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While the pictures have created lasting characters throughout time, some of the most graphic and cherished roles on screen have been that of real people. Due to life’s own bewildering ways, often the tale of someone who actually lived can be even more surprising and amazing than any fictional figure.
A favorite subgenre at the Oscars, there have been many biographical dramas that have earned critical praise and experienced box office success in the process. While movies likeSchindler’s ListandGhandiwent on to find worldwide recognition, there have been a great many biopics that have gone under the radar.
Updated on July 21, 2025, by Ryan Heffernan:
Great biopics can accomplish a lot. They can offer us insight into the personal lives of historical figures on the grand stage of human history while also allowing audiences to become invested in stories that are steeped in true events, and many have gone on to win Oscars and widespread fanfare as a result of this. WhileOppenheimer(July 21) is set to become another landmark success for the acclaimed dramatic subgenre, there have been plenty of biopics before which haven’t had quite the success they deserved.
13’First Man' (2018)
A great film to get into the political intrigue of America’s mid-century scientific advancements before seeingOppenheimer,First Mandocumented the progress of the Apollo space program and the life of Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling). Theintense biographical drama filmstruck a note that was rather intimate and somber, focusing on the deaths and personal sacrifices which made the moon landing possible.
DirectorDamian Chazelle’s ability to mix his tight attention to human drama with the enormity of the historical stage the story is cast on was rather incredible. The technical mastery of the film’s visual elements is quite simply sublime and highlights the very real threats the Apollo astronauts faced throughout their careers.
12’Bernie' (2011)
Richard Linklater’s filmography is prolific and exceptional, so it’s understandable to look past a few of his films that are less mainstream. However, doing that withBerniewould be a mistake. StarringJack Blackin a pleasantly jarring performance,Berniefollows a small-town mortician who befriends a wealthy widow, but their relationship leads to fatal consequences.
Taken from a 1998 article in Texas Monthly magazine, Linklater and co-writerSkip Hollandsworthemploy an unrivaled grasp of the characters of the story and their specific tone and regionalism. Presented in part in a mockumentary style,Bernieis a darkly comical and well-acted film about a fascinating character and the town he inhabited.
11’Charlie Wilson’s War' (2007)
Charlie Wilson’s Waris not underrated commercially as it grossed over$100 millionat the box office. Neither is it underrated as far as talent is concerned, boasting the best of the best from the writer to director to actors. It is underrated simply because it gets erroneously placed towards the bottom of writerAaron Sorkinand directorMike Nichols' bodies of work.
StarringTom Hanks,Julia Roberts, andPhilip Seymour Hoffman, the film is about congressmanCharlie Wilson, played by Hanks, and his involvement in the Soviet-Afghan War. The film is littered withSorkin’s typically quick and clever dialogue, which is enhanced by Nichols' expert staging. Funny, informative, and sharply acted,Charlie Wilson’s Waris definitely a highlight venture for everyone involved.
10’Star 80' (1983)
Although he only directed five feature films, each movie from famed theater directorBob Fosseholds a unique place in film history. This is particularly the case for his final film,Star 80, released 4 years prior to his death in 1987. Headlined byMariel HemingwayandEric Robertsin some of the best work of their career,Star 80tells the story of Playboy model Dorothy Stratten and her volatile relationship with her controlling and manipulative boyfriend.
Although he had achieved mainstream success, including multiple Oscar nominations for his previous filmAll That Jazz,Star 80saw Fosse regress commercially with the film grossing only half its$12 millionbudget. Despite this, Fosse continues to get the best out of his actors in this engrossing and luring crime drama.
9’Foxcatcher' (2014)
Foxcatcheris the culmination of everything directorBennett Millerhad been working up to toward that point. His first narrative film,Capote, was a murder movie while his second narrative film,Moneyball, was a sports movie. His third and most recent narrative film was a murder-sports movie calledFoxcatcherabout philanthropistJon Du Pontand his dangerous relationship with two Olympic wrestlers.
Although appearing on multiple critics end of year top 10 lists and being nominated for several Oscars,Foxcatcherwas a financial bomb, grossing$5 millionless than its budget.Steve Carellplays Du Pont in a brilliant dramaticturn that introduced the full depths of his talent outside of comedy. The film is brooding with an impenetrable tone, and although it may take time to unfold, when it does, it is unforgettable.
8’Trumbo' (2015)
Offering great insight into a sketchy period in Hollywood history,Trumbodetails the life of acclaimed screenwriter as his career is stripped from him due to his political beliefs. Dalton Trumbo (portrayed byBryan Cranston) penned such famous films asRoman Holidayand 1960’sSpartacus, but his career was derailed when he was blacklisted from the film industry on account of his Communist sympathies.
As an outcast, he penned dozens of B-movie scripts under pseudonyms, somethingTrumboand Cranston brought to life with a dashing sense of fun and rebellion. While Cranston received an Oscar nomination for his starring performance, the film has become something of a hidden gem for lovers of the film industry and Hollywood history.
7’Reversal of Fortune' (1990)
Smart and absorbing,Reversal of Fortuneis one of thebest films of the 1990s. Although it was nominated for multiple Oscars, the film failed to find financial success, only posting$15 millionat the box office. Directed byBarbet Schroeder, the film concerns socialiteClaus Von Bülow(Jeremy Irons) who hires a law professor to help overturn his convictions of attempted murder against his comatose wife.
The film is terrifically acted asRon Silver’s fiery performance as the lawyerAlan Dershowitzperfectly offsets Irons' icy portrayal of Von Bülow, a role which would win him the Oscar for Best Actor. Adapted from the novel by Dershowitz himself, the film is captivating from start to finish and works as a courtroom drama, mystery, and observation of the social elite.
6’American Splendor' (2003)
American Splendorwas written and directed by documentary filmmakersShari Springer BermanandRobert Pulcini. It centers on cartoonistHarvey Pekar(Paul Giamatti) and the relationships within his life which inspire him to write his own comic books.
Adapted from Pekar’s cartoons of the same name, the film combines narrative, documentary, and animation to illustrate the portrait of Pekar and his girlfriendJoyce Brabner(Hope Davis). While it was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars, the film grossed less than$9 millionat the box office, a non-indication of the film’s humor, care, and overall quality.
5’Love and Mercy' (2014)
Titled afterBrian Wilson’s 1988 song of the same name,Love and Mercyis a film worthy of the genius it tells of. Jumping between the 1960s and ’80s, the film is the story of The Beach Boys frontmanBrian Wilson(Paul DanoandJohn Cusack), his relationships, and his experiences with mental health.
Dano and Cusack are surprisingly perfect as the younger and older versions of Wilson respectively. The film, like Wilson’s music, can be very tender, however, it is the sweeping score and shocking exhibits of evil that propelLove and Mercyto become one of thebest music biopics of the decade.
4’Shattered Glass' (2003)
Ask any college journalism student, and they’ll know the nameStephen Glass. Based on the Vanity Fair article of the same name,Shattered Glassfollows Glass (Hayden Christensen), a young reporter at the New Republic who lands in deep water following allegations that he made up news stories to garner fame.
Christensen offers one of his finest performances in the leading role, and opposite him isPeter Sarsgaardas editorChuck Lane,a role he plays with uncanny complexity and moral interiority. Directed byBilly Rayin his directorial debut, the film is an astute analysis of Glass and the idea of journalistic integrity at large.
