5 essential biopics every movie-lover must watch

The Theory of Everything has us reminiscing about all the other biopics we love. Here are the must-see biopics that every movie fan should see.

The late, great Stephen Hawking passed away on Wednesday.  His life was full of accomplishments, many of which were life-changing for all of us.

That being said, the only achievement most of us can wrap our heads around is that there was a movie made based on his life. In the tradition of Hollywood shining a light on brilliant lives of others, below is a list of must-see biographical movies.

The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street documents the wild life story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort. This movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, so obviously it’s a winner (unless you are the Academy Awards). A Scorsese/DiCaprio movie is always an intense ride. Plus, Wolf of Wall Street sneaks in some Kyle Chandler, who for the record should play every cop, coach or federal agent ever.

Malcolm X

In case Malcolm X’s strength, honor and intelligence weren’t appealing enough already, I present to you, Denzel Washington’s portrayal of the famous activist. Washington captures Malcolm X’s captivating charisma exactly. There’s something perfect about this film which, is probably due to the fact that only Spike Lee could do the story of Malcom X justice.

Marie Antoinette

Bright colors, shimmering lights, sex, wigs and dancing! This movie turns the story of Marie Antoinette into an adult My Little Pony episode. Everything I just said was a compliment. The historic, infamous Marie Antoinette comes off as magnetic in Kirsten Dunst’s portrayal. Like many of Sofia Coppola’s movies, Marie Antoinette has a modern energetic tone which is beyond captivating when paired with this 18th-century story. 

Erin Brockovich

A single mother taking on the Pacific Gas and Electric Company? Sign me up! We could all use a dose of sticking it to the man once in a while. Brockovich (one of the original “yas, queen” ladies) is crass and empowering.  If you’re ever forgetting why Julia Roberts is the best, just pop this bad gal into the DVD player and have yourself a night in.

Hidden Figures 

This movie is about the life of three African-American women in the ’60s who worked for NASA as mathematicians. The chemistry between stars Tarji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe is hypnotizing. Women supporting other women needs to be more a prevalent theme in our culture. Overall Hidden Figures is non-stop enjoyable, from the story itself to the music and clothing. Plus, when is it not fun to watch a brilliant mind solve a math equation you could never do?

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That’s our list! Go out, watch a few of biopics and tell us which one you liked best.