It's nearly Oscar season, so you may have noticed that 2016 is ending with a whole lot of biopics hitting theaters. No surprise really, being that "based on real life" films are like catnip to Academy Award voters. Last year's Oscars were obsessed with real people being brought to life onscreen. Out of the eight films nominated for Best Picture, half were movies that were loosely based on real life. In the category of Best Actor, four out of the five nominees were playing cinematic versions of real people. It's safe to say this onslaught of movies based on real people and events is going to include a few 2017 Oscar nominees and winners.
For those filmgoers that just want to see a good movie, this late in the year biopic mania can be downright confusing. How do you choose which of these films are worth seeing in theaters when all of them seem to only have one goal in mind: Oscar gold? Watching the trailers makes it clear that these biopics are pulling out all the stops to pull on your heartstrings, but they tend to lay on thick the feelings and pretty thin on plot.
But don't feel discouraged. I'm here to help you with a guide to which real-life movies you should see based on your personality. There are real life romances and thrillers based on real life events. There's a film for those who like war, but don't want to fight in it. And there's more than one movie that stars Mark Wahlberg surviving a terrible tragedy.
If You Can't Stop Eating French Fries & Feel Like There's Something Sinister Behind It
Go See The Founder
Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc, the man who acquired the McDonald's franchise at 52 and made it the fast food empire we know it as now. On the McDonald's site, Kroc explains, “I was an overnight success alright, but 30 years is a long, long night.” What you may not have known is how Kroc got the McDonald brothers to give him control of their restaurant, which this movie plans to tell. Turns out, it wasn't over a nice meal of Big Macs and milkshakes.
Out in limited release December 16
If You Want To See A Love Story That Defied The Government
Go See Loving
Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred (Ruth Negga) Loving fell in love, but their interracial marriage was prohibited by a Virginia law. That's why the couple took their case to the Supreme Court in 1967 and changed the way the world would see love forever.
In theaters November 4
If You Love Chess, But Are Tired Of Hearing About Bobby Fischer
Go See Queen Of Katwe
Directed by Mira Nair, this Disney movie looks at Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, an underdog who beats all odds to become an unlikely champ not just in chess, but for young African women everywhere. It's also the first time in three years that audiences get to see Lupita Nyong'o — who's only been heard in her last two films The Jungle Book and Star Wars: The Force Awakens — since 12 Years Of Slave.
In theaters September 30
If You Put A Piece Of Tape Over Your Computer's Camera
Go See Snowden
Or maybe not, since this movie, which focuses on Edward Snowden and his controversial leak of NSA documents, may just make you more paranoid. Nonetheless, it's worth delving into Snowden's story, which allows you to decide whether you think he's a hero or a traitor.
In theaters September 16
If You Believe In Miracles, But Still Aren't Sure About The One On The Hudson
Go See Sully
Clint Eastwood's biopic of Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who successfully landed a disabled plane on the Hudson River, doesn't spend too much time on the actual miracle landing. Instead, it takes a look at what happened after, including the inquiry into whether Sullenberger's 2009 landing had to happen at all. While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) isn't happy with their portrayal in film, it's still an interesting look at a different side of this story that made headlines.
In theaters now
If You Want To See The Human Side Of The Worst Environmental Catastrophe In U.S. History
Go See Deepwater Horizon
Mark Wahlberg stars in this film that takes a closer look at those who were on the offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon when it exploded in April 2010, becoming the worst oil spill in America's history. The film is actually based on a New York Times story about the final hours of Deepwater Horizon, which were both tragic and triumphant.
In theaters September 30
If You're A Sucker For A Down, But Not Out, Boxer
Go See Bleed For This
Miles Teller is Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" Pazienza, who, after winning two world championships, ends up getting into a car accident in 1991 that puts his career in jeopardy. This movie tells the story of his road back to the ring, which Pazienza, who now goes by Paz, told Boston Globe is very exciting. “I’m going to be the main inspiration in the world for people," he told the paper, "and how cool is that?”
In theaters November 4
If You're Very Interested In The Seedier Side Of The Porn Industry
Go See King Cobra
This dark comedy looks at the murder of gay porn producer Bryan Kocis (Christian Slater) by two aspiring producers, played by James Franco and Pretty Little Liars' Keegan Allen. Think Wonderland mixed with Party Monster.
In theaters October 21
If You Want To See Hollywood's Take On A Real Life Spy Romance
Go See Allied
This film is reportedly based on a real life Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which seems fitting since it happens to star Mr. Smith himself. It looks at two WWII spy assassins, played by Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard, who fall in love while tasked with killing a German official, get married, and then discover one of them is a secret agent. From the looks of the trailer, this is going to be a glamorous ride.
In theaters November 23
If You Want To See The Heroic Response To The Boston Marathon Bombing
Go See Patriots Day
Mark Wahlberg is back for another movie that has him teaming up with Deepwater Horizon director Peter Berg. This one focuses on the hunt for the two men behind the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing with Wahlberg playing Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders. The movie is based on a 60 Minutes piece, but Walhberg's Saunders is actually a composite character, representing all those cops who attempted to help in the search that day.
Out in limited release December 21
If You're More Interested In Knowing About The First Lady Rather Than The President
Go See Jackie
Natalie Portman plays Jackie Onassis Kennedy in the aftermath of her husband President John F. Kennedy's assassination. Some are already predicting Portman could win another Oscar if the recently acquired film from the Toronto International Film Festival gets a 2016 release. (IndieWire reported it'll be out in limited release on December 9.) In this contentious election year, let's get a film that all Americans can get behind.
Out in limited release December 9
Basically, as this list shows, if you want to see a biopic, there's probably one out there for you. You just have to know what kind of biopic suits you best.
Image: Focus Features/YouTube
