Inspiring Films Based on True Stories

Description: Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, saves the lives of over 1,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. This film is a poignant reminder of the power of one person's actions to make a difference.

Fact: Steven Spielberg shot the film in black and white to give it a documentary-like feel, and the red coat of a little girl is one of the few splashes of color in the movie.

Description: Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich, a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply. Her determination and tenacity are truly inspiring.

Fact: Erin Brockovich herself made a cameo in the film, and the real-life case resulted in one of the largest direct-action lawsuits in U.S. history.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman, who takes custody of his son while juggling homelessness, joblessness, and an unpaid internship. It's a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, plays his son in the movie, and the film's title misspells "Happiness" intentionally, reflecting a real-life sign Gardner saw.

Description: This film tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who becomes an All-American football player with the help of a caring family. It's about the transformative power of kindness and opportunity.

Fact: The real Michael Oher was adopted by the Tuohy family, and he went on to play in the NFL.

Description: Nelson Mandela, in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn country: inspiring the national rugby team to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Fact: The film's title is from a poem by William Ernest Henley, which Mandela often recited, and Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Mandela was highly praised.

Description: This film tells the story of King George VI, who struggles with a stammer and must overcome it to deliver a crucial speech to his nation during WWII. It's a tale of overcoming personal challenges with the help of an unconventional speech therapist.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Colin Firth's performance as King George VI was critically acclaimed.

Description: Based on the true story of Aron Ralston, this film depicts his harrowing experience of being trapped by a boulder in a remote canyon and his extreme measures to survive. It's a story of survival, resilience, and the will to live.

Fact: The film was shot in the exact location where the real event took place, and James Franco lost 15 pounds to portray Ralston's physical deterioration.

Description: Based on the real-life experience of a family caught in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, this film showcases their struggle for survival and the incredible human spirit in the face of disaster.

Fact: The film was shot in Thailand, where the actual tsunami struck, and Naomi Watts was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance.

Description: This biopic explores the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, focusing on his relationship with his wife Jane and his battle with motor neuron disease. It's a story of love, intellect, and resilience.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Hawking, and the film was based on Jane Hawking's memoir.

Description: This film celebrates the contributions of three African-American women at NASA who were instrumental in the success of the U.S. space program. It's an inspiring tale of overcoming racial and gender barriers.

Fact: The film was based on the non-fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly, and the real-life women were honored at the White House.