Movies About Perseverance

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 drama film directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover and is sent to Shawshank State Prison. Despite the brutality of his new environment, Andy is determined to get justice for himself and his fellow inmates. With the help of his friend and fellow inmate, Red, Andy slowly begins to gain strength and hope, and eventually he is able to plot his escape from Shawshank. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Andy's resilience, courage and friendship enable him to outsmart his captors and gain his freedom. The movie is an inspiring story of friendship and perseverance in the face of adversity.

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

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags to riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working class Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky, getting a shot at the world heavyweight championship, faces the reigning champion Apollo Creed in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. 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 Apollo Creed. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest sports films ever made and was the highest grossing movie of 1976, becoming the first movie to gross over $100 million. It won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. Rocky also spawned five sequels and has become a cultural phenomenon and an inspiration to many amateur and professional boxers.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is a sports drama film directed by Clint Eastwood, released in 2004. It stars Eastwood as Frankie Dunn, a hardened but sentimental boxing trainer and manager, and Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined waitress and amateur boxer who wants to become a professional. Maggie persuades Frankie to take her on as a student, and the two develop a strong bond as Frankie helps her train and hone her skills in the ring. However, when Maggie suffers a near-fatal injury in a fight, Frankie must make difficult choices in order to help her. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and determination in the face of adversity. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Hilary Swank.

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

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino. It is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesperson during the early 1980s, who ultimately found success in the stockbrokerage business. Chris, played by Will Smith, is a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son, Christopher, as he is ready to begin a life-changing professional endeavor. With the help of his best friend, Chris embarks on a risky, unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship. With no money and no place to stay, Chris and his son are forced to live out of motels, homeless shelters, and even the subway. Despite the bleak circumstances, Chris never loses faith in himself and his son and never gives up on his pursuit of happiness. Through sheer determination and unwavering perseverance, Chris ultimately succeeds in his quest, ultimately finding himself on the path to a better life.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

Cinderella Man is a 2005 American biographical sports drama film directed by Ron Howard, written by Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman, and starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, and Craig Bierko. The film tells the story of James J. Braddock, a boxer from New Jersey who, against all odds, rose from a poverty-stricken life to become the heavyweight boxing champion of the world. After an injury-plagued career and heavy bout of depression, Braddock was encouraged by his wife Mae to make an improbable comeback. Braddock's remarkable story of courage and determination against overwhelming odds was hailed by audiences and critics alike, and earned him the nickname 'Cinderella Man'.

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

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports film starring Denzel Washington. It follows the story of newly appointed African-American head coach Herman Boone, played by Washington, as he is tasked with leading a high school football team in Alexandria, Virginia during the early 1970s. The team is comprised of both black and white players, which is symbolic of the racial integration taking place in the city. Boone must overcome his personal differences with the assistant coach (Will Patton) in order to rally the team and lead them to the 1971 state championship. Along the way, the players must learn to trust each other and come together in order to succeed despite the racial tensions in the town. The film is based on real-life events and is a powerful story of friendship, loyalty, and courage in the face of adversity.

From Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad
Rated PG-13

Creed is a 2015 American sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed, the late former boxing champion. Adonis moves to Philadelphia in order to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer and seeks out the help of the former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Through Rocky’s guidance and support, Adonis soon takes on the name of Creed and prepares for a fight against "Pretty" Ricky Conlan, a former champion boxer who has been convicted and is looking to make a comeback. As Adonis trains for the fight, he struggles with the pressure of his lineage and trying to prove himself in the boxing world. The film follows Adonis as he battles his inner demons and discovers his true identity.

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

42 is a biographical drama film directed by Brian Helgeland, released in 2013. It tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. The film chronicles the struggles and successes that Robinson faced in 1947 as a rookie for the Brooklyn Dodgers, including racial abuse from both players and spectators, and his ultimate triumph as a baseball legend. The film focuses on the relationship between Robinson and the team's General Manager, Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford, who is credited with breaking baseball's color barrier by signing Robinson. The film follows Robinson's quest to become a professional ballplayer and its consequences, as well as the personal and professional relationships that he had with both Rickey and Dodgers manager Leo Durocher (Alan Tudyk). The film received critical acclaim, with Chadwick Boseman’s performance as Robinson garnering particular praise.

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

Rudy is the story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a young man from a working-class family who dreams of playing football for the University of Notre Dame. Despite his family's doubts, Rudy never gives up on his dream and against all odds, goes to great lengths to make it a reality. Along the way, Rudy faces various challenges and obstacles, including financial challenges and opposition from the school. He perseveres and eventually earns a spot on the team, becoming an inspiring symbol of hope and determination. At the end of the film, Rudy is carried off the field by his teammates in a triumphant moment.

From David Anspaugh, starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley
Rated PG

From Sylvester Stallone, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

From Penny Marshall, starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna
Rated PG

From Thomas Carter, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown
Rated PG-13

From Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng
Rated PG-13

From Angelina Jolie, starring Jack O'Connell, Miyavi, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund
Rated PG-13

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

From Steven Caple Jr., starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad
Rated PG-13

From Stephen Hopkins, starring Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Eli Goree, Shanice Banton
Rated PG-13

From Sean McNamara, starring AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood
Rated PG

From Oliver Stone, starring Al Pacino, Dennis Quaid, Cameron Diaz, James Woods
Rated R

From Sylvester Stallone, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

From Gurinder Chadha, starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Danny Cannon, Michael Winterbottom, starring Kuno Becker, Alessandro Nivola, Anna Friel, Leonardo Guerra
Rated PG

From Stephen Herek, starring Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith, Heidi Kling
Rated PG

From Brian Robbins, starring Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane, John Hawkes, Bryan Hearne
Rated PG-13