If you loved 'The Electrical Life of Louis Wain' (2021) for its whimsical storytelling, artistic visuals, and emotional depth, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same magic, whether through eccentric characters, historical drama, or heartwarming narratives. Dive in to discover your next favorite watch!

Frida (2002)
Description: A vibrant biopic about an unconventional artist whose work was deeply personal, exploring how physical pain and emotional turmoil can transform into extraordinary art. The film mirrors its subject's style through its visual presentation.
Fact: The film incorporates actual Frida Kahlo paintings brought to life through animation. Salma Hayek trained for a year to accurately portray Kahlo's physical disabilities.


Pollock (2000)
Description: An intense portrayal of an artist's turbulent life and revolutionary work, showing the connection between personal demons and creative breakthroughs. The film captures the raw energy and emotional complexity of the artistic process.
Fact: Ed Harris learned to paint like Pollock and created all the artwork seen in the film himself. The production used the actual barn where Pollock did much of his famous drip painting.


A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Description: A poignant portrayal of a mathematical genius grappling with mental illness, showcasing how creativity and brilliance can coexist with personal struggles. The film examines the fine line between genius and madness.
Fact: The Princeton library scenes used real students as extras, and some were actually working on their PhDs in mathematics. The film's Nash equilibrium concept became widely discussed in popular culture after its release.


Big Eyes (2014)
Description: The story of an artist fighting for recognition in a male-dominated art world, dealing with themes of artistic authenticity and commercial exploitation. It examines how personal relationships can both inspire and hinder creative expression.
Fact: The real Margaret Keane made a cameo appearance in the film. Tim Burton deliberately avoided his usual gothic style to match the 1950s/60s aesthetic of Keane's paintings.


The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: This historical drama about a pioneering computer scientist highlights the tension between extraordinary intellect and social alienation. It shares themes of misunderstood genius and the personal cost of brilliance.
Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch learned to solve a Rubik's Cube in under two minutes for his role. The film's title comes from Turing's own 1950 paper about machine intelligence.


The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: This biographical drama explores the life of a brilliant mind overcoming physical limitations, much like the story of an eccentric artist. It delves into themes of genius, perseverance, and unconventional love.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne spent months studying Stephen Hawking's life and even met with him to prepare for the role. The film was shot in many real locations from Hawking's life, including Cambridge University.


Loving Vincent (2017)
Description: A visually stunning exploration of an artist's life and mysterious death, told through his own distinctive painting style. The film blends biography with artistic interpretation in a unique cinematic experience.
Fact: Each of the film's 65,000 frames is an oil painting hand-painted by 125 artists. It took nearly a decade to complete, making it the first fully painted feature film.


Mary Shelley (2017)
Description: A period drama about a young female writer breaking conventions and creating groundbreaking work, mirroring themes of artistic creation and societal rejection. It examines how personal trauma can fuel creative genius.
Fact: The film's script was workshopped at the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. Many scenes were shot in actual locations where Shelley lived and worked.


Hidden Figures (2016)
Description: Celebrates overlooked genius and perseverance against societal barriers, focusing on brilliant minds who changed history despite facing discrimination. The story emphasizes how unconventional thinkers can achieve extraordinary things.
Fact: The real Katherine Johnson attended the premiere at age


Tesla (2020)
Description: An unconventional biopic about an eccentric inventor whose genius was ahead of his time, exploring the loneliness of visionaries and the struggle for recognition. The film uses creative storytelling to portray its subject's unique perspective.
Fact: The film includes several anachronistic elements, including characters using modern technology. It was shot in only 20 days on a relatively small budget.
