Top 10 Historically Accurate Movies for the Whole Family
#10: “Miracle” (2004)
The opening news clip montage helps place this movie in history. It’s the 1980 Olympics. Since it’s the height of the Cold War, The U.S. Hockey team is extremely determined to beat the Soviet team. For dramatic purposes, the film adds tension between the team members. But it also included true events and dialogue that shaped the team and its goals. While the scene where players practiced sprints after the rink lights were turned off seemed over-the-top, it happened.. Coach Brooks’ inspiring speech and the commentary of the game were also pulled right from real events. These real moments helped create an inspiring film that shines a light on the motivations behind this historical victory.
#9: “An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has To Win” (2016)
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While the main character of this movie didn’t exist, the incidents in her hometown accurately depicted struggles faced by Black people at the time. The story focuses on a young Black girl named Melody Ellison facing discrimination during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Early in the film, stories of protests and violence are heard on the radio. That leads to important discussions around equality, language and justice. One of the key moments in the film was the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. The actual event isn’t shown. However, it does affect Melody and makes her process what it means in her life. Since the time period and events are treated with respect, it’s a hugely informative watch for young audiences.
#8: “42” (2013)
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During this inspirational film, we see how Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. As with many biographies, some specific moments were altered to add drama. But many of the difficulties Robinson faced on the field were represented. These included getting hit with balls, sliced by cleats and insulted by opposing teams. Moments captured in famous photos were also incorporated into the film. A picture of Robinson standing with his White teammate Pee Wee Reese was translated perfectly into the film. In order to reduce tensions between the Phillies and the Dodgers, Robinson also had to pose with coach Ben Chapman. It certainly helped that Jackie Robinson’s wife Rachel Robinson was involved in production. She ultimately raised its authenticity and power.
#7: “A League of Their Own” (1992)
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Although the characters in this sports movie are fictional, the Rockford Peaches were a real team. The plot itself is also a fairly accurate reflection of how the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League came to be. It was true that the teams were started to keep baseball from fading away when the male players went to war. The organization, names and details of the teams were pulled straight out of the history books. Believe it or not, the women did have to wear skirts and take etiquette lessons. Like in the film, the women’s baseball league didn’t last when men returned to the field. However, with humor and heart, “A League of Their Own” effectively captures the beginning of women’s sports in the U.S.
#6: “Remember the Titans” (2000)
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This film was inspired by the true story of a racially integrated high school football team in 1971. It primarily focuses on a Black coach Herman Boone. Not only was he expected to keep winning, but he had to bring an integrated team together in a time of heavy prejudice. Admittedly, the timing of when games occurred was altered to heighten the drama. But the team’s victorious journey to the state championships is well-represented overall. They also did spend time prepping at Gettysburg college. And sadly, the tragedy of Gerry Bertier’s accident was also a real event. Aiming to inspire, the film gives an important look at the cultural issues and struggles of being a racially integrated sports team in this time period.
#5: “Ruby Bridges” (1998)
In 1960, Ruby Bridges was one of four African-American first graders selected to integrate into previously all-white schools in New Orleans. Many important events surrounding this landmark Civil Rights moment are accurately portrayed in this film. Watching Ruby walk through an angry mob while being protected by federal marshals is like the photographs come to life. After all of the white children were pulled from class by their parents, Ruby actually continued in her class alone. The support of her dedicated teacher and a volunteer child psychologist are important historical elements included in the film. Although some dialogue and small details are fiction, the film gives a faithful portrayal of this historic moment in American history.
#4: “Sarah Plain & Tall” (1991)
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The author of the novel, “Sarah Plain & Tall” based the events on a true account from her family history. Set in 1910, the film tells the story of a Kansas farmer who seeks a mail order bride to help his family after the death of his wife. Ads and letters from west to east coast were not uncommon during that time period. They could basically be considered the historical version of Craigslist. Thanks to the film’s costumes and sets, the movie is extremely grounded in its early 1900’s setting. The amazing character portrayals by Glenn Close and Christopher Walken help create a story that feels true to the location and time period.
#3: “Empire of the Sun” (1987)
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This story of a British child alone in a Japanese internment camp is fictional. However, it is based on the real life experiences of author J. G. Ballard. He and his family spent time in the Shanghai International Settlement during the Japanese occupation. Great pains were taken to portray the time period as accurately as possible. Not only did the production team receive special permission to film in Shanghai but Spielburg used period vehicles and aircraft. Ballard’s experiences of running errands and admiring the Japanese and American pilots and aircraft are all depicted in the film.
#2: “Hugo” (2011)
Within this film about an orphaned boy searching for answers, there is a wealth of film history. Twelve year old Hugo searches for the creator of an automaton and discovers the mysterious filmmaker, Georges Méliès. In addition Méliès was also a toymaker, magician and fan of automatons. Portions of his real works are shown as a part of Hugo’s journey. Due to bankruptcy, many of Méliès’ films were sold and melted down for the chemicals. The movie is not solely about this character. But viewers will definitely learn some fascinating facts about early special effects and one of film’s pioneering artists.
#1: “Hidden Figures” (2016)
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Many people had no idea that Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson worked with NASA as their mathematical brains until this celebrated film came out. In this story, viewers learn how three Black women became instrumental in John Glenn’s historic launch into orbit. Incidents like having to walk great distances to use a segregated restroom were based on the real struggles of these pioneering women. Their tenacity against prejudice is also highlighted. Plot lines such as Mary Jackson pursuing permission to attend graduate courses at a white high school in order to become an engineer are indeed based in reality. At its core, “Hidden Figures” truly highlights the real and remarkable deeds of these extraordinary women.
