Biographical movies have been taking Hollywood by storm over the last few years. They tell incredible stories of real-life heroes. All three films are interwoven with drama, inspiration and wisdom, standing between the past and the present. Meet the illustrious musicians, athletes, political leaders and historical figures who are revived.
Why are biopics so big right now? Why are true stories Hollywood’s biggest hit? In this article, we will discuss the rise of real-life movies. We’ll talk about the key to what makes the best biopics watchable. Plus, we’ll discover why these films continue to dominate theatres.
The Appeal of Biographical Films
Biopics allow filmmakers to tell impactful and emotional stories about real-life events and people. Audiences are drawn to these films for many reasons. They might be interested in the subject matter or inspired by real-life triumph and tragedy stories. Here are a few reasons biographical films resonate with audiences and filmmakers alike.
1. Real-Life Stories Are Always Engaging
One of the big appeals of biographies is their real-life drama. The events that transform a life—the athlete who hits hard times, the musician whose rise to fame is rocky, the political leader grappling with a crisis—can grab viewers more than fiction. True stories have authenticity and raw emotion, connecting with audiences deeply.
Take The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), with Will Smith. This movie is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, an entrepreneur who faces homelessness while raising his infant son. Its emotional resonance, and Smith’s strong performance in particular, resonated with audiences and made it a hit. Seeing how other people respond to challenges entertains audiences. These qualities make these stories compelling—biopics emphasise the tenacity, the fortitude, and the fellow feeling that help make these stories rich.
2. They Provide a Glimpse into Iconic Lives
Biographical movies allow us to dive deep into the lives of people who shaped the world. Movies about Elvis Presley, Martin Luther King Jr., and Stephen Hawking show us different, more profound views of their lives. They discuss their careers and the obstacles they encountered.
Films such as Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) allow audiences to traverse the life of Freddie Mercury, Queen’s frontman. These movies have personal stories and business hardships in common. They reveal how their subjects met fame, confronted challenges, and shaped the world—collected by Hawwa.
People feel drawn to uncover more about these icons and what pushed them to greatness.
3. Emotional Connection to the Subject Matter
The emotional aspect of biopics is one of the factors driving their popularity. Since these movies are based on real people, their stories tend to resonate with people on an emotional level. Audiences laugh, cry, cheer, or get angry. They relate to the characters’ struggles and triumphs, enabling a strong connection between the movie and the audience.
Take The Theory of Everything (2014). It follows renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his battle with ALS. The film addresses some of Hawking’s central contributions to theoretical physics and delves into his journey and his love for his first wife, Jane. That emotional depth gave the film so much impact, earning Eddie Redmayne the Academy Award for portraying Hawking.
The Evolution of Biographical Films in Hollywood
While biographical films have always been a part of Hollywood, their popularity has surged recently. The genre has evolved in several ways, adapting to changing tastes and trends in the industry while continuing to engage audiences with compelling stories.
1. From Historical Figures to Contemporary Icons
In the past, biopics mainly highlighted historical figures or events. For example, Lincoln (2012) shows the life of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Schindler’s List (1993) tells the story of Oskar Schindler during the Holocaust. These films are still influential, but the genre now leans toward more modern figures. It often centres on people who are still alive or whose lives are within living memory.
Modern Hollywood movies, like The Social Network (2010), tell the story of Facebook and its creator, Mark Zuckerberg. The Big Short (2015) focuses on the 2008 financial crisis. These films appeal to younger viewers who have experienced these events. They make the stories feel immediate and relevant.
2. A Focus on Underrepresented Stories
In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in biographical stories about underrepresented groups, especially people of colour, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Hidden Figures (2016) reveals the untold story of African-American women mathematicians at NASA. They played a key role in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The Danish Girl (2015) tells the life story of Lili Elbe, one of the first to undergo gender confirmation surgery.
These films have been praised for highlighting stories that may not have received mainstream attention but are no less powerful. By focusing on diverse stories, biopics can reach a wider audience and highlight the often-overlooked contributions of marginalised individuals.
3. A Shift Towards Complex Narratives
While early biopics often followed a straightforward narrative arc—focusing on the rise and fall of a particular figure—modern biographical films have become more nuanced and complex. Filmmakers are now exploring the complexities of their subjects’ lives, showing their achievements and flaws.
For instance, Rocketman (2019), a biopic about musician Elton John, doesn’t just focus on his rise to fame and delves into his struggles with addiction, self-identity, and relationships. This more nuanced approach to storytelling allows for a deeper understanding of the subject, making the story feel more authentic and multi-dimensional.
The Best Biopics of Recent Years
Several biopics in recent years have not only garnered critical acclaim but have also had a significant cultural impact. These films have become more than just historical accounts—they’ve become defining pieces of cinema that have redefined the genre. Some of the best biopics of recent years include:
1. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
This film tells the story of Freddie Mercury, Queen’s legendary frontman. It won the hearts of viewers around the globe. It’s a dynamic retelling of Mercury’s life, rise to stardom, and struggles with identity and health. Rami Malek’s fantastic performance as Freddie made the film a success, and it won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. With its memorable music and deep emotions, Bohemian Rhapsody became a key biopic of the 21st century.
2. The Theory of Everything (2014)
This biographical film tells the story of physicist Stephen Hawking. It focuses on his relationship with his first wife, Jane, and his fight against ALS. It’s a powerful tale of love, grit, and scientific success, and it has become a modern classic.
3. The Social Network (2010)
Directed by David Fincher, The Social Network tells the story of Facebook’s creation and its rocky early years. It centres on Mark Zuckerberg and the legal battles that resulted from his rise to power. The Social Network features a sharp script by Aaron Sorkin and an outstanding performance by Jesse Eisenberg. It explores ambition, friendship, and betrayal in today’s digital world.
4. Hidden Figures (2016)
This inspiring film follows three African-American women mathematicians: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. They worked at NASA and played key roles in early space missions. The film showcases their contributions to the space race and highlights racial and gender inequality in the workplace. Hidden Figures received acclaim for its powerful performances and spotlight on forgotten historical figures.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Popularity of Biopics
Hollywood loves a biographical film. They combine inspiring stories, emotional depth and real-life drama. This combination is attractive to both filmmakers and audiences. Readers want original stories, nuanced characters and diverse perspectives. So, biopics are unlikely to lose their importance in Hollywood anytime soon.
Hollywood movies inspire and entertain us. They tell stories of musical icons , scientists, and historical figures who changed the world. But this is a sign of more impactful and emotional biopics to come. They’ll be culturally relevant and fill the big screen.