10 Biopics About Small-Town Girls Making It Big

Description: Loretta Lynn, born in Butcher Holler, Kentucky, becomes one of country music's biggest stars. This film captures her journey from a coal miner's wife to a music legend, showcasing her struggles and triumphs.

Fact: Sissy Spacek won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn. The film's soundtrack, featuring Spacek's singing, also became a hit.

Description: Erin Brockovich, a single mother from a small town, takes on a massive corporation in a legal battle over contaminated water. Her tenacity and determination lead to one of the largest class-action lawsuits in U.S. history.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role. The real Erin Brockovich made a cameo in the film.

Description: Queen Elizabeth II, born in London but with a strong connection to rural life, faces public scrutiny after the death of Princess Diana. The film explores her private and public life.

Fact: Helen Mirren won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. The film was shot in various locations, including Balmoral Castle.

Description: While not about a small-town girl, Linda, Chris Gardner's wife, comes from a small town in Louisiana. The film focuses on Chris's journey from homelessness to success, with Linda's story providing a backdrop.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden played father and son in the film. The movie was based on Chris Gardner's memoir.

Description: Though not a traditional biopic, it's inspired by Lauren Weisberger's life, who worked as an assistant to Anna Wintour at Vogue. The film follows a small-town girl navigating the cutthroat world of high fashion in New York City.

Fact: Meryl Streep's portrayal of the fashion magazine editor was inspired by Anna Wintour, though Streep never met her during the film's production.

Description: While not directly about a small-town girl, Leigh Anne Tuohy, from a small town in Tennessee, adopts a homeless teenager, Michael Oher, and helps him become an NFL star. Her story is one of compassion and determination.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The film was based on the book by Michael Lewis.

Description: Margaret Thatcher, born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, rises from a grocer's daughter to become the UK's first female Prime Minister. This film delves into her political career and personal life.

Fact: Meryl Streep won her third Oscar for her performance as Margaret Thatcher. The film was criticized for its portrayal of Thatcher's dementia.

Description: Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, from a small town in Mississippi, writes a book about the lives of African-American maids, sparking significant social change.

Fact: The film was adapted from Kathryn Stockett's novel. It received four Academy Award nominations.

Description: Jane Hawking, born in St Albans, England, supports her husband Stephen Hawking through his battle with motor neuron disease, contributing significantly to his scientific work.

Fact: Felicity Jones was nominated for an Oscar for her role as Jane Hawking. The film was adapted from Jane's memoir.

Description: The film tells the story of three African-American women, including Katherine Johnson from White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, who played crucial roles in NASA's space race.

Fact: The film was nominated for three Oscars. The real Katherine Johnson made a cameo in the film.