Top 10 Biopic Films About American Icons

Description: Spike Lee's epic film follows the life of Malcolm X from his early days in Harlem to his assassination. It's an intense portrayal of a civil rights leader's transformation and legacy.

Fact: Denzel Washington was nominated for an Oscar for his role. The film's budget was significantly increased due to its historical scope and detailed production.

Description: A biopic about Howard Hughes, the eccentric billionaire, aviator, and filmmaker. The film captures his rise to fame, his battles with mental illness, and his contributions to aviation and cinema.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Hughes. The film's budget ballooned to over $100 million due to its ambitious scope and detailed production.

Description: This film chronicles the life of Ray Charles, from his childhood to his rise as a music legend. It's a poignant look at his struggles with blindness, addiction, and his groundbreaking impact on music.

Fact: Jamie Foxx's performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Ray Charles himself approved the film before his death in

Description: A musical biopic about Johnny Cash, focusing on his early career, his relationship with June Carter, and his battles with substance abuse. It's a love story as much as it is a tale of redemption.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all the songs themselves. Witherspoon won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter.

Description: This film explores the life of Truman Capote during the period he wrote "In Cold Blood." It's a deep dive into the psyche of a writer and the ethical dilemmas he faced in his pursuit of a story.

Fact: Philip Seymour Hoffman won a posthumous Best Actor Oscar for his role as Capote. The film was shot in Canada, standing in for Kansas.

Description: This film delves into the final months of Abraham Lincoln's life, focusing on his efforts to abolish slavery and unite a nation torn by civil war. It's a masterclass in political maneuvering and personal conviction.

Fact: Daniel Day-Lewis won his third Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Lincoln. The film was shot in Richmond, Virginia, where much of the Civil War took place.

Description: Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this film follows his journey from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker. It's an uplifting tale of perseverance and the American Dream.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the film. The title misspells "Happiness" intentionally, reflecting the misspelling on the mural in the real-life story.

Description: This biopic focuses on Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. It's a powerful narrative about civil rights, political activism, and personal courage.

Fact: Sean Penn won an Oscar for his portrayal of Milk. The film was shot in San Francisco, where Milk's political career took place.

Description: A modern biopic about Mark Zuckerberg and the founding of Facebook. It's a fast-paced, tech-driven story about ambition, betrayal, and the birth of a social media giant.

Fact: Aaron Sorkin's screenplay was based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires." The film was shot in just 67 days.

Description: A story about King George VI's struggle with a stammer and his relationship with his unconventional speech therapist. It's a tale of overcoming personal challenges with humor and dignity.

Fact: Colin Firth won an Oscar for his role as King George VI. The film was originally rated R due to its language but was later re-rated PG-