Potent Portraits: The 10 Best Biopic Movies for Marshall Fans
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* Marshall, a biopic about Thurgood Marshall, is now in theaters
* Settle in tonight with our list of ten more great Biopics
* Explore the lives of everyone from great musicians, to significant historical figures
Marshall, the critically-acclaimed biopic starring Chadwick Boseman as Thurgood Marshall, the lawyer who famously won Brown vs. Board of Education to help desegregate schools, and went on to become the first African American Supreme Court Justice, is in theaters now.
In honor of the film, we’re looking back at ten more great, award-winning biopics. See if you agree with our pick for number one.
10. Ali
Starring Will Smith as Muhammad Ali, arguably the best boxer of all time, this film directed by Michael Mann follows Ali from 1964-74, through his conversion to Islam, protesting against the Vietnam War, and famous Rumble in the Jungle fight against George Foreman.
Image Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
9. Capote
Following Truman Capote’s dark journey through writing the modern classic “In Cold Blood,” it touches on his close bond with Harper Lee, and how the deeper he submerged himself in the project, the harder it became to tell.
Image Courtesy of Sony Picture Classics
8. Frida
Following the life of Frida Kahlo and her evolution into a triumphant artist, as well as her relationship with her husband and mentor, Diego Rivera, the film was nominated for six Academy Awards.
Image Courtesy of Lionsgate
7. The Imitation Game
Known as the creator of the machine that paved the way towards modern computers, Alan Turing helped crack Germany’s seemingly uncrackable code and save thousands, if not millions, of lives. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing, the film also explores Turing’s complex personal life.
Image Courtesy of The Weinstein Company
6. Ray
Capturing thirty years in the life of iconic blind musician Ray Charles, Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actor’s Guild and Critic’s Choice Award for his performance as Charles.
Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures
5. Erin Brockovich
This fan favorite follows a fascinating woman as she goes from being an unemployed single mother to taking on an immense California power company accused of polluting a small town’s water supply. Played with power and humor by Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich is a feisty female character who continues to inspire, more than seventeen years later.
Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures
4. Gandhi
This bio-pic by Richard Attenborough follows the life of one of the most influential men of the 20th century. Nominated for eleven Academy Awards, the film won eight, including Best Actor for Sir Ben Kingsley, who plays the titular role.
Image Courtesy of Colombia Pictures
3. Walk the Line
Walk the Line is named after the famous Johnny Cash song, written for the love of his life, June. The film follows both Johnny and June, played brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, as his reckless choices threaten to derail his life, career and marriage.
Image Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
2. Malcolm X
Following the life of controversial civil rights activist Malcolm X, the film by Spike Lee is adapted from X’s autobiography. Denzel Washington was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film, and 2010 the film was added to the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress.
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures
1. Schindler’s List
This powerful film by Stephen Spielberg won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and follows the incredible true story of Oskar Schindler, a factory owner who saved 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. Featuring great performances by Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley, it’s a heavy subject, but an important one.
Image Courtesy of Universal