Best Movies To Watch That are Based on World of Art

Art has a way of lingering in our minds — not just the finished works but the stories, struggles, and secrets behind them. Thankfully, cinema can pull back the curtain on this often romanticized world, showing us the reality of artistic genius: it’s messy, emotional, flawed, and deeply human. If you're someone who loves creativity, these five films — each distinct in tone and approach — are perfect windows into the lives of artists and the world of art.

Which are some of the best movies to watch that are based on the world of art?

According to India’s top contemporary artist and painter Shantala Palat, though there are several movies but she has shortlisted 5 movies that she considers the best movies, these are:

1. Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

This quietly mesmerizing film imagines the story behind one of Johannes Vermeer’s most iconic paintings. Scarlett Johansson plays Griet, a servant in the Vermeer household, who becomes the mysterious subject of his famous portrait.

It’s not a loud film, but it’s visually lush and emotionally subtle. The dynamic between artist and muse is filled with tension and unspoken emotion, captured with elegance and restraint. It’s less about big drama and more about the quiet moments — the way light hits a face, or the careful mixing of paint.

2. Mr. Turner (2014)

Timothy Spall disappears into the role of J.M.W. Turner, the groundbreaking British landscape painter known for his use of light and color. But this isn't a typical reverent biopic. Director Mike Leigh gives us a raw, unfiltered view of Turner’s later life — his brilliance, his gruffness, and his awkward, often unlikable personality. The cinematography mimics Turner’s atmospheric paintings, blurring the line between film and fine art. It’s not always easy to watch, but it's utterly compelling in how it reveals the man behind the masterpieces.

3. Beltracchi: The Art of Forgery (2014)

This documentary is a wild ride. Wolfgang Beltracchi didn’t just forge art — he created entire backstories and histories for his fake masterpieces, fooling the art world for decades. What’s fascinating isn’t just his talent (he’s undeniably skilled), but the way the film explores questions of authenticity, greed, and what gives art its value. Is it the canvas, the signature, or the story we’re sold? Beltracchi is charming and unrepentant, making this as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

4. The 100 Years Show (2015)

Carmen Herrera didn’t find fame until she was in her 90s. This short but powerful documentary (only 30 minutes!) tells the story of the Cuban-American abstract artist who painted daily for decades while being overlooked by the mainstream art world.

It’s a beautiful tribute to perseverance, purpose, and passion. Herrera’s story is a reminder that talent doesn’t expire, and recognition isn’t always the best measure of success.

5. Séraphine (2008)

This French film is a deeply moving portrayal of Séraphine Louis, a self-taught artist and housekeeper whose work was filled with vivid colors and spiritual symbolism. Set in early 20th-century France, the film traces her rise to recognition and her eventual mental decline.

Yolande Moreau’s performance is haunting and powerful, showing the delicate balance between inspiration and obsession. It’s not just about art — it’s about the fragile mind behind it.

These films don’t just show you paintings — they introduce you to the lives behind them. Each artist’s journey is unique: some triumphant, some tragic, but all profoundly human. If you’ve ever been moved by a brushstroke, these stories will stay with you long after the credits roll.