This curated list of biopics focuses on the lives of scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the world. These films not only entertain but also educate, offering insights into the personal struggles, triumphs, and the scientific breakthroughs that have defined modern science. Each movie provides a unique perspective on the human side of scientific discovery, making them invaluable for anyone interested in the intersection of science, history, and human endeavor.

The Right Stuff (1983)
Description: While not strictly about a scientist, this film covers the lives of the first astronauts selected for Project Mercury, highlighting the scientific and engineering challenges of space exploration.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Original Score.


A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Description: A biographical drama about John Nash, a mathematical genius who suffers from schizophrenia, detailing his struggle with mental illness and his eventual Nobel Prize win.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Ron Howard.


The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
Description: While not directly about science, it's about Jean-Dominique Bauby, the editor of Elle magazine, who suffers a massive stroke and communicates his memoir through blinking, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director.


The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)
Description: Focuses on the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematician who, with little formal training, made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, and infinite series.
Fact: Dev Patel, who played Ramanujan, received widespread acclaim for his performance.


Creation (2009)
Description: Focuses on Charles Darwin's struggle to write "On the Origin of Species" while dealing with the death of his daughter, exploring the conflict between science and religion.
Fact: Paul Bettany, who plays Darwin, also co-wrote the screenplay.


Temple Grandin (2010)
Description: This HBO film tells the story of Temple Grandin, an autistic woman who revolutionized practices for humane livestock handling and became a prominent spokesperson for autism.
Fact: Claire Danes won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Temple Grandin, and the film itself won several Emmys.


The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: Chronicles the life of Alan Turing, the British mathematician responsible for cracking the German Enigma code during WWII, highlighting his contributions to computer science and his tragic personal life.
Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as Turing was critically acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination.


The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: This film explores the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, focusing on his relationship with his wife Jane and his battle with motor neuron disease while making groundbreaking contributions to cosmology.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.


Hidden Figures (2016)
Description: This film tells the story of three African-American women who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race, overcoming racial and gender barriers.
Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was a box office success.


Radioactive (2019)
Description: A biopic of Marie Curie, detailing her pioneering research on radioactivity, her personal life, and the long-term effects of her discoveries on the world.
Fact: Rosamund Pike stars as Marie Curie, and the film uses a non-linear narrative to explore the consequences of Curie's work.
