Mathematics is more than just complex formulas and long equations; it’s real magic. Behind every discovery, theorem, or calculation is a person whose mind can solve the universe's most complex mysteries. In this collection, you’ll find the most inspiring stories about mathematicians and their successes and challenges.
Content
- The Imitation Game
- I.Q.
- 21
- The Bank
- Cube
- Gifted
- A Beautiful Mind
- Good Will Hunting
- The Man Who Knew Infinity
- The Oxford Murders
The Imitation Game
IMDb: 8.0/10
2014, Biography, Drama, Thriller
UK, USA, PG-13
Director: Morten Tyldum
Top Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
This is a biographical movie about Alan Turing, a very talented mathematician who helped break the German Enigma machine during World War II. The biopic of Turing unfolds across multiple timelines: World War II, the formation of the “Turing Bombe,” his accomplishments and ethical compromises, and his personal tragedy as a mathematician. Turing was persecuted for his sexual orientation. The Imitation Game, which brought Benedict Cumberbatch an Academy Award nomination for his turn as Turing.
I.Q.
IMDb: 6.2/10
1994, Comedy, Romance
USA, PG
Director: Fred Schepisi
Top Cast: Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Walter Matthau
In the 1950s, in Princeton, New Jersey, a mechanic, Edward Walters, fell in love with Elizabeth, the niece of Albert Einstein. Elizabeth is an earnest scientist who is already romantically involved with the academic James More (a man who treats her with chilling indifference). Edward, who wants to win her heart, enlists her uncle, Albert Einstein, to help him. This is a funny, lighthearted take on the lives of great scientists. The film was well-received for its romantic and feel-good vibe.
21
IMDb: 6.8/10
2008, Crime, Drama, Thriller
USA, PG-13
Director: Robert Luketic
Top Cast: Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey
You might become a scientist, invent a revolutionary machine, or gamble on the probability at a casino. That’s the approach taken by MIT student Ben Campbell, who decided to join the latter team and apply mathematical strategies to win at blackjack. Casino security soon takes notice of the team’s actions. For one, the movie is inspired by true events chronicled in the book, Bringing Down the House. It sparked controversy for its predominantly white cast, despite the real-life students being Asian. Still, the movie also demonstrates how mathematical skills and analytical thinking were used in the casino.
The Bank
IMDb: 6.7/10
2001, Drama, Thriller
Australia, M
Director: Robert Connolly
Top Cast: David Wenham, Anthony LaPaglia, Sibylla Budd
Jim Doyle is a mathematical mastermind whose innovative program could predict the rise and fall of the stock market, even causing crises. A bank manager finds out about Jim’s work, and he sees huge potential for market manipulation. Franklin invites him to work at the bank and gives him the means to finish his algorithm. But this joint effort has catastrophic consequences. “The Bank” was praised by critics for its gripping plot and social commentary.
Cube
IMDb: 7.2/10
1997, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Canada, R
Director: Vincenzo Natali
Top Cast: Nicole de Boer, Maurice Dean Wint, David Hewlett
The iconic Canadian sci-fi thriller from 1997 follows a group of strangers trapped in a giant cubic structure of identical rooms. Each room is a little cube with six hatches in the walls, floor, and ceiling leading to other cubes. For a while, the group has no clue where they are, how they got there, or for what reason. To navigate their way out, they need their wits and math in this first of two parts.
Gifted
IMDb: 7.6/10
2017, Drama
USA, PG-13
Director: Marc Webb
Top Cast: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan
The film tells the heartwarming story of the extraordinary bond between an uncle and his extraordinarily gifted niece. The character Frank Adler is taking care of his niece, Mary, who is gifted in mathematics. Her talents manifested on her first day of school. Her teacher, Miss Stevenson, observes that Mary is able to solve complicated mathematical problems that few adults can manage. But Frank wants Mary to be treated like a regular child, despite being gifted with superhuman powers. He does not want her isolated by an academic career, like her mother, Diana, was — he wants her to grow up in a social situation.
A Beautiful Mind
IMDb: 8.2/10
2001, Biography, Drama
USA, PG-13
Director: Ron Howard
Top Cast: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
John Nash is a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician who grapples with schizophrenia while revolutionizing the study of game theory. In 1947, a young John Nash arrived at Princeton University. He quickly proves memorable for his unorthodox thinking and his preoccupation with the search for an “original idea” that would render him great. He befriends Charles Herman, his loyal, kind roommate, who becomes his only close friend. “A Beautiful Mind” is based on the true biography of John Nash and won 4 Academy Awards, one of which was Best Picture.
Good Will Hunting
IMDb: 8.3/10
1997, Drama, Romance
USA, R
Director: Gus Van Sant
Top Cast: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Genius but unruly Will Hunting, working as a janitor at MIT, lives without much ambition until he accidentally solves a very difficult math problem. This attracts the attention of a professor who tries to set him on the path of science, but only psychologist Sean Maguire helps Will figure himself out. Through therapy, friendship and love, he learns to accept his genius and make choices that will determine his future.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
IMDb: 7.2/10
2015, Biography, Drama
UK, PG-13
Director: Matt Brown
Top Cast: Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair
In the early 20th century, a young mathematical genius, Srinivasa Ramanujan, raised in poverty in India, got a chance to change his fortunes when his work caught the attention of Professor G. H. Hardy of Cambridge. His mentor, Professor Hardy, helps him go from isolated genius to recognized scientist, but struggles with illness, racial prejudice, and strict academic norms jeopardize his achievements.
The Oxford Murders
IMDb: 6.1/10
2008, Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Spain, France, UK, R
Director: Álex de la Iglesia
Top Cast: Elijah Wood, John Hurt, Leonor Watling
Martin, a student, relocates from America to Oxford to study mathematics. He praises the work of Professor Arthur Seldom and hopes to be his apprentice. Seldom is famous for his philosophical beliefs on mathematics, claiming that the truth cannot be obtained and that every figure is only an approximation. Eventually, Martin gets what he wants and becomes Seldom’s protege. But a string of murders apparently involving mathematical symbols starts cropping up in Oxford. Professor Arthur Seldom pairs with his new pupil to unravel the mystery.
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