One of the most beautiful and complex artistic representations is the motion picture. Discovering a movie about the making of such art forms could offer a unique and intriguing look into the world of filmmaking. From classic Hollywood dramas to indie comedies, these films offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the creative process, the struggles, and the triumphs of bringing a story to the big screen. They showcase the passion, dedication, and hard work that goes into making a movie, while also highlighting the artistic and technical challenges faced by filmmakers and script writers.

Whether you’re a film buff, a budding filmmaker, or simply a cinematography lover, these movies about making movies are sure to captivate and inspire you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most iconic and influential movies about making movies, exploring their themes, and studying the complex process of film production. So grab some popcorn and settle in, as we delve into the world of movies about making movies.

The Player (1992)

Greta Scacchi and Tim Robbins in *The Player*

Directed by Robert Altman, The Player is a satirical black comedy that tells the story of Griffin Mill, a Hollywood studio executive who is receiving death threats from an anonymous writer. This movie not only is a commentary on the Hollywood film industry, but it also shows the everyday-struggle not only to keep your job, but to also be good at it. Adding one more layer to Mill’s already complicated life, this anonymous writer is getting more bold as time passes, and the world around him seems to be falling apart. The film explores the behind-the-scenes world of Hollywood, and the power struggles that take place in the movie-making process.

IMDb score: 7.5

Swimming with Sharks (1994)

Kevin Spacey in *Swimming with Sharks*

This movie follows the story of Guy, a Hollywood studio assistant that aspires to achieve a higher position in the filmmaking industry. Despite the fact that his new job offers him the opportunity to advance his career, he is relentlessly abused by his boss, producer Buddy Ackerman. When the tables turn, Guy will do everything in his power and imagination to chance his horrible work life. Written by George Huang, Swimming With Sharks offers a behind-the-scenes look at the difficult world of movie production. The film is a darkly comedic commentary on the cutthroat nature of the movie industry and the destructive power of ambition.

IMDb score: 7.0

Get Shorty (1995)

Danny DeVito in *Get Shorty*

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Get Shorty is a crime-comedy that follows the story of Chili Palmer, a loan shark that travels from Miami to Hollywood to collect a debt. Here, he befriends a screenwriter and takes a serious interest in becoming a Hollywood producer. The movie is a comedic blend between the criminal underworld and the entertainment industry, as its characters step from one world to another as if they were the same.

IMDb score: 6.9

Boogie Nights (1997)

Group photo of the cast of *Boogie Nights*

Eddie Adams is a young boy who finds his true call in being a pornographic actor. Written by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film follows Eddie’s story during his successful acting career, between 1970s and 1980s under the stage name Dirk Diggler. The movie explores the rise and fall of Dirk, as well as the colorful characters he encounters along the way. Boogie Nights masterfully portrays the behind-the-scenes world of the adult film industry, while also exploring themes of family, friendship, and the American Dream.

IMDB: 7.9

The Aviator (2004)

Leonardo DiCaprio in *The Aviator*

This movie takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the tumultuous life of Howard Hughes, showcasing his pioneering work in both filmmaking and aviation. As the film unfolds, audiences are immersed in Hughes’ relentless pursuit of greatness, from his groundbreaking contributions to Hollywood to his revolutionary advancements in the field of aviation. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the movie delves into Hughes’ personal struggles and inner demons, offering a poignant exploration of the highs and lows of his remarkable journey. Through its captivating storytelling and masterful direction, The Aviator offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a true visionary.

IMDb Score: 7.5

Hugo (2011)

Chloë Grace Moretz and Asa Butterfield in *Hugo*

Directed by Martin Scorsese, this movie mainly follows the story of a young orphan that lives in the walls of a train station in Paris, 1931. His goal is to collect enough parts in order to fix a broken automaton, the only remain of his deceased father. With the help of his newly found friend, Isabelle, the goddaughter of George Melies, Hugo manages to get the automaton working. What they discover unburies long forgotten memories about the old man’s past, as well as surprising facts about the history of cinematography.

IMDb Score: 7.5

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Emma Thompson in *Saving Mr. Banks*

This movie is a gem, as it portrays the behind-the-scenes journey of Walt Disney’s relentless pursuit to adapt P.L. Travers’ novel, “Mary Poppins,” into a film. As Travers grapples with her resistance to Hollywood’s creative liberties, Disney navigates through her complexities, unraveling the intricate layers of her personal history and the poignant inspiration behind her beloved characters. Through poignant flashbacks and heartwarming interactions, the film delves into the transformative power of storytelling and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success in the filmmaking process.

IMDb Score: 7.5

La La Land (2016)

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in *La La Land*

Set in modern-day Los Angeles, the movie follows the dreams and struggles of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician trying to make it in the entertainment industry. The film is not only a celebration of the golden age of Hollywood musicals, but also a commentary on the harsh realities of pursuing one’s passion in the difficult world of show business. Directed by Damien Chazelle, La La Land captures the disappointments of failed auditions, as well as the rewards of being ambitious and hardworking towards achieving ones dreams.

IMDb score: 8.0

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

Margot Robbie dancing in *Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood*

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this movie is a nostalgic and comedic take on the 1969 Hollywood film industry. The story follows Rick Dalton, a fading Hollywood actor, and his stunt double Cliff Booth as they navigate the industry and the changes it is undergoing. The movie explores the making of movies and the world of Hollywood through the lens of these characters, delving into the behind-the-scenes elements of filmmaking and the struggles of those trying to make it in the industry. The film not only portrays the ending of a movie era and the start of another, but touches themes such as actors being at the end of their careers, actors seeing themself in movies playing in the cinema, and even actors struggling to keep up in the ever-advancing world. The film also features real-life figures from the era, adding a layer of authenticity to the portrayal of Hollywood during this time.

IMDb Score: 7.6

Mank (2020)

Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried in *Mank*

Directed by David Fincher and written by his father Jack Fincher, Mank tells the story of Herman J. Mankiewicz, revolving around his life and career. The film is centred around the writing of the script for the 1941 movie Citizen Kane. Exploring the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the iconic film, the film delves into the rivalry between Mankiewicz and Citizen Kane’s director, Orson Welles.

IMDb score: 6.8

The Fabelmans (2022)

Gabriel LaBelle in *The Fabelmans*

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie follows the story of a young boy named Sammy Fabelman, an aspiring filmmaker. Loosely based on the director’s childhood, The Fabelmans is set in a post-World War II era, and not only that it portrays the beginning and the evolution of Sammy’s love for cinematography, but also his struggles to keep together his family and school life. This movie also shows the ingenious special effects that Sammy used in order to make his movies come to life, and the eye-catching process of cutting the film roll in order to make a beautiful collage of scenes, ultimately named ‘movie’.

IMDb: 7.7

Babylon (2022)

Margot Robbie acting in *Babylon*

Set in the early Hollywood era, Babylon is a movie that follows the lives of multiple characters, such as Nellie Laroy, Jack Conrad or Manny Torres. Director Damien Chazelle builds an outrageous world around the beginnings of the cinema and trails the evolution of the movies and its effect on the industry. The characters evoke an unrivalled ambition as they rise and fall through the film industry world. Chazelle manages to capture the essence of the movie, why it’s so important for the viewer, as well for the actor, all while picturing the cruelty of the Hollywood world. This movie is an ode to movies, to their actors and to the warm idea of leaving something behind, on a screen.

IMDb Score: 7.6

X (2022)

Group photo of the cast of *X*

In the scorching Texas summer of 1979, a daring group of filmmakers ventures into the heart of rural obscurity with a wild ambition—to craft an adult film like no other. Little do they know, their chosen farmhouse hideout is inhabited by an enigmatic elderly couple harboring secrets darker than the shadows cast by the setting sun. As the day fades into an ominous night, tensions rise, and the air becomes thick with foreboding. With a nod to the golden age of horror cinema, this impeccably styled slasher flick offers a tantalizing blend of gore, suspense, and unexpected twists, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

IMDb score: 6.5

Special mentions

This category is not about making movies, auditioning or writing movie scripts per-se, but it is tightly related to it. The next titles are still tied to to moviemaking industry, but they are distant cousins of the above list. They have their own merit and contribution to bringing another angle to the behind-the-scenes of the movie industry and they deserved to be mentioned and appreciated.

Peeping Tom (1960)

Karlheinz Böhm in *Peeping Tom*

Directed by Michael Powell, the film is a chilling exploration of voyeurism and the blurred lines between art and reality in the movie industry. Peeping Tom is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of the movie industry. The story follows a young man, Mark Lewis, who works as a camera operator on film sets, but also has a secret obsession with filming the reactions of his victims as he kills them. This movie deals not only with a film cast, from actors to directors and cameramen, but it also illustrates the art of shooting a movie and the complexity of a movie set.

IMDb Score: 7.6

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Bob Hoskins and Charles Fleischer, the voice of Roger Rabbit, in *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*

While this film may not be about the making of a movie, it is about recording animations in a groundbreaking way. In “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” a whimsical world collides with gritty reality when a cartoon rabbit finds himself accused of murder. With the help of a jaded private investigator, he embarks on a daring quest to clear his name. As the mystery deepens, the film seamlessly blends live-action and animation, delivering a mesmerizing tale that captivates audiences of all ages. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this cinematic gem masterfully combines humor, suspense, and groundbreaking visual effects to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

IMDb Score: 7.7

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Kim Basinger in *L.A. Confidential*

Set in 1950s Los Angeles, L.A. Confidential is a crime film that explores the themes of corruption, power and redemption within the police force and Hollywood film industry. The film was directed by Curtis Hanson and it contains elements such as the dark side of Hollywood and the movie industry’s relationship with the LAPD, look-alike actresses and police TV-shows inspired by active cops and detectives.

IMDb Score: 8.2

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Robert Downey Jr. in *Kiss Kiss Bang Bang*

Directed by Shane Black, this film is a crime-comedy satire of the Hollywood movie industry. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is an interesting take on the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood movie-making. The film is also known for its clever and witty script and its unique blend of genres, making it a cult classic. The film delves into the intricacies of the audition process, the rigorous training actors undergo to secure a role, and the challenges they face in the industry.

IMDb Score: 7.5

Trumbo (2015)

Diane Lane and Bryan Cranston in *Trumbo*

Directed by Jay Roach, Trumbo is a biographical drama that follows the story of Dalton Trumbo, a blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter. Part of the Hollywood Ten, Trumbo is one of the writers, directors or producers who were blacklisted in 1940s due to their alleged ties to the Communist Party. After a brief stay in the prison, Trumbo is set free and returns home only to realise that it won’t be easy for him to reenter society and find a good job. The film explores Trumbo’s struggles as a screenwriter during the era of the Hollywood blacklist and his fight to clear his name and return to his craft. Through Trumbo’s story, the film delves into the politics of the time and the impact it had on the entertainment industry, specifically on the art of screenwriting.

IMDb score: 7.4

The Nice Guys (2016)

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in *The Nice Guys*

Set in 1970s Los Angeles, this action-comedy film follows the story of a private detective and a hired enforcer as they team up to solve the case of a missing girl and the death of a porn star. Directed by Shane Black, The Nice Guys offers a witty and thrilling look into the underbelly of the Hollywood movie industry, showcasing the cutthroat competition and corruption that existed during that era. It is one of the most complex movies of the noir genre, and it illustrates the inner workings of the movie industry, while also showing the power the motion picture hold in transmitting information to the public.

IMDb Score: 7.3

-Off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush, Otilia