- The Fountainhead (1949)
- Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011)
- The Architecture of Doom (1989)
- The Genius of Design (2010)
- The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
- My Architect (2003)
- Frank Lloyd Wright: The Man Who Built America (2017)
- Zaha Hadid: Who Dares Wins (2013)
- Le Corbusier: Architect of a New Age (1997)
- The Architecture of Happiness (2010)
Architecture is not just about buildings; it's about the visionaries who shape our world. This curated list of biopics delves into the lives of some of the most influential architects, offering a glimpse into their creative processes, personal struggles, and the monumental impact they've had on our urban landscapes. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply love a good story of human triumph, these films will inspire and enlighten.

The Fountainhead (1949)
Description: Based on Ayn Rand's novel, this film follows Howard Roark, an uncompromising architect who battles against societal conformity to realize his vision. It's a dramatic portrayal of individualism in architecture.
Fact: The film was directed by King Vidor and stars Gary Cooper as Howard Roark. Ayn Rand wrote the screenplay, ensuring her philosophical ideas were accurately represented.


Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011)
Description: This documentary focuses on Charles and Ray Eames, a husband-and-wife team whose innovative designs in furniture and architecture left an indelible mark on the 20th century.
Fact: The film was produced by the American Masters series on PBS. It includes rare archival footage and interviews with those who knew the Eameses.


The Architecture of Doom (1989)
Description: While not a traditional biopic, this film examines the architectural and artistic influences on Adolf Hitler, offering insights into how his aesthetic preferences shaped his political ideology.
Fact: The film was directed by Peter Cohen and provides a chilling look at the intersection of art and politics. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.


The Genius of Design (2010)
Description: Although not solely about one architect, this series explores the history of design, featuring key figures like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, providing context for their architectural contributions.
Fact: The series was produced by the BBC and covers a wide range of design movements, from the Bauhaus to postmodernism.


The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
Description: This documentary examines the rise and fall of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis, reflecting on the architectural and social implications of urban planning.
Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews to tell the story, offering a critique of modernist architecture's social impact.


My Architect (2003)
Description: This documentary explores the life of Louis Kahn, one of the 20th century's most influential architects, through the eyes of his son, Nathaniel Kahn. It's a personal journey that uncovers the man behind the masterpieces.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Louis Kahn's work includes the Salk Institute and the National Assembly Building in Dhaka.


Frank Lloyd Wright: The Man Who Built America (2017)
Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing his architectural innovations and the personal controversies that surrounded him.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Wright's granddaughter, who shares personal anecdotes. It also features never-before-seen footage of Wright's architectural models.


Zaha Hadid: Who Dares Wins (2013)
Description: This documentary captures the essence of Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, exploring her groundbreaking designs and the challenges she faced as a female architect in a male-dominated field.
Fact: The film was released shortly after Hadid's death, providing a poignant tribute to her legacy. It includes interviews with her colleagues and students.


Le Corbusier: Architect of a New Age (1997)
Description: This film delves into the life and work of Le Corbusier, exploring his vision for modern architecture and his influence on urban planning.
Fact: The documentary includes rare footage of Le Corbusier's projects and interviews with architectural historians.


The Architecture of Happiness (2010)
Description: Inspired by Alain de Botton's book, this film explores how architecture affects our emotions and well-being, featuring architects like Norman Foster and Renzo Piano.
Fact: The film was directed by John Armstrong and includes stunning visuals of architectural landmarks around the world.
