Movies About Smart People

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson and Sally Field. The film tells the story of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who, despite his below-average intelligence, leads an extraordinary life that includes running across America, fighting in the Vietnam War, becoming a successful shrimp boat captain, and meeting three presidents of the United States. Along the way, Forrest also falls in love with Jenny, a beautiful but troubled woman. Despite the obstacles they face, Forrest and Jenny eventually find a way to be together and form a family. Despite its portrayal of controversial topics such as the Vietnam War and racism, Forrest Gump was both a critical and commercial success, winning multiple awards, including six Academy Awards, and grossing over $677 million worldwide.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman and starring Jack Nicholson. The film is based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The story follows Randle McMurphy (played by Nicholson), a criminal who feigns insanity in order to serve his sentence in a hospital rather than a prison. Once there, McMurphy clashes with the authoritarian Nurse Ratched, who rules the hospital with an iron fist. He soon leads the other patients in a revolt against the oppressive Nurse Ratched, while also discovering the strength and courage to come to terms with his own issues. The movie won multiple awards, including the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Louise Fletcher), and Best Director (Milos Forman). It also ranks number 33 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

From Frank Darabont, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
Rated R

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy crime drama film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, and James Cromwell. The film is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Stephen King. The story follows Paul Edgecomb, a death row corrections officer, as he develops a unique relationship with a condemned inmate, John Coffey, played by Michael Clarke Duncan. Coffey is convicted of murdering two young girls, though he insists he is innocent. Edgecomb, while skeptical of Coffey's supernatural abilities, is eventually convinced that Coffey has miraculous healing powers, which he uses to save the life of a fellow inmate. The Green Mile explores themes of justice, faith, and redemption. It is ultimately a story of hope and compassion, as Edgecomb comes to terms with the death penalty and learns to appreciate Coffey's life, despite the circumstances.

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 as a cyborg assassin, Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor, and Edward Furlong as her son, John Connor. The film is a sequel to the 1984 film The Terminator. In the film, Sarah and John attempt to outrun and destroy a more advanced terminator sent from the future to kill John. Meanwhile, an unexpected ally, a less advanced Terminator, is sent back to protect them. With the help of the Terminator, Sarah and John must battle to prevent the future destruction of humanity by the machines. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1991 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest action films ever made.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg, set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. The story follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad who are tasked with finding Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen, and bringing him home. As they traverse the war-torn countryside, their mission is complicated by the relentless German army and the difficulty of the moral choices they must make. Saving Private Ryan is widely acclaimed for its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, making it one of the most influential war films in history.

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is a 2002 biographical drama film directed by Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody as the Polish-Jewish pianist, Władysław Szpilman. Set during the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Poland, the film tells the true story of Szpilman, who is separated from his family and struggles to survive, aided by a German officer, Wilm Hosenfeld. The film follows Szpilman's journey as he is forced into hiding and works to survive the inhumane living conditions in the Warsaw Ghetto. Through his resilience, Szpilman is able to survive the war and eventually reunite with his family. The Pianist was critically acclaimed and won many awards, including three Academy Awards and a Golden Globe.

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is a 2014 American drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. The film follows the story of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), an ambitious young jazz drummer, as he navigates the competitive music program at a prestigious music conservatory. His passion leads him to cross paths with the school's cruel and uncompromising instructor, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), who ruthlessly pushes him to the edge of his abilities and beyond. Faced with the potentially devastating consequences of Fletcher's tactics, Andrew must decide whether to endure the abuse or risk sacrificing the career of his dreams. The film received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including five Academy Award nominations, winning Best Supporting Actor for Simmons.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a 1979 science-fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott. The story follows the crew of a commercial towing spaceship, the Nostromo, as they investigate a distress call from an alien planet. They soon discover an alien species, the Xenomorph, which is determined to kill off the crew one by one. As the crew desperately struggle to survive against the alien threat, they must also face the dark secrets of the Nostromo and its mysterious mission. With tension and horror at every turn, Alien is a thrilling science-fiction classic that has captivated audiences for decades.

From Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed
Rated R

Gladiator is an epic historical drama directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, a former Roman General. After his family is murdered by the emperor's ambitious son Commodus, Maximus is sold into slavery and trained as a Gladiator. He is sent to the Roman Colosseum to fight for the amusement of the citizens of Rome. With the help of his loyal friend Juba, Maximus rises to become one of the greatest gladiators of all time, ultimately seeking revenge against his oppressor. Along the way, he finds love in the form of the emperor’s daughter, Lucilla, and respect from the emperor himself. Ultimately, Maximus leads a rebellion against the corrupt emperor, ultimately finding justice and peace.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is a 2011 French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film centers on an unlikely friendship between an aristocratic quadriplegic, Philippe (François Cluzet), and his caretaker, Driss (Omar Sy). After Driss responds to Philippe's ad for a caretaker, Philippe decides to hire him despite his lack of experience. The two form an unlikely bond, and through Philippe's guidance, Driss finds purpose and meaning in his life. Together, they learn to appreciate life and all the joys it has to offer, despite the inevitable hardships. Ultimately, the two become close friends, redefining each other's outlooks on life and forming a lasting bond.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a 1984 biopic directed by Milos Forman and based on the play of the same name by Peter Shaffer. The film chronicles the life and death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most celebrated composers of all time. The film follows Mozart's life from his childhood in Salzburg, to his rise to success in Vienna, to his eventual death from an unknown illness at the age of 35. At the center of the story is the envious rivalry between Wolfgang and his contemporary, Antonio Salieri, who is consumed by jealousy and hatred over Mozart's natural genius and his own mediocrity. Despite Salieri's attempts to sabotage Mozart's career and discredit his music, Mozart remains undeterred in his passion for composing. The film earned 11 Academy Award nominations, winning eight of them, including Best Picture, Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham as Salieri), Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting tells the story of a young working-class genius, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), who is on the edge of self-destruction. Will is a janitor at M.I.T., but he secretly solves difficult mathematical problems that even the university's professors can't solve. He is discovered by Professor Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård), an M.I.T. professor, and he tries to help Will realize his potential. With the help of a therapist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), Will is able to work through his internal struggles. In the end, Will finds the strength to accept responsibility for his actions, pursue his goals, and live a life of fulfillment.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin
Rated R

Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war drama directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows a group of US Marine Corps recruits as they experience the rigors of boot camp training before being sent to Vietnam. The film is divided into two halves. The first half focuses on the dehumanizing effects of the training, as the recruits are subjected to physical and mental abuse by the drill instructors. The second half follows the recruits in Vietnam as they are faced with the horrors of warfare. The film portrays the chaos and carnage of war and its devastating effects on both the soldiers and the civilians. It is an unflinching examination of the effects of war and is often seen as one of Kubrick's greatest films.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
Rated PG-13

Jurassic Park is a 1993 science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. It follows a group of people who are invited to a wildlife park populated by dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA. While the park’s mastermind, billionaire John Hammond, assures everyone that the park is safe, they soon find out that it is anything but. As the dinosaurs break loose, the visitors must fight to survive the danger and destruction while trying to escape the island.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir and written by Andrew Niccol. It stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who has grown up living an ordinary life in a small coastal town, unaware that he is living in a constructed reality television show broadcast 24 hours a day to a worldwide audience. The film focuses on his discovery of the truth and his subsequent experiences as he struggles to escape and lead a normal life. Alongside Carrey, the film stars Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Ed Harris and Natascha McElhone. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office success, earning over $125 million against a budget of $60 million. It was the recipient of numerous awards and nominations, including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and three Golden Globe Awards among others. The film has been praised for its strong message, its use of surrealism, and its exploration of themes such as media exploitation and privacy.

From Roman Polanski, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Perry Lopez
Rated R

Chinatown is a 1974 neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston. The film tells the story of private detective Jake Gittes, hired by a mysterious woman to investigate a case of infidelity. His search leads him down a dark and twisted path of deception, corruption and murder that exposes the seedy underbelly of 1930s Los Angeles. Gittes is soon embroiled in a web of politics, power, and water rights that pits him against ruthless magnate Noah Cross. With the help of local reporter and confidante, Eileen Wade, he sets out to unravel the dark secrets of the city and bring justice to those involved.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciarán Hinds, Martin Stringer
Rated R

There Will Be Blood is a 2007 American drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, loosely based on the Upton Sinclair novel Oil! (1927). The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a silver miner-turned-oilman on a ruthless quest for wealth during Southern California's oil boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The film also stars Paul Dano as Eli Sunday, a charismatic, young preacher. Plainview's business practices and personal life become deeply entwined as he attempts to wrest control of the entire region, pitting him against Eli and his twin brother, Paul Sunday. The story explores greed, ambition, and family, with themes of faith, loyalty, and betrayal. The film was acclaimed and won two Academy Awards. Day-Lewis won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Robert Elswit won the Oscar for Best Achievement in Cinematography.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind is a biopic about the life of Nobel Prize-winning economist John Nash. It tells the story of how he overcame personal struggles with mental illness to become one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century. The film follows Nash from his college days at Princeton, his work as a professor at MIT, and his groundbreaking work in game theory and economics. It also details his struggles with paranoid schizophrenia, and his eventual recovery. Throughout his struggles, Nash is supported by his wife Alicia, and his friends and colleagues. The film culminates in Nash's receipt of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994.

From Wes Anderson, starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody
Rated R

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" follows the adventures of Gustave H., a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the world wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune. As the story unfolds, Gustave H and Zero are drawn into a world of intrigue, espionage, and murder as they attempt to protect the painting, outmaneuver the authorities, and solve the mysterious murder of a wealthy and powerful patron. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a heartbroken bakery girl and a sinister hitman. The film features an ensemble cast of iconic actors, including Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton, Jude Law, and Jeff Goldblum. Directed by Wes Anderson, the film is a visually stunning, whimsical, and comedic journey through Europe in the 1930s.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Rated PG-13

Catch Me If You Can is a 2002 American biographical crime film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Jeff Nathanson. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale, Jr., a con artist who successfully impersonates an airline pilot, a lawyer, and a doctor, among other things, in order to commit fraud and theft. Tom Hanks also stars as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, who is determined to catch Abagnale and put him behind bars. The film follows Abagnale as he travels around the world and engages in a variety of elaborate schemes in order to stay one step ahead of the law. It also shows the relationship between Abagnale and Hanratty, and how the two eventually form an unlikely friendship. The film is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale and is a thrilling and humorous look at the lengths one man will go to in order to outwit the authorities.

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Tim Roth, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Mélanie Thierry, Bill Nunn
Rated R

The Legend of 1900 tells the story of a baby found on an ocean liner in 1900, who is adopted by the ship's crew and given the name of the year in which he was born. As he grows up, he displays an amazing talent for playing the piano and is soon known as the "legendary" 1900. He lives on the ship his entire life and embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he discovers the secrets of his past and his musical talent. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters and makes friends who help him discover the truth about his mysterious origins. The film is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the power of music, friendship, and the search for identity.

From Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Siu-Wong Fan, Ka-Tung Lam
Rated R

Ip Man is a 2008 Hong Kong martial arts biographical film based on the life of the Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man. Directed by Wilson Yip, the film stars Donnie Yen as Ip Man, with martial arts choreography by Sammo Hung. The film focuses on events in Ip Man's life from the year of 1935 to 1945, during which time he was responsible for popularizing Wing Chun in the City of Foshan against the Japanese occupation. He is challenged by a range of enemies including the local kung fu masters, the Japanese martial arts school, and a corrupt police chief. During this time, Ip Man also takes on a student, Wong Leung, who eventually follows in his footsteps and becomes a Wing Chun master in his own right. The film ends with Ip Man's immigration to Hong Kong, where he eventually settles and becomes famous for teaching martial arts to Bruce Lee.

From Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam
Rated R

Life of Brian is a British comedy film directed by Terry Jones and starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and other members of the Monty Python comedy troupe. The film follows the life of Brian Cohen, a young Jewish man who is born at the same time as Jesus and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah. Brian desperately attempts to distance himself from the massive crowd of followers, but his hilarious antics land him in trouble with the Romans and their oppressive rule. The film is a satire of religious dogma and is filled with Monty Python's signature offbeat humor.

From Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne
Rated R

Donnie Darko is a 2001 psychological thriller film written and directed by Richard Kelly. The film follows the adventures of Donnie, a troubled teenager living in the small town of Middlesex, Virginia. After being disturbed by a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume, Donnie begins to experience visions of a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank who tells him the world will end in 28 days. As Donnie's mental state deteriorates, he embarks on a journey to solve the mystery of Frank, and discovers a world of time travel, alternate universes, and destiny. Along the way, he meets new people, makes unexpected connections, and learns the truth about his own life and the lives of those around him.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Jet Li, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang
Rated PG-13

Hero is a 2002 martial arts action film directed by Yimou Zhang. It stars Jet Li as the nameless protagonist, a prefect of Qin who is given the task of assassinating three assassins who threaten the newly founded Qin Dynasty. Along his journey, he meets a number of formidable warriors and must defeat each one in order to reach his goal. Through his encounters, he discovers the importance of loyalty, honor, and justice in a chaotic world. The story culminates in a thrilling final battle, in which the nameless protagonist triumphs and is granted the title “Hero”.