The Cinemaholic

14 Best Biopics on Netflix (August 2024)

 of 14 Best Biopics on Netflix (August 2024)

Biopics are an aspirational genre of filmmaking that arouses feelings ranging from tragedy to triumphant joy inside all of us. They serve as a reminder of the achievements of real-life people and the hardships endured while trying to accomplish something. Naturally, we are drawn to these shining examples of endeavor, perseverance, and grit. Most biopics depict personalities who are driven by something greater than them, showing us what it means to strive for higher objectives. Their life and experiences, told through a dramatic lens, inspire us to look at our own while dissecting the complexities of theirs. As such, to cater to your need for stories about real-life figures, here is a list of the best biopics available on Netflix.   

14. Blonde (2022)

biography movies netflix

‘ Blonde ’ tells the story of Hollywood and film industry icon Marilyn Monroe (Ana de Armas) , whose rise to stardom is punctuated by internal conflicts and pressure to live up to a pristine image as she winds down a circuitous path of torment. Writer and director Andrew Dominik presents a more fictionalized version of her life based on the 2000 eponymous biographical novel by Joyce Carol Oates. 

Although it is not the most authentic tale owing to its deviations from the real-life story of Monroe, the film’s portrayal of mental health challenges and its uncommon narration style make it an intriguing watch for those who want an inside look into the famed actresses’ life. Separating fact from fiction is a different matter altogether, but it should not detract from an otherwise solid viewing experience. It can be streamed here.    

13. Big George Foreman (2023)

biography movies netflix

Directed by George Tillman Jr., ‘ Big George Foreman, ’ also known as ‘Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World,’ follows the remarkable life of boxer George Foreman (Khris Davis). The narrative covers his retirement from boxing, his new life as a preacher, and his return to the Heavyweight Division of boxing. Owing to the vast yet astounding events surrounding his achievements, the narrative picks up on Foreman’s incredible feats when everyone thinks he is done and dusted. The underdog story of blood, sweat, and tears may be a well-versed motif, but it’s present in abundance to make the audience root for Foreman every step of the way . Watch the film here.

12. Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)

biography movies netflix

In ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ director Kasi Lemmons shines the spotlight on the life, legacy, and career of celebrated singer Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie). The film chronicles her rise from a church choir singer to the legendary vocalist she later became. The biopic dives into the major successes of her professional life and the failures that arose in her personal one, including her struggles with addiction, fame, and relationships. As such, the intimate portrayal provides a more holistic glimpse into the complexities of her superstar persona without much of a filter and what it took to get there. The film can be streamed here.

11. Victoria & Abdul (2017)

biography movies netflix

Adapted from the 2010 non-fiction book by Shrabani Basu, ‘ Victoria and Abdul ’ tells the unlikely but true story of friendship and maternal affection between Queen Victoria and her Munshi Abdul Karim. After arriving from India, Abdul strikes an accord with the Queen, challenging the societal norms of the time present in British culture. Subsequently, the narrative captures their deep alliance and trusted bond as the Queen herself learns more about Abdul’s culture and the restrictions of her own. Helmed by Stephen Frears, ‘Victoria and Abdul’ taps into a forgotten piece of history as it delves into an extraordinary bond between two people from different worlds, whose views change as they influence one another to strive for more. The film is available to watch here.

10. Roxanne Roxanne (2017)

biography movies netflix

Living in the Queensbridge housing projects during the 1980s was not easy . In the Michael Larnell-directed film, ‘Roxanne Roxanne,’ the iconic hip-hop figure, Roxanne Shanté, has to navigate the difficulties of an impoverished beginning in the projects while plotting her eventual rise to stardom amidst a whole host of challenges. 

The film depicts her challenges with making a name for herself in a male-dominated industry, the complexities of her interpersonal relationships, and her familial responsibilities. Roxanne’s journey presents a rousing tale of overcoming obstacles, achieving success, and aspiring to be the best no matter what. Although life is rarely easy, Roxanne showcases the determination and optimism it takes to push through the struggle. ‘Roxanne Roxanne’ can be streamed here.    

9. Harriet (2019)

biography movies netflix

‘Harriet’ uncovers the heroic exploits of famed American abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman (Cynthia Erivo), who was a huge proponent of anti-slavery struggles during the 1800s. The Kasi Lemmons directorial depicts Harriet’s extraordinary fight and the methods she employed to save the lives of those who had been enslaved around the country. The film highlights her work conducting the Underground Railroad, which helped save other enslaved people  and her contributions during the Civil War.

Few figures in history could hold a candle to Harriet’s accomplishments, which have not only stood the test of time but influenced people’s attitudes going forward. Her willingness to put herself in the line of danger is a testament to her greatness, which is portrayed sincerely in the film. Viewers will especially resonate with the movie’s core message of strength, courage, fighting spirit, selflessness, and faith in a future where equality prevails. Check it out here.

8. Srikanth (2024)

biography movies netflix

The Indian Hindi-language film, ‘Srikanth,’ tells the story of successful entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla (Rajkummar Rao), who defies all odds to turn an eco-friendly products manufacturing company, Bollant Industries, into a viable, profitable business in the modern market. Director Tushar Hiranandani depicts the struggles faced by the eponymous business leader after being born visually impaired in a rural village in the former state of Andhra Pradesh, India. 

The film is a sparkling reminder of the perceived limitations of individuals and how Srikanth turns the adversity in his life into a force for change. The narrative brilliantly showcases his drive, motivation, and inability to give up as he fights to achieve his ambitions despite a whole world of naysayers stacked against him. It is a rousing and inspiring entry that can be watched here.

7. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

biography movies netflix

In ‘ Gangubai Kathiawadi, ’ a young girl named Ganga is duped into traveling to Mumbai, India, by her boyfriend under the lure of a career in the film industry. Once there, she is sold into sex work at a brothel. However, she rises to power within the ranks and becomes the madam of the establishment, fighting for the rights of her sex workers and the equality of women who are overlooked by society.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ is an adaptation of a chapter from the non-fiction novel ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories of Women from the Ganglands’ by Hussain Zaidi. The Bhansali directorial is a powerful exploration of resilience in the darkest corners of the world as the real-life protagonist climbs her way out of obscurity to fight for the freedoms she never had. It highlights her work and how formidable she was despite the cards dealt in her favor. You can watch her journey here.

6. On the Basis of Sex (2018)

biography movies netflix

Directed by Mimi Leder, ‘ On the Basis of Sex’ depicts the trials and tribulations of young fledgling lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones), whose personal challenges with her husband’s health and being a woman in a primarily male-led legal industry during the mid-1900s forces her to fight against the prevailing attitude to prove her worth. The film mainly revolves around Ginsburg’s early life and her work promoting gender equality through her cases.

It is an insightful look into the life of a pioneering individual in a demanding field with various trappings. Ginsburg’s struggles and accomplishments form the tapestry of the film’s emotional core, further enhanced by the presence of those who helped her along the way and her growing influence as a powerful figure. You can savor the movie here.    

5. Maestro (2023)

biography movies netflix

‘Maestro’ chronicles the life and career of famed American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. Written, directed, and produced by Bradley Cooper, who also plays Bernstein, the film dives into the complexities of the composer’s inner battles with sexuality and his complicated relationship with his wife, Felicia Montealegre. His turbulent bond with her plays a pivotal role in his personal life as he tries to come to grips with his identity and musical genius. 

The film is an intricate mosaic examining the various facets that made Bernstein who he was, making it an intriguing watch with a sharp performance by Cooper in the lead role. While it may not have a definite plot, watching a man’s life unfold over several decades, alongside his musical ambitions, presents a sense of deep poignancy to the narration and the humanity at its center. The film is available for streaming here.  

4. Rustin (2023)

biography movies netflix

The George C. Wolfe-directed film, ‘Rustin,’ unearths the real-life story of a lesser-known figure in history named Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo), who played an integral role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech. The film explores how, as a Black gay man, Rustin’s work and influence were diminished as he tried to fight against the discrimination of the time.

The narrative alights upon several critical moments within the Civil Rights Movement, providing an unseen perspective into the affair through the eyes of Rustin, who makes enormous contributions to the struggle despite never gaining attention. His unending work, beliefs, vision, and optimism are faithfully brought to the fore through the prescient movie and Colman Domingo’s stellar portrayal of a complicated man torn by the forces of his time but looking ahead all the same. Stream the film here.

3. Darkest Hour (2017)

biography movies netflix

With fears surrounding World War II gathering in Western Europe, the world looks for comfort and leadership in a precarious period. Newly appointed British prime minister Winston Churchill faces a difficult task in ‘ Darkest Hour ’ when he has to navigate the treacherous waters of parliament while trying to fight Hitler’s growing power, which threatens the rest of Europe, including his home nation. 

Helmed by Joe Wright, the film explores the strength, caliber, and legacy of the iconic leader facing the impossible task of unification against a turbulent tide of War. The film is graced by a mesmerizing performance by Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, who evokes the great man with deftness. Additionally, the film provides a fresh vantage point into World War II, one led through politics, making it a unique exploration of an otherwise well-covered subject. Watch it here.  

2. Tick, Tick … Boom! (2021)

biography movies netflix

In his directorial debut, ‘ Tick, Tick… Boom! ’ Lin-Manuel Miranda tells the story of Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield), a composer in his early 30s who hears a strange ticking sound in his head that sounds akin to the expiring time limit on his life. Larson is worried about the pressures of his career, constantly wondering if he made the wrong choice. While battling his inner fears, he discovers what it means to be an artist who is caught in the web of achieving success without finding any triumph.  

Based on the eponymous semi-autobiographical stage musical by the real-life Jonathan Larson, the film explores his doubts, relationships, and anxieties about an uncertain future in which nothing seems to go to plan. The narrative is a meditation on a person’s dreams and what it takes to see them through, regardless of the countless failures on the path. Larson’s life is one that many aspiring career professionals will latch on to as they find moments of levity, joy, and creativity in a story about human perseverance. Check it out here.  

1. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

biography movies netflix

‘ Hacksaw Ridge ’ delves into the miraculous true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), a drafted soldier in World War II who refuses to bear arms and wage violence against the enemy owing to his religious formation. Desmond is ostracized by his fellow soldiers, who ridicule his pacifism. However, when push comes to shove, he single-handedly saves the lives of 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa, earning the admiration and respect of those who shun him.

Directed by Mel Gibson, the film is based on the documentary film ‘The Conscientious Objector’ by Terry Benedict, which chronicles the extraordinary heroism of Desmond Doss. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ is a deep, introspective look into the power of faith, love, and forgiveness in a harrowing and impossible situation. The film earned nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Sound Editing at the Academy Awards and is a must-watch for those looking for a genuinely complex but entertaining biopic brimming with all kinds of emotions. You can stream it here now.   

Read More: Best Historical Movies on Netflix

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The 30 best documentaries on Netflix

From provocative history lessons to fascinating celebrity profiles, there's something on the streamer for any mood or interest.

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

biography movies netflix

'Tis the season for learning, and if you're looking to get educated without cracking a book, Netflix has you covered. Some of the documentaries on this list have gone on to become critical darlings — including 13th , American Factory , and Crip Camp — while others, like Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond and The Tinder Swindler, are stories so juicy, you couldn't make them up. From educational to endearing to entertaining, regardless of your mood and mindset, there's a documentary available that can give lectures a run for their money.

Here are EW's picks for the 30 best documentaries on Netflix.

13th (2016)

The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, but this searing documentary argues that both have only taken on different forms in the years since its adoption. The Emmy-winning work, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay , traces the systematic oppression of Black Americans following the official end of slavery in 1865, from segregation to the disproportionate targeting of minorities during the war on drugs to the prison-industrial complex, of which private contractors have benefited financially.

DuVernay tackles varied and complicated forms of corruption here, but 13th is carefully plotted to show how each act of disenfranchisement leads to another, serving as a riveting rallying cry. — Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch 13th : Netflix

EW grade: A ( read the review )

Director: Ava DuVernay

American Factory (2019)

This first film from Barack and Michelle Obama 's production company Higher Ground — and winner of the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature — is an even-handed look at the trials and tribulations of a Chinese-owned windshield factory in Dayton, Ohio. As its domestic workers are tasked with more intensive labor for lower pay, their Chinese employers experience culture shock while adjusting to the American way of life.

Told with matter-of-fact honesty, American Factory drew rave reviews that included EW's critic, who notes , "The heart and soul of American Factory , like all American factories, is never really politics of course; it's people." — K.J.

Where to watch American Factory : Netflix

EW grade: B+ ( read the review )

Directors: Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert

Bad Vegan (2022)

The New York food scene has never seen a story like Sarma Melngailis, the celebrity restaurateur who was responsible for successful upscale vegan eateries like Pure Food and Wine and One Lucky Duck. Bolstered by critical acclaim and celebrity patrons, Melngailis’ stock was rising in the raw food world — until her restaurant empire was brought down by a marriage to a con man.

A scandalous story told over four episodes, Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives is the only documentary to include true crime intrigue, vegans on the run, and a Dominos order gone terribly wrong. If you’ve ever wanted to see a story in which canine immortality and meat suits feature prominently, run — don’t walk — to your TV and fill up on the insanity that is the story of Bad Vegan. —Ilana Gordon 

Where to watch Bad Vegan : Netflix

Director: Chris Smith  

Crip Camp (2020)

Following the success of American Factory , Higher Ground released this Oscar-nominated documentary about a New York summer camp called Camp Jened, which served as a haven for people with disabilities. Featuring footage of co-director James LeBrecht's experiences there in the early 1970s, the film demonstrates how the campers went on to fight in the disability rights movement of the late-20th century.

Balancing warmth with the urgency of its message, Crip Camp gives a more three-dimensional view of this marginalized community than most films, emphasizing the power of advocating for one's rights. As EW's critic writes , "Like most good storytelling, it takes care to make the political personal." — K.J.

Where to watch Crip Camp : Netflix

EW grade: A– ( read the review )

Directors: Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht

Dick Johnson Is Dead (2020)

Life and death are inexorably linked in this unique film by celebrated documentary cinematographer Kirsten Johnson ( Cameraperson ). As her father lives with dementia, Johnson stages various fictional scenarios in which he accidentally dies — from tripping down the stairs to getting hit by a falling air conditioner — which he charmingly acts out for the camera.

What may sound morbid in writing is actually a bittersweet meditation on the stigma surrounding death and a daughter's special way of bonding with her dad before it's too late. Come for the absurdly planned schemes, stay for, as EW's critic observes , "the immeasurable love between [the film's] maker and its muse." — K.J.

Where to watch Dick Johnson Is Dead : Netflix

Director: Kirsten Johnson

Disclosure (2020)

Similar to the 1995 landmark film The Celluloid Closet — which discusses LGBTQIA+ representation on screen — this documentary narrows in on depictions of trans characters in Hollywood. From problematic movies such as The Crying Game and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective to groundbreaking shows like Orange Is the New Black and Pose , Disclosure deftly tracks the evolution of trans acceptance and how far we still have to go.

While the footage often speaks for itself, the value of this documentary comes from real-life actors and artists discussing how those cultural depictions shaped not only the societal perception of trans people but also how they view themselves. — K.J.

Where to watch Disclosure : Netflix

Director: Sam Feder

Downfall: The Case Against Boeing (2022)

Boeing used to be the pride of American manufacturing, but now the company’s name is synonymous with safety failures. Downfall: The Case Against Boeing goes deep into how pressure from Wall Street corrupted the company’s safety culture, ultimately leading to two crashes of Boeing MAX 737 planes in October of 2018 and March of 2019.

Boeing refused to be involved in the making of the film, but the project does an excellent job of breaking down how desire to keep the company’s stock price high led Boeing to knowingly fail pilots and passengers. —I.G.           

Where to watch Downfall: The Case Against Boeing : Netflix

Director: Rory Kennedy

Found (2021)

The effects of China's one-child policy are explored through the stories of three adopted American teenage girls in this rousing documentary. Each is adopted from China and come to discover they're cousins, leading them to explore their ancestry.

What makes Found fascinating is in how it allows for multiple perspectives from the cousins — one feels perfectly at home in America, while another is hoping that reconnecting with her roots will provide some resolution. It also makes room to honor the caretakers who house orphaned children and the sensitive nature of the adoption process. Have tissues nearby when watching. — K.J.

Where to watch Found : Netflix

Director: Amanda Lipitz

Four Daughters (2023)

Well-deserving of its Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature, Four Daughters is a Tunisian film that mixes traditional documentary practices with fictionalized moments to create a cinematic project unlike anything else in the genre. The four daughters in question belong to Olfa Hamrouni, a Tunisian mother who lost two of her four children when they were radicalized by the Islamic State and moved to Libya.

Performers stand in for the two eldest siblings, and Tunisian and Egyptian actress Hend Sabry plays Olfa, but interviews with the real-life Olfa and her two youngest daughters are also heavily featured. A film about mothers and daughters as told through one family’s traumatic story, Four Daughters is affecting, creatively structured, and deeply memorable. —I.G.

Where to watch Four Daughters : Netflix

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Fyre (2019)

The extravagant 2017 deserted island musical festival never took place, but it did manage to land organizer/scammer Billy McFarland a prison sentence and inspire two documentaries. At least as far as Emmy nominations are concerned , Netflix’s Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened is the superior option, providing a comprehensive look at the events that led to the festival’s formation and subsequent downfall.

A film that put event organizer Andy King on the map as the poster boy for hard-working employees, Fyre is fascinating, exasperating, and one of the ultimate tales of scamming gone wrong. Directed by Chris Smith (also of Bad Vegan fame), Fyre is an entertaining romp through early influencer culture. —I.G.   

Where to watch Fyre : Netflix

EW grade: B+ ( read the review ) 

Director: Chris Smith  

The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)

Courtesy of Netflix 

Remember that cringeworthy moment when Gal Gadot and a gaggle of celebs sat in their respective lavish homes and recorded a sing-a-long to John Lennon's "Imagine" during the start of the COVID pandemic? Well, let's rewind to 1985, when 46 music legends responded to a crisis and produced a hit that made a real impact.

Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie , artists including Bruce Springsteen , Cyndi Lauper , Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross united Avengers-style in A&M studio to record "We Are the World" — a chart-topping anthem that raised more than $80 million to combat famine in Africa, clinched four Grammys (including Record of the Year and Song of the Year), and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. If you ever wished to be fly on the wall during that historic night of music-making, turn to this Netflix documentary that spoon-feeds you archival footage, revelatory firsthand accounts, and plenty of nostalgia. —James Mercadante

Where to watch The Greatest Night in Pop : Netflix

Director: Bao Nguyen

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019)

This Grammy-winning documentary — written, directed, produced by, and starring Beyoncé — is more than just a concert film: It's an experience unto itself. Following the superstar's journey conceiving of and performing her headlining concert at Coachella in 2018, Homecoming is as much a tribute to Black artistry as it is a celebration of Queen B and her loyal BeyHive.

Edited with razor-sharp precision to deliver the best possible experience, the film also devotes time to the Black artists and leaders who inspire the singer between showcasing her own personal challenges with motherhood, all while trying to get physically and emotionally prepared for the performance. But it's the main event, now affectionately referred to as "Beychella," that'll have you revisiting this doc again and again in all its resplendent glory. — K.J.

Where to watch Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé : Netflix

Director: Beyoncé

Jim & Andy: the Great Beyond (2017)

There's method acting, and then there's what Jim Carrey did to play Andy Kaufman in 1999's Man on the Moon . Having stayed in character as the avant-garde comedian throughout the entirety of the shoot, Universal Pictures effectively buried the behind the scenes B-roll for the actor's own benefit. This documentary unearths the footage, with present-day Carrey commenting on the effect of trying to mirror his comedy idol so intensely.

EW's critic calls the film "an enthralling look at the artistic process," especially in its depiction of an A-lister at the height of his box-office powers who's able to get away with anything and everything. — K.J.

Where to watch Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond : Netflix

EW grade: B ( read the review )

Director: Chris Smith

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022)

Courtesy of Netflix

When did serving as a religious leader turn into a quest to have sex with as many underage girls as possible? That’s the question Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey attempts to answer in its four-episode docu-series centered on Warren Jeffs, former head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). This documentary draws you in as it explores the philosophies and teachings of the FLDS, Jeffs’  rise to power, the many girls forced to become wives and mothers before their time, and the families torn apart by his misdeeds. — Diedre Johnson

Where to watch Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey : Netflix 

EW grade: A– ( read the review ) 

Directors: Rachel Dretzin, Grace McNally  

Miss Americana (2020)

Taylor Swift ’s Eras Tour inspired one of the biggest pop culture conversations of 2023, but even as Swift proved over and over why she’s one of the best in the business, it’s worth traveling back in time a few years to a period when her reputation was on the line and much less respect was afforded to her work. Miss Americana allows Swift the chance to get truly vulnerable, scrubbing away her strategically crafted image to reveal the human being behind the lyrics.

Taylor opens up about her struggles with feuds and fame, her issues with disordered eating, her political frustrations, and ultimately, the responsibility she feels towards her fans, her music, and her legacy. A film for Swifties, music lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about one of the most successful artists working today, Miss Americana will, as EW’s reviewer writes , make “you wish you’d seen more of this Taylor a long time ago.” —I.G.

Where to watch Miss Americana : Netflix

Director: Lana Wilson  

Cast: Taylor Swift  

My Octopus Teacher (2021)

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, My Octopus Teacher is a story of relationships, as told by a filmmaker who bonds with an octopus. Craig Foster spent a year free-diving and following an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, and the bond he develops with the animal as she invites him into her underwater life helps to inform and transform his relationships with his fellow humans — especially his son.

It takes a talented production team to make a movie about sea creatures feel like an important story about humanity, but this crew pulls it off, creating a piece of art that is affecting, educational, and inspiring. —I.G.  

Where to watch My Octopus Teacher : Netflix

Directors: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed  

Cast: Craig Foster, Tom Foster  

Our Father (2022)

Imagine if the life you've always known changed with one email. That's exactly what happened to dozens of people who found out it was highly likely (in the 90th percentile) that their birth father was the same man. From the early 1970s to 1989, Dr. Donald Cline, a married Indiana-based fertility doctor, helped medically inseminate women — only it was actually his sperm. Our Father focuses on the affected families' confusion, grief, anger, and, invariably, the bonds forged between these half-brothers and sisters. — D.J.

Where to watch Our Father : Netflix

Director: Lucie Jourdan

Race to the Summit (2023)

Fans of Free Solo will find new heights to explore in Race to the Summit . This sports and climbing documentary chronicles the rivalry between alpinists Ueli Steck and Dani Arnold as both climbers race to secure the fastest times on their ascents up the Swiss Alps' great north faces.

As with all climbing documentaries, non-climbers will struggle to understand what drives a person to risk their life like this, but the film’s stunning vistas and the athletes’ dedication to their sport needs no explanation. Viewers with fears of heights may want to steer clear, however: These shots are guaranteed to raise your heart rate and take your breath away. —I.G.    

Where to watch Race to the Summit : Netflix

Directors: Nicholas de Taranto, Götz Werner  

Cast: Dani Arnold, Alex Honnold, Ueli Steck

Rolling Thunder Revue (2019)

Martin Scorsese blurs the line between fiction and reality in this glimpse into Bob Dylan 's eponymous 1975 tour. The director blends archival footage with modern interviews from those who were in the singer's circle, including Joan Baez and Sam Shepard , as well as from fictional characters, played by the likes of Sharon Stone and Michael Murphy. This fluid style pays tribute to Dylan's 1978 film Renaldo and Clara , which also combines documentary footage and fictional vignettes.

While your enjoyment may vary depending on your tolerance for experimentation, EW's critic writes , "The Rolling Thunder Revue was Dylan's personal magical mystery tour — and in Scorsese's hands, there's no shortage of magic or mystery." — K.J.

Where to watch Rolling Thunder Revue : Netflix

Director: Martin Scorsese

Shirkers (2018)

Anyone who's ever had their artistic dreams dashed will resonate with the plight of Sandi Tan, who directs this underrated gem. In 1992, Tan and her friends made an independent film in Singapore called Shirkers , but their mentor, Georges Cardona, made off with the footage and disappeared. Decades later, the movie finally resurfaced thanks to Cardona's ex-wife, who mailed it to Tan following his death. This documentary follows the filmmaker's decision to repurpose her once-lost project as she processes her adviser's devastating betrayal.

Deeply personal and inventive, Shirkers is a testament to creativity, with Tan telling EW that, "After every screening, people are vibrating with wanting to [create something of their own]. If we can carry that energy throughout the world when people are watching the film, then I've succeeded beyond my wildest dreams." — K.J.

Where to watch Shirkers : Netflix

Director: Sandi Tan

The Social Dilemma (2020)

"I always felt like, fundamentally, it was a force for good," says Alex Roetter, former head of engineering for Twitter in this incisive documentary. "I don't know if I feel that way anymore." The Social Dilemma dives deep into the manipulation tactics of sites like Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Instagram to keep users hooked and the negative consequences that result — from the spread of misinformation to depression and suicide.

The doc features various talking heads from former employees of these social media sites, who explain their companies' insidious practices. Additionally, the film presents a dramatization of an average family of five to demonstrate social media addiction in various forms. After watching The Social Dilemma , which presents its thesis in sobering fashion, it will be hard not to think twice before mindlessly scrolling Facebook or Instagram again. — K.J.

Where to watch The Social Dilemma : Netflix

Director: Jeff Orlowski

"Sr." (2022)

Before Robert Downey Jr. became one of the faces of mainstream cinema, there was his counterculture filmmaker father. Robert Downey Sr. made a name for himself in the independent cinema scene in the '60s and '70s, directing a series of anti-establishment films. His life is profiled in this moving documentary, delving into his unconventinal career and his relationship with his son.

Downey Jr. — one of the producers on "Sr." — unpacks family traumas and shares his remembrances of his father throughout the doc. The film serves as a deeply personal tribute from a son to a father, and a loving eulogy, as Downey Sr. died in 2021 from complications of Parkinson's disease. — K.J.

Where to watch "Sr." : Netflix

Take Care of Maya (2023)

In early 2015, Jack and Beata Kowalski scoured the Internet and consulted countless doctors to solve the mystery behind their 9-year-old daughter Maya's debilitating chronic pain, among other symptoms. Relief finally came with a diagnosis of advanced complex regional pain syndrome, which could be treated with ketamine. However, the trajectory of their lives took a tragic turn when a visit to the ER at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital led to accusations of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, triggering a false imprisonment of Maya for three months without proper care.

Exposing the shortcomings within the American healthcare and child welfare systems, Take Care of Maya renders a brutal cautionary tale where the Kowalskis — including now-17-year-old Maya — share their raw, gut-wrenching testimonies as they seek justice against the institution that tore their family apart. —J.M.

Where to watch Take Care of Maya : Netflix

Director: Henry Roosevelt

The Tinder Swindler (2022)

This Emmy-nominated documentary describes how con artist Shimon Hayat posed as a jewelry mogul on Tinder and scammed millions of dollars out of women who believed him to and fell for his charms. The Tinder Swindler was so timely that, when it debuted last year, Hayut was still very much on the loose and duping more unsuspecting victims out of their cash. That is, until he was banned from the app after the revelations presented here.

This documentary doubles as a cautionary tale for those swiping right and hoping to find their soulmate, showing just how easily one can get tricked into believing their date is who they say they are. — D.J.

Where to watch The Tinder Swindler : Netflix

Director: Felicity Morris

To Kill a Tiger (2023)

One of the best documentaries to premiere in 2022, To Kill a Tiger is a Canadian film that tells the story of one family’s fight for justice for their 13-year-old after news of her rape becomes public in their small village in India. Emotional, educational, and deeply personal, the film was nominated for a Best Documentary Feature Oscar in 2024, and cleaned up on the film festival circuit in 2023. Executive produced by Mindy Kaling , Dev Patel , Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and the poet Rupi Kaur, among others, To Kill a Tiger is a necessary film with an important message, told and packaged with bravery and compassion by director Nisha Pahuja. —I.G

Where to watch To Kill a Tiger : Netflix

Director: Nisha Pahuja

Virunga (2014)

The Oscar-nominated documentary Virunga is one of the prime examples of a documentarian shifting perspectives dramatically to follow the more interesting story. Filmmaker Orlando von Einsiedel set out to document the preservation efforts of workers at the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park to protect endangered gorillas. Shortly into filming, a rebellion by the military group M23 took place in the region, adding further dimension to Einsiedel's original plan.

The doc explores the impact of the rebellion on the park, in addition to the exploits of a British oil company hoping to drill in the area. Unfolding with earned dramatic tension, Virunga is urgent and powerful in its message of mankind's destruction on natural environments, while giving us heroes worth rooting for. — K.J.

Where to watch Virunga : Netflix

Director: Orlando von Einsiedel

What Happened, Miss Simone (2015)

Netflix is home to numerous documentaries about celebrities and artists, but few have led a life as fascinating as Nina Simone 's. The iconic jazz blues singer — responsible for definitive versions of such classics as "Feeling Good," "I Put a Spell on You," and "Sinnerman," as well as originals like "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "To Be Young, Gifted and Black" — was an outspoken activist during the civil rights movement, infusing progressive messages into her music and risking her own career to stand up for what she believed in.

While EW's critic notes that "No medium could ever quite contain the multitudes of Ms. Nina Simone," this documentary is an "excellently clear-eyed primer" nonetheless, one that will have you searching for her virtuosic performances on YouTube for hours on end. — K.J.

Where to watch What Happened, Miss Simone? : Netflix

Director: Liz Garbus

White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch (2022)

This documentary provides a revealing look at Abercrombie & Fitch's glory days and the eventual fallout when people realized the company was openly discriminatory. What's even more interesting are the interviews with customers who, at the time, never even gave it a second thought.

The film dives deep into how former A&F CEO Michael Jeffries targeted and marketed to particular consumers: white teenagers attending high school and wanting to be one of the "cool, good-looking" kids — meanwhile, Black and Asian applicants were allegedly not hired for front-of-store jobs. The retailer even went so far as to offer Jersey Shore reality star Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino money to not wear the brand. — D.J.

Where to watch White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch : Netflix

Director: Alison Klayman

Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)

Released seven years before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Winter on Fire follows a Ukrainian fight of a different kind. The visceral documentary centers on the Maidan Uprising of 2013 and 2014, which began after a free-trade deal with the European Union fell through at the last minute, with then-Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych making a deal with Russia instead.

Through immersive on-the-ground footage, Winter on Fire tracks protestors from peaceful demonstrations to violent confrontations with police as people from all walks of life fight against a government preventing them from moving forward as a nation. The galvanizing documentary earned an Oscar nomination, and director Evgeny Afineevsky released a companion film in 2022, Freedom on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom , which chronicles the Russian invasion. — K.J.

Where to watch Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom : Netflix

Director: Evgeny Afineevsky

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

The love for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood lives on in the hearts and minds of those who grew up learning life lessons from its cardigan-clad host. This archival footage documentary centers on the life of Fred Rogers and the guiding sense of decency that he infused into the beloved children's program. Won't You Be My Neighbor smartly demonstrates Rogers' empathetic approach while also depicting his fight to keep his show on the airwaves. As EW's critic puts it , the documentary is "a security blanket for our troubled times," and a reminder of the inherent value of kindness in a world that needs it now more than ever. — K.J.

Where to watch Won't You Be My Neighbor? : Netflix

Director: Morgan Neville

Related Articles

18 biopics to watch on Netflix right now

  • Biographical movies exploring the lives of real people are always popular films.
  • Actors are often given awards for these roles while audiences learn more about historical figures.
  • Insider lists the 18 best biopics to watch on Netflix listed in chronological order by release year.

'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967)

biography movies netflix

Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway took on the title roles in this movie, which focus on American criminals, Bonnie and Clyde, infamous bank robbers during the Great Depression.

Both landed Oscar nominations for their portrayals. In fact, the movie earned five acting nominations in total (winning supporting actress for Estelle Parsons), plus nods for best director and best picture, too.

'The Pianist' (2002)

biography movies netflix

Controversial director Roman Polanski won best director for this movie that is based on the autobiography of Holocaust survivor Władysław Szpilman.

The movie also won best actor for its young star Adrien Brody, too, for his critically acclaimed performance as Szpilman. 

'Milk' (2008)

biography movies netflix

Gus Van Sant's "Milk" tells the story of gay rights activist Harvey Milk , the first-ever openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.

Sean Penn won an Oscar for playing Milk, while a stellar supporting cast includes James Franco, Josh Brolin, and Diego Luna.

The movie was written by Dustin Lance Black, who also won an Oscar for his work.

'Ip Man' (2008)

biography movies netflix

"Ip Man" and its three sequels are the ultimate compendium of the life and times of Ip Man, the grandmaster of Wing Chun and the teacher of Bruce Lee. 

The stunning cinematography and choreography help to bring a unique visual style to these biographical films.

Good news, too. "Ip Man" two, three, and four are all also on Netflix, so you can watch the entire saga.

'The Social Network' (2010)

biography movies netflix

Aaron Sorkin's masterful screenplay served as the basis for this film, which explores how Mark Zuckerberg created what would later be known as Facebook.

Jesse Eisenberg plays Zuckerberg, while Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Rooney Mara chip in with outstanding supporting performances, too. The movie competed for multiple Oscars, but ultimately only won for Sorkin's script despite David Fincher being a hot contender for best director. 

'My Week With Marylin' (2011)

biography movies netflix

There have been many biographical films and TV shows that have explored the life of Marilyn Monroe , but none match up to Michelle Williams' performance as the iconic actress.

This movie cleverly focuses on one week in 1956, when Monroe was shooting the 1957 film "The Prince and the Showgirl" with Laurence Olivier (played in this film by Kenneth Branagh).

While shooting the film in London, Monroe is escorted around the town by a young, hopeful filmmaker (Eddie Redmayne).

'The Iron Lady' (2011)

biography movies netflix

Meryl Streep won her third Oscar for this biopic, winning best actress for playing Margaret Thatcher .

While the movie itself received luke-warm reviews, this is worth a watch for Streep's powerhouse performance alone as we are shown Thatcher's life from a young politician to her days as Prime Minister to the years when her health began to decline.

'Get on Up' (2011)

biography movies netflix

The late, great Chadwick Boseman starred in multiple biopics, but his performance as James Brown in "Get on Up" is one of his very best.

This biopic tells the complete story of Brown's life as he rose from poverty to become one of the most iconic musicians of all time.

'Fruitvale Station' (2013)

biography movies netflix

Michael B. Jordan made a name for himself with this heartbreaking and tragic movie following the story of Oscar Grant III.

The movie, which also stars fellow future MCU star Brie Larson, follows Oscar on the last day of 2008, which detailed how he was killed at the hands of police.

'Philomena' (2013)

biography movies netflix

Steve Coogan traded in his comedy chops for more drama with this movie, which he also wrote (with Jeff Pope).

Coogan plays a journalist who agrees to take on the story of an elderly Irish woman's (Judi Dench) search for her long-lost son, who was taken away from her by nuns when she was forced to live in a convent.

Dench earned an Oscar nomination for her funny and moving performance.

'The Theory of Everything' (2014)

biography movies netflix

This movie explores the lives of Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his now ex-wife Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones), from their times as university students to Hawking's diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and onwards.

Jones earned an Oscar nomination for her role while Redmayne won the Oscar for best actor.

'Legend' (2015)

biography movies netflix

Another case of an actor's performance outshining their own film. In "Legend," Tom Hardy takes on the dual role of Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, as the film follows the rise and fall of the infamous gangsters.

Hardy is unrecognizable in both roles and this film is worth watching for him alone.

'Trumbo' (2015)

biography movies netflix

Bryan Cranston earned his first and (so far) only Oscar nomination for his portrayal of blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, the man who wrote "Spartacus," "Roman Holiday" and "The Brave One."

This biopic follows Trumbo's early success in the industry to his eventual blacklisting in Hollywood for being a member of the USA's communist party and his career thereafter.

'Steve Jobs' (2015)

biography movies netflix

Another killer script from Aaron Sorkin served as the basis for this quietly-thrilling look at Steve Jobs, the late creative who built Apple.

The movie cleverly focuses on three separate product launches in different years, showing the sort of person Jobs was at work and at home.

Despite a troubled production history, which saw a change of actors and directors more than once, the movie soars with Michael Fassbender in the lead role of Jobs. He and Kate Winslet were both nominated for Oscars.

'The Founder' (2016)

biography movies netflix

This is the story of how one of the largest and most recognizable brands in the world was made: McDonald's.

Michael Keaton stars as the shady, ruthless, and ambitious businessman Ray Kroc, who stole the McDonald brothers' fast food business out from under them.

'The Two Popes' (2019)

biography movies netflix

While a movie about two Popes chatting for two hours might not sound thrilling, it actually is.

Written by "The Theory of Everything" scribe Anthony McCarten, Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins star as the future Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI, respectively.

The two men engage in conversational battles of wit, principles, and conflicting opinions as Pope Benedict's time as the head of the Catholic Church comes to an end.

'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile' (2019)

biography movies netflix

In Zac Efron's darkest ever role , the "High School Musical" alum plays serial killer Ted Bundy.

Told from the point of view of his longtime girlfriend Liz (Lily Collins), who refused to believe the truth about Bundy, we learn of the horrific nature of one of America's most infamous killers.

'Mank' (2020)

biography movies netflix

Nominated for 10 Oscars and winning two , David Fincher's expertly-crafted movie explores the life of Hollywood screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and how he wrote "Citizen Kane."

Oldman earned an Oscar nomination for playing Mankiewicz, while Amanda Seyfried landed her first-ever Oscar nod for her supporting performance as actress Marion Davies.

Fincher presents this story in the format of a 1940s movie itself, complete with reel-change cigarette burns, which indicate when a film reel needs to be changed.

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

biography movies netflix

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Thrilling Movies & TV

Best biography movies and tv shows to watch now on netflix, popular biography movies & tv shows.

 Untold Poster

Untold (2021)

 The Crown Poster

The Crown (2016)

 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Poster

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

 First Man Poster

First Man (2018)

 Dark Waters Poster

Dark Waters (2019)

 Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer Poster

Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer (2024)

 Oppenheimer Poster

Oppenheimer (2023)

 Hacksaw Ridge Poster

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

 Unfrosted Poster

Unfrosted (2024)

 The Hill Poster

The Hill (2023)

 Scoop Poster

Scoop (2024)

 When They See Us Poster

When They See Us (2019)

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The Boys in the Boat (2023)

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Kaulitz & Kaulitz (2024)

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Maharaj (2024)

Simone Biles: Rising (2024)

Srikanth (2024)

Beautiful Rebel (2024)

The Asunta Case (2024)

Rather (2024)

Hans Zimmer: Hollywood Rebel (2024)

Drama Biography Movies & TV Shows

Mrs. America (2020)

Griselda (2024)

Dumb Money (2023)

Molly's Game (2017)

Documentary Biography Movies & TV Shows

History biography movies & tv shows, adaptation biography movies & tv shows, based on true story biography movies & tv shows, romance biography movies & tv shows, thriller biography movies & tv shows, mystery biography movies & tv shows, comedy biography movies & tv shows, war biography movies & tv shows.

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92 best biographical documentaries movies to watch - a good movie to watch, biographical, documentaries, 92 best biographical documentaries movies to watch.

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Best Biographical Documentaries About Artists on Netflix Image

Best Biographical Documentaries About Artists on Netflix

By Film Threat Staff | June 17, 2021

Documentaries have a different fan base as they satisfy the innate hunger for learning and knowing more. Netflix offers one of the most extensive collections of documentaries, including biographies based on the artist’s life.

You can feel closer to these celebrities because we have compiled the list of  best documentaries on Netflix  so you can know everything about your icons.

biography movies netflix

Who better than Quincy Jones’ daughter, actor, writer, and producer Rashida Jones, to film a documentary about him? Jones and Alan Hicks shot “Quincy” for many years.

Their video blends a thorough and appreciative biography of an EGOT-winning artist with more down-to-earth shots of the man’s everyday life in the current day, as he deals with deteriorating health and increased demands on his time.

Betty White: First Lady of Television

biography movies netflix

America’s first (and, possibly, still current) favorite actress is highlighted in this educational and uplifting video. Betty White is known as the “First Lady of Television” because she was not only the first woman to star in a comedy, create a show, and be nominated for an Emmy, but she was also the first woman to appear on television. 

Betty White: Debut Lady of Television is a feature-length documentary that follows White’s career from her radio days until her first appearance on television in the 1930s.

Even though some of these documentaries are available on specific Netflix libraries, you can  change your Netflix region  by connecting to a  VPN server  and enjoy them from anywhere. 

What Happened, Miss Simone?

biography movies netflix

Nina Simone is a living legend, a black power figure, a chanteuse from a dingy bar, and a trained pianist. She led a life marked by tormented despair, musical brilliance, and ruthless honesty. She had reached the pinnacle of her profession when she chose to focus on social causes.

After bringing up the topic of racism, she lost a considerable number of record deals. Simone used her songs to address the injustice with so many lives wasted due to racial prejudices and hatred. Her songs became protest chants, infuriating the studios even more.

Dolly Parton: Here I Am

biography movies netflix

Dolly Parton’s modest beginnings in Appalachia laid the groundwork for her long career as an American icon—and she’s never forgotten where she came from. The well-known singer/songwriter is renowned for her philanthropy and social justice activities and her singing.

The 50th anniversary of Dolly Parton’s debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage kicks off Dolly Parton: Here I Am. Get an inside peek at the singer’s life through interviews with her close friends and loved ones, and don’t be shocked if you start planning your next vacation to Dollywood by the time the documentary closes.

Gaga: Five Foot Two

biography movies netflix

There is no doubt that Lady Gaga is an icon. From her meet-up with her fan, battle with chronic pain, and working on new music, we are interested in every aspect of her life. 

The documentary focuses on the development and creation of ‘Joanne’ to feel closer to the magical tunes created by Lady Gaga.

Biggie: I Got a Story To Tell

biography movies netflix

Biggie  was notorious B.I.G – the life story of a hustler turning to a rap king is motivational and inspiring. The documentary follows the journey of  Biggie . With rare footage and in-depth interviews, it will bring you closer to the rap king. The documentary is full of information, passion, hope, adventure, and a will to enjoy life to its fullest.

BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky

biography movies netflix

If you have not been living under a rock for the past few years, you have probably heard about K-pop. It is the most trending music right now, and this documentary focuses on the life of the reigning queens of K-pop; BLACKPINK. 

The show focuses on the band’s early struggles and how they made their mark in a male-dominated industry. The triumph, struggle, and individuality of each artist are the focus of this documentary.

Excuse Me, I Love You

biography movies netflix

Do you want to be transported to a world of sultry, sugary pop perfection? Allow Ariana Grande to assist you. This tour documentary puts you in the front row of Ari’s Sweetener World Tour’s London stop to see her spectacular performances of favorites including “God Is a Woman,” “7 Rings,” and more.

If you know what makes an artist despite the difficulties of life, this documentary can bring Ariana closer to you. 

Miss Americana

biography movies netflix

Taylor Swift is part of a generation of pop singers who have never had much of an “offstage” presence. They are continuously exposing themselves on social media and through their music. Despite this, “Miss Americana” is illuminating. 

This film is about an idol trying to figure out how to use her power best. Still, it’s also about the challenges of having a powerful voice in an age where followers and critics alike assemble on the internet to examine and analyze everything.

Whether you are a fan of piano, classical, rock, K-pop, or Jazz, our picks for the best biographical documentaries on Netflix can entertain all. All you need now is the album of your icons, posters to idolize, and a sharp memory to brag the newly learned facts to your friends and colleagues. 

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biography movies netflix

this kind of movie can inspire a lot of people, a journey from zero to hero, a struggle that maybe not many people can imagine, thank you for sharing

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New Releases on Netflix & Top 10 Movies & Series This Week: September 8th, 2024

Kasey Moore What's on Netflix Avatar

Hands of Stone – Picture: The Weinstein Company 

Welcome to your end-of-week recap (these will be going back to Fridays soon – promise!) of everything new Netflix added for the last seven days, including all the three new arrivals that have landed this weekend, headlined by a surprise Robert De Niro movie. Here’s everything new and trending on Netflix for the week ending September 8th, 2024.

For more on what’s coming up on Netflix throughout the remainder of the month and even into October 2024 , keep it locked here on What’s on Netflix.

Best New Movies and Series Added to Netflix This Week

Edge of tomorrow (2014).

Rating:  PG-13 Language:  English Genre:  Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Director:  Doug Liman Cast:  Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton Writer:  Christopher McQuarrie, Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth Runtime:  113 min / 1h 53m

Picked as one of our most anticipated movies coming up throughout the entirety of September was this Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt-led sci-fi time loop movie that dropped in theaters a decade ago and still remains as equally impressive to this very day.

The movie charts humanity’s last defense against an alien race that is seemingly invincible, with one soldier having to relive a pivotal day in the war over and over again until he can find a way of defeating the formidable foes. 

Praised for its performances and stunning VFX throughout, the movie makes for a perfect Sunday night watch and with any luck, a bit of a Netflix boost may prove to Warner Bros. that the long-rumored sequel is worthy of greenlighting.

Hands of Stone (2016)

Rating:  R Language:  English Genre:  Biography, Drama, Sport Director:  Jonathan Jakubowicz Cast:  Edgar Ramírez, Robert De Niro, Usher Raymond, Óscar Jaenada, Jurnee Smollett, Ellen Barkin Writer:  Jonathan Jakubowicz Runtime:  111 min / 1h 51m

A surprise addition to the Netflix US library this weekend is the boxing movie Hands of Stone starring Edgar Ramírez and Robert De Niro. The story is based on the real life boxing trainer Ray Arcel who came out of retirement to train a Panamanian boxer called Roberto Durán in the hopes of making boxing history.  

Given we’re about to see Robert De Niro appear in his first Netflix Original series (he’s previously appeared in Netflix’s The Irishman from director, Martin Scorsese) called Zero Day , this is a great time to watch if you haven’t already. As with all other movies licensed from The Weinstein Company, you’ll need a Netflix premium tier to watch as it’s blocked on the ad tier . 

Rebel Ridge (2024) Netflix Original

Rating:  TV-MA Language:  English Genre:  Action, Crime, Drama Director:  Jeremy Saulnier Cast:  Aaron Pierre, Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb Writer:  Jeremy Saulnier Runtime:  131 min / 2h 11m

Getting rave reviews from audiences over the weekend following the glowing reviews from the majority of outlets is Rebel Ridge, a movie that at times looked like it may never release but we’re so glad it did. 

“A former Marine confronts corruption in a small town when local law enforcement unjustly seizes the bag of cash he needs to post his cousin’s bail,” reads the logline. 

We gave the movie an equally good score and it’ll undoubtedly rank among our favorites for the entirety of 2024. Here’s what our resident critic said about the new thriller:

“Jeremy Saulnier returns to form with his grunge rock “loud-quiet-loud”, moody yet intense aesthetic set to a neo-western crime thriller. Aaron Pierre stands out in a commanding performance that fits in perfectly with the gripping Saulnier style.”

Full List of New Releases Added to Netflix This Week

8 new movies added this week.

  • Apollo 13: Survival (2024) Netflix Original  – TV-14 – English
  • Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef (2024) Netflix Original  – TV-PG – English
  • Edge of Tomorrow (2014)  – PG-13 – English
  • Hands of Stone (2016)  – R – English
  • I Used to Be Funny (2023)  – TV-MA – English
  • Phil Wang: Wang in There, Baby! (2024) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – English
  • Rebel Ridge (2024) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – English
  • Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer (2024) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – English

9 New TV Series Added This Week

  • Call the Midwife (Season 9)  – TV-PG – English
  • Caught in the Web: The Murders Behind Zona Divas (Limited Series) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – Spanish
  • Last One Standing (Season 3) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – Japanese
  • Outlast (Season 2) Netflix Original  – TV-14 – English
  • Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist (Limited Series)  – TV-MA – Korean
  • Reverse 4 You (Season 1)  – TV-14 – Thai
  • Selling Sunset (Season 8) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – English
  • The Hughleys (Seasons 1-4)  – TV-PG – English
  • The Perfect Couple (Limited Series) Netflix Original  – TV-MA – English

Most Popular Movies on Netflix This Week

Note: Past seven days for week ending September 8th – data provided by FlixPatrol.

The Deliverance

Cr. Aaron Ricketts/ Netflix © 2024

The weird and certainly left-of-field horror movie The Deliverance from director Lee Daniels has left audiences more divided than most movies I can remember from Netflix’s recent history but it’s still charting well in the US taking home the most amount of points. 

  • The Deliverance (78 points)
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (56 points)
  • Aloha (53 points)
  • Migration (50 points)
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From 'Elvis' to 'The Pianist': 20 Best Biopic Movies of the 21st Century (So Far)

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Oppenheimer , Christopher Nolan 's most anticipated biopic will soon hit theaters this summer (July 21), marking not only Nolan's return but also the newest installment in the biopic genre, which is currently popular in Hollywood. In the meantime, there are tons of great biopics of the 21st century that fans can watch.

What is a biopic? A biopic (short for "biographical picture") is a non-fictional film that depicts the tale of a real person's life. Biopic movies are usually about a historical figure or a well-known individual. However, they can be about anyone as long as the subject exists. A biopic film must focus on a single protagonist and portray the narrative of that person's life across many years (rather than simply one event or era in their life).

Biopics are the goldmines of Hollywood movies, regardless of whose life they show. Many of these films served as stepping stones in the careers of their filmmakers and actors, helping to launch them to stardom. Even though many excellent biopics are produced each year, a special few have gone above and beyond after the turn of the millennia.

Updated on March 30, 2023, by Jessie Nguyen:

20 'bohemian rhapsody' (2018).

Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018) (1)

Bohemian Rhapsody tells the story of the British rock band Queen and their lead singer, Freddie Mercury , played by Rami Malek . The film traces the band’s rise to fame, from their early days playing small gigs to their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985. It also explores Mercury’s relationships with his bandmates, as well as his romantic ones and his struggle with his sexuality.

Bohemian Rhapsody nevertheless serves as a good reminder of the band's musical brilliance and Freddie's singular stage presence owing to the film's aesthetically stunning musical moments and Malek's dominating leading role. Despite its limitations, the movie is still an exquisite tribute to the band and its dedicated fans.

Watch on Hulu

19 'A Beautiful Mind' (2001)

John Nash leaning against a wall of numbers in A Beautiful Mind

Inspired by the 1998 biography of the same name by Sylvia Nasar , A Beautiful Mind chronicles the life of John Forbes Nash Jr. ( Russell Crowe ), who went through it all – from fame's pinnacles to its darkest abysses. He was a mathematical prodigy who was on the verge of receiving international renown when he made an astounding discovery early in his career. Yet he quickly finds himself embarking on a torturous and terrifying quest of self-discovery.

A Beautiful Mind has become one of the most engaging and well-liked movies of all time, despite issues with tone and structure as well as some significant absences from Nash's real life. Because Nash's life is the focus of the film rather than his mental health , and because of Russell Crowe's stirring portrayal, Nash is given a second chance to relive both his success and his failure.

Watch on Prime Video

18 'Elvis' (2022)

Elvis (2022) (1)

Elvis chronicles the life story of American music legend Elvis Presley , played by Austin Butler , from his youth to his 1950s rise to rock and roll stardom while retaining a complicated bond with Colonel Tom Parker ( Tom Hanks ), his manager.

Butler's spectacular portrayal of Elvis humanized the legend by bringing down the spotlight from his physical gestures to the enormous, gruff voice to reveal the troubled man hiding behind the timeless God of Rock. In addition, the wild singing, set design, reenactment of iconic incidents, and compelling performers give the impression that audiences are viewing a documentary instead.

Watch on Max

17 'Ray' (2004)

Ray’ (2004) (1)

Ray tells the story of the legendary musician Ray Charles ( Jamie Foxx ) and his struggles with blindness, poverty, and addiction, as well as his relationships with the women in his life. It also delves into Charles' musical career, including his experimentation with different genres such as R&B, gospel, and country, and his collaborations with other musicians.

Ray is a moving and inspiring film that offers a window into the life of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and the struggles and triumphs that shaped his extraordinary career. Also, the acting is strong, the directing is deft, the storyline is insightful, and Foxx gives an outstanding performance.

Watch on Netflix

16 'The Wolf of Wall Street' (2013)

A man being praised

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 smash biopic The Wolf of Wall Street .

Scorsese's picture is the ultimate of excess, with Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort giving a truly outrageous performance. As they are in many of Scorsese’s films , the sins are visited upon the sinner, but the "Wolf" warns us at the end that no number of cautionary stories will prevent future generations from engaging in short-sighted, amoral, selfish ambitions.

Watch on Fubo

15 'A Hidden Life' (2019)

A Hidden Life’ (2019) (1)

Based on the true story of Franz Jägerstätter , an Austrian farmer who refused to fight for the Nazis during World War II, The Hidden Life follows Franz ( August Diehl ) as he lives a quiet life with his family in the small village of St. Radegund. When war breaks out, Franz is called up to serve in the German army, but he refuses to swear allegiance to Hitler and fight for the Nazis.

Through a genuine account of faith, family, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of extreme persecution, director Terrence Malick presents the viewers with a rare image of a special kind of hero. Additionally, it serves as an engaging and oftentimes moving example of how regular people respond to the ills of the world.

14 'Lincoln' (2012)

American President Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) sits behind his desk.

Lincoln follows the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln ( Daniel Day-Lewis ), as he navigates the political landscape of the Civil War era, trying to garner support for the amendment from both Republicans and Democrats. It also focuses on the final months of his presidency and his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which would abolish slavery.

Lincoln is one of Steven Spielberg 's most methodical efforts as a director, and it is undeniably a respectable, absorbing film. Additionally, despite having a history lesson at its center, it is deftly concealed by one outstanding performance and a number of steadfast supporting characters.

13 'Capote' (2005)

Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) sits next to Harper Lee (Catherine Keener) in 'Capote'

Capote tells the story of Truman Capote ( Philip Seymour Hoffman ), a famous American writer, as he travels to Kansas to investigate and write about the brutal murders of the Clutter family in 1959, which later becomes the basis for his novel, In Cold Blood . The film explores Capote’s relationship with the murderers, Richard ‘Dick’ Hickock ( Mark Pellegrino ) and Perry Smith ( Clifton Collins Jr. ), as he spends them with them in jail.

Hoffman offers a captivating portrayal of and perspective on a troubled character who is nonetheless regarded by many as one of America's best authors. Moreover, Bennett Miller was able to convey the complexity of human brains and relationships, as well as the source of artistic inspiration, thanks to a fantastic screenplay.

Watch on Roku

12 'I, Tonya' (2017)

An emotional woman in the kitchen

After her husband ordered an assault on her opponent, Nancy Kerrigan , Tonya Harding ( Margot Robbie ) went from one of the most skilled athletes in the country to a worldwide laughingstock. Her troubles as an outcast, her dysfunctional family, and her outspoken nature were all depicted in the film.

Craig Gillespie 's film does more than convey Harding's story, it completely reframes the narrative and rewrites her as the hero of her own story in a complicated but persuasive way. I, Tonya also provides Robbie with her first opportunity to demonstrate her entire range as an actor, and she is radiant.

11 'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013)

A woman and a man sitting on a bench but facing different directions

Dallas Buyers Club follows Ronald Woodroof ( Matthew McConaughey ), a philandering, drug addict, and homophobic electrician from Texas, living a carefree life until his doctor diagnoses him with HIV/AIDS, which will likely kill him in 30 days. Woodroof discovers an experimental medicine that can potentially prolong his life and establishes the titular "Dallas Buyers Club" to import the drug from Mexico to anyone who needs it.

The combination of sharp character study and moving pharmaceutical docudrama is lively and memorable at just under two hours. Moreover, McConaughey and Jared Leto ’s transformative performances are the reason to visit this biopic. Not only do they successfully give voice to the disaffected of the 1980s, but to everyone who is suddenly confronted with unfathomable challenges.

10 'Hidden Figures' (2016)

Hidden Figure 2016 (1)

Loosely based on the 2016 non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly , Hidden Figures chronicles the story of a group of female Black mathematicians (played by Taraji P. Henson , Octavia Spencer , and Janelle Monáe ) who played crucial roles in NASA during the early stages of the US space program.

With its recognizable period-piece perspective on a neglected moment in space history, Hidden Figures maintains optimism for what science and technology may accomplish when the sharpest minds work together. Moreover, the film respectfully honors the unheralded female heroines of history by featuring three exceptional performances from the three leads.

Watch on Disney+

9 'Milk' (2008)

Sean Penn as Harvey Milk smiling on stage in Milk.

Milk is about the life of an openly gay activist and politician, Harvey Milk (played by Sean Penn ), who became the first LGBTQ+ person elected to public office in California. The film chronicles the period from Milk's 40th birthday until his horrific killing in 1978, using archival footage from his life.

The film, directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Dustin Lance Black , immerses us in the political process as Penn's brilliant performance captures Milk's playful intellectual personality. Furthermore, by combining 1970s news footage with newly shot sequences, Van Sant constructed his film around some massive, screen-filling set pieces, making the audience feel as if they had stepped inside the story.

8 'The King's Speech' (2010)

King George VI and Lionel Logue talking with a microphone in The King's Speech

When Albert "Bertie" George 's father, King George V , dies and his brother King Edward VIII chooses love over the kingdom, he is compelled to crown himself king. The King's Speech depicts the narrative of King George VI 's friendship with his speech therapist, who helped the king overcome his stutter to confidently address his subjects.

Instead of being a film about a monarch triumphantly leading his folks to victory, it is about a would-be king battling to find his voice and the strength to lead his people through one of the most challenging periods in their history. Colin Firth as Bertie also imbues his restrained character with complexity, dignity, and wit, making a lasting impression.

Watch on Plex

7 '12 Years a Slave' (2013)

Chiwtele Ejiofor as Solomon Northup alongside a group of slaves in a plantation in 12 Years a Slave.

Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor ) was a free Black man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. For a dozen terrifying years, he was subjected to various forms of torture and wickedness before being free once more.

Though 12 Years a Slave is full of intriguing characters, Ejiofor steals the show by maintaining the character's dignity throughout. Moreover, director Steve McQueen immerses the spectators in an unforgivably hideous era from which there is no way out. It's about as intense as a biopic can go and many viewers deem this movie to be too heartbreaking for a second screening .

6 'The Pianist' (2002)

Adrien Brody as Wladislaw playing the piano in The Pianist (2002)

Based on the autobiographical book of the same name by a Polish-Jewish pianist, composer, and Holocaust survivor, Władysław Szpilman , The Pianist follows Szpilman ( Adrien Brody ), who after being forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, loses contact with his family as a result of Operation Reinhard. He then hides in various places among the rubble of Warsaw from this point until the captives of the concentration camps are released.

The unflinching anti-war film is a masterpiece about the struggle between good and evil, the tenacity and mercy of art, and the horrific personal toll left by one of history's worst moments. Like many films about the Holocaust, The Pianist can be difficult to see, but it's important to remember what happened and Brody was mesmerizing in it.

5 'The Social Network' (2010)

Four men staring at a computer screen in a dorm room

Though it wasn’t perfectly accurate, The Social Network covers the narrative of Facebook's early years and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg ’s ( Jesse Eisenberg ) initial social decline, starting with the break-up of his romantic relationship with Erica Albright ( Rooney Mara ) and concluding with the tragic end of his friendship with co-founder Eduardo Saverin ( Andrew Garfield ).

The film is one of the best performing and acclaimed films of 2010 , thanks to screenwriter Aaron Sorkin 's typical quick-witted writing and Jesse Eisenberg's riveting portrayal of the renowned social network creator. Moreover, everyone in the film is on the verge of snapping, which adds to the film's authenticity and realism.

4 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002)

Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abegnale Jr dressed as a pilot standing in front of stewardesses in Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can follows Frank Abagnale Jr. (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled con man who pretended to be a doctor, lawyer, and pilot while only being 21 years old. Meanwhile, Tom Hanks ' FBI agent Carl Hanratty gets obsessed with finding Frank and later succeeds in persuading Frank to become an FBI assistant for atonement.

The story was brought to life by Steven Spielberg's skill as a filmmaker, exquisite cinematography, elegant editing, brilliant script, and a beautiful score by John Williams . Not to mention DiCaprio and Hanks' incredible chemistry and performances resulting in a gentle, charmingly adventurous film that makes you feel wonderful.

3 'BlacKkKlansman' (2018)

blackkklansman (2018) (1)

Based on Ron Stallworth ’s 2014 memoir Black Klansman , BlacKkKlansman takes place in the 1970s in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and follows the city's first Black detective ( John David Washington ) as he attempts to infiltrate and out the local Ku Klux Klan chapter.

BlacKkKlansman is timely because it engages in a crucial national dialogue that is full of metaphors and juxtapositions. Moreover, the chemistry between Washington and Adam Driver is crucial to keep the film's rhythm enjoyable as the movie alternates between comedy and crime . Also, through their characters, viewers feel like they have just walked through the lane of history in over two hours.

2 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' (2018)

A woman working surrounded with a cat and lots of typewriters

Melissa McCarthy plays Lee Israel , a struggling writer who seeks to revive her career by selling counterfeit letters from celebrities who have died. Can You Ever Forgive Me? by Marielle Heller is one of the finest contemporary films on economic hardship and ethical compromise.

The biopic is an intellectually interesting drama due to the contradiction between blatant deception, undeniable necessity, and a group of victims who, presumably, can afford to be fooled. Moreover, McCarthy's impressive performance is both fierce and compassionate at the same time, constantly improving the material and stealing every scene she is in.

1 'Selma' (2014)

Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, and Andrew Young leading a march in Selma

Selma was praised for its historical authenticity as it followed Martin Luther King Jr. as he fought for Black voting rights. The film follows King's frenetic three months leading up to the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Their efforts directly contributed to President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

The film focuses primarily on King's role in the events without diminishing the importance of the other leaders' contributions to molding this pivotal moment in American history. Moreover, the screenplay by Paul Webb and David Oyelowo ’s performance as King gives us a profound, gratifying depiction of King as a man capable of errors, self-doubt, and pain.

Watch on Showtime

NEXT: Great Biopics That Got Surprisingly Dark

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astronauts from the apollo 13 flight crew saluting and holding their caps to their chest as they stand next to president richard nixon

The Apollo 13 Rescue Captivated the World. It Took Years for the True Tale to Be Told Onscreen

The doomed 1970 space flight resulted in one of the most dramatic rescues in history, but its first movie adaptation was nothing like the real mission.

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On April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 astronauts Jim Lovell , Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise were determined to reach the moon as their craft took off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.

Two days later, they were simply determined to make it back to Earth alive.

The terrifying events of the doomed mission and the ensuing operation to bring the trio home is the subject of the new documentary Apollo 13: Survival , debuting Thursday on Netflix. According to production company Insight Film, the movie examines the true “knife-edge, life-or-death drama” that unfolded with the help of archived recordings and testimony from people close to the mission.

The survival story of the Apollo 13 mission is now widely known due to the 1995 Oscar-winning movie of the same name . But surprisingly, it took a long time for Lovell, his flight partners, and the ground crew involved to have their tale fairly told onscreen.

The rescue gripped the world in real time

apollo 13 astronaut jim lovell wife marilyn lovell and friends and family sitting around a tv

Two days after the launch of Apollo 13, an oxygen tank exploded , depleting the astronauts’ Command Module, named Odyssey , of power and oxygen.

“Ah, Houston, we’ve had a problem,” Lovell grimly remarked , kicking off a dramatic rescue more than 200,000 miles from Earth that—thanks to blanket news coverage through print, radio, and, most importantly, television—captivated observers throughout the world.

Millions of Americans tuned into newscasts for updates, as Lovell, Swigert, and Haise battled perilous conditions such as freezing temperatures and rising carbon dioxide levels. On April 15, Pope Paul VI even led a prayer for the trio’s safety.

preview for Sally Ride - Mini Biography

Flight Director Eugene Kranz and the crew at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston provided valuable assistance, calculations, and even helped the astronauts construct a makeshift CO2 filter using duct tape, cardboard, and a sock. With that aid, the astronauts finally splashed down on April 17 in the South Pacific Ocean. The New York Times reported that as many as 40 million people watched their recovery roughly 600 miles from American Samoa.

People involved in the operation were feted with congratulations . President Richard Nixon appeared at the MSC (now known as the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center) to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Kranz and the Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team. Nixon then did the same for the three astronauts at the Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, deeming the mission “successful” despite the aborted moon landing. “We are glad to be here, and we are glad to be a part of America,” Lovell said , according to NASA.

The dramatic story of Apollo 13 was told on film four years later—and not without controversy.

The first Apollo 13 movie was almost entirely fictional

Universal Studios became the first to adapt the Apollo 13 rescue for the screen, but the effort resembled a daytime soap opera more than a riveting survival saga. On March 2, 1974, ABC aired that movie Houston, We’ve Got a Problem . That the title was a misquote of Lovell became an early sign of the creative liberties the film would take in adapting the story.

Starring Robert Culp and Sandra Dee , the movie—made with NASA assistance—took the unusual approach of focusing on the workers inside Mission Control, not the Apollo 13 astronauts.

While NASA permitted filming inside its Johnson Space Center facilities and allowed real personnel to appear as extras, the agency stayed out of the project’s creative development. “We did not and do not feel we should be arbiters of what’s artistic or in ‘good taste,’ or not,” NASA Public Affairs representative John P. Donnelly wrote in a memo , adding he was hopeful the movie might “humanize” the space program.

It certainly did little to humanize the three astronauts, none of them are listed as characters, and there are no scenes in outer space. Meanwhile, during the course of the movie, members of the team in Houston grapple with personal issues that played no role in the real rescue— including a heart ailment affecting Culp’s character and a custody dispute involving another.

Lovell said the movie was “a disservice”

jim lovell wearing his spacesuit and smiling in front of a large space shuttle dock

The studio explained the changes by saying the network would never have accepted a documentary-style project. It also emphasized the added disclaimers that to point out the movie’s fictitious elements. “What we did was take the basic facts and add additional drama on top,” Universal executive producer Herman Saunders said in February 1974 . “How would you keep people in suspense, otherwise, when they all know the outcome 0f the story already?”

Houston, We’ve Got a Problem is largely forgotten by everyone except Lovell, who read the script and found it to be in poor taste and “a disservice to the flight crew and ground personnel” involved in the entire mission. “If one is to believe this story, it was obviously more traumatic to be in Mission Control than to be on board the crippled spacecraft,” Lovell said . “The Apollo 13 story in itself is an exciting adventure tale without the embellishments found in an afternoon serial program. If NASA wanted exposure of this nature, this story should have been based on a fictitious space flight.”

The movie was the only noteworthy adaptation of the mission that Swigert witnessed. He died at age 51 of complications from bone cancer in late December 1982. Meanwhile, Lovell became determined to tell the real story of Apollo 13 and played a critical role in doing so 20 years later.

Lovell had direct involvement in 1995’s Apollo 13

In 1994, Lovell collaborated with journalist Jeffrey Kluger on the autobiographical book Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13 . This novel would serve as the inspiration for director Ron Howard ’s eponymous 1995 blockbuster Apollo 13 about the doomed mission.

From the get-go, Lovell consulted on the movie to make it as realistic as possible. He even requested that actor Kevin Costner , who bore a striking physical resemblance, play him onscreen. The role eventually went to Tom Hanks , with Bill Paxton playing Haise, Kevin Bacon portraying Swigert, and Ed Harris in the critical part of Kranz.

Lovell personally helped Hanks prepare for the movie, welcoming the Forrest Gump star to his home in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and flying him in his personal airplane. Hanks also spent more than four hours in NASA's “Vomit Comet,” the airplane used to train astronauts for rocket flight by alternating between negative gravity and 2Gs of force.

Unlike the maligned Houston movie, much more attention was devoted to the astronauts and the realism of their spacecraft. Haise consulted with the sound effects team on alarm and equipment noises, while Space Works Inc. created replicas of the Apollo 13 command and lunar modules “down to every last rivet and piece of velcro.” The attention to detail proved worthwhile, with Apollo 13 earning nine Academy Award nominations, with wins in two categories.

Despite its further alteration of Lovell’s famous quote—changed to the now iconic “Houston, we have a problem”—the movie ultimately earned the astronaut’s approval. “Ron Howard really followed it down the line,” Lovell said , adding another director might have “put this thing on Mars with David Bowie or something like that.”

Lovell approves of the new documentary

astronaut jim lovell wearing a suit and sitting in a chair at a panel discussion

Since the premiere of the Apollo 13 movie, the real mission has continued to be the subject of much interest and analysis.

Haise, now 90, published his own memoir, Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey , in 2022 that details his experience and career. Apollo in Real Time , a website launched in 2020, allows viewers to see photographs and listen to Apollo 13 audio transmissions as they happened in 1970.

As for the new Netflix documentary, Lovell, now 96, has already given his full stamp of approval. “More than 50 years after the mission, the film put me right back in the captain’s seat,” he said, according to the Independent . “Those were the days! Seeing the historic footage and hearing the perspectives of family and friends on the ground truly stirred my emotions. I am grateful the world now has this excellent documentary showing the raw emotions and triumph we felt back then.”

All of these projects help ensure the true legacy of Apollo 13 endures for years to come.

Watch Apollo 13: Survival on Netflix

Director Peter Middleton reached out to Lovell’s family before making the new documentary in an effort to “weave in the experience of our family in a way that would give people a whole new perspective,” according to Jim’s son, Jeff Lovell .

Jeff, 58, told The Telegraph in August 2024 that he gave Middleton access to hours of home videos and personal photographs. “I hope that makes it a much more emotional, human story,” he said.

Experience the harrowing tale of Lovell and the entire Apollo 13 crew when Apollo 13: Survival streams on Netflix starting Thursday.

Headshot of Tyler Piccotti

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

frida kahlo sits on a table while wearing a floral head piece, large earrings, a plaid blouse and striped pants, she looks off to the right

14 Hispanic Women Who Have Made History

mae jemison smiles at the camera while standing in front of a photo background with designs and writing, she wears a red top with gold hoop earrings a gold necklace

Mae Jemison

neil armstrong training for apollo 11 mission

Neil Armstrong

artemis ii crew

This Is the Crew of the Artemis II Mission

Bessie Coleman

10 Black Pioneers in Aviation Who Broke Barriers

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Biography: You Need to Know: Joseph M. Acaba

ellen ochoa

Ellen Ochoa

Valentina Tereshkova

Valentina Tereshkova

Alan Shepard

Alan Shepard

james a lovell jr smiles at the camera, he wears glasses, a white collared shirt, black suit jacket and yellow patterned tie

James A. Lovell Jr.

Michael Collins

Michael Collins

sally ride

IMAGES

  1. 13 of the best biography movies on Netflix

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  2. Top 100 Best Biography Movies On Netflix Amazon Prime (2022)

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  3. 6 Best Biography Movies On Netflix

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  4. Best Biography Movies On Netflix

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  5. 10 Women's History Movies on Netflix

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  6. 17 Best Biopics on Netflix 2019, 2020

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COMMENTS

  1. 14 Best Biographical Movies on Netflix Right Now

    4. Rustin (2023) The George C. Wolfe-directed film, 'Rustin,' unearths the real-life story of a lesser-known figure in history named Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo), who played an integral role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the "I Have a Dream" speech.

  2. The 30 best documentaries on Netflix (September 2024)

    The 30 best documentaries on Netflix (June 2024)

  3. Best Biography Movies on Netflix (2024)

    First Man Streaming Jan 8, 2019. Watchlist. Scoop Streaming Apr 5, 2024. Watchlist. Molly's Game Streaming Mar 27, 2018. Watchlist. Hacksaw Ridge Streaming Feb 7, 2017. Watchlist. Bank of Dave ...

  4. 13 of the best biography movies on Netflix

    Having offered horrors, action movies, thrillers and more in the past, we're looking at the best biography movies on Netflix this week. In recent weeks, we covered the best romantic comedies, sci ...

  5. 18 Biopics to Watch on Netflix Right Now

    18 biopics to watch on Netflix right now. Jacob Sarkisian. May 15, 2021, 4:00 AM PDT. Chadwick Boseman, Meryl Streep, and Zac Efron have all starred in biopics. Universal Pictures/20th Century Fox ...

  6. The 13 Best Biopics on Netflix

    Netflix has more than 40 films listed as Biographical Dramas. We've selected our favorites for you. Here are the 21 best biopics on Netflix: 1. Christine Year: 2016. Director: Antonio Campos ...

  7. The Best Biographical Documentaries on Netflix

    Here are the best biographical documentaries currently streaming on Netflix: 35. The Missing Picture. Year: 2015. Director: Rithy Panh. The task of chronicling the unimaginable is handled with ...

  8. Biography Movies on Netflix (2024)

    Rotten Tomatoes, home of the Tomatometer, is the most trusted measurement of quality for Movies & TV. The definitive site for Reviews, Trailers, Showtimes, and Tickets

  9. Best Biography Movies to Watch Now on Netflix

    Discover the best Biography Movies of all time on Netflix with our comprehensive list. From classic favorites to new releases. Watch the best Biography Movies ever on Netflix, add them to your watchlist now.

  10. 10 Biographical Documentaries to Watch on Netflix Now That ...

    Image via Netflix. This is the story of Pat Henschel and Terry Donohue, two former baseball players who have kept their relationship a secret for 70 years. Now in their 90s and having only ...

  11. Best Biography Movies and TV Shows to Watch Now on Netflix

    Into the Deep (2022) Born on the Fourth of July (1989) Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017) The Resistance Banker (2018) Thank You for Your Service (2017) The Photographer of Mauthausen (2018) TV. Five Came Back (2017) Discover the best Biography Movies and TV Shows of all time on Netflix with our comprehensive list.

  12. New Fresh Biography Movies on Netflix (2024)

    Remembering Gene Wilder Streaming Apr 30, 2024. Watchlist. Amar Singh Chamkila Streaming Apr 12, 2024. Watchlist. Scoop Streaming Apr 5, 2024. Watchlist. Sue Bird: In the Clutch Streaming Mar 29 ...

  13. The Best Biopics to Stream on Netflix

    Bronson (2008) Drive and The Neon Demon director Nicolas Winding Refn put Tom Hardy on the map with this expressionistic biopic of career inmate Michael Gordon Peterson, aka "Charles Bronson ...

  14. 92 Best Biographical Documentaries Movies To Watch

    Good movies to watch on popular streaming services. All our recommendations are highly-rated and handpicked by our staff. ... netflix. Biographical Documentaries. A serviceable documentary details-wise that doesn't quite live up to the monumental coincidence it's about. Swan Song (2023) 7.4.

  15. Best Biographical Documentaries About Artists on Netflix

    Biggie was notorious B.I.G - the life story of a hustler turning to a rap king is motivational and inspiring. The documentary follows the journey of Biggie. With rare footage and in-depth interviews, it will bring you closer to the rap king. The documentary is full of information, passion, hope, adventure, and a will to enjoy life to its fullest.

  16. Biographical Movies Coming Soon to Netflix in 2023 & Beyond

    Nyad. Director: Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Cast: Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans, Ethan Jones Romero, Luke Cosgrove, Jeena Yi, Eric T. Miller. First look at Nyad on Netflix. This new biopic is based on the marathon swimmer Diana Nyad who became the first person at the age of 60 to do what's dubbed the Everest of Swims.

  17. 10 Best Biographical Movies of All Time, According to IMDb

    The 1995 biographical film, Braveheart, is based on the history behind the late 13th-century Scottish warrior Sir William Wallace (Mel Gibson), who led his fellow Scots in the First War of ...

  18. New Releases on Netflix & Top 10 Movies & Series This Week: September

    Hands of Stone (2016). Rating: R Language: English Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport Director: Jonathan Jakubowicz Cast: Edgar Ramírez, Robert De Niro, Usher Raymond, Óscar Jaenada, Jurnee Smollett, Ellen Barkin Writer: Jonathan Jakubowicz Runtime: 111 min / 1h 51m A surprise addition to the Netflix US library this weekend is the boxing movie Hands of Stone starring Edgar Ramírez and Robert De ...

  19. 20 Best Biopic Movies of the 21st Century (So Far)

    Inspired by the 1998 biography of the same name by Sylvia Nasar, A Beautiful Mind chronicles the life of John Forbes Nash Jr. (Russell Crowe), who went through it all - from fame's pinnacles to ...

  20. Biography Movies on Netflix (2024)

    A special distinction awarded to the best reviewed movies and TV Shows. First Man Streaming Jan 8, 2019. Watchlist. Bank of Dave Streaming Aug 25, 2023. Watchlist. Scoop Streaming Apr 5, 2024 ...

  21. The Rocky Onscreen History of Apollo 13

    Read His Biography. Jim Lovell; The survival story of the Apollo 13 mission is now widely known due to the 1995 Oscar-winning movie of the same name. But surprisingly, it took a long time for ...

  22. 'Reagan' takes a hit-and-miss approach to the president

    Filled with more one-liners than a volume of Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, the new film "Reagan" is like a CliffsNotes look at an important time in American history.