This curated list of biopics focuses on the lives of engineers whose innovations have shaped our world. These films not only celebrate their technical prowess but also delve into the personal struggles, triumphs, and the human side of engineering. From inventors to pioneers in technology, these stories offer a unique perspective on the minds behind some of the most groundbreaking inventions and engineering feats. Whether you're an aspiring engineer or simply love stories of human achievement, this collection provides both inspiration and entertainment.

Edison, the Man (1940)
Description: This biopic portrays Thomas Edison's life, focusing on his invention of the light bulb and his contributions to electrical engineering.
Fact: The film was produced by MGM and was one of the first to use Technicolor.


The Right Stuff (1983)
Description: This epic film chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program, focusing on the engineers and test pilots who made space travel possible.
Fact: The film was adapted from Tom Wolfe's non-fiction book of the same name and was nominated for 8 Academy Awards.


October Sky (1999)
Description: Based on the memoir "Rocket Boys," this film tells the story of Homer Hickam, whose passion for rocketry and engineering led him to a career at NASA.
Fact: The film was shot in the town where the real events took place, Coalwood, West Virginia.


The Aviator (2004)
Description: While primarily about Howard Hughes, the film includes his engineering feats in aviation, showcasing his innovative designs and contributions to aircraft technology.
Fact: The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning 5, including Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett.


The Social Network (2010)
Description: Although centered on Mark Zuckerberg, the film delves into the engineering aspects of creating and scaling a social media platform like Facebook.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin.


The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: This film tells the story of Alan Turing, a mathematician and logician who played a crucial role in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II, showcasing his engineering genius in codebreaking.
Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Turing earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.


The Current War (2017)
Description: Focuses on the rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over the development of electrical power systems, highlighting the engineering challenges of the time.
Fact: The film was initially set to be directed by Timur Bekmambetov but was later taken over by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.


Jobs (2013)
Description: This film follows the life of Steve Jobs, focusing on his engineering vision that led to the creation of Apple Inc. and its revolutionary products.
Fact: Ashton Kutcher underwent a significant physical transformation to portray Jobs, including losing weight to match Jobs' appearance.


The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: While primarily known for its focus on Stephen Hawking's life, this film also highlights his contributions to theoretical physics, which required significant engineering to conceptualize and prove.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his portrayal of Hawking. The film was shot in Cambridge, where Hawking studied and worked.


Hidden Figures (2016)
Description: This film celebrates the contributions of three African-American women at NASA who were instrumental in the success of the space race, showcasing their engineering skills in mathematics and computer science.
Fact: The film was based on a true story, and the real-life Katherine Johnson received a standing ovation at the premiere.
