Biopic Movies

Sometimes real life is even more entertaining -- and inspiring -- than fiction. This list of our favorite biopics includes movies about all-star athletes, memorable musicians, powerful politicians, and more. Some are famous, some are infamous, but all of them lived incredible, interesting lives. The films on this list let us imagine what these heroes and celebrities were feeling and really going through as they influenced society in unbelievable ways. For even more true stories that will captivate kids, try our Best Documentaries list or read up on our favorite Biographies.

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Secretariat Poster Image
MOVIE

Secretariat

age 8+

Inspiring true story about an amazing woman and her horse.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Hidden Figures Poster Image
MOVIE

Hidden Figures

age 10+

Inspiring true story of African American women at NASA.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
The Miracle Worker Poster Image
MOVIE

The Miracle Worker

age 10+

Outstanding movie based on life of Helen Keller.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1962)
Selena Poster Image
MOVIE

Selena

age 10+

Touching and ultimately tragic tale of young Tejano star.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)
Soul Surfer Poster Image
MOVIE

Soul Surfer

age 10+

Earnest sports biopic tugs at heart despite clichés.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
Stan & Ollie Poster Image
MOVIE

Stan & Ollie

age 10+

Gentle, affectionate portrait of aging legendary comics.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Young Mr. Lincoln Poster Image
MOVIE

Young Mr. Lincoln

age 10+

Outstanding, inspirational story of Honest Abe's early days.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1939)
Young Woman and the Sea Movie Poster: Trudy stands on the shore in front of a dramatic sky and seascape
MOVIE

Young Woman and the Sea

age 10+

Stirring sports biopic takes on sexism; little iffy content.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2024)
Betty & Coretta Poster Image
MOVIE

Betty & Coretta

age 11+

Moving tribute to two civil rights widows' legacies.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter, and Johnny Flynn on the One Life movie poster
MOVIE

One Life

age 11+

Moving war-time biopic celebrates the best of humanity.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)
Saint Judy Poster Image
MOVIE

Saint Judy

age 11+

Emotionally powerful biopic about crusading attorney.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Apollo 13 Poster Image
MOVIE

Apollo 13

age 12+

Thrilling, heartwarming, scary, and superb.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1995)
Breathe Poster Image
MOVIE

Breathe

age 12+

Feel-good romance tackles serious themes, disability rights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Catch Me If You Can Poster Image
MOVIE

Catch Me If You Can

age 12+

Excellent account of youngest FBI's Most Wanted.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
First Man Poster Image
MOVIE

First Man

age 12+

Intimate, serious drama about reluctant space hero.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Florence Foster Jenkins Poster Image
MOVIE

Florence Foster Jenkins

age 12+

Charming period comedy may not sing to younger viewers.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Gandhi Poster Image
MOVIE

Gandhi

age 12+

Brilliant biopic engages, educates, and inspires.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1982)
The Lost King movie poster
MOVIE

The Lost King

age 12+

Inspiring true story has strong female lead, salty language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Moneyball Poster Image
MOVIE

Moneyball

age 12+

Fantastic, inspiring baseball drama covers all its bases.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
On the Basis of Sex Poster Image
MOVIE

On the Basis of Sex

age 12+

Well-acted if uneven biopic about RBG's early life, career.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)