50 Essential Film Club Movies For Students
For students seeking more than just a passing thrill, our movie picks present a rich tapestry of narratives.
Cinema transcends entertainment; it enlightens and challenges perspectives. The flickering images spark intellectual curiosity, transporting us through pivotal cultural moments. An era of superficial spectacles cannot diminish film's power to explore the indomitable human spirit.
These 50 films weave together stories that span the fabric of history. From haunting depictions of society's injustices to war's brutal realities and uplifting tales of resilience, each film offers a unique perspective and imparts lessons that resonate deeply. These thoughtfully curated movies serve as more than just entertainment; they are powerful educational tools that broaden horizons and foster critical thinking.
Social Injustice/Civil Rights
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Director: Terry George
Genre: Drama/History
Timeline: 1994 Rwandan Genocide
Teachings: Courage, humanity, resilience
Overview:
"Hotel Rwanda" transports viewers to the harrowing events of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Directed by Terry George, this powerful drama tells the true story of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina, who saved over a thousand refugees during the conflict.
Why It's Essential:
This film is essential for students to understand the complexities of genocide and the importance of standing up against injustice. It prompts critical discussions about morality, leadership, and human rights.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Director: Theodore Melfi
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 1960s Space Race
Teachings: Equality, perseverance, innovation
Overview:
"Hidden Figures" tells the incredible true story of three African-American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race.
Why It's Essential:
This film highlights the contributions of these remarkable women and challenges stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of equality and perseverance.
Amistad (1997)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Drama/History
Timeline: 1839 Slave Revolt
Teachings: Freedom, justice, human rights
Overview:
"Amistad" recounts the true story of a slave revolt on the Spanish ship La Amistad and the subsequent legal battle for the slaves' freedom in the United States.
Why It's Essential:
This film provides insight into the history of slavery and the fight for freedom and justice, encouraging viewers to reflect on human rights issues.
Ruby Bridges (1998)
Director: Euzhan Palcy
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: 1960 Civil Rights Movement
Teachings: Courage, perseverance, equality
Overview:
"Ruby Bridges" tells the true story of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African-American girl who helped desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.
Why It's Essential:
This film portrays Ruby's bravery and resilience, highlighting the importance of equality and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom (2013)
Director: Justin Chadwick
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: Nelson Mandela's Life
Teachings: Freedom, equality, leadership
Overview:
"Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom" is based on Nelson Mandela's autobiography and chronicles his life from his childhood in a rural village to his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a comprehensive look at Nelson Mandela's extraordinary life, emphasizing his fight for freedom, equality, and human rights.
The Help (2011)
Director: Tate Taylor
Genre: Drama
Timeline: 1960s Civil Rights Movement
Teachings: Courage, empowerment, social change
Overview:
"The Help" is set in the 1960s and follows a young aspiring writer who decides to write a book about the experiences of African-American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi.
Why It's Essential:
This film sheds light on the racial tensions and social inequalities of the 1960s, encouraging viewers to reflect on social change and empowerment.
Milk (2008)
Director: Gus Van Sant
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: 1970s Gay Rights Movement
Teachings: Equality, activism, perseverance
Overview:
"Milk" is a biographical film that tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, and his struggles for gay rights and acceptance in the 1970s.
Why It's Essential:
This film celebrates the life and activism of Harvey Milk, highlighting the importance of equality, activism, and perseverance in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Inspiration/Perseverance
To Sir, With Love (1967)
Director: James Clavell
Genre: Drama
Timeline: 1960s London
Teachings: Empathy, respect, perseverance
Overview:
"To Sir, With Love" is a British drama film that tells the story of an idealistic engineer-turned-teacher who struggles to connect with his unruly students in a tough London neighborhood.
Why It's Essential:
This film showcases the power of empathy, respect, and perseverance in overcoming adversity and inspiring change in the lives of young people.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Director: Peter Weir
Genre: Drama
Timeline: 1950s United States
Teachings: Non-conformity, passion, self-expression
Overview:
"Dead Poets Society" is an American drama film that tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students to "seize the day" and challenge conformity at a conservative prep school.
Why It's Essential:
This film encourages viewers to embrace non-conformity, pursue their passions, and express themselves, while also highlighting the importance of supportive teachers and mentors.
A Monster Calls (2016)
Director: J.A. Bayona
Genre: Fantasy/Drama
Timeline: Present day
Teachings: Grief, healing, courage
Overview:
"A Monster Calls" is a fantasy drama film that tells the story of a young boy who seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his mother's terminal illness and the bullying he faces at school.
Why It's Essential:
This film explores themes of grief, healing, and courage, offering a powerful and moving portrayal of a child's journey through loss and self-discovery.
The Miracle Worker (1962)
Director: Arthur Penn
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: Late 19th century United States
Teachings: Perseverance, determination, communication
Overview:
"The Miracle Worker" is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Helen Keller, a deafblind child, and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who helps her learn to communicate and connect with the world.
Why It's Essential:
This film showcases the power of perseverance, determination, and communication in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, while also highlighting the importance of supportive and dedicated educators.
My Left Foot: The Story of Christie Brown (1989)
Director: Jim Sheridan
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: 20th century Ireland
Teachings: Resilience, creativity, self-expression
Overview:
"My Left Foot: The Story of Christie Brown" is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Christie Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy who learns to paint and write with his left foot.
Why It's Essential:
This film celebrates the resilience, creativity, and self-expression of an individual who overcomes physical limitations to achieve remarkable success in the arts, inspiring viewers to persevere in the face of adversity.
McFarland, USA (2015)
Director: Niki Caro
Genre: Drama/Sport
Timeline: 1980s United States
Teachings: Teamwork, perseverance, cultural understanding
Overview:
"McFarland, USA" is an American sports drama film that tells the true story of a high school cross country team in a predominantly Latino community, coached by a newcomer to the town who learns to appreciate their culture and help them achieve success.
Why It's Essential:
This film emphasises the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and cultural understanding, offering a powerful and inspiring portrayal of a group of young athletes who overcome obstacles and defy expectations.
Richard Wells
Science/Space Exploration
Apollo 13 (1995)
Director: Ron Howard
Genre: Adventure/Drama/History
Timeline: 1970 Apollo 13 Mission
Teachings: Courage, teamwork, problem-solving
Overview:
"Apollo 13" tells the true story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission and the astronauts' struggle to survive after an on-board explosion.
Why It's Essential:
This film showcases the importance of courage, teamwork, and problem-solving under extreme pressure, while also offering a thrilling and realistic portrayal of space exploration.
The Right Stuff (1983)
Director: Philip Kaufman
Genre: Adventure/Biography/Drama
Timeline: 1950s-1960s Space Race
Teachings: Perseverance, determination, courage
Overview:
"The Right Stuff" chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program and the lives of the Mercury Seven astronauts, who were selected to become America's first space heroes.
Why It's Essential:
This film highlights the importance of perseverance, determination, and courage in the face of adversity, while also providing a captivating and historically accurate portrayal of the early space race.
The Aviator (2004)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 1920s-1940s Aviation Industry
Teachings: Innovation, ambition, resilience
Overview:
"The Aviator" tells the story of Howard Hughes, a wealthy industrialist and filmmaker who becomes obsessed with aviation and sets out to break airspeed records and build the world's largest airplane.
Why It's Essential:
This film explores themes of innovation, ambition, and resilience, offering a fascinating and visually stunning portrayal of one man's quest to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Fat Man and Little Boy (1989)
Director: Roland Joffé
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 1940s Manhattan Project
Teachings: Ethics, responsibility, consequences
Overview:
"Fat Man and Little Boy" tells the true story of the Manhattan Project, the top-secret research and development project that produced the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
Why It's Essential:
This film raises important questions about ethics, responsibility, and the consequences of scientific innovation, offering a thought-provoking and historically significant portrayal of one of the most impactful events of the 20th century.
Oppenheimer (TBA)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 1940s Manhattan Project
Teachings: Ethics, responsibility, consequences
Overview:
"Oppenheimer" is an upcoming biographical drama film that tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project.
Why It's Essential:
This film promises to offer a compelling and insightful portrayal of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, exploring themes of ethics, responsibility, and the consequences of scientific innovation.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
Director: James Marsh
Genre: Biography/Drama/Romance
Timeline: 1960s-1980s Academia
Teachings: Perseverance, love, determination
Overview:
"The Theory of Everything" tells the true story of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and his relationship with his first wife, Jane, as he grapples with the onset of a debilitating motor neuron disease.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and moving portrayal of perseverance, love, and determination in the face of adversity, while also exploring the groundbreaking scientific discoveries of one of the most brilliant minds of our time.
Richard Wells
Coming of Age/Uplifting
Boyz in the Hood (1991)
Director: John Singleton
Genre: Drama/Crime
Timeline: 1980s-1990s South Central Los Angeles
Teachings: Social issues, friendship, responsibility
Overview:
"Boyz in the Hood" follows the lives of three young men growing up in South Central Los Angeles, as they navigate the challenges of gang violence, racism, and poverty.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and realistic portrayal of the social issues faced by African American communities, while also exploring themes of friendship, responsibility, and the importance of education.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Director: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells
Genre: Animation/Adventure/Drama
Timeline: Ancient Egypt
Teachings: Faith, courage, freedom
Overview:
"The Prince of Egypt" is an animated musical film that tells the story of Moses, a Hebrew prince raised as an Egyptian, who discovers his true heritage and leads his people to freedom from slavery.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a captivating and inspiring portrayal of one of the most iconic stories in human history, exploring themes of faith, courage, and the struggle for freedom.
Moonlight (2016)
Director: Barry Jenkins
Genre: Drama
Timeline: 1980s-2000s Miami
Teachings: Identity, love, self-discovery
Overview:
"Moonlight" follows the life of Chiron, a young African American man growing up in Miami, as he grapples with his identity, sexuality, and the challenges of his environment.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a poignant and powerful exploration of identity, love, and self-discovery, while also shedding light on the experiences of marginalized communities.
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Director: Gabor Csupo
Genre: Adventure/Drama/Family
Timeline: 1970s Rural America
Teachings: Friendship, imagination, loss
Overview:
"Bridge to Terabithia" tells the story of two young friends, Jesse and Leslie, who create a magical kingdom in the woods to escape the challenges of their everyday lives.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a touching and heartfelt exploration of friendship, imagination, and the power of connection, while also addressing themes of loss and grief.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Director: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan
Genre: Drama/Romance
Timeline: Contemporary Mumbai
Teachings: Destiny, perseverance, love
Overview:
"Slumdog Millionaire" follows the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and must answer questions based on his life experiences.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a captivating and inspiring portrayal of destiny, perseverance, and the power of love, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by those living in poverty.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Director: Robert Wise
Genre: Biography/Drama/Family
Timeline: 1930s Austria
Teachings: Family, love, courage
Overview:
"The Sound of Music" tells the true story of Maria von Trapp, a young Austrian woman who becomes the governess to the children of a widowed naval captain and brings music and joy back into their lives.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a timeless and heartwarming portrayal of family, love, and courage, while also showcasing beautiful music and stunning scenery.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Animation/Adventure/Family
Timeline: 1950s Rural Japan
Teachings: Imagination, friendship, nature
Overview:
"My Neighbor Totoro" follows the story of two young sisters who move to the countryside with their father and discover a magical world of spirits and creatures, including the friendly forest spirit Totoro.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a delightful and enchanting exploration of imagination, friendship, and the beauty of nature, while also showcasing the unique and captivating animation style of Studio Ghibli.
The Iron Giant (1999)
Director: Brad Bird
Genre: Animation/Action/Adventure
Timeline: 1950s Cold War America
Teachings: Friendship, sacrifice, acceptance
Overview:
"The Iron Giant" tells the story of a young boy who befriends a giant metal-eating robot from outer space, as they navigate the challenges of Cold War-era America and learn the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and acceptance, while also showcasing stunning animation and a unique blend of humor and drama.
Wonder (2017)
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Drama/Family
Timeline: Contemporary America
Teachings: Empathy, kindness, acceptance
Overview:
"Wonder" follows the story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy with facial differences who enters mainstream school for the first time, as he and his family navigate the challenges of acceptance, empathy, and kindness.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of empathy, kindness, and acceptance, while also addressing important themes related to diversity, inclusion, and the challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Lion (2016)
Director: Garth Davis
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: Contemporary India/Australia
Teachings: Identity, family, perseverance
Overview:
"Lion" tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, a young Indian man who was separated from his family as a child and adopted by an Australian couple, as he sets out to find his birth family using Google Earth and his memories of home.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and moving exploration of identity, family, and perseverance, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by those who have been separated from their families and cultures.
Richard Wells
Environmental/Nature
March of the Penguins (2005)
Director: Luc Jacquet
Genre: Documentary/Family
Timeline: Antarctica
Teachings: Survival, perseverance, family
Overview:
"March of the Penguins" follows the story of emperor penguins as they embark on an annual journey across the Antarctic ice to breed and raise their young, facing extreme conditions and challenges along the way.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a captivating and inspiring portrayal of survival, perseverance, and the power of family, while also showcasing stunning cinematography and a unique glimpse into the lives of these remarkable creatures.
Grizzly Man (2005)
Director: Werner Herzog
Genre: Documentary/Adventure
Timeline: Alaska Wilderness
Teachings: Nature, obsession, consequences
Overview:
"Grizzly Man" follows the story of Timothy Treadwell, a bear enthusiast who spent 13 summers living among grizzly bears in Alaska, before he and his girlfriend were killed and eaten by a bear in 2003.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a thought-provoking and haunting exploration of nature, obsession, and the consequences of blurring the lines between humans and wild animals, while also showcasing stunning footage of the Alaskan wilderness and its inhabitants.
Blackfish (2013)
Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Genre: Documentary/Drama
Timeline: SeaWorld Parks
Teachings: Animal welfare, ethics, consequences
Overview:
"Blackfish" follows the story of Tilikum, a captive orca whale who was involved in the deaths of three people while in captivity at SeaWorld parks, and explores the broader issues of animal welfare, ethics, and consequences of keeping these intelligent creatures in captivity.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and eye-opening exploration of animal welfare, ethics, and the consequences of keeping intelligent and social creatures in captivity for human entertainment, while also sparking important conversations and debates about the treatment of animals in captivity.
Freedom Fighters/Revolutionaries
Michael Collins (1996)
Director: Neil Jordan
Genre: Biography/Drama/Thriller
Timeline: Irish War of Independence
Teachings: Leadership, sacrifice, freedom
Overview:
"Michael Collins" follows the story of the Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins, who led the Irish fight for independence from British rule in the early 20th century, and explores the complex political and personal challenges he faced along the way.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of leadership, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom, while also shedding light on an important chapter in Irish history and the complexities of political struggle.
Braveheart (1995)
Director: Mel Gibson
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 13th Century Scotland
Teachings: Courage, freedom, sacrifice
Overview:
"Braveheart" follows the story of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who led a rebellion against English rule in the late 13th century, and explores the themes of courage, freedom, and sacrifice in the face of oppression.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of courage, freedom, and sacrifice, while also showcasing stunning cinematography and a unique glimpse into an important chapter in Scottish history.
Hunger (2008)
Director: Steve McQueen
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 1981 Irish Hunger Strike
Teachings: Resistance, sacrifice, humanity
Overview:
"Hunger" follows the story of Bobby Sands, an Irish Republican Army member who led a hunger strike in 1981 to protest the treatment of Irish political prisoners in British jails, and explores the themes of resistance, sacrifice, and humanity in the face of oppression.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and haunting exploration of resistance, sacrifice, and humanity, while also shedding light on an important chapter in Irish history and the complexities of political struggle.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Director: David Lean
Genre: Adventure/Biography/Drama
Timeline: World War I
Teachings: Leadership, identity, culture
Overview:
"Lawrence of Arabia" follows the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who led the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I, and explores the themes of leadership, identity, and culture in the context of war and colonialism.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a sweeping and epic portrayal of leadership, identity, and culture, while also showcasing stunning cinematography and a unique glimpse into an important chapter in Middle Eastern history.
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Director: David Lean
Genre: Drama/Romance/War
Timeline: Russian Revolution
Teachings: Love, loss, history
Overview:
"Doctor Zhivago" follows the story of Yuri Zhivago, a Russian physician and poet, as he navigates the personal and political turmoil of the Russian Revolution, and explores the themes of love, loss, and history in the context of war and revolution.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a sweeping and epic portrayal of love, loss, and history, while also showcasing stunning cinematography and a unique glimpse into an important chapter in Russian history.
War/Historical Conflicts
Schindler's List (1993)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: World War II
Teachings: Humanity, compassion, courage
Overview:
"Schindler's List" follows the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, and explores the themes of humanity, compassion, and courage in the face of unspeakable evil.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and moving portrayal of humanity, compassion, and courage, while also shedding light on one of the darkest chapters in human history and the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
Gandhi (1982)
Director: Richard Attenborough
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: British Rule in India
Teachings: Nonviolence, civil disobedience, justice
Overview:
"Gandhi" follows the story of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Indian leader who led a nonviolent movement for independence from British rule, and explores the themes of nonviolence, civil disobedience, and justice in the face of oppression.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of nonviolence, civil disobedience, and justice, while also shedding light on an important chapter in Indian history and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
Unbroken (2014)
Director: Angelina Jolie
Genre: Biography/Drama/Sport
Timeline: World War II
Teachings: Resilience, perseverance, survival
Overview:
"Unbroken" follows the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who became a prisoner of war during World War II, and explores the themes of resilience, perseverance, and survival in the face of adversity.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of resilience, perseverance, and survival, while also shedding light on the human capacity for endurance and the importance of maintaining hope in the face of overwhelming challenges.
The Killing Fields (1984)
Director: Roland Joffé
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: Cambodian Genocide
Teachings: Friendship, loyalty, survival
Overview:
"The Killing Fields" follows the story of two journalists, an American and a Cambodian, who become separated during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, and explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival in the face of genocide.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and moving portrayal of friendship, loyalty, and survival, while also shedding light on one of the darkest chapters in modern history and the importance of bearing witness to the atrocities committed by oppressive regimes.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Director: Morten Tyldum
Genre: Biography/Drama/Thriller
Timeline: World War II
Teachings: Genius, secrecy, sacrifice
Overview:
"The Imitation Game" follows the story of Alan Turing, a British mathematician who helped break the Enigma code during World War II, and explores the themes of genius, secrecy, and sacrifice in the context of war and persecution.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and moving portrayal of genius, secrecy, and sacrifice, while also shedding light on an important chapter in the history of computer science and the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of marginalized communities.
Breakthroughs in Science/Invention
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
Director: Michael Apted
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: 1960s-1970s Rwanda
Teachings: Conservation, empathy, sacrifice
Overview:
"Gorillas in the Mist" follows the story of Dian Fossey, an American zoologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and explores the themes of conservation, empathy, and sacrifice in the face of human encroachment and conflict.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and moving portrayal of conservation, empathy, and sacrifice, while also shedding light on the importance of preserving biodiversity and the challenges faced by those who work to protect endangered species.
Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
Director: Steven Zaillian
Genre: Biography/Drama/Sport
Timeline: 1980s-1990s United States
Teachings: Talent, ambition, balance
Overview:
"Searching for Bobby Fischer" follows the story of Joshua Waitzkin, a young chess prodigy, and explores the themes of talent, ambition, and balance in the context of competitive sports and parenting.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of talent, ambition, and balance, while also exploring the complexities of parenting and the importance of nurturing a child's individuality and well-being.
Kon-Tiki (2012)
Director: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg
Genre: Adventure/Biography/Drama
Timeline: 1947 Pacific Ocean
Teachings: Exploration, courage, perseverance
Overview:
"Kon-Tiki" follows the story of Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer who set out to prove that ancient South Americans could have settled Polynesia by sailing a balsa wood raft across the Pacific Ocean, and explores the themes of exploration, courage, and perseverance in the face of doubt and danger.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a thrilling and inspiring portrayal of exploration, courage, and perseverance, while also shedding light on an important chapter in the history of human exploration and the importance of questioning conventional wisdom.
Moments That Shaped Our World
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: 1990s United States
Teachings: Persistence, justice, advocacy
Overview:
"Erin Brockovich" follows the story of Erin Brockovich, a single mother and legal assistant who uncovers a major environmental scandal involving a California power company, and explores the themes of persistence, justice, and advocacy in the face of corporate greed and negligence.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of persistence, justice, and advocacy, while also shedding light on the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions and the impact of environmental pollution on public health.
Lincoln (2012)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 1865 United States
Teachings: Leadership, morality, justice
Overview:
"Lincoln" follows the story of President Abraham Lincoln's final months in office, as he seeks to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery, and explores the themes of leadership, morality, and justice in the context of a deeply divided nation.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of leadership, morality, and justice, while also shedding light on an important chapter in American history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.
Spotlight (2015)
Director: Tom McCarthy
Genre: Biography/Crime/Drama
Timeline: 2001-2002 Boston, United States
Teachings: Investigative journalism, accountability, justice
Overview:
"Spotlight" follows the story of the Boston Globe's investigative journalism team, as they uncover a widespread pattern of child sexual abuse and cover-up within the Catholic Church, and explores the themes of investigative journalism, accountability, and justice in the face of institutional power and corruption.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a gripping and thought-provoking portrayal of investigative journalism, accountability, and justice, while also shedding light on an important chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in religious institutions.
All The President's Men (1976)
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Genre: Biography/Drama/History
Timeline: 1972-1974 United States
Teachings: Investigative journalism, accountability, ethics
Overview:
"All The President's Men" follows the story of Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, as they investigate the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, and explores the themes of investigative journalism, accountability, and ethics in the face of political power and corruption.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a gripping and thought-provoking portrayal of investigative journalism, accountability, and ethics, while also shedding light on an important chapter in American political history and the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in government.
Overcoming the Impossible
The Impossible (2012)
Director: J.A. Bayona
Genre: Drama/Thriller
Timeline: 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Teachings: Survival, resilience, family
Overview:
"The Impossible" follows the story of a family who are separated during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and must fight to survive and reunite amidst the devastation, exploring the themes of survival, resilience, and family in the face of natural disaster.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and emotional portrayal of survival, resilience, and family, while also shedding light on the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts.
Soul Surfer (2011)
Director: Sean McNamara
Genre: Biography/Drama/Sport
Timeline: 2003-2004 Hawaii, United States
Teachings: Perseverance, faith, courage
Overview:
"Soul Surfer" follows the story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer who loses her arm in a shark attack but refuses to give up her passion for surfing, exploring the themes of perseverance, faith, and courage in the face of adversity.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and inspiring portrayal of perseverance, faith, and courage, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities and the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Cool Runnings (1993)
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Sport
Timeline: 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics
Teachings: Perseverance, teamwork, underdog spirit
Overview:
"Cool Runnings" follows the story of the first Jamaican bobsled team as they compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics, exploring the themes of perseverance, teamwork, and underdog spirit in the face of adversity and skepticism.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a heartwarming and entertaining portrayal of perseverance, teamwork, and underdog spirit, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by athletes from non-traditional sports backgrounds and the importance of believing in oneself and one's team.
Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Genre: Biography/Comedy/Drama
Timeline: 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics
Teachings: Perseverance, determination, following one's dreams
Overview:
"Eddie the Eagle" follows the story of Eddie Edwards, a British skier who became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping, exploring the themes of perseverance, determination, and following one's dreams in the face of adversity and skepticism.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a heartwarming and inspiring portrayal of perseverance, determination, and following one's dreams, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by athletes who are not considered "elite" or "traditional" in their sports and the importance of believing in oneself and one's abilities.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Genre: Biography/Drama
Timeline: 1981 San Francisco, United States
Teachings: Perseverance, resilience, hope
Overview:
"The Pursuit of Happyness" follows the story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son, as he fights to build a better life for himself and his family, exploring the themes of perseverance, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity and poverty.
Why It's Essential:
This film offers a powerful and emotional portrayal of perseverance, resilience, and hope, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and the importance of support systems and opportunities for upward mobility.
What inspired this list?
I recently watched a Ted talk from Baroness Beeban Kidron where in her opening she said the following:
Evidence suggests that humans of all ages and from all cultures create their identity in some kind of narrative form. From mother to daughter, preacher to congregant, teacher to pupil, storyteller to audience. Whether in cave paintings or the latest uses of the Internet, human beings have always told their histories and truths through parables and fables. We are inveterate storytellers.
This struck a huge chord for me, as growing up, cinema was a huge part of my knowledge base, be it historical, political, or cultural. It dawned on me that children today do not have this anymore; very few schools run film clubs, and the preferred medium is literature (completely acceptable and necessary).
Check out Baroness Kidron's speech below:
We hope you have found this list valuable. Thanks for reading!
