Movies About Overcoming Challenges

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film directed and written by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Prison for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the following two decades, he befriends a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. He gradually comes to be admired by the other inmates, gaining the nickname "The Shawshank Redemption". After 20 years of imprisonment, Andy helps Red procure a sentence reduction, and eventually escapes the prison, having been exonerated for his alleged crimes. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1994, and has since become one of the most celebrated films of all time.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. The film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, an ethnic German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mainly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. The film follows Schindler's efforts to save the Jews from extermination by the Nazis and his conflicted feelings as he witnesses the horrors of the Holocaust. It is filmed in black and white and features a critically acclaimed score by John Williams. The film was a major critical and commercial success, earning twelve Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and winning seven awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is the story of a simple-minded yet kind-hearted man, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) from Alabama, who, despite the limitations imposed by his low IQ, leads an extraordinary life. Against all odds, he overcomes obstacles to become a successful Vietnam War hero, a world-class Ping-Pong champion, a business tycoon, a football star, and a loving father. Despite his success, Forrest remains humble and honest. Through his journey, he meets an array of people and learns valuable life lessons that take him through some of the most important moments in recent American history. Along the way, he finds love in Jenny (Robin Wright), a woman he has loved since childhood. Forrest Gump is a touching, inspiring, and heartwarming story of courage, faith, and the power of love.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is an uplifting and inspiring French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The story follows the unlikely friendship between Driss, an ex-con from the projects of Paris, and Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic. Despite their differences, the two develop a strong bond and Philippe hires Driss to be his caretaker. As Driss helps Philippe to adjust to life in a wheelchair, the two experience a variety of humorous and heart-warming adventures. Through laughter, tears, and friendship, The Intouchables shows how two men from different walks of life can find common ground and share a bond that can overcome any obstacle.

From Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay, Emilia Fox
Rated R

The Pianist is a 2002 biographical war drama film directed by Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody as Władysław Szpilman, a Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust by playing classical music in the ruins of the Warsaw Ghetto. Throughout the film, Szpilman struggles to survive while facing the horrors of Nazi rule, including starvation, disease, and extreme psychological terror. He eventually finds himself alone in the ruins of the ghetto and must rely on the kindness of strangers to survive. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Szpilman and won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Actor for Brody.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American drama film written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and directed by Gus Van Sant. It stars Damon as Will Hunting, a brilliant but troubled young man from South Boston, who is struggling to find his place in the world and is able to solve difficult mathematical problems. Robin Williams plays a psychologist who helps Will with his struggles. Along the way, he is supported by his best friend (Affleck) and a beautiful Harvard student (Minnie Driver). The film follows Will as he deals with his past, learns to accept responsibility for his actions and finds his place in the world. It is a powerful story of struggle and redemption, ultimately leading to Will's personal growth and self-discovery.

From James McTeigue, starring Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Rated R

V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political thriller film directed by James McTeigue and written by the Wachowskis, based on the 1988 DC/Vertigo Comics limited series of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. The film is set in an alternative future in which a neo-fascist regime has subjugated the United Kingdom. The film follows V (Hugo Weaving), an anarchist freedom fighter who attempts to ignite a revolution by assassinating the government's top officials and inspiring citizens to rebel against the oppressive regime. Along the way, V befriends Evey (Natalie Portman), a young woman whose life he saves. Together they fight against the oppressive regime, uncovering dark secrets that threatens to tear the country apart. The film received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, and was a financial success, grossing over $132 million at the box office.

From Tate Taylor, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

The Help is a 2011 drama film, directed by Tate Taylor and adapted from Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name. It tells the story of African-American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960s. The film stars Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain. The film follows the struggles of Aibileen Clark (Davis) and Minny Jackson (Spencer) as they develop a strong bond despite the racism and prejudice of the white Southerners around them. Together, they decide to start writing a book about their experiences as maids. They are joined by Skeeter Phelan (Stone), a southern white woman who is determined to make a difference in a town where nobody's secrets are safe. Through their work, the maids are able to bring about a change in the town and inspire a community to stand up for what is right. The Help captures the lives of these courageous women and their fight for equal rights and justice.

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Kim Ki-duk, Oh Yeong-su, Jong-ho Kim, Kim Young-min
Rated R

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is a 2003 South Korean film written and directed by Kim Ki-duk. The film follows the life of a Buddhist monk as he moves through the different stages of life. The story begins in spring, where a young monk is taught the ways of Buddhism by his elderly master. As the seasons pass, the monk learns the importance of living a moral life and the consequences of his actions. Eventually, he leaves the monastery in autumn and lives a life of sin, only to return to the monastery in winter and eventually gain enlightenment in spring. Throughout the film, the monk is accompanied by his master who, despite his age, still serves as a teacher and protector to the monk. The film is a beautiful and meditative exploration of Buddhism and its teachings, as well as a story of the cycle of life.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 drama film starring Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith. The film tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman from San Francisco, and his struggle to build a better life for himself and his young son Christopher. After losing his job and being evicted from their home, Chris takes a job as an unpaid intern at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, hoping to make enough money to provide for his son and bring about a brighter future for the two of them. Despite his lack of resources and the opposition of his superiors, Chris perseveres, eventually leading to a better life and financial security for himself and his son. The film emphasizes the power of resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a biographical drama directed by Julian Schnabel. It tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a former editor-in-chief at French Elle magazine, who suffers a massive stroke that leaves him paralyzed and unable to speak. He is confined to a hospital bed and can only communicate by blinking his left eye. Despite this physical limitation, Bauby uses his vivid imagination to compose his memoirs by dictating the story one letter at a time to his speech therapist. Through his intimate and lyrical writing, he is able to regain his freedom and live life to the fullest. Despite its tragic premise, the film is ultimately a celebration of resilience and the power of the human spirit.

From Directors: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan, starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, Anil Kapoor
Rated R

Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British drama film directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, written by Simon Beaufoy, and produced by Christian Colson. It tells the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of the TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and is accused of cheating. With the help of his older brother Salim, Jamal embarks on a journey to discover how he knows the answers to the show's questions and his own identity. The film received universal critical acclaim and eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score. It also won seven BAFTA Awards, five Critics' Choice Awards, four Golden Globe Awards and four Satellite Awards. It grossed over $377 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2008.

From Barry Levinson, starring Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen
Rated R

Rain Man is a 1988 American road comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass. It tells the story of an abrasive, selfish young wheeler-dealer Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), who discovers that his estranged father has died and bequeathed all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his other son, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), an autistic savant, of whose existence Charlie was unaware. Charlie is left with only his father's car and suitcase full of bond certificates. In an attempt to claim his inheritance, Charlie tracks down Raymond in an institution and then takes him to Los Angeles. Along the way, the two develop a growing bond as Raymond reveals his talents and Charlie learns to appreciate his brother. The film also stars Valeria Golino as Charlie's girlfriend, Susanna, and Gerald R. Molen as Dr. Bruner, Raymond's caretaker. Rain Man was the highest-grossing film of 1988 and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hoffman), Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, and won four: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor in a Leading Role (H

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez, Lari White
Rated PG-13

Cast Away is a 2000 American drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks. It tells the story of Chuck Noland, a FedEx systems engineer who is stranded on an uninhabited island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific Ocean. Chuck must use his resourcefulness to survive the harsh environment, and eventually manages to build a raft and sail back to the mainland to start his life anew. Throughout the film, Chuck confronts a number of challenges and discovers the importance of companionship and faith. The film earned several awards and nominations, including a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for Hanks.

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

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Denzel Washington. The film is based on the true story of African-American coach Herman Boone and his efforts to integrate the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971. After the newly desegregated school experiences a tumultuous start, Boone is hired as the head coach of the football team and must overcome deep-rooted racial tensions between his players in order to unify them and create a winning team. Through a series of team-building exercises and tough love, Boone unites the players and leads them to a victorious, undefeated football season. Along the way, the team learns to respect each other and their differences, forming a bond that transcends race, and helps to heal the city of Alexandria. The film shows the challenges the team faced, both on and off the field, and celebrates the power of teamwork, strength, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

From Taylor Hackford, starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Clifton Powell
Rated PG-13

Ray is a biographical film based on the life of the American musician Ray Charles, spanning from his humble beginnings in the 1930s to his rise to stardom in the 1950s and 1960s. The movie follows Charles’ fight with discrimination and addiction while also chronicling his immense contributions to the world of music and his impact on the civil rights movement. The film stars Jamie Foxx as Charles, alongside an all-star cast including Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, and Bokeem Woodbine. Through a masterful blend of music, drama, and comedy, Ray captures the life and spirit of one of America’s most beloved icons.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman
Rated PG-13

Philadelphia is a 1993 American drama film directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Ron Nyswaner. It stars Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in the lead roles. The film follows a successful Philadelphia attorney, Andrew Beckett (Hanks), who is fired from his law firm after they discover he has AIDS. He then takes legal action against the firm, and his lawyer, Joe Miller (Washington), is assigned to defend him. The film explores the social stigma surrounding AIDS and homophobia in the United States in the early 1990s. It also examines the issues surrounding Beckett's personal struggle for acceptance and recognition for his civil rights. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving seven Academy Award nominations, including a win for Tom Hanks for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

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

Billy Elliot is a 2000 British dance drama film about an 11-year-old boy from a working-class background who discovers a passion for ballet. Billy's father, Jackie, is a coal miner at the local pit, and his mother died when he was very young. His older brother Tony is preparing to go to college, while his grandmother is a devout Christian who often tries to impose her religion on the family. When Billy is sent to the boxing gym, he discovers a love for ballet and enlists the help of a retired dancer and teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson. Despite his father's disapproval, Mrs. Wilkinson encourages Billy to pursue his dream, and eventually he is accepted into the Royal Ballet School. Billy must overcome multiple obstacles to succeed, including the disapproval of his father and brother and a lack of money for training. However, with the help of Mrs. Wilkinson, his teacher and the local community, Billy is able to excel and eventually make it to the regional ballet championship. The film ends with Billy performing a stunning solo that wins him a place in the Royal Ballet School.

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

Finding Neverland is a 2004 British-American biopic drama film directed by Marc Forster and written by David Magee. The film stars Johnny Depp as author J.M. Barrie, Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, and Dustin Hoffman as theatrical producer Charles Frohman. The story focuses on Barrie's friendship with the Llewelyn Davies family, and his relationship with Sylvia's four young sons. Barrie finds inspiration in their stories and imagination and creates the character Peter Pan. As his relationship with the family deepens, Barrie comes to understand the power of love and loss in a family's life. The movie ends with Barrie's dedication of the play to Sylvia's sons, who are now grown.

From Bernardo Bertolucci, starring John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ruocheng Ying
Rated PG-13

The Last Emperor is a 1987 movie directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and starring John Lone, Joan Chen, and Peter O’Toole. The movie tells the story of the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. After being deposed in the 1912 Chinese Revolution, Pu Yi is taken to a re-education center where he reflects on the events of his life. Pu Yi struggles to come to terms with his new life as a commoner, but eventually learns to find peace and happiness within himself. Along the way, he meets a variety of people who help him to grow and adapt to the changing world around him. The film is a sweeping epic that paints an intimate portrait of Pu Yi’s life and of the end of an era.

From Marc Forster, starring Khalid Abdalla, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub
Rated PG-13

The Kite Runner is a 2007 film directed by Marc Forster, based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. The movie follows the story of Amir, a young Afghan boy, who lives a privileged life in the city of Kabul with his father and loyal servant Hassan. After a series of traumatic events, Amir and Hassan are forced to flee Afghanistan and Amir is adopted by a wealthy family living in the United States. 20 years later, Amir decides to return to Afghanistan in order to atone for his past. Along the way, he is reunited with Hassan's son and discovers the power of redemption and forgiveness.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy
Rated PG-13

Seven Pounds is a 2008 American drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith. The film centers on an IRS agent named Ben Thomas whose life has been changed by a tragedy. In order to redeem himself, Ben sets out on a journey of redemption by helping seven strangers. As he searches for the right person to help, Ben falls in love with a woman whose life he has the power to transform. Along the way, he discovers that his mission is part of a far greater plan. The film follows Ben as he confronts his past, learns to open his heart, and discovers the true meaning of love and redemption.

From Paul Greengrass, starring David Alan Basche, Olivia Thirlby, Liza Colón-Zayas, J.J. Johnson
Rated R

United 93 is a 2006 dramatization of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States, specifically the hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93. The film follows the events of the fateful flight, from the passengers and crew making phone calls to loved ones, to their attempt to retake control of the plane, and the ultimate crash in a field in Pennsylvania. The film is directed by Paul Greengrass and stars an ensemble cast. The film garnered numerous awards and nominations, including Best Director and Best Picture nominations at the 79th Academy Awards. The film is a powerful and harrowing account of an event that shocked the world and changed the course of history.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 biographical sports film directed by John Lee Hancock. It is based on the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. The movie stars Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, a well-to-do suburban woman who takes in a homeless African-American teenager named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). As Michael grows into an All-American football player, Leigh Anne and her family help him develop the necessary life skills to succeed. The story focuses on themes of family, love, care, and the value of education. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Sandra Bullock an Academy Award for Best Actress.

From Jonathan Levine, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated R

50/50 is a comedy-drama film that stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a 27-year-old aspiring radio journalist in Seattle who is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. With the help of his best friend, Kyle (Seth Rogen), and his therapist (Anjelica Huston), Adam learns to cope with his illness and find the courage to fight it. The film follows Adam's struggles with his diagnosis, his relationships with those around him, and his newfound resilience as he attempts to make the most of the cards he has been dealt.