20 Underrated Biopics Worth Checking Out

Some of the very best films of all time revolve round real-life figures. From musicians and athletes to painters and politicians, their journeys have impressed audiences world wide to excel of their respective crafts. But dozens of biopics on the market needs to be deemed underrated for both flying underneath the general public radar, or developing quick within the eyes of critics. Although you could acknowledge a title or two alongside the best way, most films featured herein will seem extra unfamiliar. Either means: their respective figures have been portrayed by well-known names, and the person merchandise maintain up properly at this time. All that stated, these are twenty underrated biopics value trying out.

20 Race

Entertainment One Films

Perhaps probably the most influential observe and area athlete to ever stay is Jesse Owens, who’s portrayed on this underrated stint by an equally ignored performer named Stephan James. He shines because the Olympic gold medalist, with Race (2016) chronicling Jesse’s record-breaking streak of 4 wins on the 1936 Games in Berlin. And other than the poignance of its plot, Race excels at portraying its real-life figures in an interesting cinematographic gentle.
Other performers embody Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, and William Hurt, with everybody exhibiting up in valiant style — none extra so than James as Jesse. And though this is not probably the most clever of scripts, the ultimate product is pieced collectively by dint of well-timed techniques of continuity enhancing, with notable shot worth as well. That ought to have been sufficient for Race to resonate extra fondly with critics.

19 Woman Walks Ahead

A24

Among probably the most undervalued actors of his era is Michael Greyeyes, who first gained traction because of his work because the eponymous character within the tv present Crazy Horse. But within the realm of cinema, he is had a number of underrated photos in the previous few years alone. Take Blood Quantum (2019) and Wild Indian (2021), for instance. Both are nice movies with little title worth. But in contrast to the movie at hand, they resonated fondly with critics.
His efficiency in Woman Walks Ahead (2017) additionally gathered acclaim from pundits as he portrays Sitting Bull. And reverse him is the nice Jessica Chastain because the protagonist, a portrait painter named Catherine Weldon. The two share an amazing chemistry as charismatic leads, regardless of the movie as an entire that includes some qualitative shortcomings. The efforts of the actors land Woman Walks Ahead safely on the listing.

18 Ed Wood

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Among probably the most well-known actor-director duos in Hollywood is Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. This monochromatic biopic marked their second collaboration following Edward Scissorhands (1990), which made nice cash on the worldwide field workplace. The similar cannot be stated for Ed Wood (1994). Despite widespread reward from critics and audiences alike, the latter group of viewers let the mission at hand come up completely quick throughout its time in film theaters.
But now, it is heralded as a cult basic. Fitting, contemplating the plot. Wood was a real-life cult filmmaker, and the eponymously titled mission explores his most well-known options whereas additionally delving into his relationship with Bela Lugosi, who’s in flip performed by Martin Landau. Both performers acquired reward throughout the board, however you could not have even seen their performances happen. Now’s the time to provide Ed Wood a shot.

17 Miles Ahead

Bifrost Pictures

The first of two movies starring Don Cheadle to look on the listing is Miles Ahead (2015), wherein he performs well-known jazz musician Miles Davis. Some of the best roles of Cheadle’s profession are depictions of real-life figures: take his work as Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda (2004), for example. That’s undoubtedly his most well-known film exterior the MCU, and it would simply be his finest efficiency on the whole. But the entry at hand stands out re: Cheadle biopics, because it marks his directorial debut.
He additionally co-wrote the script alongside Stephen Baigelman. But regardless of their spectacular efforts, Miles Ahead made mediocre cash in film theaters. And though it resonated fondly sufficient with critics, the title worth hereof has indisputably waned prior to now few years. But actually, Miles Ahead marks yet one more strong entry amongst Don Cheadle’s underrated roster of biopics.

16 Wonderland

Lions Gate Films

As pornographic movie star John Holmes, the well-known Val Kilmer offers probably the most ignored effort of his profession, with shifting personalities and a novel supply of dialogue. And simply as a lot reward needs to be doled out to Kate Bosworth for her work as John’s girlfriend, named Dawn. But stealing the present in grand supporting style can be Lisa Kudrow, who performs John’s spouse Sharon. And though their performing efforts spotlight the movie as an entire, there are another noteworthy factors to make concerning the standard of Wonderland (2003).
The most critically panned movie on the listing, Wonderland does make a paltry try to make use of the Rashomon impact inside its story construction. This is often used to provide a number of views on the identical occasion. But on this case, the fashion muddies the water. It is a compelling plot, although: the movie depicts John’s life as a porn star whereas additionally detailing the Wonderland Murders that came about in 1981. And with partaking camerawork on prime of the fantastic performances, Wonderland is thus deemed an underrated biopic that deserves extra consideration at this time.

15 Professor Marston & the Wonder Woman

Boxspring Entertainment

Chronicling the creation of the DC comedian guide character, Professor Marston & the Wonder Women (2017) additionally offers with a love triangle. Professor William Marston and his spouse Elizabeth have been broadly famend within the area of psychology for inventing the prototypical polygraph. But after they meet a analysis assistant named Olivia and the three type a relationship, William turns into impressed to design the world’s most well-known feminine superhero.
Oddly sufficient, this entry launched in the identical yr as Wonder Woman (2017) with Gal Gadot. That may clarify the shortcomings of Professor Marston on the worldwide field workplace. But because of eager behind-the-scenes techniques from writer-director Angela Robinson with memorable performances throughout the board of its solid, the mission at hand needs to be held in simply as excessive a regard as its blockbuster counterpart from the DCEU.

14 Get On Up

Universal Pictures

Here in Get On Up (2014), the late, nice Chadwick Boseman places on his finest efficiency as a real-life determine: on this case, James Brown. The aforementioned American actor had beforehand performed two athletes on display, first as Floyd Little in The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008). A couple of years thereafter, he confirmed up as Jackie Brown in 42 (2013). And after the one at hand, he performed Thurgood Marshall in one other biopic, referred to as Marshall (2017).
While all these movies are underrated in their very own rights, probably the most ignored biopic of Boseman’s profession must be Get On Up. He shines because the Godfather of Soul, with Viola Davis taking part in his mom, Susie. Other well-known performers among the many solid embody Octavia Spencer, Dan Aykroyd, and Craig Robinson, with everybody portraying their real-life counterparts to absolute perfection. This one undoubtedly deserves extra credit score.

13 Borg vs McEnroe

Nordisk Film

A well-written script, notable efforts of route, thought-out manufacturing design, and cautious camerawork — like with any movie, many behind-the-scenes components go into rendering biopics priceless items of artwork. But with this specific ilk of cinema, maybe probably the most important facet can be discovering probably the most apropos actor to fill their respective, real-life determine’s footwear. And with Borg vs McEnroe (2017), there could not have been higher suits for the tennis footwear of two all-time Wimbledon greats.
Sverrir Gudnason performs the Swede named Björn Borg, whereas Shia LaBeouf reveals up because the American: John McEnroe. Those aware of their rivalry possible understand how the plot at hand performs out. But as an entire, nonetheless clever its script could also be, Borg vs McEnroe turns into a necessary biopic primarily for the performances from its leads. And with Stellan Skarsgård in a supporting effort, that may be claimed throughout the board.

12 No Man of God

RLJE Films

During his last years on dying row, notorious American serial killer Ted Bundy fashioned an unlikely relationship with Bill Hagmaier, a particular agent for the FBI. The latter is performed by Elijah Wood, whereas Luke Kirby portrays Bundy. Both performers grow to be their real-life counterparts from the movie’s opening minutes, they usually share a dynamic rapport as No Man of God (2021) offers viewers perception into real-life transcripts recorded between 1984 and 1989.
It’s among the many most authentic premises for a serial killer story you are ever more likely to expertise, and the movie’s masterful efforts of screenwriting are on full show with the well-written dialogue of its leads. Although this entry bombed in theaters and thus could not ring any bells, it is properly value your time general. In reality, No Man of God is among the many biggest biopics of the last decade to this point, and it is completely underrated.

11 Chuck

Millennium Films

The first of two boxing movies on the listing is Chuck (2016), which stars Liev Schreiber because the titular pugilist. For these unfamiliar: Chuck Wepner as soon as went to struggle with Muhammad Ali, practically going the gap earlier than dropping through TKO within the fifteenth. He put forth such a valiant effort as an underdog that Sylvester Stallone discovered inspiration to pen the script for Rocky (1976), with the movie at hand chronicling Chuck’s emotional responses to his story’s success.
And the result’s a plot of pure poignance from begin to end. Fans of the Rocky franchise ought to discover an inherent intrigue imbedded inside this premise — however with high-quality components of filmmaking featured round each nook of manufacturing, Chuck is rendered some of the underrated sports activities movies ever made. It additionally suits the invoice for biopics.

10 Snowden

Open Road Films

With Joseph Gordon-Levitt within the titular position, Snowden (2016) chronicles the whistleblowing antics of a CIA subcontractor named Edward Snowden. He leaked categorised data from the National Security Agency, and he actually turns into the marketing consultant from his bodily idiosyncrasies to his eccentric character. And frankly, this entry is value it for Gordon-Levitt’s efforts alone. He has loads of underrated stints underneath his belt, and Snowden is close to the highest.
But there are a number of different well-known names value noting among the many ensemble solid: Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, and Scott Eastwood, together with Timothy Olyphant, LaKeith Stanfield, and Nicolas Cage. Quite the roster of performers. That ought to have been sufficient to guide audiences en masse to their native film theaters, however sadly, Snowden got here up quick in ticket gross sales. And contemplating its mediocre reception from critics, it is simply underrated.

9 The Basketball Diaries

New Line Cinema

At the midpoint of the Nineties, American actor Leonardo DiCaprio starred in a number of stints that didn’t resonate fondly with critics. The most underrated of the bunch goes to The Quick and the Dead (1995), a fictional western by Sam Raimi. But there’s additionally Total Eclipse (1995), wherein DiCaprio performs real-life poet Arthur Rimbaud. That one is not any good. But as Jim Carroll, a highschool basketball pupil who develops an habit to heroin, DiCaprio offers followers with probably the most ignored biopic of his filmography.
He’s performed a number of real-life figures all through his critically acclaimed profession: not simply Carroll and Rimbaud, but additionally Frank Abagnale, Jr. in Catch Me If You Can (2002), Howard Hughes in The Aviator (2004), and Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). But these are all among the many most well-known and critically acclaimed movies of their respective years, and arguably of their respective a long time. Of all his biopics, The Basketball Diaries (1995) deserves extra love.

8 The Bang Bang Club

Entertainment One

Across the board of success, The Bang Bang Club (2010) needs to be cited among the many most underrated biopics ever made. It stars Ryan Phillippe as Greg Marinovich and Taylor Kitsch as Kevin Carter, photojournalists lively throughout the apartheid period within the townships of South Africa. And additionally exhibiting up among the many solid is Malin Akerman, with this entry taking place among the many most underrated tasks from everybody concerned.
In spite of a compelling plot with strong performances, The Bang Bang Club bombed on the worldwide field workplace. And it was solely launched in a number of theaters throughout the globe. But what’s worse is that, on Rotten Tomatoes, this mission holds a middling approval ranking of 49%. But actually, it needs to be thought of a necessary biopic from its decade.

7 The Iceman

Millennium Entertainment

With Michael Shannon because the titular character and Winona Ryder in a supporting position, The Iceman (2012) options proficient names amongst its solid that see the mission into nice fruition regardless of its middling numbers of success. At the worldwide field workplace, this entry accrued simply $4.6 million off a $13.5 million funds. And equally egregious is its 66% approval ranking on Rotten Tomatoes. But there are such a lot of high-quality components of filmmaking at play inside this underrated hitman movie that it deserves this placement on execution alone.
Its solid performs brilliantly, with Shannon and Ryder joined by Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, James Franco, and David Schwimmer. What’s extra is that its script may have you engaged from the primary scene, with priceless camerawork and thoroughly curate colour palettes creating additional intrigue from behind the scenes. If you do not know the story of the eponymous prison, there is no higher option to familiarize your self than by indulging in The Iceman.

6 Stronger

Lionsgate

In some of the emotional movies on the listing, Jake Gyllenhaal performs real-life determine Jeff Bauman, who loses his legs within the Boston Marathon Bombings. And after figuring out the terrorist in charge, he is then hailed as a hero. But in tandem, Jeff struggles to take care of his life-altering damage. Though the listing is nearing its finish, that is simply the primary of two Gyllenhaal movies to be featured herein. And no, the following one is not Zodiac (2007), even when it bombed on the field workplace. But extra on that underrated struggle stint in a bit.
Related: 12 Underrated Jake Gyllenhaal Movies, Ranked
As for the movie at hand: there is no professional excuse for audiences letting this one come up so quick in theaters. Against a $30 million funds, Stronger(2017) accrued simply $8 million on the worldwide field workplace. Sure, critics raved about its high quality. But even when there was an excuse for its shortcoming in theaters, Stronger nonetheless hasn’t picked up traction with regard to recognition. Better now than by no means.

5 Bleed for This

Open Road Films

Starring Miles Teller as Vinny Pazienza, this entry chronicles the real-life pugilist’s comeback from probably the most devastating damage his sport has ever seen. Just earlier than his scheduled bout with the well-known Roberto Durán, the protagonist lives by means of a automotive crash. He’s nonetheless kicking, however now, a devastating neck damage has left him unable to stroll. The professionals say mobility in that regard is unlikely, they usually rule out completely a future in combating.
But towards each odd within the guide, Vinny Paz groups up with coach Kevin Rooney to mount the best comeback in boxing historical past. It’s a compelling, emotional journey, and as an general product, Bleed for This (2016) is seen into fantastic fruition by everybody concerned. If it weren’t for Whiplash (2014) by Damien Chazelle, this could be the best performing effort of Teller’s profession. And for bombing on the field workplace, Bleed for This is deemed an undervalued biopic.

4 Shattered Glass

Cruise/Wagner Productions

With Hayden Christensen within the lead position as journalist Stephen Glass, this entry marks the characteristic movie debut of author and director Billy Ray. And whilst you could not acknowledge that filmmaker by title, you will undoubtedly know a few titles underneath his belt as a screenwriter: State of Play (2009) and The Hunger Games (2012), for instance. Those are among the many finest and most well-known movies (respectively) of their a long time, they usually render Ray a uncommon expertise within the realm of screenwriting.
His most underrated effort is Shattered Glass (2001), which also needs to be identified among the many most ignored biopics of the twenty-first century. Although critics cherished it — specific reward was given to Peter Saarsgard for his efforts as fellow journalist Charles Lane — the movie didn’t gross even half of its $6 million funds again on the worldwide field workplace. But actually, Shattered Glass has all the time been value a watch.

3 Jarhead

Universal Pictures

So far, this listing has lined a number of athletes, journalists, and musicians. But there’s additionally been a filmmaker, a whistleblower, a gangster, a serial killer, a Playboy mannequin, and an grownup leisure star. That’s fairly the varied crew, with the next two entries additionally bringing recent crafts into the combination. But now, it is time to chronicle a real-life struggle hero: Anthony Swofford, performed by Jake Gyllenhaal within the critically underrated Jarhead (2005).
Related: Jarhead: The Most Underrated War Movie Ever Made
And for in addition to everybody carried out — its solid additionally options names like Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard, and Chris Cooper — maybe probably the most outstanding word to make can be the proficient nature of its behind-the-scenes crew. The script for Jarhead was tailored (from Swofford’s 2003 memoir of the identical title) by well-known screenwriter William Broyles Jr., whereas Sam Mendes directed the general product. And behind the digicam was Roger Deakins. They all offered private peculiarities to render Jarhead a tantalizing but ignored title.

2 Talk to Me

Focus Features

The second movie on the listing to characteristic Don Cheadle — and simply among the many most underrated films of his profession — Talk to Me (2007) sees him portraying well-known American radio host Ralph “Peetey” Greene. From his trademark swagger to his scratchy and iconic voice, Peetey was actually embodied by Cheadle, who shares a beautiful chemistry with every of his on-screen costars: Chiwetel Ejiofor and Taraji P. Henson, for instance.
Related: Best Don Cheadle Movies, Ranked
Ejiofor performs a radio govt named Dewey Hughes, whereas Henson reveals up as Peetey’s girlfriend, Vernell Watson. They all ship well-written dialogue inside a compelling plot. And whereas critics noticed gentle within the movie’s high quality, Talk to Me got here up completely quick on the field workplace. But now, it deserves much more love as a necessary biopic about an iconic determine.

1 Basquiat

Miramax

Among the best artists of his era was Jean-Michael Basquiat, who died of an unlucky heroin overdose on the age of twenty-seven. His each bodily and intonational idiosyncrasy got here to life because of the career-defining efforts of Jeffrey Wright. He leads a star-studded solid of names, with David Bowie showing in grand supporting style as Andy Warhol. And if that is not sufficient, account for performers like Benicio Del Toro, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, and Parker Posey. Somehow, that is nonetheless scratching the floor.
Related: 12 Unforgettable Movies About Painters
There’s additionally Courtney Love and Tatum O’Neil, together with minor appearances from Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell, and Willem Dafoe. This turns into an ignored biopic for that title worth alone. But from witty dialogue and interesting plot factors to priceless camerawork and seamless continuity enhancing, a number of components of behind-the-scenes filmmaking render Basquiat (1996) an plain choose for an inventory of all-time greats — not to mention probably the most underrated.

First seem at 20 Underrated Biopics Worth Checking Out