Movies About Genius Minds

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. It follows a jury of 12 men as they deliberate the fate of a young defendant who is accused of murdering his father. Initially, all but one of the jurors believe the defendant to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As the jury slowly begins to discuss and debate the evidence, however, they are forced to confront their own biases and prejudices and to reconsider the facts in the case. As the jurors question each other and strive to reach a unanimous verdict, the tension builds and the men grow increasingly angry with one another. In the end, the lone juror who initially voted "not guilty" is able to convince the others that the evidence is insufficient and that the defendant deserves a chance to be found innocent.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction heist film written, co-produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. The plot follows a skilled thief who is offered a chance to have his criminal history erased as payment for the implantation of an idea into the mind of a CEO. To accomplish the task, he assembles a team of experts with unique abilities to perform an inception, the planting of another person's idea into a target's subconscious. Along the way, they must confront powerful forces that threaten to jeopardize their success. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, and Michael Caine.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American epic romantic-comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth. The film stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a naïve and slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in 20th century America. Through Forrest’s eyes, the film tells a story of a nation in the midst of great upheaval and transformation, exploring the impact of the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, the rise of emerging counterculture, the sexual revolution, and other social movements. Along the way, Forrest meets and falls in love with a woman named Jenny, who is struggling with her own demons. The film explores themes of destiny, innocence, friendship, and self-discovery.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Patrick. This sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator sees Sarah Connor and her son, John, targeted by a more advanced Terminator - the liquid metal T-1000. This time, however, they are aided by an aging, reprogrammed T-800. Together they must find a way to stop Skynet, the artificial intelligence system determined to wipe out humanity. With intense action sequences and groundbreaking visual effects, this movie set a high standard for science fiction films to follow.

From Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi
Rated PG-13

3 Idiots is a 2009 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani and written by Abhijat Joshi. It stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, and Omi Vaidya in the lead roles. The film follows the lives of three Indian engineering students, Farhan (Madhavan) and Raju (Joshi), who are best friends, and their search for their long-lost friend, Rancho (Khan). Together they go through a series of adventures and misadventures while attempting to pursue their dreams and find their classmate. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, success, and the importance of following your passions. 3 Idiots was a major commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time in India and abroad. It became the first Bollywood film to gross over ₹200 crore (US$29 million) worldwide, and prompted a resurgence of Indian cinema in the global market. The film was also praised for its humor, message, and performances, winning several awards, including six Filmfare Awards.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working class Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when the current titleholder, Apollo Creed, makes an unusual offer to the small-time boxer: he will give Rocky a shot at the title if he can only last 15 rounds against him. Despite his lack of training and resources, Rocky ultimately survives the fight, losing to Apollo in a split decision. The film was a critical and commercial success and was followed by multiple sequels. It also won three Oscars, for Best Picture, Director, and Film Editing.

From Ashutosh Gowariker, starring Aamir Khan, Raghuvir Yadav, Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley
Rated PG

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is a Bollywood epic sports drama film set in the 1890s and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The movie follows the story of a small village in India that is under the oppressive rule of a British tax collector. In order to free themselves from the tax, the villagers challenge the British captain to a game of cricket. The captain agrees, and if the villagers win, they will be free from the oppressive taxes. The villagers, led by the young and brave Bhuvan, must learn the complex sport of cricket in order to have a chance of winning. Through a series of exciting events, the villagers must overcome various obstacles, both on and off the cricket field, in order to win the game and freedom from their oppressive tax.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American sports drama film directed, co-produced, and scored by Clint Eastwood, and starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. It follows the story of a determined woman's journey to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional boxer. Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) is a young waitress from a Missouri town who has dreams of becoming a professional boxer. She begs Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) to train her, and after much reluctance, he reluctantly agrees. With Frankie's help, Maggie is able to overcome her fear and the odds, and eventually fights her way to a shot at the women's world boxing championship. However, tragedy strikes when Maggie suffers a severe injury in the last round of the fight, leaving her in a coma. In a touching ending, Frankie makes the difficult decision to help her end her suffering. The film is ultimately a story of hope, courage, and the power of friendship.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
Rated R

The Terminator is a science fiction action film that follows the story of a cyborg assassin (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent back in time from a post-apocalyptic future to 1984 by the artificial intelligence system Skynet in order to exterminate Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose son will be humanity's only hope against Skynet's machines in the future. The Terminator is pursued by a human soldier sent by Skynet, and is aided by Sarah's friend, a computer programmer. As the cyborg relentlessly pursues Sarah, she is forced to find allies in order to survive, ultimately leading to an explosive battle for the future of mankind.

From Edward Zwick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Kagiso Kuypers
Rated R

Blood Diamond is a 2006 American-German political war thriller film co-produced and directed by Edward Zwick, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, and Jennifer Connelly. Set during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1999, the film tells the story of Danny Archer, a South African mercenary, and Solomon Vandy, a Mende fisherman. Both men are united in a common pursuit to recover a rare gem that has the power to transform their lives. While Solomon hopes to use the gem to secure the freedom of his family, Danny sees the gem as his ticket out of Africa. Through their journey, both men are forced to confront their own personal demons, as well as the corrupt diamond trade, which has devastating consequences on the region. With their lives on the line, both men must decide what is more important; the diamond or their soul.

From Pierre Morel, starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser
Rated PG-13

Taken is an action-packed 2008 thriller directed by Pierre Morel. The film follows Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a former CIA operative, as he sets out on a frantic search to find his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) who is kidnapped by a gang of human traffickers while on vacation in Paris. With the help of a French intelligence officer and his old CIA contacts, Bryan races against time to find Kim and take down the kidnappers. Filled with intense action sequences and gripping suspense, Taken is a thrilling and captivating film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

From Ted Kotcheff, starring Sylvester Stallone, Brian Dennehy, Richard Crenna, Bill McKinney
Rated R

First Blood (1982) is a classic, action-packed film starring Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, a traumatized, Vietnam war veteran. Pushed to his limits by an oppressive sheriff and his deputies, Rambo escapes into the nearby mountains and unleashes his war-honed survival and combat skills on the lawman and his posse. As the battle rages on, Rambo must confront the psychological effects of the war and his own personal demons. The film is a powerful examination of the consequences of war, as well as a suspenseful, thrilling ride.

From Neil Burger, starring Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell
Rated PG-13

The Illusionist is a 2006 drama film directed by Neil Burger. It follows the story of Eisenheim, a magician in turn-of-the-century Vienna, who falls in love with a princess. When their relationship is forbidden by her powerful family, Eisenheim uses his powers of illusion to win her back. However, his mysterious and powerful acts soon bring him to the attention of a suspicious chief inspector and a ruthless crown prince who will do anything to gain power. Eisenheim and the princess must find a way to elude their pursuers and be together, or risk facing dire consequences.

From Directors: Abhinay Deo, Akshat Verma, starring Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Shenaz Treasury
Rated Not Rated

Delhi Belly is an Indian crime-comedy film released in 2011 and directed by directors Abhinay Deo and Akshat Verma. The film follows the story of three Delhi-based roommates: Tashi, Nitin, and Arup. When Nitin accidentally ends up with a stolen diamond, their lives take a drastic turn for the worse. In order to escape from the gangsters and police, the trio must rely on their wit and strength to get themselves out of trouble. Along the way, they also discover the hidden strength of their friendship and the ability to overcome any obstacle. The film is filled with unexpected twists and turns, laughter and dark humor, and a unique look at the underbelly of Delhi.

From F. Gary Gray, starring Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Leslie Bibb, Colm Meaney
Rated R

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña, Rhona Mitra, Danny Glover
Rated R

From Len Wiseman, starring Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant, Maggie Q
Rated PG-13

From Sylvester Stallone, starring Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish
Rated R

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Bruce Willis, Cole Hauser, Monica Bellucci, Eamonn Walker
Rated R