Top 30 Movies About Art for Artists, Painters and Art Enthusiasts

Art transcends mere brushstrokes and canvases, weaving tales of creativity, passion, and the human experience.

For artists, painters, and enthusiasts alike, cinema has been a vibrant canvas, showcasing the turbulent lives, boundless inspirations, and the captivating allure of the art world.

We are sharing the Top 30 Movies About Art that illustrate the power and complexities of artistic expression.

As with all of our list, we offer a free movie checklist you can download for later reference.

Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST to keep track of what movies you want to watch!

30 Movies About Art

1. Frida (2002)

• Director: Julie Taymor
• Cast: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Frida’ on IMDb

“Frida” paints a vivid portrait of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, chronicling her passionate and often turbulent relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her remarkable journey to becoming a celebrated artist in her own right.

2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

• Director: Céline Sciamma
• Cast: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ on IMDb

Set in 18th century France, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” unveils a forbidden romance between a painter and her subject, beautifully exploring the intricacies of love, desire, and the challenges of artistic expression within the constraints of society.

3. My Left Foot (1989)

• Director: Jim Sheridan
• Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘My Left Foot’ on IMDb

“My Left Foot” portrays the remarkable true story of Christy Brown, an Irish artist born with cerebral palsy, showcasing his indomitable spirit and determination as he defies all odds to become an accomplished writer and painter, using only his left foot.

4. Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

• Director: Peter Webber
• Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ on IMDb

Inspired by Vermeer’s famous painting, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” explores the life of Griet, a maid who becomes the muse for renowned artist Johannes Vermeer, unraveling a captivating tale of art, desire, and societal norms in 17th century Netherlands.

5. Big Eyes (2014)

• Director: Tim Burton
• Cast: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Danny Huston
• Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘Big Eyes’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Big Eyes” delves into the story of Margaret and Walter Keane, shedding light on Margaret’s talent as an artist and the controversy surrounding the credit for their popular paintings of big eyed children, raising questions about artistic ownership and integrity.

6. Loving Vincent (2017)

• Director: Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman
• Cast: Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn, Robert Gulaczyk
• Genre: Animation, Biography, Crime
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘Loving Vincent’ on IMDb

“Loving Vincent” brings the mysterious death of Vincent van Gogh to life through a unique animation style. As it unfolds, the film explores the circumstances surrounding the renowned artist’s passing through animated renditions of his iconic paintings.

7. Mr. Turner (2014)

• Director: Mike Leigh
• Cast: Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson, Dorothy Atkinson
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Mr. Turner’ on IMDb

“Mr. Turner” offers an intimate portrayal of the life of J.M.W. Turner, the eminent British painter, depicting his artistic genius, personal complexities, and the changing landscape of art in the 19th century.

8. Lust for Life (1956)

• Director: Vincente Minnelli, George Cukor
• Cast: Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn, James Donald
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Rating: Not Rated
• IMDb: ‘Lust for Life’ on IMDb

“Lust for Life” chronicles the turbulent life of Vincent van Gogh, capturing his emotional struggles, passionate dedication to art, and the profound impact his work had on the world of painting.

9. Renoir (2012)

• Director: Gilles Bourdos
• Cast: Michel Bouquet, Christa Théret, Vincent Rottiers
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Renoir’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Renoir” focuses on the later years of the renowned painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, exploring his artistic process, family dynamics, and the influence of a young model on his life and work.

10. At Eternity’s Gate (2018)

• Director: Julian Schnabel
• Cast: Willem Dafoe, Rupert Friend, Oscar Isaac
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘At Eternity’s Gate’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“At Eternity’s Gate” delves into the last years of Vincent van Gogh’s life, offering an introspective and emotive exploration of his art, mental health struggles, and the intense passion that fueled his creative genius.

11. Pollock (2000)

• Director: Ed Harris
• Cast: Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Tom Bower
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Pollock’ on IMDb

“Pollock” chronicles the life of abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock, depicting his groundbreaking art, tumultuous relationships, and struggles with alcoholism against the backdrop of the art world in mid 20th century America.

12. Factory Girl (2006)

• Director: George Hickenlooper
• Cast: Sienna Miller, Guy Pearce, Hayden Christensen
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Factory Girl’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Factory Girl” follows the life of Edie Sedgwick, an actress and muse to artist Andy Warhol, exploring her rapid rise to fame, the allure of the ’60s New York City scene, and the challenges she faced amidst it all.

13. Basquiat (1996)

• Director: Julian Schnabel
• Cast: Jeffrey Wright, David Bowie, Benicio Del Toro
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Basquiat’ on IMDb

“Basquiat” dives into the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a young graffiti artist who skyrocketed to fame in the ’80s New York art scene but faced the challenges of success, addiction, and exploitation.

14. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

• Director: Baz Luhrmann
• Cast: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo
• Genre: Drama, Musical, Romance
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘Moulin Rouge!’ on IMDb

“Moulin Rouge!” is a musical romance set in the famous Parisian cabaret during the late 19th century, intertwining love, passion, and artistic expression against the backdrop of a vibrant and tumultuous era.

15. Artemisia (1997)

• Director: Agnès Merlet
• Cast: Valentina Cervi, Michel Serrault, Predrag Manojlovic
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Artemisia’ on IMDb

“Artemisia” portrays the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, an exceptional Italian Baroque painter, focusing on her struggles, determination, and her fight against societal norms to gain recognition as an artist in a male dominated world.

16. Sirens (1994)

• Director: John Duigan
• Cast: Hugh Grant, Tara Fitzgerald, Sam Neill
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Sirens’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Sirens” tells the story of an uptight clergyman and his wife who encounter a group of bohemian artists in the Australian Outback, challenging their perspectives on art, sensuality, and personal liberation.

17. Life Lessons (1989) – Part of the anthology film “New York Stories”

• Director: Martin Scorsese
• Cast: Nick Nolte, Rosanna Arquette, Steve Buscemi
• Genre: Drama
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Life Lessons’ on IMDb

“Life Lessons” is a segment from the anthology film “New York Stories,” directed by Martin Scorsese. It follows the intense and turbulent relationship between a renowned artist and his assistant, exploring themes of passion, obsession, and artistic ambition.

18. Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

• Director: Dan Gilroy
• Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Zawe Ashton
• Genre: Horror, Thriller
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’ on IMDb

“Velvet Buzzsaw” is a satirical horror film set in the contemporary art world of Los Angeles. It follows a group of art enthusiasts who become entangled with supernatural forces that exact revenge on those who exploit art for profit.

19. My Kid Could Paint That (2007)

• Director: Amir Bar-Lev
• Cast: Marla Olmstead, Mark Olmstead, Laura Olmstead
• Genre: Documentary, Mystery
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘My Kid Could Paint That’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“My Kid Could Paint That” is a documentary that explores the controversy surrounding child prodigy Marla Olmstead, whose abstract paintings gained worldwide attention. It delves into questions of authenticity, the nature of modern art, and the role of media hype in the art world.

20. The Sunlit Night (2019)

• Director: David Wnendt
• Cast: Jenny Slate, Alex Sharp, Zach Galifianakis
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘The Sunlit Night’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“The Sunlit Night” follows a young American painter seeking solace and inspiration in an isolated Norwegian village. Amidst the picturesque landscapes and quirky locals, she discovers unexpected connections and her own artistic voice.

21. Bliss (1997)

• Director: Lance Young
• Cast: Craig Sheffer, Sheryl Lee, Terence Stamp
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Bliss’ on IMDb

“Bliss” explores the tumultuous relationship between a successful businessman and an enigmatic artist. Their passionate affair leads them on a journey of self discovery, unveiling deep desires and the complexities of love and art.

22. What Dreams May Come (1998)

• Director: Vincent Ward
• Cast: Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., Annabella Sciorra
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘What Dreams May Come’ on IMDb

“What Dreams May Come” is a visually stunning film that explores the afterlife, as a man navigates heaven and hell to reunite with his wife. The movie weaves themes of love, loss, and the transcendent power of art and imagination.

23. MirrorMask (2005)

• Director: Dave McKean
• Cast: Stephanie Leonidas, Jason Barry, Rob Brydon
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
• Rating: PG
• IMDb: ‘MirrorMask’ on IMDb

“MirrorMask” is a visually mesmerizing fantasy film following a young girl’s journey through a dreamlike world to restore balance between light and dark. The movie is a surreal exploration of imagination, creativity, and self discovery.

24. Dorian Gray (2009)

• Director: Oliver Parker
• Cast: Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Rebecca Hall
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Thriller
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Dorian Gray’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Dorian Gray” is a retelling of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel, following a young man who remains eternally youthful while his portrait ages. As Dorian indulges in hedonistic pleasures, his portrait reflects the degradation of his soul.

25. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

• Director: Mike Newell
• Cast: Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles
• Genre: Drama
• Rating: PG-13
• IMDb: ‘Mona Lisa Smile’ on IMDb

“Mona Lisa Smile” explores the challenges faced by a progressive art history professor at a conservative women’s college in the 1950s. Her unconventional teaching methods spark debates and inspire her students to question societal norms.

26. Painter (2020)

• Director: Cory Wexler Grant
• Cast: Casey Deidrick, Cinthya Carmona, Eric Ladin
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• Rating: Not Rated
• IMDb: ‘Painter’ on IMDb
• Streaming FREE on Tubi

“Painter” follows the story of an artist who becomes entangled in the criminal underworld after discovering a dark secret. As his life spirals out of control, his art becomes both his salvation and his downfall.

27. Camille Claudel (1988)

• Director: Bruno Nuytten
• Cast: Isabelle Adjani, Gérard Depardieu, Madeleine Robinson
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Camille Claudel’ on IMDb

“Camille Claudel” delves into the tumultuous life of the talented sculptor Camille Claudel, focusing on her relationship with renowned artist Auguste Rodin and her struggles for recognition in the male dominated art world.

28. Surviving Picasso (1996)

• Director: James Ivory
• Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Natascha McElhone, Julianne Moore
• Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Surviving Picasso’ on IMDb

“Surviving Picasso” offers a glimpse into the life of Pablo Picasso through the eyes of his lover, Françoise Gilot. The film explores Picasso’s art, relationships, and the complex persona behind the legendary artist.

29. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

• Director: Banksy
• Cast: Banksy, Thierry Guetta, Shepard Fairey
• Genre: Documentary, Comedy, Crime
• Rating: R
• IMDb: ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’ on IMDb

“Exit Through the Gift Shop” is a documentary that navigates the world of street art, focusing on Thierry Guetta’s transformation into street artist Mr. Brainwash under the guidance of the elusive Banksy.

30. The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)

• Director: Carol Reed
• Cast: Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: Approved
• IMDb: ‘The Agony and the Ecstasy’ on IMDb

In “The Agony and the Ecstasy,” the film brings to life the artistic clash between Michelangelo and Pope Julius II during the painting of the Sistine Chapel, exploring the creative process and the struggles between artist and patron.

BONUS Movies About Art and Artists Streaming FREE on Tubi

Frida: Viva La Vida (2019)
My Brother Vincent (2018)
Maverick Modigliani (2020)
Andy Warhol: A Life in Art (2022)
Raiders of the Lost Art (2014)

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Thanks for reading this article for art movie inspiration!

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