Have you ever wondered what it was like to walk in the shoes of one of history’s most fascinating figures? Biographical films will help you do that, as they provide a captivating glimpse into the lives of remarkable individuals. Biography films inspired by books bring the stories of those individuals to life on a whole new level.
The list in this article explores the top most popular Biography films inspired by books. From political leaders to social activists, literary icons, and more. So grab some popcorn and settle in your comfy sofas to get inspired by the life journey of some unforgettable characters.
List of Biography films inspired by books
The silver screen loves a true story. But sometimes, the richest tales lie within the pages of captivating biographies. Let us delve into the fascinating world of the top 24 Biography films inspired by books.
No. 1 Film Inspired by Books - A Beautiful Mind
Movie Name- A Beautiful Mind
Film Inspired From the Book – A Beautiful Mind by John Forbes Nash Jr.
A Beautiful Mind is a top Biography film inspired by books. Despite issues with tone and structure, as well as some key absences from Nash’s real life, A Beautiful Mind has become one of the most fascinating and well-loved films of all time. Because the film focuses on Nash’s life rather than his mental health, and because of Russell Crowe’s inspiring portrayal, Nash is given a second chance to relive both his success and failure. Despite issues with tone and structure, as well as some key absences from Nash’s real life.
02nd Movie Inspired by Book - Elvis
Movie Name – Elvis
Film Inspired From the Book – Priscilla Beaulieu Presley’s 1985 memoir
Elvis narrates the life story of American music legend Elvis Presley, played by Austin Butler, from his youth to his rise to rock and roll stardom in the 1950s and maintaining a complex bond with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Butler’s brilliant portrayal of Elvis humanizes the legend, thrusting everything from his body language to his huge, raspy voice into the spotlight to reveal the troubled man behind the timeless God of Rock. Furthermore, the wild singing, set design, re-enactments of iconic events, and compelling cast give the impression that the audience is watching a documentary instead.
No. 3 in Biographical Movie Inspired by Books - Ray
Movie Name – Ray
Film Inspired From the Book – Brother Ray: Ray Charles’ Own Story by Ray Charles, David Ritz
Ray is the next best Biography films inspired by books. The story tells the story of famous musician Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) and his struggles with darkness, poverty, and addiction, as well as the women in his life. It also highlights Charles’s musical career, including his experimentation with various styles of R&B, gospel, and country, and his collaborations with other musicians.
Ray is a poignant and inspiring film that explores the life of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and the struggles and triumphs that shaped his extraordinary career. Plus, the acting is strong, the directing is masterful, the story is enlightening, and Foxx gives an excellent performance.
One of the Best Films Inspired by Books - The Wolf of Wall Street
Movie Name – The Wolf of Wall Street
Film Inspired From The Book – The Wolf Of Wall Street By Jordan Belfort
One of the best Biography films inspired by books. The story of 1990s stock trader Jordan Belfort, whose company, Stratton Oakmont, participated in unprecedented levels of corruption and fraud, is told in Martin Scorsese’s bombshell biopic. The Wolf of Wall Street. Scorsese’s picture is the height of excess, with Leonardo DiCaprio giving a truly outrageous performance as Belfort. As in many of Scorsese’s films, sinners must confront their sins, but “Wolf” warns us in the end that any cautionary tales will keep future generations from indulging in short-sighted, amoral, selfish ambitions. Will not stop.
4th Book Inspired Film - A hidden Life
Movie Name – A Hidden Life
Film Inspired From the Book – Story of Franz Jägerstätter by Zahn, Gordon
This is another premium Biography film inspired by books. It is based on the story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer. The Hidden Life follows Franz. Because he lives a quiet life with his family in the small village of St. Radegund. , Life is lived, when war breaks out, Franz is called up to serve in the German army.
#5 Books Inspired Movie - Lincoln
Movie Name – Lincoln
Film Inspired From the Book – Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Lincoln follows Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. He is trying to gather support for the amendment from Republicans and Democrats while navigating the political landscape of the Civil War era.
#6 Movie by Books - Hidden Figures
Movie Name – Hidden Figures
Film Inspired From The Book – Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s 2016 non-fiction book of the same name, Hidden Figures is the story of a group of female black mathematicians (played by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe) who played pivotal roles in the development of the game. NASA during the early stages of the American space program.
No. 7 Film Inspired by Books is "Milk"
Movie Name – Milk
Film Inspired From the Book – The Mayor of Castro Street by Randy Shilts
Milk is about the life of Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn), an openly gay activist and politician who became the first LGBTQ+ person elected to public office in California. The film chronicles the period from Milk’s 40th birthday to his horrific murder in 1978, using archival footage of his life. Written by Gus Van Sant and Dustin Lance Black, the film sweeps us into the political process as Penn’s brilliant performance captures Milk’s playful intellectual personality.
Additionally, by combining 1970s news footage with newly shot scenes, Van Sant built his film around some huge, screen-filling set pieces, making the audience feel as if they were in the story.
8th Film Inspired by Books - The King’s Speech
Movie Name – The King’s Speech
Inspired From the Book – The King’s Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy by Peter Conradi and Mark Logue
When Albert “Bertie” George’s father, King George V, dies and his brother, King Edward VIII, chooses love over the kingdom, he is forced to make himself king. The King’s Speech depicts the story of King George VI’s friendship with his speech therapist, who helped the king overcome his stutter and address his subjects confidently.
9th in Best Films Inspired by Books - The Pianist
Movie Name – The Pianist
Inspired From the Book – Autobiographical Book The Pianist by Władysław Szpilman
Based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Polish-Jewish pianist, composer, and Holocaust survivor, Władysław Szpilman, The Pianist follows Szpilman (Adrien Brody), who loses touch with his family after being forced into the Warsaw ghetto. Result of Operation Reinhard. He then continues to hide from this point in various locations among the debris of Warsaw until the prisoners from the concentration camps are released.
The fearless anti-war film is a masterpiece about the struggle between good and evil, the perseverance and mercy of art, and the terrible personal loss caused by one of the darkest moments in history. Like many films about the Holocaust, The Pianist may be difficult to watch, but it’s important to remember what happened, and Brody was mesmerizing in it.
Let’s have a look into our 10th best biographical film inspired by books.
#10 Films Inspired by Books - The Social Network
Movie Name – The Social Network
Inspired From The Book – The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich
Although not entirely accurate, The Social Network covers the story of the early years of Facebook and the early social fall of its founder, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), beginning with his romantic relationship with Erica Albright (Rooney Mara). It was caused by the breakage. His friendship with co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) ends tragically.
The film is one of the best-performing films of 2010. This is due to screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s characteristically quick writing and famed Social Network creator Jesse Eisenberg. Additionally, everyone in the film is on the verge of breaking down, which adds to the authenticity and realism of the film.
11th Book Inspired Movies - Selma
Movie Name – Selma
Inspired From the Book – The Selma Campaign by Craig Swanson
Selma is one of the Biographical Films Adapted From the book, The Selma Campaign by Craig Swanson. Moreover, it is praised because of its structure, which followed Martin Luther King, Jr. His following included fighting for the right of black votes. Furthermore, this film follows King’s march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Not only this, but his efforts also influenced President Lyndon B. Johnson. Moreover, the president also contributed to the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
The film focuses primarily on King’s role in the events without minimizing the importance of other leaders’ contributions in shaping this important moment in American history. Furthermore, Paul Webb’s screenplay and David Oyelowo’s performance as King give us a deep, gratifying portrayal of King as a man capable of errors, self-doubt, and pain.
No. 12 in Movies Inspired from Books - Schindler's List
Movie Name – Schindler’s List
Inspired From the Book – Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally
Thomas Keneally’s portrayal of Oskar Schindler, who was a German businessman. Moreover, he saved the lives of thousands of Jews from the Holocaust. This Biography films inspired by books Schindler’s Ark. Schindler was a businessman and also a nazi party member. Moreover, he witnessed the brutality of the Holocaust, which underwent a moral transformation.
In this movie, Schindler risked his life to save the Jewish employees in his factories. Moreover, he helped them create a safe place for them to reside. Schindler’s list is one of the powerful testaments that tells us about the good that exists in the world. Moreover, it is a heartbreaking reminder about unchecked hatred and prejudice.
13th Movies is Cold Mountain
Movie Name – Cold Mountain
Inspired From the Book – Civil War by Charles Frazier
Adapted from Charles Frazier’s novel, this Civil War epic follows Inman Gairdner, a wounded Confederate soldier yearning to return to his sweetheart, Ada, on a perilous journey home. Cold Mountain paints a vivid portrait of the American South during the Civil War, a land ravaged by conflict and hardship.
Inman endures a brutal odyssey, facing starvation, disease, and the constant threat of capture by Union forces. Meanwhile, Ada struggles to survive on her own farm, relying on the kindness of strangers and her own resourcefulness. The film portrays the profound impact of war on both soldiers and civilians, highlighting the themes of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Cold Mountain is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
#14 Film - Capote
Movie Name – Capote
Inspired From the Book – Biography of Capote by Gerald Clarke
Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers a haunting performance as Truman Capote in this biographical drama, based on Gerald Clarke’s biography of Capote. The film explores Capote’s unique blend of Southern charm and ruthlessness as he ingratiates himself with the killers in the real-life murder case that becomes the basis for his groundbreaking true-crime masterpiece, In Cold Blood. Capote develops a complex relationship with the murderers, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, blurring the lines between journalist and subject.
As Capote delves deeper into the case, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the killers and the darkness that resides within them. This obsession takes a toll on Capote’s physical and mental health, ultimately jeopardizing his friendships and challenging his own sense of identity. Capote is a fascinating portrait of a brilliant writer grappling with the moral complexities of his work and the personal costs of artistic creation.
15th Film from Books - The Help
Movie Name – The Help
Inspired From the Book – The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Kathryn Stockett’s bestselling novel is brought to life in this poignant drama set in 1960s Mississippi. The Help tells the story of a white woman who joins forces with black domestic workers to document their experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting issues of race, class, and sisterhood.
#16 Film from Books - Darkest Hour
Movie Name – Darkest Hour
Inspired From the Book – Alone in the Darkest Hour By Joshua Levine
The movie Darkest Hour adapts a biographical book named Alone in the Darkest Hour by Joshua Levine. Gary Oldman plays the role of Winston Churchill. Moreover, the book revolves around the leadership period during World War II. It was the time when Britain stood alone against the Nazi juggernaut moreover, as Prime Minister Winston Churchill made decisions regarding the British people and allies against them.
This adapted biographical film depicts Churchill’s struggles, speech, and determination to defend democracy in the darkest hours. This book named Alone in the Darkest Hour is a reminder of the importance of courage, perseverance and leadership.
17th Film Inspired by Book - Vice
Movie Name – Vice
Inspired From The Book – Comic Crime Noir By Thomas Pynchon
A 2018 Biography film inspired by books called Comic Crime Noir. Christian Bale plays the famous role of Dick Cheney. The film is all about the early career of Dick Cheney when he rose from being a political person known by no one to the most powerful vice president of America. Moreover, the film is created with satire and dark humor and depicts the influence of Dick Cheney on the George W. Bush administration. Furthermore, it included the Iraq war and the expansion of executive power.
No. 18 Movie Inspired from Books - Erin Brockovich
Movie Name – Erin Brockovich
Inspired From The Book – Take It From Me: Life’s a Struggle But You Can Win by Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich, a single mother struggling to make ends meet who stumbles upon a potential environmental crisis while working as a legal clerk at a small law firm. The film, based on Brockovich’s autobiography, follows her investigation into a powerful corporation contaminating a water supply in a small town. Despite having no legal background, Brockovich tirelessly gathers evidence and rallies the community to fight for clean water. Erin Brockovich is a powerful story of environmental activism, taking on the status quo, and the unwavering determination of one person to make a difference.
Now let’s have a look into some Indian Bollywood films inspired by books.
19th Indian Movie Inspired from Book - Manjhi
Movie Name – Manjhi
Inspired From The Book – Manjhi: The Mountain Man” by Basin Boxi Singh
Manjhi is a Biography film inspired by the book The Mountain Man written by Basin Boxi Singh. Moreover, the film represents the life drama of Darshan Manjhi, a poor farmer in India, Agrawala village. Darshan Manjhi’s wife tragically died in a fall, and Manjhi started his mission with the grief of living without his wife. Manjhi spent over two decades carving the path between the mountain with only a hammer and chisel. This mountain was an obstacle between his village and the outside world. Because of his sheer dedication and perseverance, he earned the name of the mountain man and became an inspiration for many.
Bollywood Sports Biography Film Inspired by Books - Azhar
Movie Name – Azhar
Inspired From The Book – Azhar: The Autobiography of Mohammad Azharuddin
This biographical sports drama delves into the life and career of Indian cricket legend Mohammad Azharuddin. The movie takes cues from Azharuddin’s autobiography, “Azhar: The Autobiography of Mohammad Azharuddin,” co-written with sports journalist Nishant Arora. The book details Azharuddin’s rise to cricketing fame, his captaincy of the Indian national team, the controversies that plagued his later career, and his personal life. While the film focuses primarily on Azharuddin’s cricketing journey, it also touches upon the controversies surrounding his alleged match-fixing involvement, a chapter that continues to spark debate in Indian cricket.
Sachin: A Billion Dreams
Movie Name – Sachin: A Billion Dreams
Inspired From The Book – Playing It My Way by Boria Majumdar and Sachin Tendulkar
This biographical sports film inspired by book, celebrates the iconic journey of cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. The film draws heavily on Tendulkar’s autobiography “Playing It My Way,” capturing not only his rise to cricket superstardom but also the challenges he faced throughout his career. The book offers a glimpse into Tendulkar’s early life, his initial struggles to break into the national team, and the immense pressure of carrying the hopes of a billion fans. Sachin: A Billion Dreams portrays these elements effectively, showcasing Tendulkar’s determination, discipline, and the sacrifices he made to achieve cricketing greatness. The film also touches upon his personal life, his relationships with coaches and fellow players, and the emotional connection he shared with his fans.
Last in Bollywood Films Inspired by Books - Neerja
Movie Name – Neerja
Adapted From The Book – The Smile of Courage by Neerja’s brother Aneesh Bhanot
This Biography films inspired by books recounts the bravery of Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers on Pan Am Flight 73, which was hijacked in 1986. The movie draws inspiration from various sources, including interviews with Bhanot’s family, news reports, and official investigations. Bhanot’s courageous actions during the hijacking made her a national hero in India. Her story is not only one of heroism but also a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable danger.
Conclusion - Best Biographical Films Inspired by Books
We’ve explored just a handful of the many biographical films inspired by books. These biographical movies inspired from books, offer a unique window into the lives of fascinating individuals, allowing us to learn from their triumphs and struggles. Whether you’re a history buff, a movie enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there’s sure to be a biographical film out there that will captivate you. So next time you’re looking for something to watch, consider diving into the world of books only at Non Fiction Books.
I hope this list has inspired you to delve deeper into the world of biographical films adapted from books. With countless book summaries like Burn by Kara Swisher Summary and many more waiting to be explored.