The art of the biopic is one that’s hard to master.

These are the movies that have gripped those opportunities with particular enthusiasm.

Unable to drive, he embarks on a journey from Iowa to Utah on a lawnmower.

The Pianist

Image by Pathé Distribution

It’s a harrowing film, but one so heartfelt that it’s impossible to look away.

Rarely have they hit harder than127 Hours, the story of mountain climberAron Ralston.

James Franco’s performance is incredible and Boyle’s direction is some of the best of his career.

Hilary Swank mugshot in Boys Don’t Cry looking serious.

Image via Searchlight Pictures

As the situation worsened, he had to hide in the ruins of Warsaw for survive.

He has made that reputation definitive with his latest:Oppenheimer, arguably his greatest work sinceMemento.

It chronicles the life and work ofJ.

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Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight riding his lawnmower in The Straight Story

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

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Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss rescuing a fallen soldier from battlefield in ‘Hacksaw Ridge.'

Image via Lionsgate Films

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Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler looking grim in Downfall’ (2004)

Image via Constantin Film

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Don Cheadle as Paul Rusesabagina looking pensive in Hotel Rwanda

Image via MGM

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Aron Ralston (James Franco) looking up from a canyon in 127 Hours

Image via Searchlight Pictures

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Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, and his friends, surrounding a computer in The Social Network.

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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Solomon wears a straw hat as his picks cotton in the field in 12 Years a Slave

Image via Searchlight Pictures

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Adrien Brody as Władysław Szpilman crying while walking down a destoryed street in The Pianist

Image via Pathé Distribution

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Robert and Kitty Oppenheimer (played by Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt) standing outside in the desert in Oppenheimer

Image via Universal Pictures

Oppenheimer Poster

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Oppenheimer