24 Best Biography Movies of 2024 | Must-Watch Biopics Based On Real Lives And Stories
Biographical movies in 2024 offer a captivating glimpse into the lives of individuals who have shaped history through their courage, creativity, and determination. From inspiring trailblazers to artistic visionaries, these films illuminate their stories with emotional depth and cinematic brilliance.
This year’s lineup of biopics promises to transport viewers through time, celebrating lives that resonate with universal themes of resilience, ambition, and triumph. With innovative storytelling and stellar performances, these films stand poised to leave a lasting impression. Dive into our curated selection and explore the biographical movies that define 2024’s cinematic landscape.
Cabrini
Cabrini is one of the best biography movies of 2024, directed by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde and written by Rod Barr, based on a story by both. The film depicts the life of Catholic missionary Francesca Cabrini, portrayed by Cristiana Dell’Anna, as she encounters resistance to her charity and business efforts in New York City. Cabrini explores the sexism and anti-Italian bigotry faced by Cabrini and others in New York City in the late 19th century.
It also stars David Morse, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Federico Ielapi, Virginia Bocelli, Rolando Villazón, Giancarlo Giannini, and John Lithgow.
Who is Frances Xavier Cabrini?
Frances Xavier Cabrini MSC (July 15, 1850 – December 22, 1917), also known as Mother Cabrini, was an Italian-American, Catholic, religious sister (nun). She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious institute that was a major support to her fellow Italian immigrants in the United States. Her congregation provided education, health care, and other services to the poor.
Where to watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV
Bob Marley: One Love
It’s a biographical musical drama film based on the life of reggae singer and songwriter Bob Marley, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, from his rise to fame in the mid-1970s up until his death in 1981. The film is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who co-wrote the screenplay with Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, and Zach Baylin. It also stars Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, and James Norton as Chris Blackwell.
Who is Bob Marley?
Robert Nesta Marley OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, he fused elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady and was renowned for his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. Marley increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and made him a global figure in popular culture.
He became known as a Rastafarian icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality. Marley is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican music and culture and identity and was controversial in his outspoken support for democratic social reforms. Marley also supported the legalisation of cannabis and advocated for Pan-Africanism.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Paramount+
Better Man
Another biographical musical comedy-drama film also based on the life of British pop singer Robbie Williams. Williams is portrayed as a chimpanzee with CGI, performed by Jonno Davies using motion capture, and voiced by both Williams and Davies. Steve Pemberton, Kate Mulvany, Alison Steadman, and Damon Herriman also star. The film is co-written, produced and directed by Michael Gracey.
Robbie Williams became a household name in Britain in the 1990s. He rose to fame through the band Take That before embarking on a remarkable solo career. His rise, fall, and resurgence are told from his own perspective, as he sees it. Sparing nothing, this is a story of adversity, success, fame, and the power of entertainment.
Who is Robbie Williams?
Robert Peter Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer and songwriter. He found fame as a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995, launching a solo career in 1996. His debut studio album, Life thru a Lens, was released in 1997, and included his best-selling single “Angels”. His second album, I’ve Been Expecting You, featured the songs “Millennium” and “She’s the One”, his first number one singles.
His discography includes seven UK No. 1 singles, and all but one of his 14 studio albums have reached No. 1 in the UK. Six of his albums are among the top 100 biggest-selling albums in the UK, with two of them in the top 60, and he gained a Guinness World Record in 2006 for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day during his Close Encounters Tour.
Where to watch: Theatre
Shirley
The intimate portrayal of trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for President of the U.S., and the cost of accomplishment for Shirley herself. This film will tell the story of Chisholm’s boundary-breaking and historic presidential campaign, based on exclusive and extensive conversations with family, friends and those who knew her best.
The film written and directed by John Ridley, starring Regina King in the title role, alongside Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, André Holland, and Terrence Howard.
Who is Shirley Chisholm?
Shirley Anita Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician who, in 1968, became the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district, a district centered in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn[a] for seven terms from 1969 to 1983.
In 1972, she became the first black candidate for a major-party nomination for President of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Throughout her career, she was known for taking “a resolute stand against economic, social, and political injustices,” as well as being a strong supporter of black civil rights and women’s rights.
Where to watch: Netflix
Einstein and the Bomb
It’s a historical documentary, which explore what happened after Einstein fled Nazi Germany? Using archival footage and his own words, this docudrama dives into the mind of a tortured genius.
It stars Aidan McArdle is portrayed as a Albert Einstein, alongside Andrew Havill, Helena Westerman, Leo Ashizawa, Simon Markey, James Musgrave, and Toby Longworth.
Who is Albert Einstein?
Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who is best known for developing the theory of relativity. Einstein also made important contributions to quantum mechanics. His mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2, which arises from special relativity, has been called “the world’s most famous equation”. He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect.
Where to watch: Netflix
Sight
Sight is one of the best biographical movies of 2024, based on Dr. Ming Wang, a Chinese immigrant to the United States who became a renowned eye surgeon. It is based on Wang’s 2016 autobiography From Darkness to Sight.
The film directed by Andrew Hyatt, written by Hyatt, John Duigan, and Buzz McLaughlin, and starring Terry Chen and Greg Kinnear.
Who is Dr. Ming Wang?
Dr. Ming Wang, Harvard & MIT (MD, magna cum laude), PhD (laser physics), is a world-class cataract and LASIK eye surgeon, philanthropist, and community activist. He is the founding director of Wang Vision Institute and a Clinical Professor for Meharry Medical College, both in Nashville, TN.
As an eye surgeon in Nashville, TN, Dr. Wang has performed over 55,000 procedures, including on over 4,000 doctors. He has published over 100 papers, including one in the world-renowned journal Nature, as well as 10 ophthalmic textbooks
Where to watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV
Scoop
Scoop must-watch biopics based on real lives and stories, directed by Philip Martin, starring Gillian Anderson, Keeley Hawes, Billie Piper, and Rufus Sewell.
It is a dramatic retelling of the process of securing and filming the 2019 BBC television interview of Prince Andrew by presenter and journalist Emily Maitlis and the production team at the BBC Two news and current affairs programme Newsnight. The screenplay by Peter Moffat and Geoff Bussetil is adapted from the 2022 book Scoops by former Newsnight editor Sam McAlister.
Who is Prince Andrew?
Prince Andrew, Duke of York (Andrew Albert Christian Edward; born 19 February 1960) is a member of the British royal family. He is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and a younger brother of King Charles III. Andrew was born second in the line of succession to the British throne and is now eighth, and the first person in the line who is not a descendant of the reigning monarch.
Who is Emily Maitlis?
Emily Maitlis (born 6 September 1970) is a British journalist and former newsreader for the BBC. She was the lead anchor of the BBC Two news and current affairs programme Newsnight until the end of 2021. She has since been a presenter of the daily podcast The News Agents on LBC Radio.
Where to watch: Netflix
Back to Black
Based on the life of English singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, played by Marisa Abela. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and written by Matt Greenhalgh, the film also stars Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville.
he rise and fall of the legendary British singer Amy Winehouse, starting from her early demos and the release of her first album all the way to the center of the media spotlight, this is the story of superstar Amy Winehouse. Between romantic turmoil and struggles with addiction, Amy pours her life into music and releases her timeless classic, Back to Black.
Who is Amy Winehouse?
Amy Jade Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011) was a British singer and songwriter. With over 30 million records sold worldwide, she is known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, rhythm and blues, reggae, and jazz.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Fire Inside
It is a biographical sports film by Rachel Morrison in her feature directorial debut. The film is about the early boxing career of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, a fighter from Flint, Michigan, including her competing at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Ryan Destiny stars as the lead, alongside Brian Tyree Henry.
Who is Claressa Shields?
Claressa Maria Shields (born March 17, 1995) is an American professional boxer and professional mixed martial artist. She has held multiple world championships in five weight classes, including the undisputed female light middleweight title in March 2021; the undisputed female middleweight title twice between 2019 and 2024, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) female light heavyweight title and the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Federation (WBF) female heavyweight titles since July 2024; WBC and IBF female super middleweight titles from 2017 to 2018.
Shields currently holds the record for becoming a two and three division world champion in the fewest professional fights. As of October 2022, she is ranked the world’s best active female middleweight by BoxRec, as well as the best active female boxer, pound for pound, by ESPN and The Ring. Shields is one of only four boxers in history, female or male, to hold all four major world titles in boxing—WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO, in two weight classes.
Where to watch: Theatre
Beautiful Rebel
Beautiful Rebel (Italian: Sei nell’anima) is an Italian biographical film, based on the autobiography Cazzi miei by Gianna Nannini. It is directed by Cinzia Torrini, starring Letizia Toni, Selene Caramazza, Stefano Rossi Giordani, Teresa Tanini, Maurizio Lombardi, and Andrea Delogu.
The origin story of one of Italy’s greatest rock stars, Gianna Nannini, who chased her dream despite obstacles from her family and the music industry.
Who is Gianna Nannini?
Gianna Nannini (born 14 June 1954) is an Italian singer and songwriter. Her most notable songs include “America” (1979), “Fotoromanza” (1984), “I maschi” (1987), “Meravigliosa creatura” and “Bello e impossibile” (1986). The latter became a hit across Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
Where to watch: Netflix
Reagan
It is based on Paul Kengor’s 2006 book The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism. The film film directed by Sean McNamara and written by Howard Klausner. It stars Dennis Quaid as President Ronald Reagan, Penelope Ann Miller, Mena Suvari, Kevin Dillon, David Henrie, and Jon Voight.
The story follows the life of Ronald Reagan, from his childhood to his time in the oval office.
Who is Ronald Reagan?
Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was an American politician and actor who served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. A member of the Republican Party, he became an important figure in the American conservative movement. His presidency is known as the Reagan era.
Where to watch: Apple TV
Lee
The British biographical war drama film directed by Ellen Kuras in her feature directorial debut, from a screenplay by Liz Hannah, John Collee and Marion Hume, and story from Hume, Collee and Lem Dobbs, adapted from the 1985 biography The Lives of Lee Miller by Antony Penrose. It stars Kate Winslet as WWII journalist Lee Miller. The cast includes Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Samberg, Noémie Merlant, Josh O’Connor and Alexander Skarsgård in supporting roles.
The story of American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II.
Who is Lee Miller?
Elizabeth “Lee” Miller, Lady Penrose (April 23, 1907 – July 21, 1977), was an American photographer and photojournalist. Miller was a fashion model in New York City in the 1920s before going to Paris, becoming a fashion and fine-art photographer there.
During World War II, she was a war correspondent for Vogue, covering events such as the London Blitz, the liberation of Paris and the concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau. Her reputation as an artist in her own right is due mostly to her son’s discovery and promotion of her work as a fashion and war photographer.
Where to watch: Hulu
A Complete Unknown
A Complete Unknown is a the best biography musical drama film of 2024, directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jay Cocks. Based on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald, the film portrays Bob Dylan through his earliest folk music success until the momentous controversy over his use of electric instruments at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Timothée Chalamet (who also produces) stars as Dylan, with Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz, and Scoot McNairy in supporting roles. The film’s title is derived from the chorus of Dylan’s 1965 single “Like a Rolling Stone”.
Who is Bob Dylan?
Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture over his 60-year career. With an estimated figure of more than 125 million records sold he is one of the best-selling musicians of all-time.
Dylan added increasingly sophisticated lyrical techniques to the folk music of the early 1960s, infusing it “with the intellectualism of classic literature and poetry”. His lyrics incorporated political, social and philosophical influences, defying pop music conventions and appealing to the burgeoning counterculture.
Where to watch: Theatre
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The Apprentice
It is a biographical film that examines Donald Trump’s career as a real estate businessman in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as his relationship with attorney Roy Cohn. Directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Gabriel Sherman, the film stars Sebastian Stan as Trump, Jeremy Strong as Cohn, Martin Donovan as Trump’s father Fred, and Maria Bakalova as Trump’s first wife, Ivana.
Who is Donald Trump?
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Having won the 2024 presidential election as the nominee of the Republican Party, he is the president-elect and will be inaugurated as the 47th president on January 20, 2025.
Where to watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV
Bosco
It is based on the memoir Chasin’ Freedum by Quawntay Adams, sentenced to 35 years for attempted possession of marijuana. With the help of a woman from a lonely-hearts ad, he escapes to see his daughter but is forced to take responsibility for his past.
The film written and directed by Nicholas Manuel Pino, it stars Aubrey Joseph, Nikki Blonsky, D.C. Young Fly, John Lewis, Theo Rossi, Thomas Jane, Tyrese Gibson, and Vivica A. Fox.
Who is Quawntay Adams?
Quawntay “Bosco” Adams was born and raised in the Compton Ca area, he was raised by is mother, in a single family home, alone with his 2 older sisters. He serving 35 years in federal prison on marijuana charges. He decided to write his book based, on the documentary Breakout the Escapist, which is based on my escape from prison.
Where to watch: Peacock
Rob Peace
It is one of the best biopic movies of 2024, based on the 2014 biography The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs. Yale University graduate Rob Peace, known as Shaun at the time his father was arrested for crimes he may not have committed, turns to drug dealing in order to get his father out of jail while maintaining other activities.
The film written and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor and starring Ejiofor, Camila Cabello, Jay Will, and Mary J. Blige.
Who is Robert Peace?
Robert DeShaun Peace (June 25, 1980 – May 18, 2011) was an American scholar and teacher who attended Yale University, where he graduated with honors in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. His life and experiences are the subject of the 2014 biography The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace, written by his college roommate, Jeff Hobbs. Peace died at the age of 30 in a drug-related shooting.
Where to watch: Netflix
Joy
Joy is a British biographical drama film starring Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie and James Norton. Directed by Ben Taylor from a screenplay by Jack Thorne, it is the true story of the world’s first in vitro fertilisation baby Louise Brown. It stars Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie, and James Norton, Joanna Scanlan, Charlie Murphy, Tanya Moodie, and Ella Bruccoleri.
Who is Louise Brown?
Louise Joy Brown (born 25 July 1978) is an English woman noted as the first human born following conception by in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Her birth, following a procedure pioneered in Britain, has been lauded among “the most remarkable medical breakthroughs of the 20th century”.
Where to watch: Netflix
Maria
It is a biographical psychological drama film about opera singer Maria Callas, the world’s greatest opera singer, lives the last days of her life in 1970s Paris, as she confronts her identity and life.
It is directed by Pablo Larraín, written by Steven Knight. It is the third film in Larraín’s trilogy of important 20th-century women, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). The film stars Angelina Jolie in the title role, along with Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee in supporting roles.
Who is Maria Callas?
Maria Callas Commendatore OMRI (born Maria Anna Cecilia Sofia Kalogeropoulos; December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977) was a Greek soprano and one of the most renowned and influential opera-singers of the 20th century. Many critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice, and dramatic interpretations. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini; and further to the works of Verdi and Puccini, and in her early career to the music dramas of Wagner. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina (“The Divine One”).
Where to watch: Netflix
Daaaaaali!
The story is about a French journalist meets the iconic surrealist artist Salvador Dalí on several occasions for a documentary project that never came to be. the film is written and directed by Quentin Dupieux. It stars Anaïs Demoustier, Gilles Lellouche, Édouard Baer, Jonathan Cohen, Pio Marmaï, Didier Flamand, Romain Duris, and Agnès Hurstel.
Who is Salvador Dalí?
Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquess of Dalí of Púbol gcYC (11 May 1904 – 23 January 1989) was a Spanish surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the striking and bizarre images in his work.
Where to watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV
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Piece by Piece
It is an animated biographical documentary comedy film co-written, co-produced, and directed by filmmaker Morgan Neville in his animated directorial debut. It follows the life and career of American musician Pharrell Williams, who stars in the film, through the lens of Lego animation, or brickfilm.
The film stars the voices of Pharrell Williams, Morgan Neville, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg.
Who is Pharrell Williams?
Pharrell Lanscilo Williams (born April 5, 1973), often known mononymously as Pharrell, is an American musician. He first became known as one half of the music production duo the Neptunes, which he formed with Chad Hugo in 1992. Fifteen of their productions have peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, which includes four songs that peaked atop the chart. The two also formed the alternative band N.E.R.D. with drummer Shay Haley in 1999, for which Williams served as lead vocalist. He has been considered one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century for his impact on popular music.
Where to watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV
[Also Read: 18 Best Animated Movies of 2024 (So Far)]
Amar Singh Chamkila
It is one of the best Indian biographical movies of 2024, based on the life of musician Amar Singh Chamkila. It is directed, produced and co-written by Imtiaz Ali. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role, with Parineeti Chopra as his second wife, Amarjot.
Follows the life of pop star duo Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur, whose songs that were social commentaries or devotionals became massive hits in the 80’s.
Who is Amar Singh Chamkila?
Amar Singh Chamkila (21 July 1960 – 8 March 1988) was an Indian singer and musician of Punjabi music. Chamkila’s vivid language, high-pitched vocals, and novel compositions accompanied by tumbi made him popular. His music was influenced by the Punjabi village life in which he grew up. On 8 March 1988, at the height of his popularity during the insurgency in Punjab, India, Chamkila and his second wife Amarjot were killed along with two members of their band in an assassination which remains unsolved.
Where to watch: Netflix
Young Woman and the Sea
The film is based on the 2009 book by Glenn Stout, it follows the daughter of a German butcher from Manhattan, Gertrude Ederle was a competitive swimmer who won gold in the 1924 Olympics when she decided to attempt crossing the channel. She undertook the feat after first swimming 22 miles from Battery Park in New York to Sandy Hook, NJ, setting a record that stood for 81 years. She contracted with two newspapers and sold her story, thereby financing her quest. There was actually a race among women who would be first to cross as only five men had done so before.
Directed by Joachim Rønning and written by Jeff Nathanson. The film stars Daisy Ridley as Gertrude Ederle, alongside Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Stephen Graham, Kim Bodnia, Christopher Eccleston, and Glenn Fleshler in supporting roles.
Who is Gertrude Ederle?
Gertrude Caroline Ederle (October 23, 1905 – November 30, 2003) was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and world record-holder in five events. On August 6, 1926, she became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Among other nicknames, the press called her “Queen of the Waves”.
Where to watch: Disney+
Chandu Champion
Directed by Kabir Khan and co-written with Sumit Arora, and Sudipto Sarkar. It stars Kartik Aaryan as India’s first Paralympics gold medallist Murlikant Petkar
“Chottu Tiger,” an absolutely terrific true story of a man who has lived possibly the most incredible life unknown to the world. An unbelievable tale of a man who kept bouncing back from one adversity after another with grit, determination and undying spirit. From wrestling in the rustic interiors of Maharashtra as a teenager, to representing India at the prestigious International Services Meet held in Tokyo, to fighting a War against Pakistan and getting disabled in that, to finally making it to the Grand Munich Olympics of 1972 and facing the Black September Terrorist attack.
Who is Murlikant Petkar?
Murlikant Petkar (born 1 November 1944) is India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. He won an individual gold medal in the 1972 Summer Paralympics, in Heidelberg, Germany. He set a world record in the 50 m freestyle swimming event, at 37.33 seconds. In the same games he participated in javelin, precision javelin throw and slalom. He was a finalist in all three events. In 2018, he was awarded with the Padma Shri.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Unfrosted
Loosely based on the true story of the creation of Pop-Tarts toaster pastries, the film stars an ensemble cast that includes Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Max Greenfield, Hugh Grant, and Amy Schumer. The film directed by Jerry Seinfeld from a screenplay he co-wrote with his writing team of Spike Feresten, Barry Marder, and Andy Robin.
Where to watch: Netflix
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