No story holds more weight or reality than a true story. That’s why we’re always willing to dig into a good biographical movie, and if you’re like us, so are you. This list of the top 10 best biographical movies to watch on TV right now will take you deep into some of the most incredible life stories of all time.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest biographical movies so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From 42 to Lawrence of Arabia, this list will help movie lovers stay up to date on the most popular biopics available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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TOP 10 BIOGRAPHIC MOVIES TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending biographic movies that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ’42’
↑ 42 vs. Prior Week
Released in 2013, the powerful and uplifting film 42 takes us back to 1946 when baseball takes a pivotal turn. Starring Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, the legendary manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, daringly defies the color barrier that tarnished major league baseball. With the unwavering courage to sign Jackie Robinson (played by the late, great Chadwick Boseman) to the team, both Rickey and Robinson face the unbearable pressure of racism from the public, the press and their fellow players. The film pays tribute to Robinson’s admirable restraint and exceptional talent, quietening critics and rewriting sports history. This stirring story serves as a vivid reminder of courage in the face of adversity.
2. ‘American Sniper’
↑ 35 vs. Prior Week
American Sniper tells the tale of the most lethal sniper in American history, Chris Kyle, a role brought to unforgettable life by Bradley Cooper. Documenting his four tours in Iraq, this intense war drama invites the audience into the harsh realities of war, taking us up-close into the life, risks and mental turmoil that such service members endure.Cooper’s heartbreaking portrayal of a man torn between his duty to his comrades and his duty to his family strikes a human chord amidst the chaos of war. Searing, raw and profoundly affecting, American Sniper pays a worthy tribute to its real-life hero and his extraordinary courage.
3. ‘ Straight Outta Compton’
↑ 1 vs. Prior Week
Straight Outta Compton offers a thrilling and emotionally charged ride through the origins of the prolific and iconic hip-hop group N.W.A. Dazzling performances by the film’s cast portray Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, giving viewers an intense look into their lives amid the explosive rap scene of the 1980s.Viewers are taken through the harsh realities of their troubled beginnings in southern Los Angeles, culminating with their rise to become the voice of a generation, transforming them into cultural icons. The film is a moving celebration of artistic expression and a striking commentary on social issues of the era.
4. ‘ Ford v Ferrari’
↑ 42 vs. Prior Week
This exhilarating film depicts the real-life showdown between two automaking giants, dramatizing the strategic and creative efforts of American car designer Carroll Shelby, played by Matt Damon, and audacious British race car driver Ken Miles, played by Christian Bale. Set against the backdrop of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France, the duo grapples with corporate interference, their personal struggles and the unyielding laws of physics to design a car capable of defeating the formidable Ferrari. Pulsating with exciting race sequences and brimming with heart, Ford v Ferrari is a tribute to ingenuity, friendship and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
5. ‘ Secretariat’
↑ 59 vs. Prior Week
In the heart of a male-dominated sport, Secretariat (2010), comes to life on screen. Diane Lane shines as Penny Chenery, a housewife and mother whose faith, strength and grit are tested when she takes over her ailing father’s horse farm. Alongside esteemed trainer Lucien Laurin, played by John Malkovich, Penny guides an exceptional colt towards an unprecedented victory, boasting the first Triple Crown win in a quarter-century. Heartwarming and thrilling, this triumphant journey showcases the unyielding determination of a woman and the extraordinary spirit of a horse destined to make history.
6. ‘ Southside With You’
↑ 56 vs. Prior Week
Southside With You (2016) is a romantic drama that chronicles the first date of Barack and Michelle Obama in Chicago during the summer of 1989. The film beautifully captures their early connection, blending heartfelt conversations, personal ambitions and historic landmarks into a charming love story. With strong performances and a warm, nostalgic tone, Southside With You offers a unique glimpse into the beginnings of a future iconic American couple.
7. ‘ The Aviator’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
In the riveting 2004 film The Aviator, Leonardo DiCaprio masterfully portrays the lavish and tormented life of billionaire Howard Hughes, the enigmatic aviation tycoon. As a successful public figure and charismatic lover of Hollywood elite, including Katharine Hepburn (portrayed by Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (played by Kate Beckinsale), Hughes seems unstoppable. Behind the glamour, however, he battles crippling phobias and profound depression, trapped in a whirlwind of his own genius and affliction. As he forges TWA into a major airline and produces blockbusters like Hell’s Angels, he teeters on the precipice. The higher he ascends, the more devastating his potential fall, making The Aviator as exquisite as it is heart-wrenching.
8. ‘ Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story’
↓ 5 vs. Prior Week
Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story (2023) is a gripping tale of turbulence and triumph. The movie beautifully explores the heart-rending journey of Keyshia Cole, a girl who overcomes her tumultuous upbringing after being adopted at a young age to become an acclaimed singer. As her career takes off, she also undertakes a personal quest, seeking a reconciliation with her estranged sisters, while enduring the pain of seeing her biological mother battle addiction in a rehab center. This biopic truly reflects the resilience of a woman fighting both her personal and professional battles with unmatched grit and determination.
9. ‘ The Iron Claw’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
Unfurling the poignant saga of the Von Erich family wrestling dynasty, The Iron Claw is wrapped in the resilience of the human spirit. It’s the real-life tale of brothers striving for the limelight in the highly competitive world of sports while caught under their imposing father and coach’s watchful eye. Each victory is met with heartrending tragedy, yet they persist. Trapped under familial pressure and towering expectations, their journey entails not just survival but the struggle for lasting glory. Steeped in emotion and drama, this compelling narrative of triumph over trials aims straight at viewers’ hearts.
10. ‘ Lawrence of Arabia’
↑ 38 vs. Prior Week
Explore the captivating deserts of Arabia with the enigmatic British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence, brought to life by Peter O’Toole. His mission? Serve as a crucial liaison between the Arabs, led by the commanding Sherif Ali (Omar Sherif) and the British forces against the Turks. Experience Lawrence’s remarkable desert voyage on camelback, defying his superior officer’s orders to lead an audacious attack on a heavily fortified Turkish port. Lawrence of Arabia teases you with this fascinating tale of bravery, rebellion, and cultural immersion.
And there you have it: the top 10 biopics to watch at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Biopic?
A biopic is a movie about someone's life or a group of well-known people that is dramatized for audiences.
What are some of the most famous biopics?
'Malcolm X' (1992), 'The King's Speech' (2010), 'The Social Network' (2010), 'Lincoln' (2012), 'The Theory of Everything' (2014).
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