The traditional biopic formula is undergoing a distinct split in 2026. While massive, career-spanning features like Michael continue to dominate the box office, a new wave of “micropics”—films that focus on a single, transformative chapter rather than a cradle-to-grave timeline—are finding critical success. Leading this charge is Tony, the Anthony Bourdain biopic that recently transitioned from theaters to home viewing.
Rather than attempting to document Bourdain’s entire global career, director Matt Johnson’s Tony focuses exclusively on the chef at age 19 in Provincetown during the summer of 1975. Starring Dominic Sessa, the film captures the formative, gritty atmosphere that preceded Bourdain’s culinary fame. As of September 15, 2026, Tony is available for purchase and rental on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms.
This focused approach mirrors Johnson’s previous success with BlackBerry (2023), which utilized a handheld, documentary-style aesthetic to track the rise of the smartphone pioneer over a concentrated period. For those looking to see the director’s earlier work in this style, BlackBerry is currently streaming on AMC+.
Where to Stream Major Biopics: Michael and Oppenheimer
For viewers who prefer the grand scale of traditional biopics, the billion-dollar hit Michael is now available on subscription services. The Michael Jackson biopic, which covers the singer’s life from his childhood in Gary, Indiana, through his global superstardom, is streaming exclusively on Starz.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer continues to be a staple for streaming audiences. Despite various licensing shifts in 2026, the film remains available on Peacock in the U.S. as part of its ongoing distribution agreement.
New and Upcoming Releases on Netflix
The trend of exploring specific, often dark, historical figures continues this week on Netflix. On September 25, 2026, the streaming service will premiere Unabomber, a crime drama starring Jacob Tremblay as a young Ted Kaczynski. The film explores the psychological origins of the domestic terrorist through the lens of his early life.
Netflix also recently expanded its “Monster” anthology with the release of Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story. Produced by Ryan Murphy, the project arrived on the platform on September 17, 2026, following the same true-crime biographical format used in previous installments focused on Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers.
