The Best Movies About Real Scientists
This list of the best scientist biopics contains numerous highly-lauded films. Winner of four academy awards, A Beautiful Mind stars Russell Crowe as brilliant but troubled economist John Nash. A Nobel laureate, Nash suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, and his condition impacts his work, as well as his personal relationships.
So what are the top scientist biopics? Hollywood seems to have a love affair with Stephen Hawking, the subject of several biopics on this list. Most recently, Hawking was portrayed by Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything, a role that garnered him his first Academy Award.
Other notable scientists found on this list of the greatest scientist biopics include Marie Curie, Galileo, and Louis Pasteur. Vote up the best scientist biopics below, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section.
- 1
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Devika Bhise- Released: 2015
- Directed by: Matthew Brown
An extraordinary cinematic masterpiece, this film revolves around the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-taught mathematical genius from India. It showcases his abundant talent, determination, and passion for numbers as he gets enrolled at Cambridge University during World War I. Overcoming numerous obstacles and prejudice in a foreign land, the audience is captivated by the deep bond that forms between Ramanujan and his mentor, G.H. Hardy. With breathtaking performances, this movie sheds light on the power of perseverance and the beauty of friendship.
- Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: Morten Tyldum
In this riveting historical drama, audiences delve into the life of Alan Turing, a British mathematician, and logician who played a crucial role in breaking the infamous German Enigma code during World War II. The film elegantly interweaves Turing's personal struggles with his groundbreaking work, highlighting his complex relationships and tragic persecution due to his homosexuality. This compelling story is a testament to Turing's sheer brilliance and unparalleled contribution to modern-day computer science.
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- Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
- Released: 2001
- Directed by: Ron Howard
This emotionally-charged biopic tells the inspiring story of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics whose groundbreaking theories were often overshadowed by his battle with schizophrenia. The movie explores how Nash's loving wife Alicia supports him through unimaginable hardships while striving to maintain her own sanity. With raw and heart-wrenching performances, this film is bound to leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.
- Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Emily Watson
- Released: 2014
- Directed by: James Marsh
Based on the incredible journey of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, this movie follows the young genius as he faces the brutal diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) while pursuing groundbreaking discoveries in the field of cosmology. Simultaneously, it narrates the unwavering love story between Hawking and Jane Wilde set against all odds. With powerful acting and awe-inspiring storytelling, this film demonstrates the true meaning of resilience and transcending one's limitations.
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- Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Theodore Melfi
A heartwarming tribute to the unsung heroes of NASA, this movie highlights the remarkable contributions of three African-American female mathematicians during the early years of the American space program. Faced with racial and gender discrimination, these exceptional women navigated their way through adversity while playing pivotal roles in sending astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Through captivating storytelling and strong performances, this film showcases the power of determination and perseverance.
- 6
The Secret of Nikola Tesla
Orson Welles, Strother Martin, Dennis Patrick- Released: 1980
- Directed by: Krsto Papić
This fascinating biopic delves into the life and groundbreaking work of inventor and visionary, Nikola Tesla. It portrays his never-ending quest for knowledge and innovation, as well as the rivalry between him and Thomas Edison over electrical systems. This film not only illuminates the immense impact Tesla had on modern technology but also reveals his eccentricities accompanied by his genius.