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12 Inspirational Movies Like The Social Network For Fans Of Biographical Dramas

April 27, 2023
Movies like The Social Network

Social media ushered in a new era of human history, and no movie characterizes that more than The Social Network. This biographical drama film directed by David Fincher. It tells a modern story of epic proportions and that is why we have curated this list of 12 Movies like The Social Network. 

The movie is about the creation of the mammoth social media company known as Facebook. It also goes in-depth into the legal battle that played out between the co-founders of Facebook. A legal battle that threatens to tear them, and the whole company apart. The Social Network is a gripping and thought-provoking biographical movie with one of the most impressive technological and financial achievements of the recent decades. Here is a list of 12 movies like The Social Network in terms of genre, subject matter, or style.

 List of Movies Like The Social Network

  1. The Big Short 
  2. Steve Jobs 
  3. The Imitation Game 
  4. Pirates of Silicon Valley 
  5. The Pursuit of Happyness 
  6. Joy 
  7. Hidden Figures 
  8. BlacKkKlansman 
  9. Moneyball 
  10. The Founder 
  11.  Goodfellas 
  12. Hacksaw Ridge 

1. The Big Short (2015)

The Big Short is a comedy-drama film directed by Adam McKay. The film revolves around four outsider investors who saw the housing market and banking system as a ticking time bomb and bet against it by taking on the big banks. The Big Short gives an in-depth look into a huge business sector similar to movies like The Social Network.

The movie highlights the various ways in which the housing market and the financial industry were intertwined and how the practices of sub-standard mortgage lending led to a huge financial crisis. The Big Short is a thought-provoking, entertaining, and insightful film that uses humor, sarcasm, and pop culture references to explain what would normally be complex financial concepts to the audience and make them accessible.

Also Read: Movies like The Big Short

2. Steve Jobs (2015)

Steve Jobs is an in depth exploration of a character who was more than just an inventor, more than just a businessman, more than just an innovator. The film showcases how Jobs was able to push anything he thought into reality, even despite not having all the technical skills at his disposal to do so, and being surrounded by people who lacked the courage to.

Similar to movies like The Social Network, it also follows a genius innovator who changed the world forever. Steve Jobs received positive reviews from critics and viewers alike, and provided a captivating look at the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in the tech industry. If you are a fan and interested in the tech industry and its rise, Steve Jobs is worth looking at.

3. The Imitation Game (2014)

The Imitation Game goes a bit further back in the history of computers, back to the time of Alan Turing, a mathematician and code breaker Alan Turing who was responsible for decoding the German Enigma code during World War II. Turing with help from other cryptographers were able to decode messages by the Nazis.

The Imitation Game brought to life one of the most important figures in the history of cryptography, code breaking, and computers, same as movies like The Social Network. The film shows how with determination, grit and constant innovation, the bounds of what is possible remain boundless.

4. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)

Before Facebook and Zuckerberg, we had Gate and Microsoft, and Jobs with Apple. This Pirates of Silicon Valley is all about tracking the progression of the development of personal computers and PC software. It gives some insight into the lives of these innovators who were on the cusp of changing the world forever.

Just as in films like The Social Network, Pirates of Silicon Valley offers an insightful historical perspective on the development of the tech sector. If you are a fan of computers or interested in the history of technology and human intelligence, Pirates of Silicon Valley might be another one for you to take a look at.

5. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

The Pursuit of Happyness is a film directed by Gabriele Muccino. This is not a film about wild ambitions about changing the world, but rather about a man trying to make it to the next day with his son by his side. Will Smith is Chris Gardner, a struggling and now homeless salesman, who has a young son to fend for.. He perseveres and refuses to give up on his dreams of providing a suitable life for himself and his son.

The Pursuit of Happyness is a must-see film for anyone who needs a reminder of the importance of never giving up on your dreams and the power that we all have within us to overcome the toughest of times, in its own way, quite similar to movies like The Social Network.

6. Joy (2015)

Joy, set in the 90s, is all about Mangano and her journey from living in low-income areas in Long Island to becoming a highly successful inventor, quite similar to the come-up we see in movies like The Social Network. Like all others who have reached such heights, she had to overcome numerous obstacles, especially financial in order to create for herself the life she felt she deserved.

This movie is an ode to the human spirit, and what one can achieve if they simply refuse to give up . If you are looking for movies similar to The Social Network that feature a glimpse into the competitive business world and a determination to fulfill dreams, Joy is a good choice.

Also Read: Movies like Zodiac

7. Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures is set in the 60s, and is based on the true story of three female NASA employees who fight against race and gender discrimination and end up contributing massively towards the US space program. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary are able to use their mathematical skills to help launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit in the early 60s.

Just as in movies like The Social Network, Hidden Figures is a moving and inspiring film that shines a light on the lives and contributions of these more than remarkable women. This film was made with the aim of celebrating these women, and hopefully to encourage people of color to be inspired by these women and make similar steps.

8. BlacKkKlansman (2018)

BlackkKlansman is a humorous movie that uses that humor to satirically analyze serious themes like race, prejudice and politics. This film features great performances across the board, helping to nail these tough themes on the head, instead of letting it fritter away in the wind due to its satirical tone.

The film explores commercial success and was lauded for its sharp writing, excellent direction and powerful themes similar to movies like The Social Network. If you are interested in the history of the struggle for racial equality in America, then BlacKkKlansman is worth looking at.

9. Moneyball (2011)

Moneyball is an American sports drama directed by Bennett Miller. Brad Pitt is Billy Beane, a general manager at a baseball team who uses high level analytics to find players who will fit his team on the cheap, turning them into contenders, with a lower budget than most of the teams in the league.

Moneyball is a classic and an entertaining watch that shows the advantages of innovation and the ability to think differently from anyone, and not just think but to do. It’s a fast-paced piece of cinema, same as movies like The Social Network, and is sure to leave a lasting impression should you decide to give it a watch.

Fan of David Fincher and Brad Pitt? Also Read: Movies like The Fight Club

10. The Founder (2016)

The Founder is a film that is centered on the life story based on the real-life story of Ray Kroc, who took McDonalds from a small chain of restaurants to a global brand raking in billions of dollars yearly. Michael Keaton gives a great performance as Kroc embodying the spirit of a man who never took ‘no’ for an answer.

The Founder and movies like The Social Network teach us all about entrepreneurship, ambition, and the determination to attain the American Dream, and how with a little bit of innovation, and maybe some luck along the way, you can reach the pinnacle of your craft and actually live the American dream.

11. Goodfellas (1990)

Goodfellas is widely regarded as one of the greatest crime films of all time, and for good reason. The film is a master class in storytelling, with a fast-paced narrative that seamlessly blends violence, humor, and drama. Ray Liotta is Henry Hill, a mobster, who over the decades, grows to become a trusted lieutenant in the mob.

Although not really something viewers should aspire to be neither should they be inspired by. But it does have the started-from-the-bottom kind of story, many of which we have talked about on this list, similar to movies like The Social Network.

12. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 American war film directed by Hollywood icon Mel Gibson. It follows the story of Desmond Doss, the first conscientious objector to get a medal of honor for his services to the army.  Despite suffering ridicule for supposedly being too cowardly to carry a weapon, he ends up saving a lot of lives despite this.

Hacksaw Ridge is notable for its pacy cinematography same as movies like The Social Network. It also features some intense battle scenes, which have been praised for being some of the most realistic scenes to be put on the big screen. The film also features strong supporting performances that keep the audience on edge.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few movies like The Social Network that didn’t make the list that you can also check out:

  1. 99 Homes 
  2. The Wolf of Wall Street 
  3. A Beautiful Mind 
  4. The Man Who Knew Infinity 
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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