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Cinema has long been attracted to stories of real people, and biopics have found their place in the hearts of moviegoers for generations. The best “real” biopics offer glimpses into the lives of notable individuals, revealing their struggles, accomplishments, and personal journeys. By immersing audiences in these eclectic stories, these movies shed light on human nature and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.&nbsp;Biopics about real people - from historical figures to renowned entertainers - explore the characters, ideologies, and stories that formed the essence of the subjects' lives. These movies go beyond mere documentaries, instead presenting viewers with intimate portrayals of the protagonists, often lending a deeper understanding of their motivations and the intricate complexities of their lives. By doing so, biographical films offer an invaluable window into the experiences and emotions of these exceptional individuals.&nbsp;Each biographical film carves its own niche, and they tell about the fascinating lives of extraordinary individuals from all walks of life. For instance, Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List paints a harrowing picture of World War II, highlighting the selfless acts of Oskar Schindler in saving the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees. Similarly, Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas takes a bold look into the underworld, chronicling the rise and fall of mobster Henry Hill, while James Mangold's Walk the Line provides insights into the tumultuous life of legendary musician Johnny Cash. These powerful biographical movies offer audiences a taste of the vast spectrum of real-life stories that have left lasting impressions on history and culture.&nbsp;Biographical films serve up genuine human experiences that continue to fascinate and inspire generations of moviegoers. With each new addition to the genre, viewers are offered a chance to visit extraordinary individuals and unravel the complexities that lie beneath the surface. As such, the best biopics about real people not only entertain but also enrich audiences with profound insights into the human condition

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The Best Biopics To Watch About Real People

Film

The 100+ Best Biopics Of All Time, Ranked By Fans

Daniel Hunter

Historical Figures

The way we view the past is shaped by the present. As societal attitudes and values shift over time, the legacies of historical figures change as they are reevaluated. Some of these changes are dramatic - individuals&nbsp;once viewed positively&nbsp;have had darker aspects of their past come to light. For others, the reverse is true; those who were reviled and divisive in their own lives enjoy a resurgence in popularity after their passing.

<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-abraham-lincoln-facts/mallory-weiler" target="_blank">Abraham Lincoln</a> might be highly regarded by most people today, but he was a deeply polarizing figure in his own time. Historical legacies can also vary greatly depending on whom you ask. While <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-queen-victoria-facts/mallory-weiler" target="_blank">Queen Victoria</a> remains quite popular in Britain and the more autonomous parts of the British Empire, the areas that came under harsh colonial rule naturally view those years quite differently.&nbsp;

This collection examines <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/important-figures-from-each-us-state/ella-talkin?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">prominent historical figures</a> whose reputation has changed with the times and how some individuals are regarded quite differently in the present than they were in their own lifetimes.&nbsp;

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How Perceptions Of Major Historical Figures Have Changed Over Time

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Poker

Many traits make for an effective <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-poker-players-all-time/ranker-sports" target="_blank">card player</a>. Some rely on the numbers, others on reading the slight reactions of other players, while still others play mostly on instinct.&nbsp;If it were possible to gather some of history&#39;s well-known personalities for a no-limit Texas Hold &#39;em tournament, who would come out on top?

Would <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/12-things-we-learned-about-alexander-the-great-that-made-us-say-_whoa_/michael-muir" target="_blank">Alexander the Great</a> have the staying power? Could anyone get a read on <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/wild-facts-about-queen-victoria/tamar-altebarmakian" target="_blank">Queen Victoria</a>?

This collection imagines how historical figures would fare at&nbsp;the card table, and where their strengths and weaknesses would lie.

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Which Historical Figure Would Win A Poker Tournament?

Person

If you&#39;ve ever been on the lookout for a new roommate, you know how hard it is to find someone who fits what you&#39;re looking for. People bring with them all kinds of stuff - physical possessions and personality quirks alike. A new roommate might have some clothes you want to wear or add cool gadgets to the kitchen, but they could just as easily be accompanied by a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/1960s-exotic-pet-fad/claire-stephens" target="_blank">problematic pet</a> or some really <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/strange-historical-friendships/melissa-sartore" target="_blank">obnoxious friends</a>. There&#39;s just no way to know.

When we got to thinking about this conundrum, we wondered which figures in history would be OK to live with. Leaders, celebrities, <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-british-royal-family-facts/alby-thompson" target="_blank">members of royal families</a>,&nbsp;inventors - they&#39;d all have much to offer in&nbsp;a living situation. But would the pros cancel out some of the cons? Luckily, we broke it down&nbsp;so you could decide for yourself. Happy roommate hunting!

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12 Historical Figures Ranked By Roommate Potential

Melissa Sartore

Entertainment

Hollywood loves a good biopic. But many of the same stories get told over and over again - think of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/who-was-henry-viii/carly-silver">Henry VIII</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/lincoln-assassination-facts/setareh-janda">Abraham Lincoln</a> - even though there are plenty of lesser-known, unsung <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://m.ranker.com/list/people-who-should-have-biopics/matthewcoleweiss">historical figures who deserve a movie</a> about their lives, too.Just because a&nbsp;historical figure may not be widely known doesn't mean their story isn't worth telling. In fact, films are a great&nbsp;- if not strictly accurate - way to&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;people to lesser-known figures. That's certainly true of movies like&nbsp;Hidden Figures,&nbsp;Ammonite, and&nbsp;The Imitation Game, which helped 21st-century folks get to know historical figures Katherine Johnson, Mary Anning, and Alan Turing.Similarly, the people on this list should have their stories told, too. From <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/adrian-de-carton-wiart-unkillable-soldier/setareh-janda">soldiers who exemplified military chutzpah</a> to writers who demonstrated that the pen is mightier than the sword, these historical figures lived epic&nbsp;lives that would be compelling fodder for biopics.

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16 Lesser-Known Historical Figures Who Deserve Their Own Biopic

Setareh Janda

Since the dawn of civilization, a lot of important things have happened. Here are lists of about the many winding routes we took to get where we are today.

Historical Contexts

Historical Facts

The chain of command and obeying orders are two concepts that are essential to military success. But military history is still full of people who disobeyed orders. Armies are made up of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/adrian-de-carton-wiart-unkillable-soldier/setareh-janda" target="_blank">individuals</a>, and regardless of the time period or culture, there are always people who buck the system.&nbsp;

The reasons soldiers have disobeyed are as varied as the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/unusual-military-units/jim-rowley" target="_blank">world&#39;s militaries themselves</a>. Many have refused commands that they personally found objectionable, like Col. Raoul Berube, the WWI commander who refused to fire on his troops for their perceived cowardice. With others, like Union General Daniel Sickles in the Civil War, their reasons had more to do with their own glory. And sometimes,&nbsp;soldiers have disobeyed because their&nbsp;orders were too cautious,&nbsp;as Australian Lt. Thomas Derrick did during the Battle of Sattelberg in 1943.

Here are some times people disregarded orders -&nbsp;and changed history along the way.

11 Times People Disregarded Orders And Changed History

Jim Rowley

Weird History

Whether&nbsp;a simple shortening of someone&#39;s given name or a way of describing a person&#39;s personality or behavior, nicknames have been a part of cultures all over the world for centuries. And no matter whether someone is a&nbsp;historical figure&nbsp;or not, a nickname can be&nbsp;flattering or scathing, funny or serious, obvious or surprising.&nbsp;

The historical figures below were tagged with nicknames that ranged from &quot;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-roman-emperor-facts/pierce-nahigyan" target="_blank">Little Boots</a>&quot; and &quot;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-george-s-patton-facts/mallory-weiler" target="_blank">The Green Hornet</a>&quot; to &quot;The Black Swallow of Death&quot; and &quot;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/biggest-badasses-in-history/chase-christy" target="_blank">The Boneless</a>.&quot; Of the nicknames listed below, which would you prefer to be remembered by for the rest of time?

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Nerd Audience

Stories Behind Historical Nicknames That Totally Surprised Us

TGWrites

Lists about some of the most extraordinary women who made history, forever changing the world and how we see it.

Well-Behaved Women

Lists about the first ladies who have reached America's highest status (for women) — being married to the President — from Martha Washington to Hillary Clinton to Melania Trump. 

FLOTUS: America's Mom

Who are those people who lived in the White House, making appearances and speeches and promises and mistakes? To understand them, you must get to know the spouses, children, and even siblings of U.S. Presidents, past and present. 

The First Family

Julia Gardiner Tyler

Before the revolutionary Eleanor Roosevelt or the glamorous Jackie O, there was Julia Gardiner Tyler, the second wife of President John Tyler. Despite the fact she became First Lady in the 1800s -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/different-waves-of-feminism-and-what-they-mean/rylee_en">a stifling and oppressive era for women</a> - Julia Gardiner Tyler was bold, brazen, and fabulous. The wild side of Tyler's young bride was much gossiped about, but rather than letting the headlines dictate her life, Tyler dictated the headlines. She branded herself into the first celebrity First Lady through her opulent and dramatic lifestyle. She was the opposite of modesty in a time where women were meant to be modest to the core.&nbsp;Wild stories about Julia Gardiner Tyler make her one of the most scandalous first ladies in history. She was a strong, independent woman who did what she wanted when she wanted. These facts about Julia Gardiner Tyler and her unconventional life might make her story even more interesting that that of her husband.&nbsp;

Weird American History

16 Facts About Julia Tyler, The Most Controversial First Lady of the 1800s

16 Facts About Julia Gardiner Tyler, A Scandalous First Lady

Elle Tharp

A look at major events that happened a long time ago and the people who played the biggest roles in shaping the world as we know it.

Historical Facts & Figures

Wild Facts

Exiles.History is littered with the stories of people who, for a variety of reasons, were cast away from their homes and forced to live in foreign lands. Getting exiled was always a risk in the game of politics. Make the wrong enemy or fall from grace, and men and women who lived public lives could be banished&nbsp;by their opponents to get them out of the way.&nbsp;In the ancient world, many important historical figures were cast out of places like Athens and Rome, where citizens took banishment very seriously. The modern world continues to use exile as a political tool to push out dictators, overthrow governments, and silence inconvenient activists.&nbsp;Were exiles ever able to return home? For some, banishment was permanent. For others, it was temporary, and a chance to continue their work from afar. Some accepted their fate, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/historic-acts-of-revenge/will-morgan-1">others plotted revenge</a>. Whether it was a final sentence or just one chapter in a person’s story, exile has featured in the lives of many historical figures.

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What Actually Happened To Historical Figures Who Were Exiled

Historical Exiles

These are the most dramatic, petty, savage, and entertaining rivalries since Cain & Abel.

Where's the Beef?

History is full of <a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/states-always-fighting/michael-muir">famous feuds</a>, between <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/sibling-rivalries-history/jim-rowley">siblings</a>, clans, and even people who aren't related to each other. The causes underlying these feuds are often similar, regardless of the individuals' class, time period, or nation of origin. Since humans have existed, they have competed with each other for power and resources. In regions where resources aren't abundant, families and groups come into conflict with each other, often with deadly consequences. In countries with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/history-royals-sibling-rivals/setareh-janda">dynastic monarchies</a>, siblings are often pitted against each other. In more recent times, the rise of powerful corporations has created even more avenues for conflict.&nbsp;Many of these feuds can linger for decades if not centuries, but no feud lasts forever. Sometimes they end in a moment of spectacular bloodshed. Other times they're resolved peacefully. And occasionally they just peter out without a clear winner. Here are the stories behind how some of history's most famous feuds ended.&nbsp;

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How The Most Famous Feuds In History Finally Ended

History

Have you ever watched a movie with a good story and been shocked to find out it's based on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/crime-scenes-movies/lyra-radford">real-life events</a>? Knowing a fictional story is based in reality makes the twists and turns of the movie seem even more incredible. However, there are probably a lot more <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-loosely-based-on-true-stories/ranker-film?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">movies based on real people</a> than you realized.Classics like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/sound-of-music-true-story/erin-mccann">The Sound of Music</a>, Goodfellas, and even Chicago were based on real-life people. Some of these films closely follow a memoir or news stories, while others take bits and pieces of the true story and add new aspects to make it more theatrical. For example, many films include additional plotlines, such as a love story, to make it more interesting for viewers.All the movies included in this list were somehow inspired by real-life people and/or events. Some of the creators were very open about what inspired them while others don't often share that information, leaving many people shocked when they find out the true story behind the film.

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Movies You Didn't Know Were Based On Real People

The 16 Movies Surprisingly Based On Real People, Ranked

Molly Weinfurter

Biopics

Over 900 music fans have voted to shape these rankings of the best music biopics of all time. With its unique blend of documentary and drama, a great music biopic can transport you into the world of your favorite artist - their struggles, successes, and everything in between.

From the Ray Charles&#39;s&nbsp;Ray&nbsp;to Johnny Cash&#39;s Walk The Line, some of cinema&#39;s most memorable films have been based on real-life musicians. It takes real skill for filmmakers to capture an artist&rsquo;s essence while keeping them grounded in reality, but when they succeed it results in cinematic magic - moments that stay with us long after the credits roll.

For those who want a more accurate portrait than fiction can provide, there are plenty of documentaries about famous musicians available too. Whether it&#39;s Queen or Elton John that you&#39;re interested in learning more about, this list has something for everyone.&nbsp;So why not take a look at our ranking and see which music biopics come out on top? Then be sure to vote up your favorites so they rise even higher.

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The Best Music Biopics Of All Time

Ranking The Best Music Biopics Ever Made

Rachel Goldman

Deep dives into unforgettable film characters and the situations they experience, manipulate, and endure.

People on the Big Screen

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Period pieces can be a lot of fun when you&#39;re in the mood. That being said, isn&#39;t it more enjoyable when production teams bring actual historical figures into entirely fictional films? It just brings an ineffable kind of spark to the proceedings. Appearances like this can be used to lend&nbsp;an air of authenticity to the picture - like Nikola Tesla in&nbsp;The Prestige -&nbsp;or used to tell completely fabricated stories, like Abraham Lincoln in&nbsp;Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Then there are movies like&nbsp;Bill &amp; Ted&#39;s Excellent Adventure&nbsp;and&nbsp;Midnight in Paris,&nbsp;where historical figures are a dime a dozen. Whatever the case, it&#39;s hard not to&nbsp;love the kinds of stories in which real people show up in fabricated tales. Remember to vote up your favorites.

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14 Times A Real Historical Figure Is A Character In An Extremely Fictional Movie

Real Historical Figures Who Were Characters In Extremely Fictional Movies

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Most Annoying

History is full of interesting figures -&nbsp;kings, queens, intellectuals, revolutionaries, and everything in between. Men like <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/insane-martin-luther-stories/melissa-sartore" target="_blank">Martin Luther</a> had a massive role in changing the religious landscape of Europe during the 16th century, while <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/sad-stories-from-the-life-of-isaac-newton/melissa-sartore" target="_blank">Isaac Newton</a> literally wrote the book on physics. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a casual conversation with some of history&#39;s biggest names? Or if small talk and chitchat are even possible?&nbsp;

We did - and played through some scenarios to find out. Hypothetical, yes, but imagining&nbsp;what it would have been like to talk to some of the most <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-historical-figure-facts-122020/mallory-weiler" target="_blank">significant figures in history</a> is fun.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To be clear, each one of the figures below made contributions to their communities, their environments, and history as a whole. That said, would you really want to talk to them? Or would you give those conversations a hard pass?&nbsp;

12 Historical Figures, Ranked By How Insufferable Their Small Talk Must Have Been

In times of crisis, core beliefs can often take a back seat to more immediate goals. Even a sworn <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/states-always-fighting/michael-muir" target="_blank">religious or political&nbsp;foe</a> can seem like a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-allies/michael-muir" target="_blank">friend in a pinch</a>. Sometimes the cooperation stems from a mutual enemy;&nbsp;at other moments, the bigger prize is worth the cost of helping a rival.

From the uneasy coalition of Romans and Barbarian&nbsp;kingdoms that stood against Attila, to the American and German rescue mission in the dying days of World War II, this collection&nbsp;looks at the strangest historical partnerships.

10 Historical Rivals Who Became Friends (For A While)

Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who went by the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-mark-twain/lisa-a-flowers" target="_blank">pen name Mark Twain</a>,&nbsp;was a renowned American writer and humorist. His&nbsp;literary classics include&nbsp;The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But Twain had a little-known affection for young women and considered himself a &quot;collector&quot; of preteen and teenage girls.&nbsp;Beginning in 1908, Twain established the Aquarium Club, a members-only organization consisting of himself and 13 girls all below the age&nbsp;of 16. He called them his &quot;angelfish,&quot; and he&nbsp;enjoyed&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;and exchanging&nbsp;letters with them.&nbsp;Twain even dedicated a room in his Connecticut house to the club. Although Twain defended the club's innocence, his love of young girls raised some red flags among his family and community.

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Mark Twain Had A Seeming Obsession With Young Girls That Would Land A Modern Figure In Hot Water

Mark Twain Had A Shocking Obsession With Young Girls That Would Land Any Modern Public Figure In Hot Water

Rob Chirico

Historical Figures lists at Ranker - The ultimate source for hundreds of historical figures lists and rankings

Historical Figures lists on Ranker

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When discussing the worst people in history, it's a somber reflection on the depths of human evil. From tyrants to serial killers, these figures have left indelible marks on the world through their heinous actions. While the term "worst" might be subjective, there's no denying the immense impact these individuals have had on countless lives and historical events.Consider Adolf Hitler, the man behind the atrocities of the Holocaust and the driving force of World War II. His actions led to the suffering and death of millions. Then there's Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the architect of the September 11 attacks, whose plans caused one of the most devastating terror attacks in modern history. Dennis Rader, infamously known as the BTK Killer, haunted Wichita, Kansas for decades with his gruesome murders, embodying the kind of evil only seen in horror films.Curious to know where these terrible people rank among their peers? Scroll through our list and cast your vote on who you believe are the most evil individuals to have ever lived. Engage with this eye-opening compilation and help shape the understanding of bad people in history who have, unfortunately, left their dark legacies behind.