Top 10 Inspiring Movies Based on a True Story
#10: “Rudy” (1993)
“Rudy” Ruettiger didn’t have the stellar grades, money, or athleticism expected of prospective Notre Dame football players. But he did have a big dream and the willpower to achieve it. Considering all the dreamer lacked, many thought his elaborate plan to earn good grades, make money, and train to be a worthy player was highly unrealistic. Despite doubts, multiple rejections, and many other challenges along the way, Rudy did everything he could to achieve his goal. His persistence paid off, as he was not only eventually accepted by the University but also took to the football field. Rudy wound up winning a game in epic fashion—a powerful testament to the possibilities of triumphing against all odds.
#9: “The Theory of Everything” (2014)
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Recounting the life of Stephen Hawking, this film tells the story of the brilliant physicist. It was adapted from a memoir written by his wife, Jane, who details their romance, his ALS diagnosis, and his exemplary scientific achievements. As Stephen builds a groundbreaking theory about black holes and radiation emission, his condition worsens, lending to struggles for both him and his spouse. Overcoming grim obstacles, Stephen continued to carry out and stand by his work. And even though he and Jane divorced amidst hardship, the two remained close friends. While the movie takes liberties in its presentation, it presents admirable lessons about perseverance and the importance of leaning on those rooting for you.
#8: “Remember the Titans” (2000)
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Based on the true story of a high school football team, the film is set in the 1970s—a time that saw attempts to integrate a racially divided society. Black head coach Herman Boone is tasked with leading a blended team of players. The merging of the formerly segregated students was initially met with racial tensions and stark competitiveness. But with speeches on unity, team-building excursions, and time to learn about one another, the team came together. After a victory, tragedy later struck when an accident severely injured one of the captains, adding to the adversity the players routinely faced. But the Titans went on to prove their comradeship on and off the football field, exemplifying the unified power of standing against stigmas and injustices.
#7: “Erin Brockovich” (2000)
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Detailing the story of a resolute legal clerk, the biographical drama portrays Erin Brockovich’s fight against corporate irresponsibility and selfishness. As an environmental activist and consumer advocate, Brockovich took it upon herself to investigate suspicious activity of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. She found that the company was contaminating local water, so she began building a case fraught with challenges. Being a woman in a male-dominated field and lacking the law education of her peers, Brockvich struggled to gain the respect she deserved. But eventually, her determination resulted in her case seeing success with corporate consequences imposed. Brockovich’s resilience is an inspiring example of advocating for what’s right regardless of barriers standing in the way.
#6: “42” (2013)
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As the first Black MLB player of the modern era, Jackie Robinson endured substantial adversity. After earning his spot on the Brooklyn Dodgers, the talented first baseman was the target of unwarranted criticism, racial slurs, relentless taunting, and tremendous pressure. Rising above it all, Jackie consistently took to the field and performed. Not to mention, he was the key player whose homer clinched the pennant for the Dodgers. Jackie also connected with his teammates along the way, especially Pee Wee Reese, who notably showed support during a hateful display against opponents. While aggression and revenge would have been understandable reactions, Robinson seldom wavered when it came to taking the high road and standing proud and tall.
#5: “Coach Carter” (2005)
Ken Carter had a long, trying road ahead of him when he became the coach of a high school basketball team. Focusing on the players’ lack of respect and unimpressive performances in the classroom, the new coach took a different approach to making his team better students, players, and people. Team members weren’t initially fond of Carter’s disciplinary tactics and high standards, but they eventually understood his purpose and grew to appreciate their leader. Though the team’s season ended with a quarterfinal loss, Coach Carter left his players with a valuable life lesson—that winning a basketball game is nothing compared to achieving community togetherness, growth outside of a sport, and “the ever elusive victory within.”
#4: “Freedom Writers” (2007)
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With a classroom full of at-risk students experiencing eviction, abuse, violence, and death, English teacher Erin Gruwell saw an opportunity to help. In an attempt to educate and better her students, Erin dedicated her own time, money, and effort to providing her class with diaries through which they could express their struggles and feelings. The determined teacher’s involved methods were criticized by fellow educators and her husband, but she stood firm in her belief that it was her duty to give her kids meaningful outlets. Inspired by their accounts, Erin compiled the diary entries into a book. Thanks to her hard work and commitment, many of the students became first-generation college attendees who were granted the tools to pursue brighter futures for themselves.
#3: “Soul Surfer” (2011)
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Based on an autobiography by Bethany Hamilton, the film portrays the story of a talented young surfer who suffered a life-altering blow. A shark attack left Bethany without an arm, making the continuation of her sport seemingly impossible. But with time and resilience, she underwent a journey of self-discovery and got back on her board. She leaned on her loved ones while training to compete again and demonstrated how it is indeed possible to conquer life’s hardest tests. Even though Bethany lost a competition after a remarkable showing, she explained she wouldn’t change what happened to her because she is now able to touch more people than she ever could before.
#2: “On the Basis of Sex” (2018)
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The fight for women’s rights has raged on for over a century. Gender discrimination is nothing new, but it was especially prevalent in the 1950s—a time that saw Ruth Bader Ginsburg attend Harvard Law School. This biographical drama follows Ginsburg as she carves her path in a male-dominated field. She graduated atop her class but struggled to find employment as a female lawyer. Despite ignorance and stigmas plaguing her uphill battle, she worked on a groundbreaking case and vehemently advocated for gender equality. After proving her worth in the legal world and significantly contributing to actions around sex-based laws, Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court. Her legacy serves as a reminder that affecting change requires passion, mobilization, and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Lone Survivor” (2013)
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“The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
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“Hotel Rwanda” (2004)
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“We Are Marshall” (2006)
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“The Miracle Season” (2018)
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#1: “Schindler’s List” (1993)
Telling the true tale of a German industrialist during the Holocaust, this historical drama is as emotional as it is inspiring. Having witnessed the persecution of Jews in Poland, factory owner, Oskar Schindler, hired members of the Jewish business community. When conditions worsened and Nazi forces transported some of his workers to Auschwitz, Schindler used revenue to bribe the commandant in exchange for their release. Though his business was originally driven by profit motive, the businessman ended up using his factory as a way to save countless lives. An example of altruism and fortitude, Schindler’s actions will forever encompass the timeless lesson that there is always a choice to be good and do good, even during incredibly dark circumstances.
