Biopics are back in style and drawing big audiences with their eye-catching titles and Hollywood stars, giving generational artists universal appeal. A biopic, also known as a biographical film, is a film that dramatizes a particular person or group of people, usually a historical or public figure. This genre is becoming a new, hot trend with the recent release of “A Complete Unknown,” starringTimothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, and “Deliver Me From Nowhere,” with Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen, set to release in Oct. 2025. Freshman Sarah Furlong of Howell describes what allures viewers to biopics. “Biopics make the past feel personal,” Furlong said. “Suddenly, I care deeply about someone from 1952.” Biopics are used as a way to document or commemorate an artist’s career, or on some occasions, promote their new endeavors.
Springsteen, whose biopic is releasing in a few months, is still moving forward in his career. The rock and roll artist has been on tour since 2023, and his last show will take place this summer. Recent biopics have sparked debate over their appeal to general audiences. With this exists discourse regarding whether a biopic should be released during an artist’s lifetime or after their death. Some people, like Furlong, believe they should be released after death due to a lack of thoroughness.
“They definitely need to be released after they’re dead because if it’s released while they’re still alive, they could miss major milestones in their life,” Furlong said.
Sophomore Sawyer Ernish of Ocean Township finds a middle ground in this debate. “To me, it doesn’t matter either way,” Ernish said. “It comes out better perceived if it’s after because of nostalgia, but it’s exciting to see the movie while the person is still alive.”
Young actors such as Timothée Chalamet and Jeremy Allen White have opened recent biopics to wider audiences than just the subject’s fan base. Members of Gen Z have taken an interest in watching their favorite stars take on the roles of artists of the past.
Freshman John Avitto of Keyport provides an alternative motivation for going to see these films. “A lot more people watch a biopic for the person it’s about, or they’re seriously interested in it,” Avitto said. “That’s more important than watching it for the actor, no matter how talented they are,” said Avitto.
Furlong offers a differing perspective, validating seeing a movie because of an appealing cast. “It’s totally normal to watch a movie for an actor; everyone does it,” Furlong said. “If you watched ‘A Complete Unknown’ for Timothée because you think he’s talented and hot, that’s totally okay.”
The prominence of actors known to Gen Z audiences in biopics continues with the announcement of the cast for a four-part series about The Beatles. The upcoming biopic features Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan and Joseph Quinn. Critics claim the recent influx of biopics has not necessarily preserved the nostalgic associations the genre is known for, especially with the consistent presence of well-known actors.
Ernish describes his perception of the emergence of biopics, noting a change in the films’ overall purpose. “There are just too many now, the movie markets are becoming oversaturated. It’s cheap Oscar bait,” Ernish said.
Whether watching “A Complete Unknown” to see the story of Bob Dylan’s stardom or to see Timothée Chalamet, biopics continue to tell iconic stories, reviving legends for a new generation.
