Movies About Courage

From Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, starring Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG

Up is an animated family adventure film directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson, released in 2009. The plot follows 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, who fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. Accompanied by an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell, Carl sets out on a journey to a lost land in South America in hopes of fulfilling a promise made to his late wife, Ellie. Along the way, they encounter talking dogs, an evil explorer, and a rare flightless bird, known as a “Snipe”, which helps them on their quest. In the end, the duo reach their destination, fulfilling the promise that Carl had made to Ellie. Up is a funny and heartwarming story of an old man and an 8-year-old boy, who on their journey discover the power of friendship, courage and loyalty.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Jim Carrey. The film tells the story of Truman Burbank (Carrey), a man whose life is presented as a reality television show that is broadcast worldwide. Truman lives in a perfect simulated town called Seahaven, which is entirely enclosed by a giant dome and populated by actors. Unbeknownst to Truman, his entire life has been filmed since his birth and broadcast live around the world 24/7. The show follows Truman's day-to-day life, as he gradually discovers the truth about the world around him and searches for the means to escape it. The film explores themes of reality and identity, with Carrey's performance as Truman earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. The Truman Show was a commercial and critical success, earning over $264 million worldwide on a budget of $60 million. It won Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Ed Harris).

From Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, starring Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
Rated G

Finding Nemo is an Academy Award-winning 2003 computer-animated film produced by Pixar and directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich. The movie follows the story of a clownfish named Marlin who, along with a blue tang fish named Dory, embarks on a journey to find his son, Nemo, who has been taken far away from his home in the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, they come across a group of friendly sea turtles, a dangerous shark, a fish-smuggling boat, and a variety of other interesting characters. Marlin and Dory eventually reach Sydney, Australia, where Nemo is being held captive in a dentist's aquarium. After a series of adventures, the two fish eventually rescue Nemo and return home to the Great Barrier Reef. The movie is a heartwarming story about a father's love for his son and the lengths he will go to save him.

From Directors: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, starring Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm
Rated G

Ratatouille is a 2007 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It was co-written and directed by Brad Bird, and co-directed by Jan Pinkava. The film follows the story of Remy, a rat who dreams of becoming a great French chef, despite his family's wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When he makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a renowned restaurant, the culinary and personal adventures begin despite Remy's desire for quality cuisine. The film was praised for its animation, voice acting, and wit, and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Screenplay, and won Best Animated Feature at the 80th Academy Awards. It grossed $623 million at the box office worldwide and is the 8th highest grossing Pixar movie of all time.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags-to-riches Hollywood story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working class Italian-American boxer, played by Stallone, who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship. The film also stars Talia Shire as Adrian, Burt Young as Adrian's brother Paulie, Burgess Meredith as Rocky's trainer Mickey Goldmill, and Carl Weathers as the champion, Apollo Creed. The film follows Rocky's quest to go the distance with Creed, which results in a dramatic match that proves the power of the human spirit. The film was both a critical and commercial success, with Stallone being nominated for his performance and the movie winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing. It spawned five sequels, and is considered a timeless classic of the boxing genre.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman
Rated G

Aladdin is a 1992 animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is based on the Arabic folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights and tells the story of Aladdin, an Arab street urchin, who finds a magical lamp containing a genie. When Aladdin rubs the lamp, the genie grants him three wishes, which he uses to become a prince in order to win the heart of Princess Jasmine. Along the way, Aladdin and his pet monkey, Abu, face a treacherous wizard named Jafar, who aims to use the genie's power to take over the kingdom. With the help of the genie, Aladdin must find a way to defeat the evil Jafar and win the heart of the princess.

From Morten Tyldum, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Allen Leech
Rated PG-13

The Imitation Game is a 2014 biographical drama directed by Morten Tyldum and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Mark Strong, and Matthew Goode. The film follows the life of British cryptanalyst Alan Turing (Cumberbatch), who was instrumental in cracking the German Enigma code during World War II, helping to turn the tide of the war in the Allies' favor. The film also explores the personal side of Turing, chronicling his troubled childhood, his strained relationship with his colleagues, his struggles with his homosexuality, and his eventual conviction and sentence for indecency. It culminates in Turing's tragic death in 1954 at the age of 41. Despite his contributions to the Allied victory, he was never publicly recognized for his genius. The Imitation Game is an inspiring story of a remarkable individual who made an extraordinary contribution to modern science and history.

From Ang Lee, starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Rated PG

Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure drama film directed by Ang Lee, based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Yann Martel. The story follows the journey of Pi Patel, an Indian boy who survives a disaster at sea and is stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger for 227 days. The film chronicles his physical, emotional, and spiritual journey as he battles for survival in the face of natural and supernatural forces. Along the way, he forms an extraordinary bond with the tiger, transforming both of their lives. The film explores the themes of faith, spirituality, and the power of storytelling. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $600 million at the global box office and earning four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Ang Lee.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports film directed by Boaz Yakin, based on the true story of the 1971 T. C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia. In the wake of desegregation, Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) is appointed head coach of the school's football team, leading a racially divided squad to an undefeated season and an historic state championship. Along the way, Coach Boone and his players confront the racism which still existed in the community and learn to come together to form one team. The film also stars Will Patton, Donald Faison, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst and Hayden Panettiere.

From Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise
Rated PG

Apollo 13 is a 1995 American space docudrama directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris. The film follows the true story of Apollo 13, the third manned mission to the moon, which was launched from Kennedy Space Center in April 1970. During the mission, an oxygen tank exploded, which caused major damage to the spacecraft and put the lives of the astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert in danger. Despite the odds, the crew worked together to find a way to make it back to Earth safely. Through their ingenuity, courage, and determination, they were able to return home to the cheers of millions around the world. Apollo 13 is an inspiring tale of human perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

From Rich Moore, starring John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Rated PG

Wreck-It Ralph is an animated comedy film released in 2012 and directed by Rich Moore. The film tells the story of Ralph, a video game villain who lives in the game "Fix-It Felix Jr." After years of being overlooked and unappreciated by the game's other characters, Ralph decides to take matters into his own hands and prove his worth. He sets out on an adventure across different game worlds in search of a gold medal that he can prove he is a hero. Along the way, Ralph meets the feisty Vanellope von Schweetz, an outcast from the game "Sugar Rush". Together, they must find a way to save Vanellope's game and prove that Ralph is a hero. Along the way, they encounter a range of colorful characters and must use their wits to overcome obstacles and ultimately save the day.

From Marc Forster, starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell
Rated PG

Finding Neverland is a 2004 biographical drama film directed by Marc Forster and starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Radha Mitchell, and Dustin Hoffman. The film follows the life of playwright J.M. Barrie and his relationship with the Llewelyn Davies family. Barrie meets the family after seeing the mother, Sylvia, in Kensington Gardens. Initially, Barrie is hesitant to interact with the family, but eventually he is accepted and spends time playing games with the children, exploring their imaginations and creating stories. Barrie is inspired by the children and eventually creates the play "Peter Pan". He uses the stories he created with the family as the basis for his play. The film follows Barrie's journey of self-discovery and his understanding of the healing power of family. It is ultimately a story of hope and the power of imagination.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven
Rated R

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British drama film directed by Stephen Daldry, about an 11-year-old working-class boy from County Durham, England, who discovers a passion for ballet. His father and brother are coal miners, and Billy is initially reluctant to pursue his newfound interest, eventually enrolling in the Royal Ballet School in London. Along the way, he must come to terms with his family's disapproval, his working-class background, and his own self-doubt. Along with a strong supporting cast, the film features a powerful soundtrack and engaging performances from Jamie Bell as Billy and Gary Lewis as his father. The film garnered numerous awards and nominations, including three Academy Award nominations and one BAFTA award.

From Irwin Winkler, starring Hayden Christensen, Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jena Malone
Rated R

Life as a House follows failed architect and single father George Monroe (Kevin Kline) as he attempts to repair his broken relationships with his estranged son, Sam (Hayden Christensen), and his former wife Robin (Kristin Scott Thomas) while rebuilding a house with Sam on an isolated beach. After George is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he decides to use the time he has left to rebuild a home with his son and make amends with his family. As the two work together to rebuild the house, they come to terms with their past and their future, eventually forming a strong and loving bond. Along the way, George and Sam also form a friendship with their neighbor, Alyssa (Mary Steenburgen). In the end, George is successful in repairing his relationships with his family, and finds peace in the knowledge that his life has had a lasting impact.

From David Anspaugh, starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Greta Lind
Rated PG

Rudy (Sean Astin) is a young man with a dream of playing football for the University of Notre Dame despite less than ideal academic qualifications and financial resources. With the help and encouragement of his family and friends, Rudy works hard to overcome every obstacle and make his dream come true. Despite facing relentless ridicule and defeat, Rudy never gives up and eventually earns a spot on the Notre Dame football team. With the support of his family and friends, Rudy goes on to become a team captain, inspiring everyone around him to never give up on their dreams.

From Brian Helgeland, starring Chadwick Boseman, T.R. Knight, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie
Rated PG-13

42 is a biographical drama film about the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player. Set in 1945, the film follows Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) and his journey as he breaks the color barrier and struggles against discrimination. Along the way, Robinson and his wife Rachel (Nicole Beharie) are supported by Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rickey takes a chance on Robinson in the hope that his team's success will lead to a more diverse and inclusive sport. The film follows Jackie's battles against racism and prejudice, as well as his growth as a player and a person, as he becomes one of the most influential baseball players of all time. The film ultimately shows how Jackie Robinson's courage and determination made him not only an important figure in baseball, but an icon for civil rights as well.

From Kirsten Sheridan, starring Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Rated PG

From Michael Apted, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Romola Garai
Rated PG

From Barry Levinson, starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger
Rated PG

From Gavin O'Connor, starring Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

From Michael McGowan, starring Adam Butcher, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Tilly, Michael Kanevsky
Rated PG-13

From Niki Caro, starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts
Rated PG

From Michael O. Sajbel, starring Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin, Bill Cobbs
Rated PG

From Directors: Samuel Armstrong, Norman Ferguson, Wilfred Jackson, Jack Kinney, Bill Roberts, Ben Sharpsteen, John Elliotte, starring Sterling Holloway, Edward Brophy, Herman Bing, Billy Bletcher
Rated G

From James Gartner, starring Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols, Jon Voight
Rated PG