10 Best Movies Like Netflix’s Maria

Netflix’s Maria is the latest subversive biopic from acclaimed filmmaker Pablo Larraín, exploring the tumultuous life of opera singer Maria Callas. The film centers around the celebrity’s final days before her death, exploring the impact of her work on both the world around her and her own psyche. It’s a dark, twisted tale of fame, ambition, and corruption that certainly doesn’t stick to the formula when it comes to historical biopics. The film is notably one of Angelina Jolie’s best projects yet, as she delivers a groundbreaking performance in the lead role.

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Larrain has a very unique style of filmmaking that’s totally unlike anything else that came before it, but there are certainly traces of influence and inspiration that can be found in Maria. The film’s dark, socially relevant exploration of womanhood and success is something that’s often explored in these kinds of films, telling the stories of historical figures whose lives remain painfully topical today. There are plenty of other great historical biopics that do this well, and some that Larrain was almost certainly inspired by.

10 Frida (2002)

Directed By Julie Taymor

Frida - Poster

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Frida RBiographyDramaRomance

Frida is a biographical drama directed by Julie Taymor, focusing on the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, portrayed by Salma Hayek. The film chronicles her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, played by Alfred Molina, and delves into her enduring struggles with chronic pain and disability. The narrative captures Kahlo’s unique artistic vision and the resilience that defined her life and work.

Release Date November 22, 2002 Runtime 123 minutes Main Genre Biography Cast Salma Hayek Pinault , Alfred Molina , Antonio Banderas , Valeria Golino , Diego Luna , Mia Maestro Director Julie Taymor Writers Hayden Herrera , Clancy Sigal , Diane Lake , Gregory Nava , Anna Thomas Expand

Frida is a powerful drama that centers around the life and works of Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist who became famous for her introspective self-portraits and landscape paintings. In Taymor’s film, she’s portrayed by Salma Hayek in a rich, reflective performance that dives deep into the artist’s personal struggles and romantic turmoil with her unstable husband.

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imagery-from-Maria- Related Maria 2024 Cast & Real-Life Character Comparison Guide

Netflix’s biopic Maria features a strong cast led by Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie, who portrays the final days of opera singer Maria Callas.

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The most powerful aspect of Frida is its examination of the relationship between suffering and creativity, which is also something that’s navigated in Maria. The two women are more similar than most would expect, and both Hayek and Jolie give strong performances that reflect these sides of their characters.

9 Maestro (2023)

Directed By Bradley Cooper

Maestro Movie Poster

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Maestro RBiographyDramaMusic

Maestro is a biographical drama about the famous composer Leonard Bernstein. Bradley Cooper stars as Leonard Bernstein and also wrote and directed the film. The movie chronicles Bernstein’s life from 1946, when he met Felicia Montealegre, through his two engagements and three children. Maya Hawke, Carey Mulligan, Sarah Silverman, and Matt Bomer star alongside Cooper.

Release Date December 20, 2023 Runtime 129 Minutes Cast Bradley Cooper , Carey Mulligan , Maya Hawke , Sarah Silverman , Matt Bomer Director Bradley Cooper Writers Bradley Cooper , Josh Singer Studio(s) Amblin Entertainment Distributor(s) Netflix Expand

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Maestro is a historical biopic that explores the works of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, whose extramarital affairs and unwavering ambition caused him to tear his own family apart in the pursuit of success. The film is directed by Bradley Cooper, who also stars in the lead role, and brings Bernstein’s complex personality to life in a way that both creates a vivid portrait of the figure and uses his artistry to construct a powerful message about ambition and success.

Maestro navigates the true story of Leonard Bernstein with a touching loyalty to his craft, educating audiences on his works and experiences while giving the film a more cerebral dimension that can’t simply be found on his Wikipedia page. Much like Maria, the film uses his personal life to comment on much larger issues about artistry as a whole, the entirety of which Bernstein is only a small microcosm.

8 Marie Antoinette (2006)

Directed By Sofia Coppola

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Marie Antoinette PG-13DramaHistory

Marie Antoinette, directed by Sofia Coppola and released in 2006, explores the early life and reign of France’s iconic queen. The film portrays her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI and follows her journey from a young bride to the queen of France, culminating in the fall of Versailles.

Release Date May 24, 2006 Runtime 123 minutes Cast Jason Schwartzman , Kirsten Dunst , Steve Coogan , Judy Davis , Rip Torn , Asia Argento , Molly Shannon , Shirley Henderson , Rose Byrne , Mary Nighy , Danny Huston , Marianne Faithfull , Jamie Dornan , Tom Hardy , Al Weaver , Sebastian Armesto , Aurore Clément , Guillaume Gallienne , Jean-Christophe Bouvet , James Lance , André Oumansky , Io Bottoms , Céline Sallette , Clémentine Poidatz , Sarah Adler Writers Sofia Coppola Expand

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Pablo Larraín’s works have often been compared to Sofia Coppola’s catalog, and Marie Antoinette is one of the finest examples. The film details the life of the iconic French royal, using this complex history to present audiences with a detailed commentary on how power and influence can be just as destructive as they are appealing.

Like
Maria
, Coppola’s film is a close examination of one particular woman in history, whose narrative was exemplary of many social issues and complexities that are still very relevant today.

Like Maria, Coppola’s film is a close examination of one particular woman in history, whose narrative was exemplary of many social issues and complexities that are still very relevant today. It’s much more than a regular biopic, but rather a drama that simply uses its protagonist as a touchstone for something much more universal and important. It’s one of Sofia Coppola’s best films, and Kirsten Dunst’s lead performance is still revered today.

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7 On The Basis Of Sex (2018)

Directed By Mimi Leder

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On the Basis of Sex PG-13BiographyDrama

On the Basis of Sex follows the early career of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she faced gender discrimination while embarking on a legal battle that changed the landscape of women’s rights. Starring Felicity Jones and directed by Mimi Leder, the film captures Ginsburg’s journey to overturn a century of gender inequality with her husband, Martin Ginsburg, portrayed by Armie Hammer, standing by her side.

Release Date December 25, 2018 Runtime 120 minutes Main Genre Drama Cast Felicity Jones , Armie Hammer , Justin Theroux , Sam Waterston , Kathy Bates , Cailee Spaeny , Callum Shoniker , Jack Reynor , Stephen Root , Ronald Guttman , Chris Mulkey , Gary Werntz , Francis X. McCarthy , Ben Carlson , Amanda MacDonald , Karl Graboshas , Angela Galuppo , Joe Cobden , Dawn Ford , Michael Dickson , Holly Gauthier-Frankel , Jeff Lillico , Arthur Holden , Gabrielle Graham , Wendy Crewson , John Ralston Director Mimi Leder Writers Daniel Stiepleman Expand

At its core, Maria is a feminist tale of womanhood that explores the idea in the context of its relationship with success and power. On The Basis of Sex does a very similar thing, detailing the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she pushes against the patriarchal strongholds of the American judiciary system to combat its gender discrimination.

What’s so great about On The Basis Of Sex is that despite being a fairly simple and traditional biopic, it has a very strong message at its heart about the power of perseverance and self-belief. It’s not just a call-to-arms for gender equality (although it certainly is), but also something much more universal that speaks to everybody. The film also benefits from some exceptional cinematography and a fierce lead performance from Felicity Jones.

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6 Jackie (2016)

Directed By Pablo Larraín

jackie

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Jackie RDramaBiography

Starring Natalie Portman as the iconic political figure Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy, Jackie is a 2016 biographical drama directed by Pablo Larraín. Written by Noah Oppenheim, the plot follows an interviewer as they speak with Mrs. Kennedy after the assassination of her husband.

Release Date December 2, 2016 Runtime 100minutes Cast Max Casella , Billy Crudup , Corey Johnson , Richard E. Grant , Peter Sarsgaard , Beth Grant , John Hurt , Greta Gerwig , Caspar Phillipson , Sunnie Pelant , Natalie Portman , John Carroll Lynch , Georgie Glen Director Pablo Larrain Writers Noah Oppenheim Studio(s) Searchlight Pictures Distributor(s) Searchlight Pictures Expand

While all three movies are essentially unconnected, Pablo Larraín’s Maria is actually the final movie in an unofficial trilogy from the filmmaker – each exploring the revolutionary lives of an important woman in history. The first was Jackie, which retold the story of Jackie Kennedy in the aftermath of her husband’s famous murder. It’s a fierce narrative that explores the effects of grief, loss, and motherhood.

Natalie Portman received an Oscar nomination for her lead role in
Jackie

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There are countless biopics about influential women, but Jackie thrives because of its overwhelming sensitivity and empathy towards the figure, and its ability to connect her unique situation to a more universal experience of grief. The film stars Natalie Portman in the lead role, who delivers one of her strongest and most sympathetic performances to date. Jackie was Larraín’s most human and touching film at the time of release, but the director has only gotten more talented since then.

5 Mary Queen Of Scots (2018)

Directed By Josie Rourke

mary queen of scots poster

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Mary Queen of Scots RDramaHistoryBiopic

Mary Queen of Scots is tells the story of the rivalry between Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I as they fight for control of the English throne. Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie star in this 2018 historical drama film, directed by Josie Rourke.

Release Date December 7, 2018 Runtime 124minutes Cast Margot Robbie , Jack Lowden , Guy Pearce , David Tennant , Joe Alwyn , Martin Compston , Saoirse Ronan , Brendan Coyle , Gemma Chan Director Josie Rourke Writers Beau Willimon Studio(s) Universal Pictures , Focus Features Distributor(s) Focus Features , Universal Pictures Expand

Mary Queen of Scots is another historical biopic that recounts the life and trials of the titular Scottish monarch, who’s often remembered as one of the most influential royals in British history. The film frames her narrative from the perspective of her relationship with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England, detailing their feud and using their history as proof that there are two sides to every story.

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Angelina Jolie wearing a hat and glasses as Maria Callas in Maria Related Maria Trailer: Angelina Jolie Captures Legendary Singer’s Final Days In Her First Movie In 3 Years

The first trailer has been released for Maria, an upcoming biopic starring Angelina Jolie that marks her first movie appearance in three years.

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Rourke’s film boasts two powerful lead performances from Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie as Mary and Elizabeth, respectively, which help give these historical figures much more nuance and detail than most would associate with them. It’s a very intricate and subjective story that deserves all the credit it receives, both for its historical accuracy and powerful message.

4 House Of Gucci (2021)

Directed By Ridley Scott

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5/10 House of Gucci RThrillerDramaCrime

Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci is a 2021 drama based on Sara Gay Forden’s biographical book “The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour”, and inspired by the real-life family behind the famous fashion brand Gucci. With a star-studded cast that includes Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, Jack Huston, and Salma Hayek, the movie focuses on Patrizia Reggiani’s determination to take over her husband’s dynasty and the events that motivated her to kill him.

Release Date November 24, 2021 Runtime 2h 37m Cast Jeremy Irons , Reeve Carney , Miloud Mourad Benamara , Adam Driver , Lady Gaga , Mehdi Nebbou , Salma Hayek Pinault , Jack Huston , Al Pacino , Camille Cottin , Mădălina Diana Ghenea , Jared Leto Director Ridley Scott Writers Becky Johnston , Roberto Bentivegna Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Expand

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House of Gucci is a much more stylized and lighthearted film than Maria, but the two projects actually have more in common than meets the eye. Scott’s movie details the turbulent rise of the Gucci family from the perspective of outsider Patrizia Reggiani, whose involvement in their inner politics leads to an avalanche of betrayal, lies, and murder. The story is very fast-paced and entertaining, in contrast to Larrain’s more meditative Maria, but they’re ultimately both films about women claiming their autonomy in the pursuit of success.

House of Gucci’s true story is much more complex than the movie depicts, but it’s still a rollercoaster of a narrative that doesn’t let up the entertainment for a single second. It’s one of Ridley Scott’s funniest, most self-aware projects in recent years, and despite the mixed reviews that it received upon reception, it knows exactly how to suck the audience in with the promise of a humorous, riotous story and leave them with something much more nuanced.

3 Atonement (2007)

Directed By Joe Wright

atonement poster

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Atonement tv-maWarRomance

Atonement is a romance and war drama released in 2007 by director Joe Wright. The film stars Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, and Romola Garai. The film takes place in 1930s England, spanning multiple years afterward as a man is wrongfully incarcerated and then must face a war, all while wanting to get back to the girl he loves.

Release Date September 7, 2007 Runtime 123 Minutes Cast James McAvoy , Keira Knightley , Saoirse Ronan , Romola Garai , Vanessa Redgrave , Brenda Blethyn , Juno Temple , Benedict Cumberbatch Director Joe Wright Writers Ian McEwan , Christopher Hampton Studio(s) StudioCanal Distributor(s) Universal Pictures , Focus Features , StudioCanal Expand
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While Joe Wright’s Atonement is a fictional story that isn’t based on true events like Maria, the two films have a very similar aesthetic that helps create an atmosphere of warmth and romance with much darker themes hiding beneath. The film centers around two lovers during the Second World War, played by Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, whose lives are turned upside-down when the former’s sister tells a devastating lie about their relationship.

Both
Maria
and
Atonement
feature some of the most immersive period-piece storytelling in recent memory, with authentic recreations of their respective eras that are incredibly authentic and gripping.

Both Maria and Atonement feature some of the most immersive period-piece storytelling in recent memory, with authentic recreations of their respective eras that are incredibly authentic and gripping. They’re both filled with fierce performances that help bring the intricate screenplays to life, and the stories are incredibly gripping thanks to their delicate writing and subversive themes.

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2 The Beguiled (2017)

Directed By Sofia Coppola

The Beguiled (2017) - Poster - Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst & Elie Fanning Wearing white dresses

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The Beguiled RDramaThriller

The Beguiled (2017) is a Southern Gothic drama directed by Sofia Coppola. Set during the American Civil War, the narrative unfolds in a Virginia girls’ school where the arrival of a wounded Union soldier disrupts the equilibrium of the female inhabitants. The film stars Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Colin Farrell, intertwining themes of desire, jealousy, and betrayal in a confined setting.

Release Date June 23, 2017 Runtime 93 minutes Main Genre Drama Cast Colin Farrell , Nicole Kidman , Kirsten Dunst , Elle Fanning , Oona Laurence , Angourie Rice Director Sofia Coppola Writers Sofia Coppola (screenplay) , Thomas P. Cullinan (novel) Studio(s) American Zoetrope , FR Productions Distributor(s) Focus Features Expand

The Beguiled is perhaps the firmest example of Larraín’s filmography being thematically tied to Sofia Coppola’s, as it shares many similarities to Maria in its presentation of womanhood and social expectations. The film centers around an all-female boarding school that’s visited by a Civil War soldier, whose arrival sparks a wave of jealousy among the young girls.

Coppola’s movie is a powerful statement on the perceived differences between men and women, and how these social boundaries can forge much more dangerous, ideological barriers between us. The Beguiled is also one of Sofia Coppola’s best-directed movies, with vivid colors and vibrant imagery that help make its themes even deeper and more profound.

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1 Spencer (2021)

Directed By Pablo Larraín

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Spencer rHistoryDrama

Spencer is a historical drama set in December 1991 and follows Princess Diana over the course of one weekend during Christmas. The film follows the deteriorating marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales, with Diana pondering dissolving the union between the two despite her image expectations and royal duties. 

Release Date November 5, 2021 Runtime 111 minutes Cast Timothy Spall , Sally Hawkins , Kristen Stewart , Sean Harris , Jack Farthing Director Pablo Larrain Writers Steven Knight Studio(s) FilmNation Entertainment Distributor(s) FilmNation Entertainment Expand

The second film in Larraín’s unofficial trilogy of influential women is Spencer, and it’s the filmmaker’s strongest work to date. The film details Princess Diana’s arrival at the royal residence for Christmas, exploring her innate sense of non-belonging in such a cold, disloyal environment. It’s a very personal, intimate portrait of the pressures of living in the public eye and the self-destructive tendencies that such scrutiny can cause.

Spencer is an incredibly powerful and narratively dense film, but much of its excellence lies in its technical prowess. Claire Mathon’s gorgeous cinematography does an excellent job of contrasting Diana’s cold, suffocating experience with warm, tactile colors to create a disarming sense of familiarity in the viewer – and Kristen Stewart’s lead performance is a fiercely relatable display of Diana’s inward suffering. Despite its mixed audience score of 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, Spencer was a critical hit that shares many themes with Maria and presents them just as viscerally and effectively.

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Maria RDramaMusic Release Date February 12, 2025 Runtime 123 minutes Cast Angelina Jolie , Pierfrancesco Favino , Alba Rohrwacher , Haluk Bilginer , Kodi Smit-McPhee , Valeria Golino , Alessandro Bressanello , Stephen Ashfield , Vincent Macaigne , Lydia Korniordou , Rebecka Johnston , Philipp Droste , Zora Gerda Fejes , Kay Madsen , Toma Hrisztov Director Pablo Larraín Writers Steven Knight Expand

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