The Social Network, directed by David Fincher, is one of the greatest biopics of recent years – and one that won’t be forgotten quickly (like many other movies from the genre). With Aaron Sorkin’s witty writing and spectacular performances from the cast, it appears that this film will endure as a classic for many years to come
Fortunately, The Social Network fans will have something else to watch in the near future. Fans of other fascinating modern biographical films will be delighted to learn that there are several more interesting recent biopic movies with casts and crews just as fantastic. Because their writing is just as funny and on-target, many of these films have a similar tone and pacing
Some of the films star scientists, engineers, or entrepreneurs, while others feature heroes with brains over brawn. But in both cases, the movies reference back to what made The Social Network so effective.
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1. Steve Jobs (2015)
Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs, which was written by Aaron Sorkin (making it similar to The Social Network in both theme and dialogue), has been criticized for historical inaccuracies, although it has received excellent reviews for its incredibly realistic acting and an intricate plot.
The film begins with Jobs working at a video store in his garage, then moves through the next 14 years of his life as he builds Apple into a multi-billion dollar corporation.
2. The Founder (2016)
The Founder is a film about Ray Croc, who turns McDonald’s into one of the most profitable companies in the world.
Croc was a milkshake-machine salesman when he met Dick and Maurice McDonald, who ran a struggling burger restaurant.
He eventually convinced them to let him franchise their restaurant and went on to own over 600 McDonald’s restaurants.
3. Moneyball (2011)
Moneyball, which stars Brad Pitt, is based on the true story of Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics.
In 2002, Beane’s team had one of the lowest budgets in Major League Baseball.
He used a new method of player evaluation to assemble a competitive team, despite their financial disadvantages.
4. The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short, which was directed by Adam McKay and stars Christian Bale, is based on the book of the same name by Michael Lewis.
The film tells the story of four outsiders in the world of high-finance who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s.
They decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.
In the process, they make a fortune by betting against the housing market.
5. Ingrid Goes West (2017)
Although it’s not technically a biopic, Ingrid Goes West is a film about an Instagram-obsessed woman (played by Aubrey Plaza) who becomes obsessed with a social media “influencer” (played by Elizabeth Olsen).
The film is a dark comedy that satirizes the world of social media and “perfect” lives that are often portrayed online.
It’s a fascinating look at the lengths some people will go to in order to gain internet fame.
6. Molly’s Game (2017)
Molly’s Game is based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade.
The film stars Jessica Chastain as Bloom, and Idris Elba as her lawyer.
Bloom was arrested by the FBI in 2013 and she eventually pleaded guilty to running an illegal gambling operation.
These are just a few of the excellent movies that have come out in recent years that are similar to The Social Network in terms of quality, writing, and acting.
7. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf of Wall Street is another biographical film that’s similar to The Social Network in terms of its writing and tone.
The film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who was convicted of fraud in 1998.
It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, and Jonah Hill as his business partner.
The film chronicles Belfort’s rise to power and eventual fall from grace.
8. Margin Call (2011)
Margin Call is a thriller that’s set in the world of investment banking.
It stars Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, and Jeremy Irons.
The film follows a group of employees at an investment bank who are tasked with finding out why their firm is losing money.
As they uncover the truth, they realize that the entire financial system is on the brink of collapse.
The film is a fictionalized account of the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.
9. Thank You for Smoking (2005)
Thank You for Smoking is a dark comedy that stars Aaron Eckhart as a tobacco lobbyist.
The film follows his character as he tries to defend the tobacco industry in the face of criticism.
It’s an excellent satire of the world of politics and lobbying, and it’s one of my personal favorites.
10. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Erin Brockovich is based on the true story of a woman who takes on a California power company.
The film stars Julia Roberts as Brockovich, and Albert Finney as her boss.
Brockovich is an uneducated single mother who becomes a legal assistant and helps to bring down the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and Roberts won an Academy Award for her performance.
These are just a few of the excellent movies that have come out in recent years that are similar to The Social Network in terms of quality, writing, and acting. If you’re looking for more great movies to watch, be sure to check out these titles!
