6 Fascinating Movies Based on Real People, From 'Elvis' to 'Hidden Figures'
We all love diving deep into the complicated lives of famous people. Not only does seeing a public figure's story make us feel more connected to them, it also allows us to learn all about their ups and downs, and when we come away from watching a biopic, we love sharing all the fascinating trivia we've learned.
Whether they feature shocking celebrity love affairs or stories of how people went from ordinary to famous, biopics are nothing short of captivating. Here, we've rounded up the six best movies about real people. From decadent tales of rock stars to uplifting stories of everyday people who stepped into the public eye, you're sure to find the perfect pick for your next movie night,
6. Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Is this the real life, is this just fantasy? Well, we can confirm it's real life because this movie following the hit rock band Queen is nothing short of spectacular. From how the band got started, to the tragic death of the lead singer, Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek), Bohemian Rhapsody is a must-see for classic rock lovers.
This film is available for streaming on Hulu.
5. Elvis (2022): Movies based on real people
Elvis is just as epic and entertaining as the man himself. This glitzy biopic follows Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) on his entire musical journey alongside his devious manger Colonel Tom Parker (an unrecognizable Tom Hanks). The film also details Elvis' relationship with his wife, Priscilla (Olivia DeJonge), and shows just how much she meant to the rock and roll singer. Elvis was a true crowd-pleaser, receiving eight Oscars nominations and earning $288.7 million at the box office.
This film is available for streaming on Tubi.
4. I, Tonya (2017)
Olympic figure skating turns almost deadly in this unique sports film starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney (in an Oscar-winning performance as Tonya's cruel mother). The edgy biopic is based on the stranger-than-fiction story of figure skater Tonya Harding (Robbie) and her improbable rise and fall as she went from working-class kid to ice queen to the subject of a major scandal at the 1991 Winter Olympics. No spoilers, but the ending of this movie is intense.
This film is available for streaming on Max.
3. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006): Movies based on real people
Will Smith stars with his son, Jayden, in this 2006 movie that is deeply emotional and hopeful. The film is based on the real-life story Chris Gardner, a man who famously overcame homelessness and found great success. After getting evicted from his apartment, the single father had nowhere left to go other than the streets, and Smith poignantly illustrates his journey from despair to landing an internship at a prestigious financial company to ultimately changing his life for the better.
This film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
2. The Blind Side (2009)
Football fans rejoice, because this emotional movie is all about Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Oher. It starts with Oher being homeless and becoming a fish out of water at a private school. After the wealthy Tuohy family finds him, the football player's life begins to change for the better. The Blind Side stars Sandra Bullock, Kathy Bates and Tim McGraw, and is based on the bestselling book about the inspiring real-life tale by Michael Lewis.
This film is available for streaming on Netflix.
1. Hidden Figures (2016): Movies based on real people
Women of color in STEM take center stage in this heartfelt movie about real people. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe and Octavia Spencer, the plot follows three African American women who work as scientists at NASA and help to get astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) to space before the the Untied States loses the Space Race. The film shines a much-needed light on a group of trailblazing women you may not have heard of, and it will make you want to get up and cheer.
This film is available for streaming on Disney+.
