Movies About Working Hard

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town everyman who has sacrificed his own dreams in order to help others. On Christmas Eve, George is at his lowest point and contemplates suicide until his guardian angel, Clarence, intervenes. Clarence shows George what the world would be like if he had never been born. George realizes that despite his troubles, his life has been filled with meaningful moments and relationships. After coming to terms with his life, George is granted his wish to live again and is welcomed home by his family and friends.

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

The Intouchables (2011) is a French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film is based on the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, whose life was depicted in the documentary "A la vie, à la mort" (2008). The story follows Driss, an ex-convict from the projects, who is hired by a wealthy quadriplegic, Philippe, to be his caretaker. Despite the differences in their backgrounds, the two develop a close and unlikely friendship. The film explores themes of privilege, prejudice and friendship, and showcases the transformation that can occur when two people from different sides of life come together.

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

Rocky is a 1976 sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working-class Italian-American boxer who gets a surprise chance to fight for the world heavyweight championship. Against all odds, Rocky faces his opponents with skill and determination, training hard and proving himself to the world. Ultimately, Rocky defeats the champion and earns the respect of the world. With its inspirational theme of an underdog triumphing against all odds, Rocky became an iconic film of the 1970s and spawned a series of sequels.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir, written by Tom Schulman, and starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative Vermont boarding school Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The film also stars Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, and Josh Charles in supporting roles. The story follows Neil Perry, an idealistic and enthusiastic student who is expected to live up to his father's expectations of success, but is struggling to find his own path in life. After being assigned a new English teacher, John Keating, Neil and his friends are inspired to form the Dead Poets Society, a secret club where they can explore their love for poetry and literature. Through Keating's unconventional teaching methods, the boys learn to value their own opinions and become more self-aware. However, as the boys become increasingly emboldened to challenge the status quo, they find themselves at odds with the school's administration, threatening their futures. In the end, the boys must make a difficult choice between their loyalty to Keating and their desire to survive at Welton Academy.

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

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American drama directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith. The film is based on the true story of Christopher Gardner, a struggling salesman who is able to provide his son with a better life despite his struggles. Chris has to take custody of his son Christopher Jr. (Jaden Smith) while struggling to make ends meet. After being laid off from his job, he takes up an unpaid internship in a stockbroker office in order to make a living. Despite his numerous obstacles, Chris is determined to make it as a stockbroker and provide for his son, even when living on the streets. With the help of his son and a supportive friend, Chris is ultimately able to succeed and provide a better life for his son.

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

"Cinderella Man" is a 2005 biographical sports drama directed by Ron Howard. It stars Russell Crowe as James J. Braddock, a once-promising boxer who is unable to find work during the Great Depression. When he is offered a chance to fight for a world heavyweight title, he takes it, despite the odds against him and the disapproval of those around him. Against all odds, Braddock wins the title and becomes a national hero. He is a symbol of hope for the struggling masses, and the film highlights the resilience of the American spirit during this dark time in history.

From David O. Russell, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
Rated R

The Fighter is a 2010 biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell and based on the true story of Irish-American professional boxer, "Irish" Micky Ward. The film follows the life of Ward as he struggles to overcome personal challenges, his rocky relationship with his half-brother, and rise to the top of the boxing world. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Ward, Christian Bale as his half-brother, and Melissa Leo as Micky's mother. The film follows Micky as he is guided by his trainer and manager, Dicky Eklund (played by Bale), as he rises from a small-time fighter to a contender for the world title. Along the way, Micky must contend with his brother's drug addiction and his family's struggles and issues, which threaten to derail his goals. The Fighter is an inspiring story of determination and triumph of the human spirit, and ultimately culminates in Micky's legendary fight with Sugar Ray Leonard in 1997.

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

"October Sky" is a biographical drama film based on the true story of Homer Hickam Jr, a young man growing up in a small coal mining town in West Virginia in the 1950s. Despite the expectations of his father and the town's miners, Homer is determined to pursue his dream of building and launching rockets. With the help of supportive teachers, friends, and his family, Homer and his friends form a rocket building club and begin to compete in national science fairs and make their dreams come true. Along the way, Homer learns valuable lessons about determination, friendship, and following his dreams, no matter the odds.

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 and written by Gregory Allen Howard. The film stars Denzel Washington as Herman Boone, head coach of the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, during the 1971 season, when the school was forced to integrate. The film follows Boone as he works to integrate the team, guided by assistant coach Bill Yoast, played by Will Patton. As Boone and Yoast clash over differences in their coaching styles, the team must learn to work together and become a united front in the face of adversity. With the help of the football team's captain, Gerry Bertier, the Titans learn to overcome their differences and win the state championship. The film also features an inspirational soundtrack by composer Trevor Rabin.

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

Seven Pounds is a 2008 drama/romance directed by Gabriele Muccino. The film stars Will Smith as Ben Thomas, a man dealing with immense guilt over a past tragedy. In an attempt to make up for his mistakes, Ben embarks on a mission to change the lives of seven strangers. Through his journey, he discovers love and redemption. Ben meets Emily Posa, played by Rosario Dawson, a woman with a failing heart condition who desperately needs a donor. Despite his own condition and a looming IRS investigation, Ben ultimately sacrifices himself to save Emily, and his selfless act helps him to find peace.

From Denzel Washington, starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker
Rated PG-13

The Great Debaters is a 2007 period drama film directed by and starring Denzel Washington. It is based on the true story of the Wiley College debate team, which in 1935 became the first African American college team to win the national championship. The film follows the team as they face racism and adversity while competing against the nation's top collegiate debating squads. Led by Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington), a professor at Wiley College, the team consists of four students—James Farmer Jr., Henry Lowe, Samantha Booke, and Hamilton Burgess—all of whom must overcome personal struggles as they prepare for the national championship. Throughout the course of the film, the team's bond deepens and their skills improve until they are ready to face the nation's best. The film culminates in an inspiring, fictionalized debate between Wiley College and Harvard University—one of the most famous debates in history.

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

Rudy is a 1993 American biographical sports film directed by David Anspaugh. It is an account of the life of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who harbored dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite significant obstacles. It stars Sean Astin as the title character, along with Ned Beatty, Jason Miller, Robert Prosky, Lili Taylor and Jon Favreau. The film depicts Ruettiger's life growing up in a steel mill town and his small but determined efforts to get accepted to Notre Dame and make the school's football team. It culminates in Ruettiger's being carried off the field by his teammates after finally getting to play in a game. His tenacity and personal drive earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

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

42 is a biopic focusing on the life of baseball icon Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. The film follows his journey from his college years to his signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers and his subsequent breaking of the color barrier in 1947. It chronicles his struggles with racism and prejudice as he works to become one of the most legendary and beloved figures in American sports history. With the support of team executive Branch Rickey, Jackie Robinson perseveres through threats and intimidation from both fans and players alike, ultimately stepping onto the field and changing the face of baseball forever.

From Phil Alden Robinson, starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan
Rated PG

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film directed by Phil Alden Robinson, adapted from the 1982 novel Shoeless Joe by W. P. Kinsella. Starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster, it tells the story of an Iowa corn farmer who hears a voice telling him "If you build it, he will come". The farmer builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield, and people from his past begin to appear as if by magic. The film explores the themes of faith and second chances, as the farmer embarks on a journey of redemption to reunite with his long-lost father. The magic of the field of dreams turns out to be a metaphor for faith and hope, as the farmer's life is changed in unexpected and profound ways. The film received critical acclaim and was a financial success, grossing more than $84 million worldwide. It was also nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North
Rated PG-13

From Neil Burger, starring Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish, Robert De Niro
Rated PG-13

From Rob Reiner, starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd
Rated PG-13

From George Stevens, starring Millie Perkins, Shelley Winters, Joseph Schildkraut, Richard Beymer
Rated Approved

From Ramón Menéndez, starring Edward James Olmos, Estelle Harris, Mark Phelan, Virginia Paris
Rated PG

From Directors: George Butler, Robert Fiore, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Matty Ferrigno, Victoria Ferrigno
Rated PG

From Stephen Herek, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas, Olympia Dukakis
Rated PG

From James Bridges, starring Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner, John Houseman, Graham Beckel
Rated PG

From Matt Brown, starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair, Raghuvir Joshi
Rated PG-13

From Mimi Leder, starring Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt, Jay Mohr
Rated PG-13

From Vic Sarin, starring Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell, Jack Gleeson
Rated PG