Buzz
Films based on real-life events like the 9/11 attacks, the World Wars, and the Holocaust might make you feel as though the world is spiraling into chaos. These stories can hit close to home, leaving you questioning whether any humanity remains.
Consulting a professional, such as a therapist, might lead to suggestions like volunteering more, building trust, spending time with children, or actively seeking out positive news. While these strategies can be effective, these ten true-story films also serve as powerful reminders of the goodness still present in the world.
Spoiler Alert Warning!
10. Just Mercy
We rise above our gravest errors, and mercy is something we all require. The film Just Mercy stars Michael B. Jordan as attorney Bryan Stevenson and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx as Walter McMillian, delivering a profoundly emotional story. After finishing his education, Stevenson commits his career to defending people of color from systemic injustice and wrongful convictions. Central to the narrative is Walter McMillian, a black man wrongfully accused of murdering Ronda Morrison.
Stevenson’s primary challenge in Walter’s case is to establish his client’s innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. This case, however, was far from ordinary. It involved a black lawyer defending a black man in a state and era where people of color were denied basic rights, including fair trials, which were seen as privileges rather than entitlements.
As a recent graduate with limited resources, Stevenson tirelessly seeks out individuals who have suffered similar injustices. He also searches for evidence to discredit the false testimonies against his client. A breakthrough occurs when Ralph, seeking redemption, reveals that law enforcement coerced him into lying. Other healthcare professionals and inmates corroborate Ralph’s account, and recordings of police threats further solidify Walter’s innocence.
After a prolonged legal battle, Walter is finally exonerated. This victory is monumental for Walter, Stevenson, and the broader community, showcasing humanity’s capacity for justice and compassion.
9. The Pursuit of Happyness
“If you have a dream, you must guard it.” This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone who has seen The Pursuit of Happyness, featuring the remarkable Will Smith as Chris Gardner. After being evicted, Chris and his son are left homeless, relying on the kindness of others, which is scarce. The situation worsens when Chris discovers that his unpaid internship at a top brokerage firm offers no income, despite his desperate need for money. From shelters to witnessing his son’s struggles, Chris remains steadfast in his determination to rewrite his story.
Chris’s mother and sister also faced hardships, enduring abuse from a cruel stepfather. Despite her education, his mother struggled to succeed in a male-dominated, poor, and prejudiced society. Beyond relationships, work, and education, Chris’s journey highlights resilience, self-confidence, and the belief that others shouldn’t suffer simply because we did.
By the film’s end, Chris achieves success and establishes his own brokerage firm. The true lesson lies in how he transformed his life, vowing to treat women with respect and care for his son. If this doesn’t renew your faith in humanity, the next film surely will.
8. Forrest Gump
“Stupid is as stupid does.” This iconic line from Forrest Gump captures the essence of Tom Hanks’ Oscar-winning portrayal of a man with intellectual challenges who accomplishes extraordinary feats. From inspiring Elvis Presley’s dance moves to becoming a football star and meeting John F. Kennedy, Forrest Gump’s life is a testament to unexpected triumphs.
What makes the film even more compelling is Forrest’s unwavering love for his childhood sweetheart, Jenny. She stood by him during his darkest days, and Forrest ensured she shared in his brighter moments. His story serves as a reminder that kindness and humanity still exist in the world.
7. Titanic
The tragic tale of the Titanic, which struck an iceberg and sank off Newfoundland’s coast in the North Atlantic, is widely known. Of the 2,240 passengers and crew, approximately 1,500 perished that day. Over the years, various perspectives and debates have emerged about the events surrounding the disaster.
Today, we focus on Jack, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, whose actions exemplified humanity’s enduring spirit. He chose to sacrifice himself, allowing Rose (Kate Winslet) to survive by staying on the floating wreckage while he remained in the freezing water. Despite the chaos, Jack’s selfless act ensured Rose’s survival, enabling her to share their story.
While Jack and Rose were fictional, some characters in the film were inspired by real individuals. One such figure was Margaret Brown, played by Kathy Bates. Known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown, this philanthropist and socialite kept her lifeboat’s occupants motivated until rescue arrived. She later became a trailblazer, running for the U.S. Congress in 1914 and leading Colorado’s Women’s Suffrage Movement.
Whether the characters are real or fictional, this movie has the power to deeply move many viewers, and rightfully so.
6. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood highlights the life-changing spiritual teachings of Fred Rogers, a figure who has motivated countless individuals. Among his most remarkable accomplishments is his interaction with Lloyd Vogel, a skeptical investigative journalist assigned to write about him. Initially, Vogel harbors significant doubts about Mr. Rogers' authenticity, finding it hard to believe that someone could be as genuinely good as he appears.
As their conversations progress, Vogel's hardened perspective on life begins to soften, thanks to Mr. Rogers' effortless display of empathy, kindness, and moral integrity. This transformation leads Vogel to confront and make peace with his own past.
5. 22 July
22 July may spark debate, but its message is worth considering. While it’s difficult to find glimmers of humanity in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, this film, based on true events from 2011, portrays the inspiring story of a teenage girl battling for survival while searching for her younger sister.
For those unfamiliar with the film, here’s a brief summary: On July 22, 2011, Norway experienced two devastating terrorist attacks, one of which occurred at a summer camp on Utoya, a small island. A 32-year-old man, disguised as a police officer and heavily armed, carried out a brutal massacre, killing 69 children and injuring hundreds.
Amid the tragedy and its aftermath, the story of 18-year-old Kaja shines through, showcasing her courage and acts of love in one of the most harrowing situations imaginable.
4. Dallas Buyers Club
Dallas Buyers Club chronicles the life of Ron Woodroof (portrayed by Mathew McConaughey), a Texan who is gay and HIV-positive. Diagnosed during a time of widespread stigma and limited medical advancements, Ron is initially devastated. Given just 30 days to live, he becomes determined to defy the odds and extend his life.
Initially, Ron questioned why certain drugs, which claimed to aid AIDS patients, remained unapproved. Disheartened by the sluggish progress, he decided to take matters into his own hands, traveling to a neighboring country to smuggle these medications to assist others. Beyond his gay community, Ron formed a close bond with Rayon (played by Jared Leto), another AIDS patient. Together, they distributed the smuggled drugs to the increasing number of individuals affected by the disease. Ron’s journey exemplifies the pinnacle of human compassion and resilience.
3. Hotel Rwanda
Have you seen Hotel Rwanda? If not, it’s a must-watch. In 1994, Rwanda experienced one of the most devastating genocides in African history. Amid the widespread violence, there were individuals who stood firm and acted with courage and integrity.
Hotel Rwanda is based on the true events of the Rwandan genocide, which saw conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes. Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle), a Hutu married to a Tutsi woman (Sophie Okonedo), finds himself at the center of the turmoil. As the manager of Hotel Des Mille Collines, which sheltered Tutsi refugees targeted by the violence, Paul’s relentless efforts to protect innocent lives are profoundly moving. While others also contributed, Paul’s story remains particularly remarkable.
2. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The people of Malawi were suffering from starvation and extreme poverty, desperately in need of a hero. Unexpectedly, their savior emerged from an unlikely source. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, based on a true story, is a film that restores faith in humanity. Maxwell Simba portrays William Kamkwamba, a boy born in Mastilla Village near Kasungu, Malawi, during a time when death was an ever-present reality.
At the age of 13, Kamkwamba was forced to leave high school because his family couldn’t afford the fees. Witnessing his community’s suffering and the resulting conflicts deeply troubled him. Determined to make a difference, he decided to “harness the wind” to provide water and hope to his people.
Initially, his idea seemed absurd, and even his father opposed it. Yet, Kamkwamba’s courage, persistence, and unwavering belief ultimately saved his village from ruin. His story is a testament to the power of dedication and innovation, proving that even in the face of adversity, we can achieve extraordinary things for ourselves and others.
1. Thirteen Lives
This film recounts the harrowing true story of 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand in 2018. The group had entered the caves for meditation and training when heavy rains caused water levels to rise rapidly, sealing off their exit. As time passed, the boys’ parents grew increasingly anxious, only to discover their worst fears had come true.
The Thai community, including families, farmers, the government, and volunteers from around the globe, united with a shared mission: to rescue the boys at any cost, despite the slim odds. For nearly two weeks, the Tham Luang Nang Non-Cave system in Chiang Rai Province captured the world’s attention as the rescue operation unfolded.
Miraculously, after relentless efforts and careful planning, all the boys and their coach were successfully saved. Surviving over 11 days in the cave without food is an extraordinary feat, even for adults. This incredible rescue highlighted the power of unity and compassion, reminding us that humanity’s spirit of cooperation and selflessness still shines brightly in times of crisis.
