Best 25 Biography Movies Fan Favorites from 1989

In the midst of the Hundred Years War, the young King Henry V of England embarks on the conquest of France in 1415. Info on Henry V / IMDB / YouTube

The dedicated but tyrannical Joe Clark is appointed the principal of a decaying inner-city school he is determined to improve by any and all means. Check out Lean on Me / IMDB / YouTube

The life and career of wildly controversial rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis. Look into Great Balls of Fire! / IMDB / YouTube

This film reenacts the Manhattan Project, the secret WWII project, and the first atomic bombs designed, built, and tested in Los Alamos. Details on Fat Man and Little Boy / IMDB / YouTube

On December 26, 1985, Whitley Strieber has a strange nightmare. In the following days, plagued by painful headaches, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Later, under hypnosis, he realizes that his dream was not a dream at all. Get info on Communion / IMDB / YouTube

Camille Claude impresses already-famous sculptor Auguste Rodin. He hires her as an assistant, but soon Camille begins to sculpt for herself and she also becomes his mistress. But after a while, she would like to get out of his shadow. Details on Camille Claudel / IMDB / YouTube

A middle-aged Louisiana governor falls in love with a young stripper, which jeopardizes his political career and the radical policies which have made him a controversial figure. More about Blaze / IMDB / YouTube

In Greece during World War II, a young Jewish boxer, his girlfriend, and their families are sent to Auschwitz. When the camp guards learn of his boxing abilities, they force him to participate in weekly boxing matches. Info on Triumph of the Spirit / IMDB / YouTube

The life and work of Archbishop Oscar Romero who opposed, at great personal risk, the tyrannical repression in El Salvador. Read about Romero / IMDB / YouTube

Documentary on the life of jazz trumpeter and drug addict Chet Baker. Fascinating series of interviews with friends, family, associates and lovers, interspersed with film from Baker's earlier life and some modern-day performances. Info on Let's Get Lost / IMDB / YouTube

A Hollywood filmmaker (Mike Jittlov) makes a short for an evil film studio. Unbeknownest to him, the producer has placed a bet of $25,000 that he won't come up with anything with a use. Luckily, our film creator gets the help of his friends. Details on The Wizard of Speed and Time / IMDB / YouTube

Domestic violence victim Tracey Thurman winds up in an ongoing struggle to convince the police to take her seriously as her husband Buck's physical and emotional abuse escalates. Info on A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story / IMDB / YouTube

The life of St. Francis of Assisi from rich man's son to religious humanitarian. Explore Francesco / IMDB / YouTube

Story of the meteoric rise and sudden fall of Karen Carpenter, who became a famous singer before battling anorexia and bulimia. Look into The Karen Carpenter Story / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Sphere Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius. Read about Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser / IMDB / YouTube

Based on a true story dating back to 1985 when two Polish boys, a teenager and his little brother, escaped from communist Poland all the way to Sweden, hidden under a truck. In the movie, their destination has been changed to Denmark. Learn about 300 Miles to Heaven / IMDB / YouTube

The story of Ryan White, a 13-year-old haemophiliac who contracted AIDS from factor VIII, which was used to control this disorder. Explore The Ryan White Story / IMDB / YouTube

World War II through the eyes of a Stockholm waitress. Info on 1939 / IMDB / YouTube

The ghost of John Belushi looks back on his troubled life and career, while journalist Bob Woodward researches Belushi's life as he prepares to write a book about the late comic actor. Find out about Wired / IMDB / YouTube

In 1816, authors Lord Byron, Mary Shelley and Percy Shelley get together for some philosophical discussions, but the situation soon deteriorates into mind games, drugs and sex. Check out Haunted Summer / IMDB / YouTube

Wrestling documentary about comedian Andy Kaufman's break into professional wrestling. Mainly focuses on his feud with Memphis wrestling legend, Jerry The King Lawler, and features interviews from his Taxi co-stars, announcer Lance Russell, and Robin Williams. Explore I'm from Hollywood / IMDB / YouTube

Chronicle of Nixon's last months in the White House. A paranoid power-abuser, all too human - a confused, narcissistic individual who cannot fully comprehend how, in less than one year, he lost everything he has worked for in a lifetime. See more about The Final Days / IMDB / YouTube

Fictionalized account based on the actions of serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Read about Cold Light of Day / IMDB / YouTube

A biographical portrayal of Simon Wiesenthal, famous Nazi Hunter. From his imprisonment in a Nazi Concentration Camp, the film follows his liberation and his rise to become one of the leading Nazi hunters in the world, bringing such criminals to justice as Adolf Eichmann and Klaus Barbie. Explore Murderers Among Us: The Simon Wiesenthal Story / IMDB / YouTube

Story of the rise and fall of 1920s' Ku Klux Klan leader D.C. Stephenson. Check out Cross Fire / IMDB / YouTube