Movies About Writers On Netflix

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler’s List is a 1993 American epic historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg. Set in German-occupied Poland during World War II, it tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, and others. The film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman and member of the Nazi Party who, despite his better judgement, saved the lives of his Jewish workers during the Holocaust by using them as cheap labor in his factories. Throughout the film, Schindler’s conscience slowly begins to take over and he begins to morally struggle with his role in the Holocaust. He later goes about his own attempts to save as many Jews as he can, ultimately putting his own life at risk in the process. The film is widely acclaimed for its emotional power and was the winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

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

Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama written and directed by Ridley Scott. The film stars Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a powerful Roman General, who is betrayed and sold into slavery and trained as a gladiator. He is forced to fight in the Roman Colosseum and eventually rises to become an undefeated champion. With the help of Lucilla, the sister of the corrupt Emperor Commodus, Maximus leads a rebellion to overthrow the Emperor and restore the Roman Republic. Along the way, Maximus must battle both his inner demons and a variety of enemies, including Commodus. The film ends with Maximus being reunited with his family in the afterlife.

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, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman. The film is set in Warsaw during World War II and follows the story of Szpilman, who is forced into the Warsaw Ghetto, separated from his family, and struggles for survival in the face of the Holocaust. As Szpilman attempts to survive the horrors of the Nazi occupation, he relies on his musical talents to sustain his will to live. The film is a powerful reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 mystery thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson. The film focuses on two magicians, Alfred Borden (Bale) and Robert Angier (Jackman), who become increasingly competitive and obsessed with one-upping each other as they attempt to create the ultimate stage illusion. As their rivalry escalates and intensifies, their stunts become increasingly dangerous, ultimately leading to tragedy. The film is told in flashbacks, as each character attempts to uncover the secrets of the other's magic. Along the way, both Borden and Angier uncover secrets that blur the lines between science and magic, and ultimately lead to a shocking conclusion.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Mélanie Laurent
Rated R

Inglourious Basterds is a 2009 war-adventure film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It stars Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Mélanie Laurent. Set in Nazi-occupied France in 1944, the film follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers, led by Aldo Raine (Pitt), on a mission to kill as many German soldiers as they can while they are behind enemy lines. They are opposed by a Nazi Colonel, Hans Landa (Waltz), who is known as “The Jew Hunter”. The Basterds team up with a young French girl, Shosanna Dreyfus (Laurent), in order to bring down the Nazi regime and take revenge on those responsible for the deaths of their families. Through a series of violent, daring and unexpected events, they are ultimately successful in their mission. Inglourious Basterds is a thrilling, action-packed movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking and stands as one of Tarantino’s most memorable films.

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

"There Will Be Blood" is a 2007 drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The film tells the story of a ruthless oil prospector, Daniel Plainview, whose ambition leads him to great wealth and power while alienating him from his family and community. On his journey to build an oil empire, Plainview is forced to confront his own demons and battle with a charismatic religious leader, Eli Sunday. The film is set in the early 1900s and examines the struggle between religion and greed for power, and the devastating consequences of such ambitions. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning two for Best Actor (Day-Lewis) and Best Cinematography.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

Pan's Labyrinth is a 2006 dark fantasy film by acclaimed Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. Set in Francoist Spain in 1944, the film follows a young girl named Ofelia who is sent with her pregnant mother to live with her stepfather Captain Vidal, a brutal captain in the Spanish army. Ofelia discovers a magical labyrinth and meets a mysterious faun who tells her she is a lost princess from an underground kingdom. He gives her three tasks to complete in order to reclaim her throne, which put her at odds with her stepfather and the dark forces that surround him. The movie is a mix of dark fantasy, horror, and drama, exploring themes of innocence, mortality, and identity.

From Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, starring Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Rated G

Finding Nemo is a 2003 animated adventure comedy film written and directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich. The story follows Marlin, a widowed clownfish, and his son Nemo, who is determined to explore the ocean against his father's wishes. When Nemo is taken by a diver, Marlin teams up with a compassionate fish named Dory to find his son. Along their journey, they meet an array of colorful characters who help them find their way, while Marlin grapples with his overprotective behavior and learns to let go. On their quest, they ultimately come face to face with the dangers of the ocean, and Marlin and Nemo must rely on each other to survive. The film is filled with heartwarming moments and uses humor to deliver a powerful message about family, friendship, and courage.

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

A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman. The film is based on the life of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. It stars Russell Crowe as Nash, along with Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, Adam Goldberg, Judd Hirsch, Josh Lucas, Anthony Rapp, and Christopher Plummer in supporting roles. The film follows the troubled life of John Nash, a mathematical genius who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia. After being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, Nash gradually recovers and realizes that his delusions were the result of his illness. With the help of his wife Alicia and his doctor, he eventually learns to control his delusions and continues his work in game theory. Nash is eventually awarded the Nobel Prize in economics and is honored for his contributions to mathematics and game theory. The film ends on a hopeful note, showing Nash's life after his recovery and the love and support of his wife, Alicia.

From Oliver Hirschbiegel, starring Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara, Ulrich Matthes, Juliane Köhler
Rated R

Downfall is a 2004 German-language historical drama directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and written by Bernd Eichinger. The film is based on several accounts of the final days of Adolf Hitler's rule over Nazi Germany. It follows the crumbling of the Nazi regime in Berlin during April and May of 1945 as the Red Army of the Soviet Union approaches the city. The film focuses on the last ten days of Hitler's life, from 21 April to 30 April 1945, as the Nazi regime crumbles around him. It examines the relationship between Hitler and his closest confidants, including his secretary Traudl Junge, his final wife Eva Braun, and his senior generals. The film also paints a picture of the psychological effects of the war on Hitler as he slowly begins to realize that the Nazi cause is doomed and hopeless. It ultimately culminates in his suicide in the Führerbunker beneath the Reich Chancellery on 30 April 1945.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley
Rated R

Shutter Island is a psychological thriller set in 1954, directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) as they investigate the disappearance of a patient from the Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane located on Shutter Island. As they delve deeper into the case, Teddy begins to suspect that the hospital may be hiding a sinister secret and the evidence they find leads them to the dark recesses of the human mind. As Teddy and Chuck’s investigation progresses, they become increasingly unsure of whom they can trust and it becomes clear that they are pawns in a larger, frightening game. In the end, Teddy must confront his own demons in order to uncover the truth.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, James Woods
Rated R

Casino is a 1995 American crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. Set in 1970s Las Vegas, the film follows the story of Sam "Ace" Rothstein (De Niro), a Jewish American gambling expert and mob associate, as he attempts to run the Tangiers Casino on behalf of the Chicago mob. His boss, mafia associate "Lefty" Rosenthal (Pesci), puts him in charge of the casino, and Rothstein soon finds himself in the middle of a power struggle between the mob and the authorities. He also finds himself struggling with his own demons, including his relationship with his wife Ginger (Stone). The film follows the twists and turns of how this all plays out, ultimately culminating in a violent, yet cathartic, climax.

From Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich, starring Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi
Rated G

Monsters, Inc. (2001) is a computer-animated comedy-adventure film from Pixar Animation Studios. Directed by Pete Docter, David Silverman, and Lee Unkrich, the film follows monsters Sulley and Mike who work for Monsters, Inc. - a scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. The pair discovers that children are not to be feared but rather embraced, and they work to protect a little girl named Boo who has accidentally entered their world. In their quest to return Boo home, Sulley and Mike must outwit their boss, the evil Randall and an even more villainous force that threatens the very existence of Monstropolis. With the help of their monster friends, they must fight to save the city and its citizens.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American comedy film directed by Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray as Phil Connors, an arrogant and selfish Pittsburgh TV weatherman. On the day of a major Groundhog Day event, Phil is sent to the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to report on the event. After a wild night out, he awakes the next morning to discover that it is Groundhog Day again, and he is doomed to relive the same day over and over. Phil must figure out a way out of the time loop, and in the process, he learns to appreciate the beauty of life and discovers the importance of being kind to others. The film is widely regarded as a classic of modern cinema and has been praised by critics for its inventive and clever script, sharp and witty dialogue, and Murray's comedic performance.

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech is a 2010 British historical drama directed by Tom Hooper, based on the true story of King George VI of England and his struggle to overcome his stammer. After the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, the Duke of York (Colin Firth) is reluctantly thrust into the position of King George VI. With the pressures of public speaking looming, George enlists the help of a speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Through a series of unorthodox techniques and a friendship forged between the two men, George is able to conquer his fears and give a rousing speech to the world on the brink of war. Along the way, the King learns to trust and rely on the support of his loving wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) and family.

From Brad Bird, starring Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee
Rated PG

The Incredibles is a 2004 animated superhero film written and directed by Brad Bird. It follows the adventures of a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their powers and live a quiet suburban life. When an evil villain hatches a plan to take over the world, the family must come together to save the day. Along the way, they must learn to balance their family life with their superhero identities. With its themes of family, self-sacrifice, and personal responsibility, The Incredibles has resonated with viewers of all ages. In the end, the family learns to work together and use their combined powers to defeat the villain and save the world.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama directed by Barry Levinson and written by Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive, selfish young wheeler-dealer, Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant whom Charlie never knew existed. After Charlie learns about Raymond, he kidnaps him from the mental institution in which he has been living and the two brothers embark on a cross-country trip of discovery and redemption, during which they develop a bond and Charlie learns to appreciate his brother's unique gifts. The film was a critical and commercial success and earned Hoffman an Academy Award for Best Actor, while Levinson was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director.

From Jon Favreau, starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges
Rated PG-13

Iron Man is a 2008 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film was directed by Jon Favreau, and stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man, alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, and Faran Tahir. It follows Stark, an industrialist and master engineer who builds a powered exoskeleton and becomes the technologically advanced superhero Iron Man. When Tony Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a weapon of mass destruction, he instead creates a powered exoskeleton that allows him to escape his captors and become the superhero "Iron Man". With the help of his assistant Pepper Potts and his friend Lt. Colonel James Rhodes, Stark battles threats from within his company and from enemies using his own technology. In the process, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: Does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

From Ang Lee, starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Rated PG

Life of Pi is a 2012 fantasy adventure film based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Yann Martel. The film tells the story of Piscine Molitor 'Pi' Patel, a young Indian boy from Pondicherry who survives a shipwreck and is stranded in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. On his journey, Pi must learn to trust the tiger and accept it as a companion, as well as face the challenge of surviving in the sea with a dwindling food supply and unpredictable weather. Through his struggle, Pi is able to gain a new understanding of life and faith. The film combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and drama as it follows Pi's spiritual journey from India to Canada. Directed by Academy Award-winner Ang Lee, Life of Pi received critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography.

From Michael Mann, starring Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora
Rated R

The Insider is an American drama-thriller directed by Michael Mann in 1999. It tells the story of Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), a former executive at the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, who decides to blow the whistle on the company for its unethical practices and for knowingly deceiving the public about the dangers of smoking. In doing so, Wigand puts his own life and the lives of his family in danger from threats from the tobacco industry and the FBI. The film follows Wigand as he struggles to reveal the truth to the media while attempting to protect his family, and how he finally decides to make the moral decision to stand up to the powerful tobacco industry. The Insider is a gripping exploration of morality, loyalty, and courage.

From John Hughes, starring Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Rated R

The Breakfast Club is a 1985 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film written, produced and directed by John Hughes. The film follows five high school students – a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess and a criminal – who all meet for detention on a Saturday morning. Over the course of the day, they learn more about each other and discover how they have more in common than they thought. In the end, they are able to move beyond their prejudices and stereotyping and make an unlikely connection that will last beyond their school days.

From Paul Haggis, starring Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Thandiwe Newton, Karina Arroyave
Rated R

Crash is an Academy Award-winning 2004 American drama film written, produced, and directed by Paul Haggis. The film is about a group of strangers in Los Angeles who are brought together by a random car accident. The film follows the events leading up to and after the accident, and explores the various prejudices and biases of the characters as they interact and struggle to understand one another. The ensemble cast includes Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe, Brendan Fraser, Larenz Tate, and Terrance Howard. The film examines racial, social, and economic tensions in Los Angeles, delving into the complexities of racial prejudice and highlighting the interconnectedness of all human beings. In the end, the characters in Crash learn to empathize with each other and overcome their differences. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick
Rated PG-13

Walk the Line is a biographical drama about legendary musician Johnny Cash, directed by James Mangold and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. It follows Cash's turbulent life, from his humble beginnings in rural Arkansas to his meteoric rise to become one of the most influential country music stars in history. Along the way, Cash struggles with poverty, substance abuse, and his own inner demons, while finding solace and inspiration from his deep love for June Carter (Witherspoon). The film culminates in one of the most celebrated performances of his career, the famous “Live at Folsom Prison” concert.

From Duncan Jones, starring Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, Rosie Shaw
Rated R

Moon is a science fiction drama film written and directed by Duncan Jones and starring Sam Rockwell. Set in 2035, the story follows Sam Bell, an isolated astronaut working a three-year stint on the far side of the Moon for the lunar-mining company Lunar Industries. As Sam nears the end of his mission, he begins to experience feelings of loneliness and depression, and makes a startling discovery that threatens to upset his fragile emotional state. With only a malfunctioning robot as his companion, Sam must come to terms with his situation and make a hard decision about his future.

From James Mangold, starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Ben Foster, Logan Lerman
Rated R

3:10 to Yuma is a 2007 American Western film directed by James Mangold and starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. The film follows a struggling rancher, Dan Evans (Bale), who agrees to take notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) to the town of Contention to catch the 3:10 train to Yuma, Arizona. With Wade in tow, Evans and his small band of men must battle the elements, Indians, and Wade's gang, who are all determined to free Wade before he can be put on the train. Along the way, Evans and Wade form an unlikely bond, with each man learning something about himself and each other. Ultimately, Evans must decide whether to keep his promise and put Wade on the train or give in to the temptation of a reward, while Wade must reconcile his own moral dilemmas as his gang closes in.