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 Straight Outta Compton to Ford vs. Ferrari, 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. ‘Straight Outta Compton’
↑ 27 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.
2. ‘Ray’
↑ 77 vs. Prior Week
Journey into the life of the legendary Ray Charles in the outstanding 2021 biopic, Ray. Brought to life by Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx, experience the triumphs and tragedies that shape this musical icon. Starting from his childhood, face the heart-rending incident of watching his brother drown at age seven and the daunting moment when he loses his sight at nine, yet remains undeterred due to his hardworking mother’s stern support (a powerful turn by Sharon Warren).
Struggle alongside Ray as he navigates the Seattle jazz scene, battles with drug addiction, and wrestles with infidelity — all under the watchful and supportive eyes of his wife, played by Kerry Washington. Ride this emotional roller-coaster as Ray Charles forever transforms soul music, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come.
3. ‘Blow’
↑ 69 vs. Prior Week
Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1970s, Blow (2001) tells the exhilarating, yet harrowing, true story of George Jung (played by Johnny Depp). Once a high-school football star from a mere ordinary American family, he found himself in the fast-paced, violent whirlwind of the international drug trade and rose as the world’s premier importer of cocaine. Jung’s association with Colombia’s infamous Medellin drug cartel forever shifted the life course of an entire generation. However, power and riches come at a high price; this riveting film offers a high-octane exploration of Jung’s meteoric rise and his subsequent dramatic downfall.
4. ’42’
↑ 67 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, 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.
5. ‘King Richard’
↑ 6 vs. Prior Week
King Richard (2021) is an enthralling film that epitomizes the power of ambition and persistence, set amidst the backdrop of tennis and family. It re-enacts the remarkable life journey of Richard Williams, a father with unwavering faith in his daughters Venus and Serena Williams. His audacious 78-page plan, devoted training sessions on the weathered tennis courts of Compton, and tireless molding of the girls’ ironclad commitment and sharp instincts form the crux of the story. The Williams family’s defiance against seemingly impossible odds and prevailing expectations creates a compelling narrative that is sure to captivate audiences.
6. ‘Invincible’
↔ vs. Prior Week
Invincible tells the inspiring true story of Vince Papale, brilliantly portrayed by Mark Wahlberg. Papale, a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, transforms from a high school teacher to an NFL player, realizing his wildest dreams at an age where most careers are winding down. At 30, he becomes the oldest rookie (excluding kickers) in NFL history who never played collegiate football. This impressive tale of unwavering determination and audacious dreaming is sure to motivate as much as it entertains, proving that sometimes, even the wildest dreams can be within tackling distance.
7. ‘Cadillac Records’
↑ 127 vs. Prior Week
The 2008 film, Cadillac Records, thrusts audiences into the rhythm and blues scene of 1940s Chicago. Bar owner Leonard Chess, portrayed with authentic intensity by Adrien Brody, assembles a groundbreaking blues lineup featuring the legendary Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright) and harmonica virtuoso Little Walter (Columbus Short).
As the success of the musicians under Chess’ management — including Etta James (Beyoncé Knowles), Howlin’ Wolf (Eamonn Walker), and Chuck Berry (Mos Def) — continues to rise, the lines between professional and personal become blurred in the whirlwind of their sometimes-turbulent lives. Cadillac Records is a compelling exploration of the music business, the artists it shelters and the highs and lows that shape their destinies.
8. ‘Malcolm X’
↓ 4 vs. Prior Week
In Malcolm X (1992), Denzel Washington delivers a stunning performance as one of history’s most riveting and controversial leaders in the struggle for Black liberation. Witness as he spirals into the abyss during his 1950s imprisonment, only to raise anew, transformed into a devoted Black Muslim and esteemed leader in the Nation of Islam. The movie offers a compelling exploration of his life, leading to his tragic assassination in 1965, and the residual legacy of self-determination and racial pride he left behind. This intricate portrayal of Malcolm X is as challenging as it is inspiring, daring to expose the raw, tumultuous journey that shaped an iconic activist.
9. ‘Braveheart’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
In Braveheart, a historical epic from 1995, Mel Gibson delivers a breathtaking performance as the iconic Scottish freedom fighter, William Wallace, who lead his countrymen in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. This film stands the test of time as a tale of courageous resistance against overwhelming oppression, with an unforgettable battlefield spectacle and a heartbreaking love story. Braveheart catapults us into the raw and brutal world of 13th-century Scotland, where honor and freedom were worth dying for. As emotionally powerful as it is historically gripping, Braveheart was an immediate classic that solidified Mel Gibson’s status as an accomplished actor and director.
10. ‘Ford v Ferrari’
↑ 10 vs. Prior Week
Experience the high-stakes world of auto racing in Ford v Ferrari. 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.
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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