David Fincher's The Social Network is arguably one of the best biopics of the recent years - and one that won't be forgotten quickly (like many other movies from the genre). With Aaron Sorkin's clever writing and brilliant performances from the cast, it seems that this movie will remain a classic well into the future.
Fortunately for fans of The Social Network, there are some other interesting modern biographic movies, with casts just as impressive and crews just as talented. Many of these movies also have a similar tone and pacing, thanks to their writing being just as witty and on-point.
Some of them feature protagonists working in science, technology, or business, while others have heroes using brains over brawn. But, in both of these cases, the movies call back to what made The Social Network so great.
Steve Jobs (2015) - Available On Netflix
Also written by Aaron Sorkin (which makes it so similar to The Social Network both in theme and in dialogue), Danny Boyle's Steve Jobs has been criticized for some historical inaccuracies, but, nevertheless, received praise for its incredibly realistic performances (particularly those from Michael Fassbender and Kate Winslet), and an intricate screenplay.
Fassbender portrays the co-founder of Apple Steve Jobs throughout a period of 14 years, starting in 1984 when the company unveiled three new products and ending with the launch of the iMac in 1998.
The Founder (2016) - Available On Netflix
A lesser-known but still very interesting biopic, The Founder depicts the rise of an influential businessman and the creation of one of the most prominent brands in America (and in the entire world).
Similar to what was seen with the creation of Facebook, the story follows Ray Kroc, a salesman who buys out the McDonald brothers' shares and transforms their business into the biggest fast-food chain in the world. The film also stars Michael Keaton, Linda Cardellini, and Nick Offerman.
Molly's Game (2017) - Available To Buy From Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, DirecTV, YouTube, And Vudu
Both written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, Molly's Game has his distinctive writing flair while also having the feminine touch brought by Jessica Chastain's outstanding performance. Besides, it also depicts its protagonist building a business from scratch (albeit one that eventually turned unethical and illegal).
Based on her memoir, Chastain portrays the titular Molly Bloom, who was investigated by the FBI for running an underground poker empire that catered to showbiz stars, athletes, businessmen, and even the Russian mafia. For this screenplay, Sorkin ended up receiving an Academy Award nomination for 'Best Adapted Screenplay.'
Moneyball (2011) - Available On AMC+, DirecTV, And FuboTV
Starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, Moneyball was also co-written by The Social Network's Aaron Sorkin, who created yet another masterpiece of a screenplay along with Steve Zaillian. Indeed, despite the fact that many things in the movie won't be understandable to regular viewers, this biopic is still very interesting to watch.
Based on the non-fiction book of the same name, it depicts the 2002 season of the Oakland Athletics baseball team that was, at the time, managed by Billy Beane. Beane is seen to accrue notorious fame after he and his team applied statistical analysis to the game, innovating the way players were chosen in the sport.
The Big Short (2015) - Available On Pluto TV And Hoopla
Adapted from the book of the same name, The Big Short follows a group of investors who, before the financial crisis of 2007-2008, find out just how corrupt the US mortgage market actually is and how many flaws it has (which ultimately led to the crisis).
Although there aren't many similarities between this movie and The Social Network in terms of plot, many do feel that Sorkin and Adam McKay's writing styles are alike. They both produced a sort of dramatic comedy that was able to maintain the viewers' attention with the engaging dialogue and storylines.
The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006) - Available On Netflix
The Pursuit of Happyness is not only known for the unusual spelling of its title (which refers to a mural the protagonist sees on a wall near his son's daycare), but also for its heartwarming story.
Based on the memoir of the same name, it follows the salesman Chris Gardner, who spent an entire year having excessive financial problems while also trying to take care of his son. Although not explored in depth in the movie, it is revealed that Gardner went on to found his own brokerage firm. The film earned Will Smith's one of the only two Academy Award nominations in his career.
Catch Me If You Can (2002) - Available On Peacock And The Roku Channel
With Leonardo DiCaprio as the young charismatic lead, Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can was an instant critical and commercial success. Though many things were changed from the real story, the biopic still examined the themes that are so special to Spielberg himself - broken families and unhappy childhoods.
The story follows the teenage Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio), who manages to pull off multiple multi-million-dollar cons - all before he turns nineteen. Much like Zuckerberg, Abagnale could be considered a young genius in his own way.
The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013) - Available On Pluto TV And The Roku Channel
Perhaps Martin Scorsese's most outrageous work of the recent years, The Wolf of Wall Street doesn't shy away from its black comedy elements. Mixing in reality and cinematic fiction, this movie loosely based on the biography of Jordan Belfort's life.
The movie depicts Jordan Belfort's rise and fall as he becomes a stockbroker in New York City, and then opens his own firm called Stratton Oakmont. Eventually, the company is investigated for corruption and fraud, which led to Belfort's incarceration. The movie went on to attain five Academy Award nominations.