The biopic seems to be one of Hollywood’s current obsessions, with inspiring movies telling the true stories of iconic women growing in popularity. This comes as no surprise since they highlight the many achievements and challenges that influential and beloved figures in pop culture have experienced on their journeys to success. Recently, films like Pablo Larraín’s Maria starring Angelina Jolie and Sophia Coppola’s latest cult classic Priscilla, have done well with critics and at festivals.
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As modern Hollywood chooses to tell more female-led stories, biopics have followed suit. Many of them tell inspiring tales, charting the challenges faced by some of history’s most notable women. The best biopics are capable of bringing history to life and giving modern audiences a sense of the person beyond their achievements. The best biopics about women give a spotlight to their legacies and also shed light on important issues in society that women still face.
10 Selena (1997)
Directed By Gregory Nava
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Selena PG
Selena, released in 1997, is a biographical drama chronicling the life of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla. The film explores her rise to fame from performing with her family to pursuing mainstream success, highlighting her relationship with guitarist Chris Perez and the challenges posed by her father’s management.
Director Gregory Nava Release Date March 21, 1997 Character(s) Suzette Quintanilla , Selena Quintanilla , Marcela Quintanilla , Sara , Chris Perez , Abraham Quintanilla , A. B. Quintanilla , Joe Ojeda – Dinos 1990’s , Self – Dinos 1990’s , Stage Dancer , Concert Reporter , Young Abraham – Dinos 1961 , Bobby – Dinos 1961 , Seff – Dinos 1961 , Lerma’s Club Owner , Police Officer – 1961 , Young Selena , Young Suzette , Young Abie , Delores Quintanilla , Woman Customer , Juan Luis , First Cholo , Second Cholo , Deborah Runtime 127 minutes Main Genre Biography Expand
Few biopic films are as well-known as the 1997 film about Tejana singer, Selena Quintanilla, Selena, highlighting how the genre can explore the highs and lows of iconic women across history. Selena starred Jennifer Lopez in her breakout move role as the famous Texan singer, telling the beautiful and heartbreaking story of Selena’s rise to fame before her sudden tragic passing. The film was released just a few years after her demise in 1995.
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Selena stands out as a biopic classic for many reasons, one of which is its star-studded cast who delivered founded portrayals of their real-life counterparts. This includes Jennifer Lopez as Selena, as well as Edward James Olmos as Abrahan Quintanilla. Beyond its acting accolades, Selena highlighted and honored the legacy of the real-life singer, whose blossoming career was cut short just as she began to branch out into pop music. Selena’s story also stands out because of its representation of Mexican-American culture and its relationship with Tejano music, infusing the film with unique texture.
9 La Vie En Rose (2007)
Directed By Olivier Dahan
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Another well-known biopic about a female singer is the 2007 film, La Vie en Rose, which stands out as one of Marion Cotillard’s most acclaimed movies. The French film followed the life and career of French singer, Edith Piaf, from her destitute adolescence to her national rise to fame. However, La Vie en Rose doesn’t shy away from the numerous tragedies and challenges that befell Piaf in her life.
In the film, Marion Cotillard delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Edith Piaf, with the range to portray her from her teenage days through to her later years. Although there are glorious highs for Piaf that are enjoyable to watch as an audience, the film also sheds light on important issues such as substance abuse, familial conflict, and the loss of children. The film delves into how this affected the well-being of the singer who passed at a relatively young age. La Vie en Rose also boasts beautiful period-accurate costumes, sets, and an immersive soundtrack that showcases Piaf’s entire world.
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8 Frida (2002)
Directed By Julie Taymor
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Frida R
Frida is a biographical drama directed by Julie Taymor, focusing on the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, portrayed by Salma Hayek. The film chronicles her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, played by Alfred Molina, and delves into her enduring struggles with chronic pain and disability. The narrative captures Kahlo’s unique artistic vision and the resilience that defined her life and work.
Director Julie Taymor Release Date November 22, 2002 Cast Salma Hayek Pinault , Alfred Molina , Antonio Banderas , Valeria Golino , Diego Luna , Mia Maestro Runtime 123 minutes Main Genre Biography
Frida is another female-centric notable biopic, focusing on the life of the iconic painter Frida Kahlo. Julie Taymor’s film centers around Frida over the course of her career as an artist, touching on the mingling of her complicated personal life with her unique experience in her work. Though Frida Kahlo is most-often associated with her artistry as a painter, the film pulls away the curtain to highlight her interests and involvement in social politics of the time, such as her activity as a socialist and as a progressive advocate for feminist thought.
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Frida also acknowledges the challenges she faced being taken seriously by her husband and society. Salma Hayek’s performance as Frida bounces well off strong supporting roles, like Alfred Molina’s Diego Rivera and Geoffrey Rush’s Leon Trotsky. Hayek’s impressive and fierce performance went on to win several awards.. The production design on the film is just as impressive, as Frida is filled with gorgeous costumes and set that transports viewers back to Mexico City at the height of her career.
7 Elizabeth (1998)
Directed By Shekhar Kapur
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Elizabeth R
Elizabeth chronicles the early reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, portrayed by Cate Blanchett. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the film delves into the political intrigue, religious turmoil, and personal challenges faced by the young queen as she transitions from a threatened monarch to a powerful ruler. The cast includes Geoffrey Rush as Sir Francis Walsingham and Joseph Fiennes as Robert Dudley, offering a blend of historical drama and intense personal conflict.
Director Shekhar Kapur Release Date October 2, 1998 Cast Cate Blanchett , Paul Fox , Christopher Eccleston , James Frain Runtime 124 minutes Main Genre Biography
An epic in every sense of the word, Elizabeth is one of the best movies about the iconic Queen. This film series centers around Elizabeth in her early years as Queen of England not long after taking the throne in the 16th century. Despite her royal station, Elizabeth finds herself facing internal conflict within her court as well as personal matters of the heart.
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Elizabeth
was followed up by the 2007 film,
Elizabeth: The Golden Age,
which returned to the Queen in her later years as she battled the threats of Mary Queen of Scots and the Spanish Armada’s invasion of England.
Elizabeth is a fascinating watch. The movie provides an in-depth recollection of Elizabeth’s personal life, which is so often shrouded in mystery. The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, all bolstering the central performance from Cate Blanchett. Joseph Fiennes and Daniel Craig hold their own alongside Blanchett, an impressive feat itself. Elizabeth also features detailed and period-accurate costuming and sets that are visually thrilling in their own right. Beyond creative accomplishment, Elizabeth humanizes the famous Queen who is often portrayed as a stoic, shedding light on her struggles with romance, sexuality, and the patriarchal Tudor England.
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6 Marie Antoinette (2006)
Directed By Sophia Coppola
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Marie Antoinette PG-13
Directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Kirsten Dunst, Marie Antoinette is a stylized retelling of the life of France’s iconic but ill-fated queen. The film focuses on her youth, opulent lifestyle, and eventual downfall, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. It is known for its modern soundtrack, lavish costumes, and a unique take on historical events.
Director Sofia Coppola Release Date October 20, 2006 Cast Kirsten Dunst , Jason Schwartzman , Judy Davis , Rip Torn , Rose Byrne , Asia Argento , Molly Shannon , Shirley Henderson , Danny Huston , Marianne Faithfull Runtime 123 Minutes Main Genre Drama
Another well-crafted biopic about the life of a real monarch, Sophia Coppola’s cult-classic Marie Antoinette has only improved with age. This bold and unique take on the historical biopic tells the story of the infamous French Queen, spanning from her arrival at the French Court to the end of her rule with the fall of Versailles. Coppola embraces a modern approach to the film, setting it apart from other period-piece biopics.
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Marie Antoinette distinguishes itself from other historical biopics because of its eccentric style full of punk rock influences and moments of modern dialogue. In this way, Marie is painted in a compelling light, cast as a misunderstood rebel caged by the walls of Versailles and her sheltered life as a royal. Coppola’s film is, in many ways, retribution for the villainized French Queen, who is depicted as a young woman, wife, and mother struggling to navigate her career in politics. The colorful costume design, gaudy sets, and punk rock soundtrack make Marie Antoinette an engaging and entertaining watch.
5 I, Tonya (2017)
Directed By Craig Gillespie
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7.5/10 I, Tonya RDramaBiographyComedy
Based on the life of figure skater Tonya Harding, I, Tonya chronicles Harding’s personal life, rise to fame, and subsequent downfall after her involvement in the infamous attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan in 1994. Framed in a mockumentary style that routinely breaks the fourth wall, I, Tonya is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars Margot Robbie and Harding, with Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney as Harding’s ex-husband and overbearing mother respectively.
Director Craig Gillespie Release Date December 8, 2017 Cast Julianne Nicholson , Allison Janney , Margot Robbie , Bobby Cannavale , Bojana Novakovic , Sebastian Stan , Caitlin Carver Runtime 120minutes
I, Tonya is a uniquely multilayered motivational story about another misunderstood public figure, exploring the personal strengths and failings of an iconic and controversial athlete. Craig Gillespie’s film is about the challenging life and career of the infamous U.S. figure skater, Tonya Harding, and stands out as one of Margot Robbie’s best roles. The film charts her struggles to succeed as a figure skater and fall from grace after cheating allegations.
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[
I, Tonya
] is a raw expose about the untold challenges of Tonya Harding…
I, Tonya is hard to watch for audience members who are familiar with the tragic end of Tonya’s figure skating dreams, which included her unexpected involvement in a physical attack on her competition. The film is a raw expose about the untold challenges of Tonya Harding, who dealt with an emotionally abusive mother and husband, as well as scorn from the elitist figure skating community who judged her for her low economic status. It is hard not to feel sympathy for Robbie’s Oscar-nominated performance. The film is also bolstered by realistic and emotional performances by Allison Janney and Sebastian Stan.
4 Erin Brockovich (2000)
Directed By Steven Soderbergh
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Erin Brockovich R
Erin Brockovich is a biographical drama directed by Steven Soderbergh, featuring Julia Roberts as an unemployed single mother who becomes a legal assistant. She uncovers a water contamination case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company, leading to a landmark legal victory. The film highlights her persistence and the significant impact on public health and corporate accountability.
Director Steven Soderbergh Release Date March 17, 2000 Cast Julia Roberts , Albert Finney , Aaron Eckhart , David Brisbin , Dawn Didawick , Conchata Ferrell Runtime 131 Minutes Main Genre Drama
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Erin Brockovich is a 2000 film that went on to garner critical acclaim and cement itself as a classic of the genre, all anchored by an iconic performance by Julia Roberts. Erin Brockovich sheds light on the incredible true story of paralegal, Erin Brockovich, a struggling single mother who helped win a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The incident involved a contaminated water supply of a small Californian town, with Roberts bringing a winning mix of grit and charm to the titular crusader.
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The film is one of Julia Robert’s best movies, and won her an Academy Award for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. With other emotional performances by Albert Finney and Aaron Eckhart, Erin Brockovich is an impactful watch for viewers. Besides the acting chops of the film, Erin Brockovich is truly an inspiring story about the perseverance of a single mother who made a successful career for herself despite the challenges society pit against her. Her love for her community is portrayed beautifully and enhanced by Julia’s moving portrayal of the real-life heroine.
3 Jackie (2016)
Directed By Pablo Larraín
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Jackie RDramaBiography
Starring Natalie Portman as the iconic political figure Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy, Jackie is a 2016 biographical drama directed by Pablo Larraín. Written by Noah Oppenheim, the plot follows an interviewer as they speak with Mrs. Kennedy after the assassination of her husband.
Director Pablo Larrain Release Date December 2, 2016 Cast Max Casella , Billy Crudup , Corey Johnson , Richard E. Grant , Peter Sarsgaard , Beth Grant , John Hurt , Greta Gerwig , Caspar Phillipson , Sunnie Pelant , Natalie Portman , John Carroll Lynch , Georgie Glen Runtime 100minutes
Jackie is a raw and emotional look at the life of Jackie Kennedy in her darkest moments as First Lady. Pablo Larraín’s film shows Jackie’s challenges after the tragic assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. The film shifts focus from the immediate aftermath of his death to the weeks surrounding the event. This allows Natalie Portman to showcase Jackie in different lights while she struggles to maintain Kennedy’s legacy in the public eye.
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This is one of Pablo’s earliest biopics, and definitely displays his mastery of the genre. The film is a melancholic watch, creating a sense of grief and dread that Jackie feels as she navigates her immense task. In one of her best roles, Natalie Portman embodies the First Lady with ease. The movie earned her an Oscar nomination. What makes Jackie a triumph is the well-crafted portrait of Jackie, who is usually overshadowed by her husband in media. In this story, Jackie’s struggles as a mother, wife, and public figure are touched on with sensitivity and thoughtfulness that enhance it.
2 Hidden Figures (2017)
Directed By Theodore Melfi
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Hidden Figures PG-13Drama
Based on the lives of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, Hidden Figures tells the untold stories of the three African-American mathematicians and their work at NASA during the Space Race of the 1960s. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe star as Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson respectively, with a further cast that includes Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, and Mahershala Ali.
Director Theodore Melfi Release Date December 25, 2016 Cast Taraji P. Henson , Octavia Spencer , Janelle Monae , Jim Parsons , Glen Powell , Kirsten Dunst , Aldis Hodge , Kevin Costner , Mahershala Ali Runtime 127 Minutes
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Hidden Figures is an entertaining and impressive biopic that quickly became a cinematic touchstone. The 2017 film follows three influential but largely overlooked scientists, Katherine G. Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan. The trio worked with NASA on the first manned space mission, overcoming multiple prejudices to accomplish their mission.
|
Name |
Cast Member |
Official Title |
|
Katherine G. Johnson |
Taraji P. Henson |
Mathematician |
|
Mary Johnson |
Janelle Monáe |
Aerospace Engineer |
|
Dorothy Vaughan |
Octavia Spencer |
Head of Computers Department |
This biopic is important because of the spotlight it shines on women behind the mission, who are not often given credit for their crucial work on the historical achievement. Additionally, their identities as African American women set up a significant set of additional challenges to their work, making their perseverance all the more impressive. All three leading actors capture the essence of the real scientist masterfully, each bringing out a different strength to the mission. The result is several Oscar-worthy scenes. Hidden Figures is an inspiring story about female friendship, strength, and grit in the face of an unwelcoming society.
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1 Harriet (2019)
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
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9/10 Harriet PG-13BiographyDramaHistory
Harriet is a 2019 biographical film about the life of former slave and abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who personally helped more than 70 slaves escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The movie was directed by Kasi Lemmons, who also wrote the screenplay along with Gregory Allen Howard. Harriet stars Cynthia Erivo in the title role, with Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe in supporting roles.
Director Kasi Lemmons Release Date November 1, 2019 Cast Joe Alwyn , Tory Kittles , Vondie Curtis-Hall , Cynthia Erivo , Vanessa Bell Calloway , Antonio J. Bell , Deborah Ayorinde , Leslie Odom Jr. , Jennifer Nettles , Tim Guinee , Zackary Momoh , Janelle Monae , Omar Dorsey , Clarke Peters , Henry Hunter Hall Runtime 125 minutes Expand
Harriet is another biopic that focuses on a woman of color and depicts the damaging effects of racism on its lead. Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman, the real-life hero who coordinated the Underground Railroad that helped slaves escape to freedom in the 1800s. The film doesn’t pull back from the challenges Tubman faced, and highlights the bravery of a woman beset upon on all sides by a cruel society.
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In Harriet, her harrowing and incredible path to freedom is brought to painstaking life. This makes the film’s later shift to her efforts to help fellow slaves escape from their plantations all the more powerful. The film features a set of emotional performances from Cynthia Erivo, which earned her an Oscar nomination. Though the film is hard to watch because of its dark subject, Harriet is an important part of history that tells the story of human connection and strength in a time of hate, and highlights the true importance of biopic movies.