focuses on Kevin Von Erich and his brothers as they navigate the immense pressure exerted by their father, Fritz Von Erich. The narrative details the series of personal tragedies and untimely deaths that plagued the family, leading to the legend of the “Von Erich curse.” This drama highlights the physical and emotional toll of the wrestling industry and the bonds of brotherhood.

‘Napoleon’ (2023)

This historical epic depicts the rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, charting his military genius and political ambition. The film explores his tactical brilliance on the battlefield and his volatile relationship with his wife, Empress Joséphine. It covers key historical events, including the Battle of Austerlitz and the disastrous invasion of Russia. The narrative aims to capture the complexities of Napoleon’s character as both a visionary leader and a flawed individual.

‘Nyad’ (2023)

The film follows the incredible true story of Diana Nyad, who at the age of 64 attempted to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. The story focuses on her grueling training sessions and the unwavering support of her best friend and coach, Bonnie Stoll. It details the physical challenges of the 110-mile trek, including encounters with jellyfish and unpredictable weather. The narrative celebrates persistence and the pursuit of lifelong dreams regardless of age.

‘Rustin’ (2023)

This biographical drama highlights the life of Bayard Rustin, the visionary activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington. The film explores the challenges Rustin faced as an openly gay Black man within the Civil Rights Movement. It focuses on the logistical hurdles and political opposition he overcame to coordinate one of the largest nonviolent protests in American history. The story emphasizes his commitment to social justice and his influential role alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

‘Ferrari’ (2023)

Set during the summer of 1957, the film focuses on a critical period in the life of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the legendary Italian car manufacturer. The narrative follows Enzo as he deals with the looming bankruptcy of his company and the turmoil in his personal life following the death of his son. To secure the future of his business, he enters his racing team into the treacherous Mille Miglia, a 1,000-mile race across Italy. The film portrays the high-stakes world of automotive engineering and the personal sacrifices required for professional success.

‘Elvis’ (2022)

The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, told through the perspective of his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It covers Presley’s meteoric rise to fame, his cultural impact, and the complex relationship he maintained with Parker for over twenty years. The narrative touches upon the changing landscape of American society and the various stages of Elvis’s career, from his early performances to his Las Vegas residency. This production utilizes a high-energy visual style to match the performer’s stage presence.

‘Till’ (2022)

This drama tells the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till. After Emmett is brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955, Mamie makes the courageous decision to have an open-casket funeral to show the world the reality of racial violence. The film follows her transformation into a civil rights activist as she fights to bring national attention to the case. It serves as a poignant examination of a mother’s grief and the catalyst for the modern Civil Rights Movement.

‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ (2021)

The film chronicles the extraordinary rise, fall, and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Alongside her husband, Jim Bakker, she built a massive religious broadcasting empire and a Christian theme park in the 1970s and 80s. The narrative explores her unique public persona, characterized by her heavy makeup and message of inclusion. It also details the financial scandals and personal betrayals that eventually led to the collapse of their ministry.

‘King Richard’ (2021)

This biographical film focuses on Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The story details Richard’s unorthodox methods and his unwavering belief in his daughters’ potential while raising them in Compton, California. It shows the family’s struggle to overcome systemic barriers and professional skepticism within the elite world of tennis. The film highlights the importance of family support and strategic planning in achieving world-class athletic success.

‘Spencer’ (2021)

Set during the Christmas holidays at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, the film portrays Princess Diana as she decides to end her marriage to Prince Charles. The narrative focuses on her internal psychological struggle and the stifling atmosphere of the royal court during the early 1990s. It depicts her attempts to find moments of normalcy and connection with her sons amid intense public scrutiny. The film uses a claustrophobic and atmospheric tone to convey her sense of isolation.

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021)

The film explores the betrayal of Fred Hampton, the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, by FBI informant William O’Neal. It details Hampton’s charismatic leadership and his efforts to build a “Rainbow Coalition” of diverse activist groups in Chicago. The narrative also focuses on O’Neal’s internal conflict as he provides information to the government that eventually leads to a deadly police raid. This production provides a historical look at the counterintelligence programs used against political activists in the late 1960s.

‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ (2021)

This musical biographical drama is based on the semi-autobiographical stage play by Jonathan Larson, the creator of ‘Rent’. The story follows Larson as a young composer in New York City, waiting tables while trying to write the next great American musical. It captures his anxiety as he nears his 30th birthday and feels the pressure to succeed in a competitive industry. The film explores themes of artistic passion, friendship, and the urgency of time.

‘Being the Ricardos’ (2021)

The film takes place during one production week of ‘I Love Lucy’, focusing on the professional and personal relationship between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It depicts the couple as they face a series of crises, including political allegations and tabloid rumors that threaten their careers and marriage. The narrative provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the business savvy required to produce a hit sitcom in the 1950s. It highlights the complexities of their partnership both on and off the screen.

‘House of Gucci’ (2021)

Inspired by the shocking true story of the family empire behind the Italian fashion house, the film follows Patrizia Reggiani’s entry into the Gucci family through her marriage to Maurizio Gucci. As her ambition grows, she begins to interfere in the family business, leading to internal power struggles and betrayal. The narrative eventually culminates in the legal and personal fallout that leads to a high-profile murder. This production explores themes of wealth, status, and the destructive nature of unchecked greed.

‘Respect’ (2021)

The film follows the life of legendary singer Aretha Franklin, from her childhood singing in her father’s church choir to her international superstardom. It explores her struggles to find her own musical voice and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. The narrative details her relationships with her father and her first husband, illustrating how these dynamics influenced her career. The story focuses on her resilience and her ultimate coronation as the “Queen of Soul.”

‘Gran Turismo’ (2023)

Based on a true story, the film follows Jann Mardenborough, a teenage ‘Gran Turismo’ player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become a real professional race car driver. The narrative details his transition from a virtual simulator to high-speed tracks across the globe. It explores the skepticism he faced from the racing community and the intense physical training required for the sport. The film highlights the intersection of digital entertainment and professional athletics.

‘Tetris’ (2023)

The film tells the high-stakes story of how Henk Rogers discovered the game ‘Tetris’ in 1988 and risked everything to secure its global distribution rights. He travels to the Soviet Union during the final years of the Cold War to track down the game’s inventor, Alexey Pajitnov. The narrative involves intense negotiations with Soviet officials and corporate espionage as multiple companies vie for the rights. It showcases the complex legal and political hurdles involved in bringing one of the world’s most popular video games to market.

‘Air’ (2023)

The film depicts the true story of Sonny Vaccaro and Nike’s pursuit of a then-rookie Michael Jordan for a revolutionary basketball shoe endorsement. It focuses on the internal struggles at Nike’s struggling basketball division and the unconventional strategy used to court the Jordan family. The narrative highlights the role of Michael’s mother, Deloris Jordan, in negotiating a deal that changed the landscape of sports marketing. This production examines the business side of professional sports and the creation of the iconic Air Jordan brand.

‘Cassandro’ (2023)

The film follows Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rises to international stardom after creating the character Cassandro, the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” It explores how he challenged the traditional, masculine culture of Mexican wrestling by performing as an “exótico.” The narrative details his personal journey toward self-acceptance and his impact on the sport and the LGBTQ+ community. The story highlights his skill in the ring and his perseverance in a rigid industry.

‘Bob Marley: One Love’ (2024)

This biographical drama focuses on the life of Bob Marley during the mid-1970s, a period of intense political unrest in Jamaica. It follows the legendary musician after an assassination attempt as he prepares for the historic One Love Peace Concert. The narrative explores his commitment to spreading a message of unity and Rastafarianism through his music. It provides an intimate look at his family life and his global influence as a cultural icon.

‘Back to Black’ (2024)

The film chronicles the life and career of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, from her early days in North London to the height of her fame. It focuses on the inspiration behind her critically acclaimed album ‘Back to Black’ and her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil. The narrative portrays her struggles with addiction and the intense media scrutiny she faced throughout her life. The story emphasizes her immense talent and the personal pain that fueled her songwriting.

‘Shirley’ (2024)

This film depicts the historic 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm, who was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. It follows Chisholm as she challenges the political establishment and navigates the prejudices of both the Democratic Party and the general public. The narrative highlights her “unbought and unbossed” philosophy and her efforts to represent marginalized voices. The story serves as a portrait of a boundary-breaking political figure and her lasting legacy.

‘Society of the Snow’ (2023)

The film recounts the harrowing true story of the 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the heart of the Andes mountains. It follows the survivors, members of a rugby team and their associates, as they face extreme conditions and starvation for 72 days. The narrative explores the difficult moral decisions they were forced to make to stay alive. It emphasizes the collective resilience and the bond formed between the passengers during the ordeal.

‘Golda’ (2023)

Set during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the film portrays Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir as she leads her country through a devastating surprise attack. It focuses on the high-stakes decisions she made in the “pit,” the underground military command center. The narrative also touches upon her private battle with illness while managing international diplomacy and domestic pressure. The film offers a look at her leadership style and the immense responsibility of wartime governance.

‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ (2021)

This drama focuses on the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday as she is targeted by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation. The government aimed to stop her from singing the protest song “Strange Fruit,” which highlighted the horrors of lynching in the South. The narrative explores her personal struggles with addiction and the systemic racism she faced throughout her career. It portrays her as a defiant figure who used her art as a form of social resistance.

‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ (2022)

The film provides a comprehensive look at the life and career of Whitney Houston, from her discovery by record executive Clive Davis to her status as a global pop icon. It covers her major career milestones, including her record-breaking hits and her performance of the national anthem at the Super Bowl. The narrative also addresses her personal relationships and the challenges she faced with substance abuse. The story celebrates her vocal talent and her enduring impact on the music industry.

‘Chevalier’ (2023)

Inspired by the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the film tells the story of the Black violinist and composer who rose to prominence in the court of Marie Antoinette. It explores his struggles to be accepted by the French aristocracy and his rivalry with other prominent musicians of the era. The narrative also details his involvement in the French Revolution and his fight for equality. This production sheds light on a historical figure whose contributions to classical music were largely erased from history.

Please share your favorite biographical movies of the last few years in the comments.