10 Best Movies About Mathematicians That You Should Watching Update 03/2024

Movies About Mathematicians

One of the most effective ways of conveying a message is through the medium of film. The large projector can effectively connect the audience with a motion, from patriotism to angst. However, there are some movies that are more than merely emotional, which fall under the category of instructional or informational movies. So, let’s have a look at some of the most notable films that offer a glimpse into the realm of numbers, the best mathematics movies ever!

1. The Imitation Game

The Imitation Game

What if I’m not God?” No. For the simple reason that God did not triumph in the conflict. The answer is, “Yes.

An adaptation of Alan Turing’s life story, The Imitation Game was released in 2014 and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the legendary cryptographer. When the German Enigma machine was introduced during World War II, British Intelligence was unable to develop a countermeasure. As a result, Alan was added to the Encryption team, where he used his cryptography and mathematics expertise to build a machine that could easily decipher German messages. The ‘Turing Machine’ of the past grew into the contemporary computers we use today because of his efforts. This film takes us on a journey through the life of an unsung military hero who was forced to commit suicide as a result of society’s anti-homosexual prejudices, forcing us to reexamine what is truly important in life.

Cryptography and network security are hot fields right now, so check out the movie if you’re interested.

2. N is a Number: A Portrait of Paul Erdös

“A mathematician is a machine for converting coffee into theorems,” says the author.

Filmmaker Paul Erdos, who is recognized for his contributions to number theory, combinatorics, and Probability is the subject of N is a Number. George Csicsery created and directed the 58-minute video, which follows the mathematician as he works on various projects and examines his private life. Paul, a mathematician who reportedly worked more than 20 hours a week on his research, penned a staggering number of papers—somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500.

You, too, can pursue a profession in mathematics and computing, just like Paul Erdos does in the film.

3. A Beautiful Mind

A Beautiful Mind

Look for a truly novel concept. The only way I can possibly set myself apart is by doing this. It’s the only way I’ll ever have any significance.”

A Beautiful Mind, a film based on the life of John Nash, was released in 2001 and is based on Nash’s life. Nash aims to build a name for himself by submitting his own writing for publication as a college student. Paranoid Schizophrenia, which causes him to see and experience fictitious individuals, develops soon after. As a result, his personal and professional lives are put under a great deal of strain. Even so, he is adamant about not taking medication and instead works in the field of mathematical vehicles to deal with his ailments. The film closes with Nash earning the Nobel Prize for his work on Game Theory, which shows that he achieved his goal of becoming a person who made a difference in the world. One of the greatest mathematics movies ever made, the film gives a fascinating insight into the life of a mathematician, as well as vividly portraying the daily hardships that Nash encounters.

4. Good Will Hunting

A public library’s $1.50 late-fees would’ve cost you $150,000 instead of an expensive college education.

The 1997 picture Good Will Hunting, which starred A-list actors Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Robin Williams, became an instant classic. A janitor at MIT named Will Hunting, played by Damon, turns out to be a math genius. When a professor discovers Will answering a difficult math problem that no one else in his class can, he realizes how intelligent he is. He wants to help Will overcome his repressed sentiments and worries in order to recognize him as an artist. This film, like many others in the genre, focuses on the protagonist’s mathematical prowess while simultaneously exploring themes of human nature, psychology, and child abuse. For their work on the screenplay, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

Mathematics and statistics are two distinct fields of study.

5. Travelling Salesman

Travelling Salesman

“Don’t even think about blinking. “You could miss something,” he said.

The title of the 2012 film “Traveling Salesman” alludes to the famous P vs NP conundrum. A team of four well-known mathematicians is assembled by the US government in an attempt to solve this puzzle, and each of the mathematicians is bribed to sell their share of the solution. Ethical dilemmas arise for the Mathematicians because they believe that this solitary algorithm mathematical answer can affect the world around us, granting practically unrestricted access to all data on the face of the earth. In spite of the film’s focus on mathematics, it deals with human psychology and morality. An award-winning film in its genre, this 2012 entry won the Best Feature Film prize at the Silicon Valley Film Festival and was nominated for a New York Film Festival nomination as well.

6. The Calculus of Love

In this 15-minute-long short film, written and directed by Dan Clifton and starring Keith Allen as mathematician AG Bowers, a problem known as the Goldbach Conjecture is examined. As depicted in the film, mathematician AG Bowers begins to receive anonymous letters that hint to a solution to the mystery. Despite its brief length, this film manages to introduce viewers to a fascinating mathematical subject while simultaneously conveying the inner drive of protagonist Bowers to achieve fame and fortune by solving the problem.

Have a look at the finest Motivational Movies of all time, as well!

7. The Man Who Knew Infinity

The Man Who Knew Infinity

“You wanted to know how I come up with my ideas. ” The Lord speaks to me.”

S.Ramanujan’s name is well-known to every student of mathematics in India. In the midst of World War I, Ramanujan, a boy from a small hamlet in India, gets an opportunity of a lifetime by being accepted to Cambridge University. Professor G.H. Hardy helps Ramanujan overcome racial bias in society while he is able to wow the entire Western world with his mathematical theories. However, he passes away at the young age of 41 from respiratory ailments brought on by climate change and social estrangement. This film is a must-see for math movie buffs and anyone looking for a tale of triumph over adversity and sheer brilliance.

Here is a collection of 15 inspiring quotes about science for college students.

8. The Theory of Everything

“Human endeavor should not be restricted by geographical or cultural borders. Because we’re all unique, there’s no one size fits all solution. There is always something you can accomplish, and excel at, no matter how awful things appear in your life. As long as there is life, there is a chance of recovery.

When did it come out? Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest minds of our time, and his life’s journey. During his time at Cambridge, Stephen Hawking was able to further his studies of the Cosmos. While he was terminally ill, the love of his life opted to marry him, even though experts said he would only have two years to live. Anyone who wishes to see the universe through the eyes of the finest Cosmologist in our times should see this mathematics film.

Find out how to land a role in a film!

9. 21

21

If you think a loss is bad, try being a winner.” “Someone who refuses to acknowledge that he made a mistake.”

Ben Campbell, a brilliant mathematician at MIT desiring admission to Harvard Medical School, stars in the 2008 film 21. By utilizing fundamental probability and card counting, he and his professor come up with a strategy to win at Blackjack every time. This film explores the beauties of mathematics by putting it to use in the real world, while also highlighting the protagonist’s personal growth along the way. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in gambling and probability.

10. Stand and Deliver

It’s a myth that tough guys do math. “Tough guys make their living by frying chicken.”

Stand and deliver, a 1988 American drama film based on the life of high school math instructor Jaime Escalante, is reported to be based on a true story. To demonstrate the difficulties that Latino adolescents face in acquiring a basic education, the film stars Edward James, who portrays Jaime. As the kids prepare to take AP Calculus in college, their teacher works tirelessly to assist them succeed on both their personal and school assessments. This is one of the most amazing mathematics films, showcasing how a teacher’s willingness to help his students can alter their life.

Our selections for the top Math movies to watch are summarized below. Contact us at Leverage Edu if you have a strong interest in mathematics and are looking for a university that can help you achieve your goals. Our student aid programs will help you secure a spot at the university of your choice. To get started, schedule a free consultation with one of our career specialists today!