10 Gripping Movies and Shows Like Arrowsmith

Description: A drama centered on the personal and professional conflicts faced by doctors, emphasizing the sacrifices required in the pursuit of medical excellence.

Fact: The film was based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Sidney Kingsley. It was one of the early Hollywood films to depict the medical profession with a degree of realism.

Description: A biographical drama that highlights the courage and integrity of a writer who risks his reputation to fight for justice, mirroring themes of moral conviction and societal impact.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was one of the first Hollywood films to address the Dreyfus Affair, a significant historical miscarriage of justice.

Description: A family saga that explores the decline of a wealthy dynasty, focusing on themes of change, pride, and the consequences of clinging to the past.

Fact: The film was based on Booth Tarkington's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Its original cut was significantly altered by the studio, much to the dismay of director Orson Welles.

Description: A powerful drama about the struggles of veterans returning home after World War II, dealing with themes of reintegration, trauma, and societal change.

Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It featured real-life veteran Harold Russell, who had lost both hands in the war, in a supporting role.

Description: A philosophical drama following a man's quest for meaning after the trauma of war, exploring themes of existentialism and personal transformation.

Fact: The film was based on W. Somerset Maugham's novel of the same name. It was one of the first major Hollywood productions to address post-war disillusionment and spiritual seeking.

Description: A gripping narrative about the moral and ethical challenges faced by a young doctor, focusing on his ambition, relationships, and the consequences of his choices.

Fact: The film was based on the first novel by Morton Thompson, which became a bestseller. It was one of the first major Hollywood productions to delve into the psychological pressures of medical training.

Description: A medical drama that explores the transformation of a detached, arrogant surgeon into a compassionate healer after he experiences the healthcare system as a patient.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of Dr. Edward Rosenbaum, whose memoir detailed his battle with throat cancer. It was one of the first mainstream films to critique the dehumanizing aspects of modern medicine.

Description: A biographical drama that portrays the perseverance and moral integrity of a scientist battling skepticism and institutional resistance to his groundbreaking discoveries.

Fact: Paul Muni won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Pasteur. The film was one of the first to popularize the 'great man' biopic genre.

Description: A drama focusing on the ethical dilemmas and personal struggles of a doctor, highlighting the tension between idealism and corruption in the medical profession.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by A.J. Cronin, who was a physician before becoming a writer. It won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film.

Description: A poignant drama that intertwines the lives of ordinary people during wartime, emphasizing themes of community, loss, and resilience.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by William Saroyan, who also wrote the screenplay. It won the Academy Award for Best Story, a category that no longer exists.