The Best Movies About Geniuses
What makes a genius? The theory of relativity, the musical madness of Mozart, the struggles of a person with autism and the miracle of how amazing their minds work, the possibility of time travel, the stroke of genius in an artist able to capture a never before seen image or a kid with an amazing imagination. Numerous films have been made about the work and minds of geniuses from all sorts of backgrounds and different fields.
The movies on this list all detail the life of a genius in one way or another – whether it’s taking more of a historical approach to the life of Albert Einstein in Young Einstein or a biographical approach to the struggles of a man who was a genius, but also had a mental illness like in A Beautiful Mind.
This list discusses the best movies about the life of a genius including: Good Will Hunting, Rain Man, The Time Machine, October Sky, August Rush, Finding Forrester, Phenomenon, Enigma, Bobby Fisher Against the World, and Little Man Tate.
Vote up the film you think is the most genius of all, vote down those you thought were just plain dumb, or add one you love that isn't on the list.
- 1Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck
- Released: 1997
- Directed by: Gus Van Sant
A young janitor at MIT with a gift for mathematics navigates the challenges of life, love, and therapy under the guidance of an unconventional mentor. This Oscar-winning drama captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling story, brilliant performances from Matt Damon and Robin Williams, and its authentic portrayal of personal growth.
- 2Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Morten Tyldum
A brilliant mathematician leads a team of cryptanalysts in a race against time to crack an unbreakable Nazi code during World War II, while battling personal demons and secrecy. This gripping historical drama received widespread acclaim for its engrossing storytelling and outstanding performances, particularly Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of the enigmatic genius at its center.
- 3Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Ron Howard
A brilliant but tormented mathematician embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery while struggling with schizophrenia, ultimately making groundbreaking contributions to the field. This poignant and inspiring biographical drama garnered numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards, thanks to its powerful portrayal of resilience and the human spirit.
- 4
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Devika Bhise- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Matthew Brown
A young Indian mathematician's extraordinary journey from obscurity to fame unfolds as he forms a unique bond with his Cambridge professor, forever changing the world of mathematics. This critically acclaimed biographical drama celebrates the life and genius of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
- 5Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Barry Levinson
A selfish yuppie discovers he has an autistic savant brother, embarking on a cross-country journey that transforms their lives and relationship forever. This heartwarming, Oscar-winning film captured audiences with its blend of drama, comedy, and powerful performances from Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.
- 6Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Emily Watson
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: James Marsh
A brilliant physicist's extraordinary life and love story unfolds as he defies all odds, overcoming a debilitating disease while making groundbreaking contributions to science. This inspiring biopic earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award for its Eddie Redmayne's transformative performance.
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