Side-By-Side Photos Of Actors Vs. The Real People They Portrayed On Screen

Some of the best films and performances over the last couple of decades have come from actors playing real people in what have become known as biopics. Once the story has been chosen, finding the right actor to portray the lead role can be tricky. Not only do the actors need to be talented enough to bring these real people to the screen, but they also need to look the part.

Many of these actors are paid top-dollar to learn their characters’ habits and mannerisms that make their role more believable. It should be noted, however, that the makeup and prosthetics done by the crew to help these actors look just the real people they’re portraying is nothing short of amazing. Here are the best film portrayals of real-life people and how much these A-list actors earned to play these monumental roles. Were these the right choices and did they look the part? You decide.

Walk the Line (2005)

Based On the Life of: Johnny Cash

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix

Movie Budget: $28 million

Star Salary: $5 million

An Oscar-nominated drama, Walk the Line stars Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix, of course, plays the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash—legendary singer-songwriter and one of the most famous musicians of his time. The film chronicles many of the struggles Cash experienced and even wrote about them in his autobiographies, Man In Black and Cash: The Autobiography.

Fox purchased the rights to Johnny’s autobiographies as the basis for this movie, which made $187 million at the box office. In Walk the Line, we see the true story of Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter (as played by Witherspoon), as well as his battle with addiction and alcoholism and how that affected their marriage.

Selena (1997)

Based On the Life of: Selena Quintanilla-Perez

Starring: Jennifer Lopez

Movie Budget: $20 million  

Star Salary: $1 million

Selena tells the heartbreaking story of singer Selena Quintanilla Perez, played by Jennifer Lopez, who was born into a musical family in Texas. The Tejana singer became an international success, falling for her guitarist along the way, which earned her the ire of Abraham, her father, played by Edward James Olmos.

The story of Selena is one that music fans will know—if only for its tragic end, which is detailed in the film. Selena made $60 million at the box office. Gregory Nava directed and the film was nominated for several Golden Globes.

American Sniper (2014)

Based On the Life of: Chris Kyle

Starring: Bradley Cooper

Movie Budget: $59 million

Star Salary: $15 million

Directed by Clint Eastwood, American Sniper stars Bradley Cooper as U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. Kyle was credited with being the deadliest sniper in American history, both to combatants and Middle Eastern civilians. The movie was based on Kyle’s military record, which later was revealed to be inflated by the sniper, himself.

American Sniper did well at the box office and was nominated for six Oscars. Later, Kyle would be killed by an Iraq War veteran he was trying to help recover from PTSD. In total, Kyle did four tours of duty. Overall, American Sniper made $547.4 million at the box office.

The Pianist (2002)

Based On the Life of: Wladyslaw Szpilman

Starring: Adrien Brody

Movie Budget: $35 million

Star Salary: $2 million

Released in 2002, The Pianist, was directed by Roman Polanski. Adrien Brody stars as Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Jewish radio station pianist living in Poland during WWII. The movie documents Szpilman’s struggle as he watches his beloved Warsaw get torn down by the Nazis.

He is briefly forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, but Operation Reinhard separates him from his family and he is released. The pianist then hides in the ruins of the city, narrowly avoiding capture by the Nazis. The film takes place between 1939 and 1945. The screenplay was adapted by Ronald Harwood directly from Szpilman’s autobiography.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Based On the Life of: Frank Abagnale, Jr.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio

Movie Budget: $52 million

Star Salary: $20 million

The unbelievable story of con man Frank Abagnale, Jr. inspired another Spielberg hit starring screen legends Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Abagnale was a famous imposter who managed to get away with impersonating a doctor, lawyer, and even an airline pilot, all before the age of 22.

This suspenseful yet playful film cleaned up at the box office with its universal appeal, raking in a cool $350 million worldwide. Catch Me If You Can was both produced and distributed by Amblin Entertainment, Spielberg’s own successful production company—of which Universal Pictures is a major investor.

Ali (2001)

Based On the Life of: Muhammad Ali

Starring: Will Smith

Movie Budget: $107 million

Star Salary: $20 million

To portray the role of famous boxer Muhammad Ali in this movie, Will Smith had to pack on muscle, study boxing, and learn about Islam in order to throw himself into the role. Smith’s role in the 2001 biography Ali would prove that he’s got what it takes to be a formidable dramatic actor.

Written and directed by Michael Mann, the film focuses on ten years in the life of Muhammad Ali, from 1964 until 1974. Though a short period, a lot happened in Ali’s life during that time: he recaptured his title from Sonny Liston, resisted the Vietnam War, and converted to Islam.

My Week With Marilyn (2011)

Based On the Life of: Marilyn Monroe

Starring: Michelle Williams

Movie Budget: $10 million

Star Salary: $400,000

My Week with Marilyn centered around a short period of time in the life of the iconic star Marilyn Monroe. The movie starred Michelle Williams as Monroe and Eddie Redmayne as amateur filmmaker Colin Clark, a friend of Monroe’s, who wrote a novel about his experiences showing her around London during the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl.

The movie takes a look at the real Marilyn behind the veneer of the legacy she left behind. Not the glittery, glamorous, larger-than-life figure that everyone knows—but the real, complex human being with her struggles and a complicated relationship with her fame.

127 Hours (2010)

Based On the Life of: Aron Ralston

Starring: James Franco

Movie Budget: $18 million

Star Salary: $2 million

127 Hours is an intense pic about Aron Ralston. Ralston, played by James Franco, is a canyon explorer who got trapped by a boulder after an accident in Bluejohn Canyon, a slot canyon in southeastern Utah. Filmed like a video diary, the tale is nothing if not riveting.

You watch as Ralston tries, in vain, to free himself before it’s too late. The movie was based on Ralston’s autobiography, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, in which he explored the 127-hours he spent trapped in the canyon. At the end of his long, harrowing entrapment, Ralston was faced with a brutal choice in order to keep himself alive.

Monster (2003)

Based On the Life of: Aileen Wuornos

Starring: Charlize Theron

Movie Budget: $8 million

Star Salary: $1 million

Monster is a biographical film about serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who was eventually put to death in the state of Florida. Monster took a look at the life of Wuornos, starting before she began her killing spree until her capture by police. Wuornos suffered from mental illness, beginning when she was a child suffering horrific abuse at the hands of her male family members.

To play the part of Wuornos, who was despised far more than any male serial killer, Theron—known for her dedication and willingness to dive into a role—had to gain thirty pounds, shave her eyebrows, and wear prosthetic teeth. She received an Oscar for her stunning transformation and jarring performance.

The Big Sick (2017)

Based On the Life of: Emily V Gordon

Starring: Zoe Kazan

Movie Budget: $5 million

Star Salary: $200,000

This Oscar-nominated film stars Kumail Nanjiani as a Pakistani comic who falls in love with a grad student named Emily, played by Zoe Kazan. Nanjiani comes from a very traditional Muslim family, and he is concerned with what his parents will think of her. After Emily gets sick and falls into a coma, Kumail develops a deep bond with her parents.

The offbeat romance, produced by Judd Apatow, made $56.4 million at the box office. In addition to an Oscar nomination, it won an Independent Spirit Award, Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and Prix du Public UBS. It is based on Nanjiani and Gordon’s real-life romance.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Based On the Life of: Jordan Belfort

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio

Movie Budget: $100 million

Star Salary: $25 million

The Wolf of Wall Street, chronicling the crazy and excessive lives of Wall Street stockbrokers in the 1980s, is based on an autobiography by Jordan Belfort. In the hands of Martin Scorsese, the film adaptation, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, is considered to be a masterpiece.

Belfort’s firm, Stratton Oakmont, was one of the most corrupt firms on Wall Street—famously defrauding its clients and the government. Belfort was, of course, caught and went from a rich Wall Street stockbroker to an inmate. Margot Robbie stars as Belfort’s wife, Jonah Hill portrays his business partner, and Matthew McConaughey makes a memorable appearance.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Based On the Life of: Walt Disney  

Starring: Tom Hanks

Movie Budget: $35 million

Star Salary: $750,000

If you’re a Disney fan, then this behind-the-scenes look at the development of one of Walt Disney’s most famous stories, Mary Poppins, is a must-see. Tom Hanks stars as Disney himself and Emma Thompson assumes the role of P.L. Travers, the writer of Mary Poppins. The movie centers around two weeks of tense negotiations between Disney and Travers over copyright permissions for the film.

The movie was a smash hit for Walt Disney Pictures , who were able to capitalize on a story that they had lying around, waiting to be told. With a budget of $35 million, the film about the making of another beloved film, cherished by generations, was able to peddle nostalgia to the tune of $117.9 million.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Based On the Life of: Freddie Mercury

Starring: Rami Malek

Movie Budget: $52 million

Star Salary: $8 million

Queen fans will instantly recognize “Bohemian Rhapsody” as one of the most famous songs out there. Bohemian Rhapsody is also the title of the biographical drama about Queen’s enigmatic lead singer, Freddie Mercury. Directed by Brian Singer, the film stars Rami Malek as Mercury and depicts his struggles coming to terms with his own sexuality—as well as Queen’s struggle to find success in the ever-changing music industry.

For his leading-man turn as Freddie Mercury, Rami Malek took home the Oscar for Best Actor. This was, of course, not the only success the film enjoyed. The film went on to earn a staggering $903 million at the box office.

The Social Network (2010)

Based On the Life of: Mark Zuckerberg

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg

Movie Budget: $50 million

Star Salary: $600,000

Based on Ben Mezrich’s The Accidental Billionaires, The Social Network chronicles the life of Mark Zuckerberg—as portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg—and his associates and college classmates as they found the social networking giant, Facebook, which would go on to earn Zuckerberg a total of $69.2 billion in net worth.

The movie also explores the lawsuits filed against Zuckerberg by the Winklevoss twins, who believed the young social media mogul store their idea. It won three of the eight Oscars it was nominated for and made $224.9 million at the box office.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Based On the Life of: Stephen Hawking

Starring: Eddie Redmayne

Movie Budget: $15 million*

Star Salary: $250,000*

The Theory of Everything is a biography about the life of Stephen Hawking—played by Eddie Redmayne—who was a physicist and researcher who changed the course of scientific history with his many  breakthroughs. In the film the scientist’s life gets the full Hollywood treatment, focusing just as much on his romantic life and his illness as it does his accomplishments.

The film, which took elements from a book by Hawking’s first wife about their life together, won several Oscars and earned $123.7 million at the box office. It was distributed by indie and foreign film backer Focus Features.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Based On the Life of: Erin Brockovich

Starring: Julia Roberts

Movie Budget: $51 million

Star Salary: $20 million

Erin Brockovich’s eponymous film won Julia Roberts an Oscar for her portrayal of the law-clerk-turned-environmental-activist. Erin Brockovich is about the case of Anderson v. Pacific Gas and Electric, a case investigated and filed by Brockovich when she was just a lowly clerk. Brockovich had discovered that a major corporation was polluting the water of her town of Hinkley, California.

Many in Hinkley were getting sick and some were dying from drinking water contaminated by hexavalent chromium. The film follows Brockovich’s fight to get those in power to take her seriously and stand up to a heartless corporation in order to save lives.

Bombshell (2019)

Based On the Life of: Gretchen Carlson

Starring: Nicole Kidman

Movie Budget: $32 million

Star Salary: $10 million

Bombshell stars Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, a former anchor for Fox News. Margot Robbie and Charlize Theron also starred as Fox anchors, who were attempting to take on the fearsome head of the network, Roger Ailes, played by John Lithgow. The true story revolves around Ailes’ pattern of sexually harassing employees at Fox with no consequences.

The women risked—and lost—their careers to stand up to Ailes, and were ultimately victorious, despite a devastating media onslaught. Bombshell chronicles their takedown of the powerful media mogul. The movie was nominated for an Oscar for Theron’s role as Megyn Kelly.

Robin (2021)

In October 2021, actor and impressionist, Jamie Costa, posted test footage of a short film called Robin where he portrays the late comedian and actor Robin Williams. The scene takes place in 1982, as Williams is in his trailer, filming his sitcom Mork and Mindy.

Costa’s portrayal of Williams went viral and was lauded for its accuracy. A consensus on the Internet (which is rarity) felt that Costa’s ability to capture Williams’ look and mannerisms was impeccable. After seeing the footage, fans have been calling for Costa to star in a full biopic about the beloved comedian who tragically died in 2014.

The Blind Side (2009)

Based On the Life of: Leigh Anne Tuohy

Starring: Sandra Bullock

Movie Budget: $29 million

Star Salary: $5 million

The Blind Side stars Sandra Bullock as Lee Ann Touhy, who, in her real life, as well as the film adaptation, adopted Michael Oher and helped him realize his natural talent for American football. Oher achieved his goal of becoming an NFL player with Touhy’s help and he was drafted in the first round of the NFL by the Ravens.

Oher’s true story was chronicled by Michael Lewis’ The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, upon which the film is based. Bullock won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her role as Touhy, and the film itself earned $309.2 million at the box office.

I, Tonya (2017)

Based On the Life of: Tonya Harding

Starring: Margot Robbie

Movie Budget: $11 million

Star Salary: N/A

This 2017 film tells the story of the life of figure skater Tonya Harding. It highlights Harding’s relationship with ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and the couple’s connection to the 1994 assault on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan, and the aftermath following the incident.

The dark comedy interviews the characters in a mockumentary style, as it highlights one of the most iconic stories of the 1990s. Margot Robbie, who played the title character and co-produced the film, was nominated for an Academy Award for the portrayal. The small film was critically-acclaimed and Allison Janney won an Oscar for playing Harding’s mother.

Captain Phillips (2013)

Based On the Life of: Captain Richard Phillips

Starring: Tom Hanks

Movie Budget: $55 million  

Star Salary: $25 million

Captain Phillips is based on the true, harrowing story of Maersk Alabama, a ship that was hijacked in 2009. Captain Richard Phillips was taken hostage by the hijackers—pirates from the Guardafui Channel, located off the coast of Somalia. The pirates were led by Somali native Abduwali Muse.

Tom Hanks plays the title role of Richard Phillips, who desperately tries to protect his crew from the invaders. The movie was released in 2013 and made $218.8 million at the box office. It also took home a BAFTA Award and Writer’s Guild Award. Barkhad Abdi starred as Abduwali Muse.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Based On the Life of: Herman Boone

Starring: Denzel Washington

Movie Budget: $30 million

Star Salary: $20 million

Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Herman Boone in Remember the Titans is one of his most celebrated movie roles of his career. Remember the Titans chronicled the true story of Boone, a Black football coach, and his attempt to coach a newly-integrated high-school football team in Alexandria, VA. The high schools of Alexandria were integrated for the first time in 1971.

Directed by Boaz Yakin, the movie depicts the racism Boone faced at the hands of Alexandria residents as he attempted to coach his team. Remember the Titans took home an NAACP Image Award for Best Picture. The screenplay was written by Gregory Allen Howard.

Milk (2008)

Based On the Life of: Harvey Milk

Starring: Sean Penn

Movie Budget: $20 million*

Star Salary: $1 million*

Milk is based on the life and times of politician Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay politicians in American history. Milk, who held office in the 1970’s, is played by veteran actor Sean Penn, who says he was inspired to become a politician and activist after experiencing the sixties’ and seventies’ counterculture movement.

With seasoned director Gus Van Sant at the helm of the project, it’s no surprise that the film was able to earn over $54 million at the box office, despite the edgy themes. Some believe the film was partially responsible for bringing awareness to gay rights issues such as gay marriage, which wasn’t fully legalized until 2015.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Based On the Life of: Katherine Johnson

Starring: Taraji P. Henson

Movie Budget: $25 million

Star Salary: $500,000

John Glenn got all the credit for going into orbit, but Glenn might never have made it to space, at all, were it not for the mathematical achievements of three Black women: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These NASA scientists were the brains behind the whole operation, developing all the code and calculations needed to get Glenn into space.

Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, and Octavia Spencer portray the three brilliant women, whom history chose to overlook because of their race and gender. Hidden Figures was revolutionary because it revealed the truth behind who actually should get the credit for one of NASA’s greatest operations: Black women, not white men. The film won an NAACP Image Award.

The Farewell (2019)

Based On the Life of: Lulu Wang

Starring: Awkwafina

Movie Budget: $3 million  

Star Salary: $200,000

Based on the autobiography What You Don’t Know by Lulu Wang, The Farewell is a touching story of an American-born woman named Billi who travels to China to say goodbye to her dying grandmother. In a complicated twist, her grandmother is the only person in the family that does not know she is dying.

The family, instead, returns under the guise of a staged wedding to say a stealthy goodbye without wounding the grandmother’s pride. The movie was directed by Lulu Wang and stars Awkwafina in the lead role. The movie is both funny and sad, and it won a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Man on the Moon (1999)

Based On the Life of: Andy Kaufman

Starring: Jim Carrey

Movie Budget: $52 million

Star Salary: 36% of the total movie gross as opposed to a salary

Man on the Moon tells the story of Andy Kaufman, an entertainer who was as innovative as he was eccentric. With Jim Carrey in the role of Kaufman, the movie can be described as both drama and comedy. The film was directed by Milos Forman and made $47.4 million at the box office.

After its release on December 22, 1999, Man on the Moon was nominated for and won a Golden Globe for Best Actor, among other accolades. Danny DeVito was one of the producers and also had a supporting role as George Shapiro.

The King’s Speech (2010)

Based On the Life of: King George VI

Starring: Colin Firth

Movie Budget: $15 million

Star Salary: $1 million

The King’s Speech is a touching and inspiring historical drama that centers around the story of King George VI. King George VI of England. In the film, the not-yet-King struggles with a severe speech impediment—a stammer—that requires him to seek the help of speech therapist, Lionel Logue. To the future King’s horror, Lionel is an Australian with very unorthodox methods.

Oftentimes, historical dramas can pose a bigger financial risk at the box office, but with big names like Firth and Helena Bonham Carter attached—not to mention backing from Momentum Pictures, this movie was bound to succeed. After a stellar showing on the festival circuit, The King’s Speech went on to amass $424 million at the box office, nearly twenty-nine times is production budget of just $15 million.

Jobs (2013)

Based On the Life of: Steve Jobs

Starring: Ashton Kutcher

Movie Budget: $30 million

Star Salary: $9 million

In life, Steve Jobs was a controversial figure with an equally-abrasive leadership style. The biopic stars Ashton Kutcher as the tech genius, chronicling his life from 1974—when he was still a student at Reed College—up to 2001 when Apple launched the first iPod.

Distributed by Open Road Films, the movie grossed about $42.1 million at the box office, with $6.7 million of that coming from opening weekend. It was even selected by critics to close out the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, a major honor for newbie director Joshua Michael Stern.

Ray (2004)

Based On the Life of: Ray Charles

Starring: Jamie Foxx

Movie Budget: $40 million

Star Salary: $4 million

Ray Charles is one of the most famous blues musicians ever to live. Charles’ incredible life story inspired the biographical drama, simply titled, Ray, detailing his life. Written and directed by James L. White and Taylor Hackford, respectively, the film tells the story of how Charles went blind at the age of seven, and yet, despite his handicap, still ruthlessly pursued a music career.

The movie was produced jointly by Bristol Bay Productions and Anvil Films with a little help from Baldwin Entertainment Group. Distributed by Universal Pictures, Ray went on to make a whopping $124.7 million, three times it’s production budget, at the box office and even won Jamie Foxx an Oscar for his performance as Ray Charles.

Lincoln (2012)

Based On the Life of: Abraham Lincoln

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis

Movie Budget: $65 million

Star Salary: $6-8 million

Another simply named film, Lincoln tells the story of Abraham Lincoln, the former US president who led the Union during the Civil War. Produced and directed by cinema giant Steven Spielberg and written by Tony Kushner, Lincoln was based on the book James L. White by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Daniel Day-Lewis portrayed a tormented Abe in this intense character study of a now almost mythical man under intense pressure. Produced by industry heavy hitters Dreamworks and 20th Century Fox, Lincoln was a smash hit, bringing in $275 million during its run at the box office.

Capote (2005)

Based On the Life of: Truman Capote

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman

Movie Budget: $7 million

Star Salary: $1 million

Truman Capote was a well renowned novelist and playwright, many of his works remaining relevant today. Capote tracked the author’s journey towards completing his true-crime novel, In Cold Blood—a work that caused the author great personal turmoil as he struggled to separate himself from the story.

The film starred the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who took home an Oscar for his role. Hoffman disappears into the character, fully embodying the role. The critically-acclaimed biopic, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, brought in $50 million at the box office, only just recouping the $43 million spent on production. The film is considered a classic by many.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

Based On the Life of: Diane Fossey

Starring: Sigourney Weaver

Movie Budget: $12 million

Star Salary: $105,000

Famed anthropologist Diane Fossey wrote Gorillas in the Mist about the life of legendary primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, upon whom the film is based. Fossey was one of the world’s foremost primatologists and studied great apes alongside Jane Goodall, portrayed in the film by Sigourney Weaver. Fossey was also a strong advocate against poaching of the beautiful and intelligent creatures.

With a big name like Weaver attached, it’s no surprise the movie was a huge success, despite the fact that science-based biopics tend to not be blockbuster hits. The movie made $61.1 million, worldwide, at the box office.

I’m Not There (2007)

Based On the Life of: Bob Dylan

Starring: Cate Blanchett (and others)

Movie Budget: $20 million

Star Salary: $2 million

This unconventional film employs many techniques—and actors—to portray the life of singer Bob Dylan and his many public personas. Cate Blanchett portrayed Dylan’s post-electric phase with other Dylan interpretations played, in turn, by Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Ben Whishaw, and Marcus Carl Franklin.

The edgy arthouse-style film, directed by veteran filmmaker Todd Haynes, was produced by a combination of seven smaller, independent production companies. It made a scant $11.7 million at the box office, $9.3 million off from its production budget.

The Imitation Game (2014)

Based On the Life of: Alan Turing

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch

Movie Budget: $14 million

Star Salary: $4.7 million

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game received several Oscar nods. The movie is based on the life of Alan Turing, a genius recruited by M16 to crack Nazi codes—including the infamous Enigma, a code previous thought to be unbreakable.

The Imitation Game is based on the life of the mathematics prodigy, as detailed in Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges. The film also explores Turing’s struggle against homophobia. He was sent to prison in 1952 after authorities discovered he was gay.

Into The Wild (2007)

Based On the Life of: Chris McCandless

Starring: Emile Hirsch

Movie Budget: $15 million

Star Salary: $1 million

Emile Hirsch stars as Christopher McCandless, the son of wealthy parents who appeared to have it all. Directed by filmmaker, actor, and activist, Sean Penn, one publication described it as his “most ambitious movie.” McCandless graduated at the top of his class at Emory University, but he chose to become a wanderer instead.

He gave up his savings to charity, got rid of all his possessions, and took off into the Alaskan wilderness to find himself. The film is based on his true story and was nominated for an Oscar. It won a Gotham Independent Award for Best Feature.

Goodfellas (1990)

Based On the Life of: Henry Hill

Starring: Ray Liotta

Movie Budget: $25 million

Star Salary: $500,000

Adapted from the book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, legendary director Martin Scorsese directed this true crime epic based on the life and crimes of known Mafia associate Henry Hill. The movie’s main character is portrayed by Ray Liotta, though some think that Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci steal most scenes.

Produced for $25 million, a hefty sum back in the late 1980s, Goodfellas was not only a box office success—making back $46 million—but claimed its place in history as a pillar of cinema culture.

Hitchcock (2012)

Based On the Life of: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: Anthony Hopkins

Movie Budget: $15 million

Star Salary: $800,000

Alfred Hitchcock has gone down in history as one of the best filmmakers to ever have lived for his moody, suspenseful masterpieces. Hitchcock is a biopic about the life and work of the famed director. Specifically, Hitchcock focuses on the relationship between the director and his wife (played by Helen Mirren) during the filming of the legendary horror flick Psycho.

Psycho, of course, would go on to become one of the most influential movies of all time, achieving a near-mythological status in the pantheon of horror. Sir Anthony Hopkins’ performance was praised by critics, who noted his uncanny likeness to Hitchcock.

Midnight Express (1978)

Based On the Life of: Billy Hayes

Starring: Brad Davis

Movie Budget: $2.3 million

Star Salary: $100,000

BillyHayes, played by Brad Davis, was an American attempting to smuggle drugs out of Istanbul when he was caught by Turkish police. Hayes was sent to a Turkish prison for four years, and the movie Midnight Express depicted the abuse, starvation, and cruel treatment he endured there.

After a corrupt Turkish High Court unjustly added thirty years onto his sentence, he decided to attempt to escape. This thrilling flick depicts his attempt at freedom. Released in 1978, the screenplay was written by the great Oliver Stone. It won a Golden Globe for Best Picture.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Based On the Life of: John Nash

Starring: Russell Crowe

Movie Budget: $60 million

Star Salary: $5 million

A Beautiful Mind is based on a biography by Sylvia Nasar about John Forbes Nash, a mathematical genius and child prodigy. The screenplay was adapted and written by Akiva Goldsman, and Russell Crowe starred as Nash. The director was Ron Howard, and the movie won an Oscar for Best Picture.

Nash’s life story was, truly, something out of a book. He made an astonishing discovery when he was young and he was poised to become internationally recognized for his mathematical genius. But his career torpedoed after he began to struggle with schizophrenia. The movie depicts his painful journey of self-discovery as a young man.

Out of Africa (1985)

Based On the Life of: Karen Blixen

Starring: Meryl Streep

Movie Budget: $31 million

Star Salary: $10 million

Out of Africa stars Meryl Streep as Karen Blixen, who moved to Africa with her husband Bror to become a dairy farmer. Bror instead spends the family’s money purchasing a coffee plantation, ultimately becoming the villain. Karen begins an affair with Denys, a hunter played by Robert Redford.

The story turns into a romantic tragedy when Denys realizes he’s not actually in love with Karen, after all. The movie was based on Karen’s autobiography of the same name, which she wrote under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen. The autobiography was published in 1937.

Reversal of Fortune (1990)

Based On the Life of: Claus von Bulow

Starring: Jeremy Irons

Movie Budget: Unknown  

Star Salary: $1 million

Reversal of Fortune was released in 1990 and was based on the true case of Claus von Bulow. Sunny von Bulow, Claus’ wife—played by Glenn Close—slipped into a coma after an attempted murder and Claus was the prime suspect. Claus was found guilty of attempted murder and he was only granted a retrial on a technicality.

Claus hired a famous defense attorney, Alan Dershowitz, to help him overturn the verdict. Dershowitz enlisted the help of a small group of his Harvard Law students to help him achieve this goal, in spite of the fact that Dershowitz did not personally believe in Claus’ innocence.

Apollo 13 (1995)

Based On the Life of: Jim Lovell

Starring: Tom Hanks

Movie Budget: $62 million

Star Salary: $25 million

Starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard, Apollo 13 was based on the Apollo 13 lunar mission. Hanks’ character, Jim Lovell, takes off for the moon alongside Jack Swigert and Fred Haise—played by Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton, respectively. Everything is going according to plan until an oxygen tank explodes.

The crew’s very survival is threatened by technical problems, and Apollo 13, the film, documents their harrowing journey back to Earth in a severely damaged rocket ship. The movie won a SAG for Best Motion Picture. The thrilling screenplay was adapted from Lovell’s own autobiography, Lost Moon.

Cinderella Man (2005)

Based On the Life of: James Braddock

Starring: Russell Crowe

Movie Budget: $88 million

Star Salary: $5 million

2005’s Cinderella Man stars Russell Crowe as James J. Braddock, an ex-boxer trying to survive during the Great Depression. Braddock works as a day laborer, but his fate changes when his former manager offers him a fight against a young newcomer in the ring. Despite steep odds, Braddock wins and decides to enter into the ring full-time.

This true story is titled after James Braddock’s nickname, “Cinderella Man,” which he earned from his “rags to riches” story. The film depicts Braddock’s life as he sets his sights on defeating Max Baer, the fearsome reigning champion boxer.

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly (2007)

Based On the Life of: Jean-Dominique Bauby

Starring: Mathieu Amalric

Movie Budget: $14 million  

Star Salary: $1 million

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly put a spotlight on the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, former editor-in-chief of premier fashion publication Elle magazine. Bauby suffers a stroke at age forty-three, and, while it doesn’t kill him, he becomes paralyzed. From that time on, he is only able to communicate by blinking one eye.

The movie, which was described by Empire as “a true cinematic experience,” tells the story of Bauby painstakingly dictating his memoirs. The film won a Golden Globe and was based on the actual memoirs of the real-life Jean-Dominique Bauby as he struggled to adapt to life with post-stroke “locked-in syndrome.”

The Doors (1991)

Based On the Life of: Jim Morrison

Starring: Val Kilmer

Movie Budget: $38 million

Star Salary: $6 million

Grossing just $34 million, The Doors didn’t do as well at the box office as the other films on this list. However, the movie ended up becoming a sleeper hit over time and is now considered a cult classic. The film depicted the life of the legendary lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison.

In the film, Morrison is played by Val Kilmer, who depicted the singer as a larger-than-life figure of the 1960s counterculture movement. It showed Morrison’s struggle with alcohol and addiction, as well as his macabre interest in the afterlife. Sadly, the film was not well-received by the actual Doors.

The Aviator (2004)

Based On the Life of: Howard Hughes

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio

Movie Budget: $110 million

Star Salary: $10 million

Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Howard Hughes in The Aviator. Hughes was a billionaire tycoon who gained money and fame as an aviator. He was also a movie director with two famous ex-wives, Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn. Hughes not only directed major movies like Hell’s Angels but also grew Trans World Airlines into a huge success.

In his private life, however, Hughes struggled with debilitating phobias and severe depression. The more accomplished his career became, the more his already fragile mental health suffered. DiCaprio was nominated for an Oscar for his role as the tormented billionaire. Martin Scorsese directed the film, which had a budget of $110 million.

Sully (2016)

Based On the Life of: Chesley Sullenberger

Starring: Tom Hanks

Movie Budget: $60 million  

Star Salary: $25 million*

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Sully is another true story starring Tom Hanks. In the film, Hanks takes on the role of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, a pilot who has to make an emergency landing in the middle of the Hudson River after his plane, US Airways Flight 1549, hits a flock of geese, destroying the engine.

The movie is based on the true story of the crash-landing, which Sullenberger managed to accomplish, saving the lives of each of the 155 passengers onboard. The movie also explores the investigation that Sully underwent, despite having done nothing wrong. The harrowing ordeal made for a $240.8 million take at the box office.

Eddie the Eagle (2015)

Based On the Life of: Bronson Peary

Starring: Hugh Jackman

Movie Budget: $23 million

Star Salary: $7 million

Hugh Jackman stars as Michael “Eddie” Edwards in Eddie the Eagle, a sports drama that recounts the story of Eddie Edwards, who was cut from the British Olympic ski team. He traveled to Germany—to test his ski jumping skills—where he ran into Bronson Peary, a ski jumper turned snowplow driver.

Peary was impressed at how determined Eddie was and agreed to train him. Eddie was counted out from the start, but he was determined to make it to the 1988 Olympics, which he did. The movie won a Teen Choice Award and an Empire Award.

Che: Part One (2008)

Based On the Life of: Che Guevara

Starring: Benicio Del Toro

Movie Budget: $58 million

Star Salary: $2.8 million

Che: Part One is the first of two part, epic biopic on Che Guevara, a doctor from Argentina who became a revolutionary. The first part starts in 1955, in Mexico, with Guevara agreeing to take part in Fidel Castro’s rebel campaign to overthrow the US-backed Batista regime in Cuba.

Benicio del Toro stars as Guevara, and Che: Part One documents Castro and Guevara installing an independent socialist state in Cuba after violently ousting Batista in 1959. The movie won a Cannes Best Actor Award and two Goya Awards—one for Best Actor and won for Best Art Direction.

The Express (2008)

Based On the Life of: Ernie Davis

Starring: Rob Brown        

Movie Budget: $40 million

Star Salary: $100,000

A sports drama starring Rob Brown and Dennis Quaid, The Express won an ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie. The film is based on Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express, a biography by Robert Gallagher. Ernie Davis was a football player who overcame obstacle after insurmountable obstacle to become an NCAA player at Syracuse University.

He became one of the greatest players in Syracuse history, and—in 1961—he was the first Black player to win a Heisman. Sadly, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia in 1962 and died at the young age of 23, before he had a chance to play in the NFL.

Invictus (2009)

Based On the Life of: Nelson Mandela

Starring: Morgan Freeman

Movie Budget: $60 million

Star Salary: $5-$10 million

Invictus has become one of Morgan Freeman’s most celebrated roles. Freeman plays the role of Nelson Mandela, the South African leader who was unjustly imprisoned for twenty-seven years. After he was released from jail, the difficult taks of uniting his country was place upon his shoulders—despite deep racial divisions caused by Apartheid.

The movie chronicles Mandel’s journey to join forces with Francois Pienaar, played by Matt Damon, the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, to try to break down the racial division that plagued South Africa. The film received the Paul Selvin Award.

Changeling (2008)

Based On the Life of: Christine Collins

Starring: Angelina Jolie

Movie Budget: $55 million  

Star Salary: $15 million

This eerie film stars Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a single mother who believes that her son is not actually her son. The Changeling is based on the 1928 Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, which took place in Mira Loma, California. Collins’ son, Walter, goes missing and a manhunt ensues. Walter is found in Illinois and sent back to his mother on a train.

However, when Walter steps off the train in California, Collins immediately recognizes that he is not her son—believing he’s been replaced. The police won’t listen to her and her only ally is a priest, played by John Malkovich, who wants to expose corruption in the LAPD.

Lonely Hearts (2006)

Based On the Life of: Martha Beck

Starring: Salma Hayek

Movie Budget: Unknown

Star Salary: $2.23 million

Lonely Hearts was released in 2006 and is a neo-noir film based on the Lonely Hearts Killers, a couple who went on a killing spree in the 1940’s. The killers were Martha Beck, played by Salma Hayek, and Raymond Fernandez, played by Jared Leto. The movie also featured James Gandolfini and John Travolta as the detectives trying to capture the couple.

Fernandez and Beck met their victims via personal ads that they would place in newspapers, looking for wealthy, single women. The two killed at least a dozen women during their Lonely Hearts spree. The movie made $2.52 million at the box office.

Seabiscuit (2003)

Based On the Life of: Red Pollard

Starring: Tobey Maguire

Movie Budget: $87 million

Star Salary: $4 million

Seabiscuit tells the story of a businessman coping with the death of his son. Red Pollard—played by Tobey Maguire, was a horse jockey with a long history of brutal injuries. Red teamed up with the businessman and a horse trainer to work with Seabiscuit, a racehorse that everyone else thought was too small and too temperamental to race.

They lose match after match until the training finally sticks. Seabiscuit would go on to become one of the most successful racehorses of all time. Seabiscuit was released in 2003 and won an American Society of Cinematographers Award. The screenplay was written by Gary Ross, who also directed.

Fearless (2006)

Based On the Life of: Huo Yuanjia

Starring: Jet Li

Movie Budget: $4.3 million

hitStar Salary: $1.3 million

Directed by Ronny Yu, Fearless features the story of Huo Yuanjia, the Chinese martial arts master who founded Jin Wu Sports Federation. Yuanjia, played by Jet Li, was suffering from a personal tragedy when he got caught up in a duel against a foreign fighter.

The movie chronicles his rise to national hero status in China. He challenged foreign fighters, battling them in highly-publicized events. His winning streak is credited with restoring national pride and patriotism to China. During the time of these fights, China was struggling to shake off Western imperialist forces and Japanese manipulation during the end of the Qing dynasty.

Invincible (2006)

Based On the Life of: Vince Papale

Starring: Mark Wahlberg

Movie Budget: $40 million

Star Salary: $1.5 million

Sports drama, Invincible, is based on the true story of Vince Papale, played by Mark Wahlberg. Papale was a lifelong football fan and high school teacher/bartender who achieved his wildest dreams after he got a chance to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles. The thirty-year-old makes the team as a kicker, and he becomes the NFL’s oldest rookie.

The movie was directed by Ericson Core and released by Disney. It made $58.5 million at the box office, surpassing its budget by almost $19 million. Invincible is considered to be the “classic underdog tale.”

J. Edgar (2011)

Based On the Life of: J. Edgar Hoover

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio

Movie Budget: $35 million  

Star Salary: $10 million

Edgar stars Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover, the former FBI director who was one of the most powerful men in America for nearly fifty years. Hoover lasted through eight presidents and three wars, becoming the ruthless face of the FBI. The movie was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, many have criticized the portrayal of J. Edgar Hoover as being more fawning than accurate. Still, J. Edgar takes a look at the man behind the mask—Hoover was notoriously private both in public and in his personal life. Armie Hammer and Naomi Watts also starred in the movie.

Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

Based On the Life of: Charlie Wilson

Starring: Tom Hanks

Movie Budget: $75 million  

Star Salary: $25 million

Charlie Wilson’s War stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, as well as the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. This classic what-could-go-wrong story features Hanks as U.S. Representative Charlie Wilson, who seeks out Joanne Herring (Roberts) to help him boost funding for Afghanistan militants in their war against the Soviet Union in the eighties.

Wilson, Herring, and Gust Avrakotos, a CIA agent played by Hoffman, are successful in their funding of the Afghanistan militants—who were referred to as “freedom fighters” or “Mujahideen.” For a little foreshadowing, America would later come to know them by a different name: the Taliban.

Great Balls of Fire! (1989)

Based On the Life of: Jerry Lee Lewis

Starring: Dennis Quaid

Movie Budget: $16-$18 million

Star Salary: $10,000

The great Jerry Lee Lewis has made quite an indelible mark on the world of rock ‘n roll, and Great Balls of Fire—starring Dennis Quaid as Lewis—shows the audience how he became such an impactful music star. The movie was, as The New York Times stated, a “cleaned-up” biography of Lewis.

The movie begins after Lewis signs a deal with Sun Studio. His cousin, Jimmy, played by Alec Baldwin, tries to convince him to stay away from the music business, but to no avail. The biography, released in 1989, glosses over some of the less savory aspects of Lewis’ life.

Gia (1998)

Based On the Life of: Gia Marie Carangi

Starring: Angelina Jolie

Movie Budget: Unknown

Star Salary: $500,000

Gia was an Emmy and Golden Globe Nominee—in fact, the film did go on to take home the Golden Globe. Angelina Jolie stars as Gia Carangi, a girl who moves to New York City with dreams of becoming a supermodel. She meets an agent and the agent helps her to quickly become famous.

But, Gia’s life spirals out of control after she becomes addicted to drugs. The historical drama and the only made-for-TV movie on this list, was directed by Michael Cristofer and was released first in Germany, followed by an American release. Faye Dunaway stars as Gia’s agent, Wilhelmina Cooper. Elizabeth Mitchell also plays a role.

I Shot Andy Warhol (1996)

Based On the Life of: Valerie Solanas

Starring: Lili Taylor

Movie Budget: $1 million

Star Salary: $40,000

Released in 1996, I Shot Andy Warhol was the passion project of director Mary Harron, who wanted to tell one of the most lurid and shocking stories from the life of artist Andy Warhol. Valerie Solanas—played by Lili Taylor—was a writer who moved to NYC, where she met Andy Warhol.

Solanas tried to convince Warhol to produce her play, Up Your A**, but Warhol refused. After his refusal, the already-unstable Solanas set out to become an assassin, culminating in her shooting Warhol in a gun range. The film was nominated for an Indie Spirit Award, as well as a National Society of Film Critics Award.

JFK (1991)

Based On the Life of: Jim Garrison

Starring: Kevin Costner

Movie Budget: $40 million  

Star Salary: $20 million

Directed by acclaimed cinematographer Oliver Stone, the historical drama JFK is a look into the investigation of the shooting of President John F. Kennedy. The investigation was led by Jim Garrison, a New Orleans DA played by Kevin Costner. Garrison closes the case and pins it on Lee Harvey Oswald.

But, as any conspiracy theorist knows, there have always been some serious doubts as to whether Oswald really was the shooter or if something more sinister was at play. The movie explores Garrison’s reopening of the investigation and the government resistance he met while trying to untangle the conspiracy. The film won an Oscar for Best Cinematography.

Escape From Alcatraz (1979)

Based On the Life of: Frank Morris

Starring: Clint Eastwood

Movie Budget: $8 million  

Star Salary: $500,000

Escape From Alcatraz details the infamous prisoner escape from Alcatraz Island, a maximum-security prison that is—or was—considered impenetrable. Frank Morris, played by Clint Eastwood, was an inmate at the island who was sentenced to life in Alcatraz. Morris wasn’t a violent or depraved criminal, but he was sent to the Island because he had a history of prison breaks.

They assumed that there was no way Morris could break out of Alcatraz, and the film shows you why that assumption was wrong. The thriller was based on the similarly-titled non-fiction book by J. Campbell Bruce.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Based On the Life of: T.E. Lawrence

Starring: Peter O’Toole

Movie Budget: $15 million  

Star Salary: $1 million

Lawrence of Arabia is a historical drama starring Peter O’Toole. Lawrence is a British military lieutenant who is sent to Arabia on a mission to find Arabian Prince Faisal and try to create a deal between the Arabs and the Brits in their battle against the Turks.

The film tells the story of how Lieutenant Lawrence defies orders and strikes out on his own mission across the desert to attack a Turkish port that is thought to be impenetrable. The movie, directed by David Lean and shot by Freddie Young, won an Oscar for Best Picture at the 1962 Awards.

The Sound of Music (1965)

Based On the Life of: Baroness Maria Augusta von Trapp

Starring: Julie Andrews

Movie Budget: $8.2 million

Star Salary: $225,000

The Sound of Music is one of the most beloved plays—and movies—of all time. Julie Andrews stars as Baroness Maria von Trapp, who went from a nun to a governess to step-mother in the household of Austrian Naval Officer, Georg von Trapp. The story depicts how she bonds with his children and falls in love with the officer, himself, becoming a Baroness.

The Sound of Music goes on to detail the family’s escape from Austria. The Baron resisted German rule as the Nazis were closing in. The movie version was directed by Robert Wise and first released in 1965 to critical acclaim.

Raging Bull (1980)

Based On the Life of: Jake LaMotta

Starring: Robert De Niro

Movie Budget: $18 million

Star Salary: $1 million

Robert DeNiro stars as boxer Jake La Motta in this true sports drama, which got De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor. La Motta was a middleweight boxer who rose through the ranks and ultimately gained his shot at the middleweight title. La Motta’s life story, both in and out of the ring, is told in Raging Bull, particularly his romance with Vicky La Motta—played by Cathy Moriarty.

La Motta’s inability to express his emotions and battle substance abuse catches up with him, making this film a little less-than-heartwarming. Martin Scorsese directed.

Spartacus (1960)

Based On the Life of: Spartacus

Starring: Kirk Douglas

Movie Budget: $12 million

Star Salary: $150,000

Spartacus is a historical drama starring Kirk Douglas. The film centers around the tale of Spartacus, a Thracian man who was raised as a slave before being sold to Batiatus, who trains him as a gladiator. Spartacus spends weeks in training before turning on his slave owners and leading a rebellion with the other slaves.

Spartacus follows the slave rebellion all the way to Southern Italy, where the slaves plan to return to their homes in Thrace. Stanley Kubrick directed and the movie won several Oscars. Howard Fast, Dalton Trumbo, Calder Willingham, and Peter Ustinov are credited as screenwriters.

Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Based On the Life of: Sonny Wortzik

Starring: Al Pacino

Movie Budget: $1.8 million

Star Salary: $400,000

In Dog Day Afternoon, Al Pacino stars as an inexperienced criminal named Sonny Wortzik, who led an ill-fated bank robbery in Brooklyn. The fumbling and failed robbery attempt led to a standoff with the FBI and NYPD and caused a media circus. Of course, there’s more to it than money, as Wortzik’s real motives are revealed through a series of flashbacks.

Dog Day Afternoon was directed by Sidney Lumet. Frank Pierson wrote the screenplay and the film was released on September 21, 1975. It was nominated for several Oscars, winning one for Best Original Screenplay, among other awards.  

La Bamba (1987)

Based On the Life of: Ritchie Valens

Starring: Lou Diamond Phillips

Movie Budget: $6.5 million

Star Salary: $100,000

La Bamba was about the success of Ritchie Valens, played by Lou Diamond Phillips). Valens was an LA teen who became an overnight singing sensation after he wrote a love song called “Donna” for his then-girlfriend, whose parents didn’t want her—a white girl—to date a Latino boy.

The song became an instant hit, and La Bamba depicts the teen’s struggle with success, including his conflicts with his jealous brother and his nightmares about a plane crash—which would later prove to be more premonition than nightmare. Luis Valdez both directed and wrote the screenplay for the film, which was released on July 24, 1987.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Based On the Life of: Joseph D. Pistone

Starring: Johnny Depp

Movie Budget: $35 million

Star Salary: $5 million

Johnny Depp stars in Donnie Brasco, a tale about FBI agent Joseph Pistone, who with infiltrating the New York City Mafia during its heyday. He went by the name Donnie Brasco and developed a real-life friendship with Lefty Ruggiero, played by Al Pacino in the film.

Described by The New York Times as “crackling good,” the story of an FBI agent grappling with turning in his newfound friend was first released in 1997. It got a second release in 2012 during the show Mafia’s Greatest Hits, which was a collection of the best mobster films to date.

Malcolm X (1992)

Based On the Life of: Malcolm X

Starring: Denzel Washington

Movie Budget: $34-$35 million

Star Salary: $3 million

Directed by Spike Lee, Malcolm X is a film about the Black liberation activist of the same name. The biographical drama, which was adapted from The Autobiography of Malcolm X,  worked through several periods of the Civil Rights hero’s life, including his imprisonment in the fifties and his later assassination.

It also covers his conversion to Islam and later leadership role in the Nation of Islam. Denzel Washington stars as Malcolm X. The film won an NAACP Image Award and Washington was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor.