1. "Elvis" (2022)
Subject: Elvis Presley
Many films have explored the King of Rock and Roll’s life, but this one takes his story to fresh, electrifying new heights, introducing Elvis to a whole new generation and sparking conversations about his cultural impact, race and the music industry. Austin Butler’s star-making performance as Elvis Presley is as mesmerizing as the man himself, while Baz Luhrmann’s signature visual style and music-driven narrative brings Elvis’ to life in style (is there any other way?). The film doesn’t just chronicle Elvis’ rise to fame; it digs into his battles with fame, addiction and his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
2. "Walk the Line" (2005)
Subject: Johnny Cash
Starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Man in Black and Reese Witherspoon as his fiery, ever-supportive wife, June Carter, this film takes us through the tumultuous rise, fall and rise-again of Cash’s legendary career. Come for the music stay for the wild ride of love, addiction, redemption and more drama than a reality TV show. Fair warning, you will be humming Johnny Cash tunes for weeks.
3. "The Theory of Everything" (2014)
Subject: Stephen Hawking
A heart-tugging journey through the extraordinary life of physicist Stephen Hawking. Eddie Redmayne’s Oscar-winning performance brings Hawking’s genius and personal struggles to life, from his early brilliance to his battle with ALS. The film is a story of love, resilience, the triumph of the human spirit and maybe a little bit of science in there. "The Theory of Everything" shows that even the toughest equations in life can be solved with a little heart, a lot of determination and a genius sense of humor.
4. "The Founder" (2016)
Subject: Ray Kroc and the creation of McDonald's
Get ready to peek behind the golden arches to the cutthroat world of fast food. Michael Keaton stars as Ray Kroc, the ambitious salesman who turned a small burger joint into the global empire we know today as McDonald's. The Founder shows how the road to billions served can be built on innovation, ruthlessness and two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions on a sesame seed bun.
5. "Catch Me If You Can" (2002)
Subject: Frank Abagnale Jr.
If ever there was a cat-and-mouse game worth watching it’s when master con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leo DiCaprio) is on the run from FBI agent Hanratty (Tom Hanks) who’s hot on his trail…for five years. The film follows Frank as he successfully fakes his way into being a pilot, doctor and lawyer without ever having a single real qualification (seriously, does that sound terrifying to anyone else?).
6. "Malcolm X" (1992)
Subject: Malcolm Little
A masterclass in transformation, Denzel Washington owns the role of Malcolm X, transforming from street hustler to a civil rights leader and powerful voice for change. Directed by Spike Lee, the film dives deep into Malcolm’s evolution from fiery anger to a call for unity, and shows just how complex the man really was. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just entertain; it challenges you, educates you and maybe even make you rethink a few things.
7. "The Social Network" (2010)
Subject: Mark Zuckerberg
A classic tale of ambition and betrayal, "The Social Network" chronicles the origin story of Facebook. This fast-paced film delves into Mark Zuckerberg’s rise to power, with Jesse Eisenberg nailing the role of genius-turned-villain, capturing the intensity you'd expect from someone who started a billion-dollar empire from his college dorm. Anyone obsessed with tech, power and drama is sure to like this one.
8. "Schindler’s List" (1993)
Subject: Oskar Schindler and the Holocaust
A heartbreaking yet powerful portrayal of Oskar Schindler’s heroic efforts to save over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust.
Steven Spielberg’s direction and Liam Neeson’s unforgettable performance make this a film you can’t miss, with its stark black-and-white visuals adding to the powerful impact. A film that lingers long after the screen fades to black, "Schindler’s List" is a testament to the power of one individual’s courage in the face of unimaginable evil.
9. "Bohemian Rhapsody" (2018)
Subject: Queen and Freddie Mercury
A high-energy, glittering tribute to Queen and its iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a celebration of music, rebellion and the power of being unapologetically yourself. Rami Malek's standout performance captures Freddie’s flamboyance, talent, vulnerability and overbite. The film takes us through Queen’s rise to fame, their iconic music and Freddie’s personal battles, all set to a killer soundtrack — naturally.
10. "Raging Bull" (1980)
Subject: Boxer Jake LaMotta
The ultimate knockout of a film — brutal and brilliant. Robert De Niro delivers a powerhouse performance as Jake LaMotta, a boxer whose rage, jealousy and self-destruction hit harder than his punches. Martin Scorsese’s unflinching portrait of LaMotta’s rise and fall in the world of boxing cements "Raging Bull" as one of the greatest films ever made. With its gritty black-and-white visuals, this film will leave you reeling long after the final bell rings.