Gandhi is a powerful historical drama that explores the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. If you enjoyed this genre, you’ll likely appreciate these 12 movies that delve into history and biographical storytelling. Here are some compelling films like Gandhi that are worth watching.
1. Schindler’s List
Schindler’s List tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film stars Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes.
2. Lincoln
Lincoln focuses on the final months of President Abraham Lincoln’s life and his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment, which would abolish slavery in the United States. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones.
3. The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech is a biographical drama about King George VI and his struggle to overcome a stammer with the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue. Directed by Tom Hooper, it stars Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter.
4. A Beautiful Mind
A Beautiful Mind tells the story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia and eventually wins the Nobel Prize in Economics. Directed by Ron Howard, the film stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, and Ed Harris.
5. Hotel Rwanda
Hotel Rwanda is based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who sheltered over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide. Directed by Terry George, it stars Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, and Joaquin Phoenix.
6. Selma
Selma chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film stars David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, and Tom Wilkinson.
7. Malcolm X
Malcolm X is a biographical drama about the life of the African-American activist and leader of the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X. Directed by Spike Lee, it stars Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, and Albert Hall.
8. The Last Emperor
The Last Emperor tells the story of Puyi, the last Emperor of China, and his life from ascension to the throne to his eventual imprisonment and re-education. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, it stars John Lone, Joan Chen, and Peter O’Toole.
9. Invictus
Invictus focuses on Nelson Mandela’s efforts to unite South Africa using the national rugby team after the end of apartheid. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film stars Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.
10. The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game tells the story of Alan Turing, a mathematician who helped crack the Enigma code during World War II but was later prosecuted for his homosexuality. Directed by Morten Tyldum, it stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, and Matthew Goode.
11. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is based on the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, chronicling his life from childhood to becoming the first black president of South Africa. Directed by Justin Chadwick, it stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris.
12. The Pianist
The Pianist is a biographical war drama about Władysław Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust. Directed by Roman Polanski, it stars Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, and Frank Finlay.