Looking for a good biopic? Binge these movies based on true stories

Biopics let us learn about the lives of real people. We see the subject’s story, their trauma, and their legacy unfold from where it started. Biopics allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while. They bring true events to life, often using some of the best actors, editing, and music.

Here are some of the best biopics to binge if you enjoy watching films based on well known peoples’ lives.

Judy (2019)

Judy follows part of the story of iconic singer & actress Judy Garland (Renee Zellweger), who rose to fame after her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. 

Judy is about Garland’s five-week London’s Talk of the Town sold-out shows she performed during the last year of her life. Viewers get a glimpse of Garland’s past and are taken through a journey showcasing her legacy in Hollywood. 

Other actors with roles in the film include Finn Wittrock, Liza Minnelli, and Rufus Sewell. Judy won a number of awards including Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. It also garnered quite a few nominations such as Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures, based on a book by Margot Lee Shetterly, is about three black female mathematicians in the 1960s who helped form NASA’s space program. Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan faced racism in their careers and became essential to NASA spaceflight.

Hidden Figures was directed by Theodore Melfi and features actors Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, and Kevin Costner. It won a number of awards including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Rocketman (2019)

Rocketman is a good choice for any Elton John fan. The film is about John’s early life and career starting in the 1970s, tracing his arc to pop icon. It incorporates themes from the music star’s past, including substance abuse & familial issues. Rocketman features Taron Egerton as the superstar along with Richard Madden, Jamie Bell, and Bryce Dallas Howard. 

Rocketman is a biopic which gives off similar vibes to Bohemian Rhapsody, the film about Freddie Mercury & Queen. If you enjoyed watching Bohemian Rhapsody, you’ll probably like Rocketman.

I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya is about talented figure skater Tonya Harding, following her life & career. In 1991, Harding became the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition.

In 1994, Harding’s ex-husband conspired to harm Olympic hopeful Nancy Kerrigan. Harding became part of this scandal and her career suffered. I, Tonya highlights this hardship and others, giving the audience a peek into what the figure skater’s life during this time.

I, Tonya stars Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, and Sebastian Stan and won awards including the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

12 Years a Slave is about Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery a few years before the American Civil War. Director Steve McQueen’s story can be difficult to watch, but its impact is impressive, taking viewers through Northup’s life as a slave and how he meets a life-changing abolitionist from Canada.

12 Years a Slave won the Academy Award for Best Picture and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, and Brad Pitt.