Movies about Mathematics: Best Films
This watch list consists of six feature films that showcase mathematics at its most dramatic and inspiring. Good Will Hunting follows a janitor with extraordinary mathematical talent discovering his potential, while Pi offers a psychological thriller about a number theorist's obsessive search for patterns in nature. A Beautiful Mind won the Academy Award for Best Picture with its portrayal of John Nash's groundbreaking work in game theory.
The Imitation Game tells the story of Alan Turing's crucial code-breaking work during World War II. The Theory of Everything chronicles Stephen Hawking's groundbreaking theoretical physics and cosmology alongside his personal struggles. And Hidden Figures celebrates the African-American women mathematicians whose calculations were essential to NASA's early space program.
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Good Will Hunting
A brilliant but troubled young janitor at MIT discovers his extraordinary mathematical abilities and must work with a therapist to overcome his past and unlock his potential.
Pi
A brilliant but obsessive mathematician becomes convinced he has discovered a mathematical pattern that can unlock the secrets of the universe and predict the future.
A Beautiful Mind
A brilliant but socially awkward mathematician makes groundbreaking discoveries early in his career, but his life takes a dramatic turn as he struggles with mental illness while pursuing his academic work.
The Imitation Game
Based on the true story of mathematician Alan Turing, this film follows his work leading a team of codebreakers at Bletchley Park during World War II as they race against time to crack the seemingly impossible German Enigma code.
The Theory of Everything
The extraordinary story of renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and his relationship with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde, chronicling his groundbreaking scientific work alongside his personal struggles with ALS.
Hidden Figures
The inspiring true story of three brilliant African-American women mathematicians at NASA who played crucial roles in the early space program during the 1960s. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson made groundbreaking contributions that helped launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Other Film Series
Chess
Films exploring the strategic depth and human drama of chess, from inspiring true stories to philosophical masterpieces.
Cults
Films exploring the manipulation, devotion, and darkness of religious and psychological cults.
David Lynch
Visionary surrealist filmmaker known for his exploration of dream logic, suburban darkness, and the mysteries lurking beneath everyday American life.
Hercule Poirot
Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective has been adapted across multiple eras, from early talkies to modern star-studded ensembles.
Philip Marlowe
Film adaptations spanning eight decades featuring Raymond Chandler's iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, with different actors and interpretations across multiple eras.
The Accountant
Action thrillers following Christian Wolff, an autistic math savant and freelance accountant who uses his unique skills for dangerous criminal organizations.