Cover ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (photo: Paramount Pictures via IMDB)
‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (photo: Paramount Pictures via IMDB)
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Lavish biopics remain a constant theme in Hollywood. They offer a voyeuristic, enthralling glimpse into the glittering yet perilous world of the royal and the rich
Money, scandal and ambition—few things captivate audiences like the lives of the world's most powerful and privileged. From moguls to monarchs, the entertainment industry has long been fascinated by stories of the world’s wealthiest figures.
These films go beyond mere extravagance, delving into the pivotal moments that shaped tycoons and royals alike. Whether chronicling the rise of a corporate empire, the inner workings of a royal household or the high-stakes drama of financial chess moves, these eight biopics offer a compelling look into lives defined by the price of power.
1. ‘The Aviator’ (2004)
In a nutshell: Howard Hughes and the Golden Age of aviation
Howard Hughes was an aviation pioneer, a Hollywood bigwig and one of the most enigmatic billionaires of the 20th century. The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese, follows Hughes’ (Leonardo DiCaprio) meteoric rise as he pushes the boundaries of aircraft innovation while simultaneously conquering Hollywood. The story covers the 1920s through the 1940s and includes his relationships with stars like Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale). Scorsese captures the eccentric tycoon’s enterprising vision for commercial aviation and his increasing struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
2. ‘House of Gucci’ (2021)
In a nutshell: the power struggles of a fashion dynasty
A gripping look at one of the most famous fashion families in history, House of Gucci charts the story of Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) and her marriage to Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), heir to the Gucci empire. The film explores their romance, the internal conflicts that threatened the brand’s legacy and the shocking events that led to Maurizio’s assassination. The all-star cast includes Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Jeremy Irons. While the reception was mixed, House of Gucci successfully—and fashionably—depicts the struggles of a family and business reliant on image.
3. ‘Spencer’ (2021)
In a nutshell: a royal weekend with Princess Diana
Set during Christmas at Sandringham in the early 1990s, Spencer presents a reimagined glimpse into a defining moment in Princess Diana’s life. In this take, Diana (Kristen Stewart) finds herself at a crossroads as she navigates the traditions, expectations and quiet tensions of the British royal family. Director Pablo Larraín doesn’t follow the typical biopic structure, focusing instead on an intimate and atmospheric portrait of Diana’s emotional state during what is suggested to be the beginning of the end of her marriage to Prince Charles.
Don't miss: In Conversation With: ‘Spencer’ costume designer Jacqueline Durran
4. ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)
In a nutshell: the wicked and wild ways of the conscience-free world of high finance
Wall Street in the 1980s and 90s was a playground for high-stakes trading, and Jordan Belfort was at its centre. The Wolf of Wall Street follows Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) from his early days as an ambitious stockbroker to the peak of his wealth. It’s a never-ending buffet of lavish parties, extravagant yachts and extreme excess. Once again directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is a fast-paced, high-energy ride through stock market manipulation and corporate extravagance. The powerhouse ensemble also features Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie (in her breakout role), Matthew McConaughey and Rob Reiner.
Also read: Killer content: behind our obsession with true crime
5. ‘The Social Network’ (2010)
In a nutshell: the creation of Facebook
The birth of Facebook was as dramatic as any tech revolution, and The Social Network captures the tensions behind its creation. It revolves around Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), a Harvard student whose social media experiment transforms into a billion-dollar enterprise. Directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin, the film is non-linear, taking the viewers between the present—Zuckerberg’s legal battles with former friend and co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) as well as the “Winklevii” twins, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss (both played by Armie Hammer)—and what supposedly happened. This intriguing style blurs the boundaries of truth and morals.
Also read: From hoodies to tailored suits: how the wardrobes of tech billionaires have grown with their wealth
6. ‘The Founder’ (2016)
In a nutshell: the Expansion of McDonald’s
McDonald’s started as a small roadside burger stand before becoming the world’s most recognisable fast-food empire. The Founder details the story of Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a struggling salesman who discovers the McDonald brothers’ revolutionary fast-service system and takes it to the next level. He then launches into a relentless pursuit of expansion. The film highlights his strategic business moves that helped McDonald's go global, plus the behind-the-scenes negotiations that led to his takeover of the company.
7. ‘Billionaire Boys Club’ (2018)
In a nutshell: the pursuit of wealth at any cost
Set in 1980s Los Angeles, Billionaire Boys Club recounts the rise and fall of a group of young, ambitious investors led by Joe Hunt (Ansel Elgort). Promising high returns through exclusive investment opportunities, the club attracts the city's elite before unravelling into deception, financial fraud and a shocking murder case. Also starring Taron Egerton, Kevin Spacey and Emma Roberts, the film explores the lengths some will go to maintain the illusion of wealth and power.
8. ‘Marie Antoinette’ (2006)
In a nutshell: a queen in a world of decadence and decline
Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette is less of a historical drama and more of a pop-art fever dream featuring the doomed French queen (Kirsten Dunst). Coppola masterfully juxtaposes the weight of history with a modern, rebellious spirit. The film’s anachronistic soundtrack, candy-coloured visuals, and almost sympathetic portrayal of Marie Antoinette redefine the queen not as a villain but as a girl lost in a world of impossible expectations.
See more: Film director Sofia Coppola talks femininity and Cartier Panthere
