10 Must-Watch Films About Families in Poverty

Description: Based on John Steinbeck's novel, this film depicts the Joad family's migration from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, highlighting their struggle against poverty and exploitation.

Fact: Henry Fonda's performance as Tom Joad earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Description: An Italian neorealist classic, this film follows a father and son in post-World War II Rome as they search for the father's stolen bicycle, which he needs to keep his job. It's a stark portrayal of economic desperation.

Fact: The film was one of the first foreign films to be widely distributed in the United States.

Description: This adaptation of Alice Walker's novel follows Celie, an African American woman living in rural Georgia, as she endures poverty, racism, and misogyny, finding strength through sisterhood and self-discovery.

Fact: Whoopi Goldberg received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman, as he fights to provide for his son while pursuing a better life through an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Fact: The film is inspired by the real-life story of Chris Gardner. Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, plays his son in the movie.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy, who is taken in by a wealthy family. It's a heartwarming tale of how kindness and opportunity can change a life marked by poverty.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film.

Description: "Precious" tells the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones, an overweight, illiterate teen who lives with her abusive mother in Harlem. The film explores her journey towards education and self-discovery amidst extreme poverty and abuse.

Fact: The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Mo'Nique.

Description: Ree Dolly, a teenager from the Ozarks, must find her missing father to save her family from eviction. The film captures the harsh realities of rural poverty and the strength of family bonds.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in this film.

Description: Hushpuppy, a young girl living in a poor, isolated bayou community, faces the challenges of her father's illness and the impending environmental disaster. It's a magical realism take on poverty and survival.

Fact: The film was shot in Louisiana with a mix of professional and non-professional actors.

Description: Set in a budget motel near Disney World, this film follows six-year-old Moonee and her friends as they live out their summer, while their parents struggle with poverty and unemployment. It's a vibrant yet poignant look at childhood in the shadow of economic hardship.

Fact: The film was shot on location in a real motel, and many of the child actors were local kids from the area.

Description: Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The film interweaves his life story with his quest for love, showcasing the harsh realities of poverty.

Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.