10 Best Biopics Of 2021, Ranked According To Rotten Tomatoes

Awards in the film industry often nominate biopics, which shows how significant this genre is for cinema and filmmaking. The year of 2021 was no exception, with several biopics released and many of them earning significant buzz for the upcoming awards season.

This year’s selection of biopics included a dramatization of respected musicians like Aretha Franklin in Respect and Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Other biopics focused on crimes like House of Gucci, while others were about Hollywood legends, like Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos. It was a great year for biopics, as these biographical films showcased inspiring or controversial stories for the world to see.

10 No Man Of God – 79%

In No Man of God, the infamous serial killer, Ted Bundy, is behind bars at the Florida State Prison. FBI analyst Bill Hagmaier conducts a case study by interviewing Bundy. However, Bill also forms an unusual relationship while uncovering Bundy’s motives.

This crime thriller about serial killers is not unheard of as many other films have followed a similar premise. However, the story is intriguing as it dives into the strange friendship, with incredible performances from Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby showcasing this dynamic chemistry.

9 Worth – 81%

Netflix’s Worth follows the emotional and heartbreaking aftermath of 9/11. The government hopes to compensate the families who lost their loved ones in the 9/11 attack, but how will they determine the worth? Kenneth Feinberg leads the team to overcome challenges, such as determining the monetary value and gaining support from the families.

This biographical drama is based on the novel What Is Life Worth? by Kenneth Feinberg, who shares his story during this crucial period as a lawyer. The film shows that calculating a “worth” should not just be a task, but in this case, a time of empathy and togetherness. The incredible performances from Michael Keaton and Stanley Tucci make way for an emotional and compelling biopic.

8 Spencer – 83%

There have been several adaptations depicting the life of the late Princess Diana, with the most recent being Spencer. Dealing with a failed marriage and feeling like an outcast of the royal family, Princess Diana must survive the Christmas weekend participating in games and festive. However, it might become a total meltdown.

Although the film is about the influential figure of Princess Diana and the consequences of her doomed marriage, much of the plot is fictional. In particular, the narrative showcases a peculiar illustration of Diana’s weekend during this 1991 Christmas week. Nevertheless, Kristen Stewart incredibly nails Diana’s accent and mannerism with raw emotion, making her a frontrunner for the Best Actress nomination for the upcoming award season.

7 The Courier – 85%

As the Cold War escalates between the United States and the Soviet Union with nuclear war imminent, a British businessman Greville Wynne helps establish communication between MI6 and a high-ranking Soviet official. With this intelligence, they may stand a chance to alleviate the Cuban Missile Crisis.

While espionage biopics are not unusual, The Courier utilizes the old-fashioned style that enhances the chilling real-life story. Although it does not have the typical action tropes of most spy films, this slower-paced story manages to capture the tense situation of the ensuing conflict, which adds to a nice change in direction. In one of his best roles, Benedict Cumberbatch nails another fantastic performance as Greville, forming a gripping friendship with Oleg Penkovsky.

6 The Last Duel – 85%

The Last Duel follows the last recognized trial by combat in medieval France. Married to a knight, Sir Jean de Carrouges, Marguerite de Carrouges accuses Jacques le Gris, a respected squire, of sexually assaulting her. The three perspective chapters build up the crucial duel to settle the conflict.

Based on the nonfiction book The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France by Eric Jager, Ridley Scott’s historical epic showcases an intriguing story through the lens of different perspectives of each main character. Although it seems repetitive with each view, this story structure accentuates the tension due to the ambiguity. Furthermore, the incredible performances from the cast elevate the spectacle of this historical story.

5 Dream Horse – 88%

In Dream Horse, Jan Vokes gathers neighbors to invest in a horse Dream Alliance. She breeds Dream with hopes of it one day, competing and winning the elite horse races.

Dream Horse is one of the more overlooked biopics this year, but it leaves a satisfying impression, given the motivational nature of the story. The stellar performance from Toni Collette makes this biopic about a horse race even more remarkable, making it one of the higher-rated films this year.

4 The Dig – 88%

In The Dig, Basil Brown, an excavator, ventures to dig through a possible historical site, hired by the landowner, Edith Perry. Indeed, they slowly uncover a ship from the Dark Ages, but the incoming war may cause a setback.

Although digging for treasure and rare gems is not an unusual premise, this biopic takes a different turn. The Dig showcases a solemn story that explores the importance of history without being too flashy. It leaves quite a pleasant and educating experience while venturing the expedition of excavating mounds. Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan deliver fantastic performances that elevate the biographical aspects.

3 Tick, Tick… Boom! – 88%

Netflix’s Tick, Tick… Boom! is based on the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, a composer who hopes to see his creation make it to the big stage. As he journeys through a crisis about his career choice, he puts his relationships with those closest to him in jeopardy.

While most biopics typically narrate the true story with drama and earnestness, Tick, Tick… Boom! has the musical magic that makes the life story of Jonathan Larson all the more special. This film showcases a refreshing and extraordinary approach with musical numbers, which enliven the spirits of Jonathan Larson’s incredible life. In his best movie, Andrew Garfield, portraying Jonathan, delivers perhaps his career-highlight performance with so much energy and emotion. He has since received Oscar buzz for Best Actor.

2 King Richard – 91%

In King Richard, Richard Williams aspires that his two daughters, Venus and Serena, will one day achieve stardom as remarkable pro tennis players. He creates a plan to fulfill his dreams, but he must also overcome obstacles.

King Richard is one of the best tennis movies, showcasing an inspirational and motivating journey of determination and confidence. With Serena and Venus Williams serving as executive producers, the film does justice to narrate an incredible story that also pays tribute to the family. In one of his best roles, Will Smith nails the attitude and portrait of Richard Williams, making him another worthy actor competing in the Best Actor race.

1 Judas And The Black Messiah – 96%

In Judas and the Black Messiah, Fred Hampton slowly gains prominence as a leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The FBI hires William O’Neal to infiltrate the chapter, but he also becomes conflicted between his job and the cause.

Judas and the Black Messiah showcases a powerful and magnetic context of the real-life and controversial events that highlight racial injustice. Shaka King flawlessly presents the robust nature of these events with incredible gravitas. The film standouts with the gripping performances from Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield, who showcase such rawness with their real-life characters. Both actors received Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor, of which Kaluuya won the respective award.

About The Author

Fariba Rezwan
(165 Articles Published)

Based in South Florida, Fariba Rezwan is a list writer for CBR and Screen Rant. Though working on her graduate degree at the University of Florida, her science education does not take away her love of movies and TV shows. She is a huge geek and considers herself a huge fan of many fandoms, including Star Wars, Marvel, Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and many more. Expect to see her watch movies on the first day they come out. While she will watch any film, she especially likes superheroes, mysteries, sci-fi, and thrillers. However, since she is in her early 20s, she also takes the time to educate herself about cinema by watching classics and well-received films. While she aspires to become a physician one day, she also hopes to try out screenwriting during her spare time.

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