Top 10 Historical Movies About Heroes

Description: This biographical epic chronicles the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi, from his early days in South Africa to his leadership in India's independence movement. It's included for its depiction of non-violent resistance and leadership.

Fact: The film was shot in India with over 300,000 extras, making it one of the largest film productions ever.

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's place in the list is due to its depiction of a hero who, against all odds, chose to do good.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary feel, and Steven Spielberg donated his salary to the Shoah Foundation, which records testimonies of Holocaust survivors.

Description: This epic tale follows William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads his countrymen in a rebellion against English rule. Its inclusion in this list is justified by its portrayal of a real historical figure whose fight for freedom has become legendary.

Fact: Mel Gibson, who directed and starred in the film, won the Academy Award for Best Director. The film was also a major box office success, grossing over $210 million worldwide.

Description: Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist, survives the Holocaust by living in hiding in Warsaw. This film's inclusion is due to its portrayal of survival and the human spirit's resilience.

Fact: Adrien Brody lost 30 pounds for the role and learned to play the piano, earning him the Best Actor Oscar.

Description: John Nash, a mathematical genius, battles schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to game theory. This film is included for its portrayal of intellectual heroism.

Fact: The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and Russell Crowe was nominated for Best Actor.

Description: Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, shelters over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide. This film is included for its depiction of everyday heroism in the face of unimaginable horror.

Fact: Don Cheadle was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Rusesabagina, and the film was praised for bringing attention to the Rwandan genocide.

Description: Focused on the final months of Abraham Lincoln's life, this film captures his struggle to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery. Its inclusion highlights Lincoln's heroic efforts to change the course of history.

Fact: Daniel Day-Lewis's performance as Lincoln was so convincing that he won his third Best Actor Oscar for this role.

Description: This film tells the story of Idi Amin, Uganda's dictator, through the eyes of his personal physician, Nicholas Garrigan. It's included for its depiction of a complex hero in a villainous world.

Fact: Forest Whitaker won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Idi Amin, becoming the first African-American to win for a role as a non-American character.

Description: King George VI, known for his stammer, overcomes his speech impediment with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue, to rally his nation during World War II. This film is included for its portrayal of personal triumph over adversity.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Colin Firth won Best Actor for his portrayal of King George VI.

Description: Alan Turing, a British mathematician, leads a team to crack the Nazi's Enigma code during WWII, despite facing personal and societal challenges. Its inclusion highlights his unsung heroism.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Turing, and the film was critically acclaimed for its historical accuracy.