The world of factories is often hidden behind the scenes, but these films bring to light the stories of innovation, struggle, and triumph. This curated list of biopics about factories not only entertains but also educates, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the industrial landscape. Whether you're a history buff, a film enthusiast, or just curious about the inner workings of factories, these films provide a rich tapestry of human endeavour and industrial evolution.
Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)
Description: This film chronicles the life of Preston Tucker, an entrepreneur who attempted to revolutionize the automobile industry with his innovative car design, showcasing the challenges of factory production and innovation.
Fact: Jeff Bridges, who plays Tucker, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.
Watch Now
The Aviator (2004)
Description: While focusing on Howard Hughes' life, the film includes his significant contributions to the aviation industry, which involved factory production and innovation.
Fact: The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning 5, including Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett.
Watch Now
The Social Network (2010)
Description: While not about a traditional factory, this film explores the creation of Facebook, which can be seen as a digital factory of social connections.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
Watch Now
The Big Short (2015)
Description: While not directly about factories, this film explores the financial crisis, which had a profound impact on manufacturing and factory jobs, showing the ripple effects of economic decisions.
Fact: The film uses unconventional narrative techniques, including breaking the fourth wall, to explain complex financial concepts.
Watch Now
The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: This film focuses on Alan Turing and his work at Bletchley Park, which can be likened to a factory of code-breaking, showcasing the industrial effort to win WWII.
Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Turing.
Watch Now
Jobs (2013)
Description: This biopic focuses on Steve Jobs, whose vision for Apple involved not just innovation but also the transformation of manufacturing and production processes.
Fact: Ashton Kutcher underwent a physical transformation to portray Jobs, including losing weight and adopting Jobs' mannerisms.
Watch Now
The Theory of Everything (2014)
Description: While primarily a biopic of Stephen Hawking, the film touches on his work with the Cambridge University's Cavendish Laboratory, which could be seen as a kind of intellectual factory.
Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking.
Watch Now
The Founder (2016)
Description: This film delves into the story of Ray Kroc, who turned McDonald's from a small burger stand into a global empire. It's a tale of ambition, innovation, and the darker side of business ethics, making it a perfect fit for our factory biopic theme.
Fact: Michael Keaton, who plays Kroc, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance. The film was shot in various locations, including the original McDonald's in San Bernardino, California.
Watch Now
The Men Who Built America (2012)
Description: Although not strictly about factories, this miniseries covers the lives of industrial giants like Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford, whose innovations in steel and automotive manufacturing changed the factory landscape forever.
Fact: The series was produced by the History Channel and features dramatic reenactments alongside expert commentary.
Watch Now
Flash of Genius (2008)
Description: This film tells the story of Robert Kearns, who invented the intermittent windshield wiper and took on the automotive industry to protect his patent. It's a story of perseverance and the fight against corporate giants.
Fact: Greg Kinnear, who plays Kearns, lost 40 pounds to portray the character's physical decline over the years of legal battles.
30 Days Free
