Inspiring movies about overcoming adversity

One of the most acclaimed movies of all time, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is all about the resilience of the human spirit in the most arduous circumstances. Jailed for a murder he didn't commit, Andy (Tim Robbins) forms a friendship with long-serving prisoner Red (Morgan Freeman), and the pair learn valuable lessons in patience, hope, and humanity.

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'The Pursuit of Happyness' (2006) -

Based on a spirit-lifting true story, Will Smith plays Christopher Gardner, a man fighting for custody of his child and for a roof over their heads. When he loses his money, his wife, and his home, Gardner embarks on an unpaid stockbroker internship, even though the odds are stacked against his success.

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'The Blind Side' (2009) -

Another uplifting movie based on a true tale, 'The Blind Side' tells the story of Michael Oher. As a homeless, traumatized teenager, Oher (Quinton Aaron) is taken in by Leigh Ann Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), who helps him beat the odds to uncover his true potential.

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'12 Angry Men' (1957) -

The 12 angry men of the title form the jury in a murder trial, in which all-but-one are convinced the accused young man is guilty of murdering his father. By challenging their prejudices, Juror 8 (Henry Fonda) manages to convince the others that this is far from an open-and-shut case.

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'The Pianist' (2002) -

In a movie based on harrowing true events, Adrien Brody stars as Wladsyslaw Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist forced into the ghettos of Warsaw and separated from his family as World War II begins. With stoicism and resourcefulness, he manages to evade the Nazis and survive the Holocaust to tell his astonishing story.

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'Life of Pi' (2012) -

As the sole survivor of a shipwreck, Pi has to survive in a lifeboat with a zebra, an orangutan, a hungry hyena, and a Bengal tiger. His tale may turn out to be a flight of fancy, but it's a spirited story of survival nonetheless.

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'Amélie' (2001) -

Eternally-optimistic Amélie (Audrey Tautou) has spent most of her life isolated from others due to an overprotective father. But when she takes a job as waitress in Paris, she sets about changing the lives of all around her–for the better.

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'Freedom Writers' (2007) -

Based on the real-life experiences of teacher Erin Gruwell, 'Freedom Writers' emphasizes the importance of education in shaping lives. In charge of a group of vulnerable young people whose lives have been marred by violence, Gruwell (played by Hilary Swank) encourages her students to find their voice and write about what matters to them.

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'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946) -

It's Christmas Eve, and businessman George Bailey (James Stewart) is contemplating ending it all after a financial misunderstanding that could land him in prison. But a seasonal visit from an angel reveals just how important George is to those around him, and his love for live is renewed.

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'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008) -

An orphan from the slums of Mumbai is on the brink of winning millions on India's biggest TV quiz show. Before the final question, he's arrested by police who accuse him of cheating, and he must reveal his thrilling back story to explain how he came to possess such incredible general knowledge.

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'127 Hours' (2010) -

The jaw-dropping true story of Aron Ralston poses a gruesome conundrum: could you cut off your own hand to save your life? Trapped in a Utah canyon by a fallen boulder, Ralston manages to survive–by any means necessary.

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'Rocky' (1976) -

Struggling boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) leaps at the chance to take on the visiting heavyweight champion big-ticket match. It's supposed to be an easy win for the reigning champion, but Rocky is determined to fight his way out of poverty.

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'Precious' (2009) -

In 1980s Harlem, Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) has had an impossibly tough start in life. A single mother pregnant with her second child by her abusive father, she daydreams of a better life. When she enrolls in an alternative school, she finally begins to see real glimmers of hope.

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'Sing' (2016) -

Animated animals can overcome adversity just like anybody else. A mother pig with a hectic home life and impressive vocal chops manages to shrug off the chores long enough to follow her dreams of singing success.

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'Bend It Like Beckham' (2002) -

Two soccer-mad girls refuse to let their parents, or anybody else, stop them from following their dreams of success on the pitch. Set in London, the movie pitches the girls' dreams against cultural and familial difficulties.

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'Eddie the Eagle' (2015) -

Michael "Eddie" Edwards (played by Taron Egerton) refuses to let his lack of natural ability prevent him from soaring to Olympic skiing victory in this warming story based on real events.

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'The Theory of Everything' (2014) -

A love story with more than a dash of physics genius, this uplifting movie is based on the marriage of brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking and wife Jane Wilde. Given just two years to live at age 21, Hawking outlived his diagnosis by decades to become the greatest scientific mind of his time.

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'Erin Brockovich' (2000) -

As an unemployed single mother, Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) is facing a series of major life hurdles. But when it comes to taking on the power company she believes is polluting her city's water supply, there can only be one winner.

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'Wild' (2014) -

Facing a mighty solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail with her oversized backpack and little outdoors experience, Cheryl Strayed (played by Reese Witherspoon) pits her wits against the wilderness, and survives.

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'Seabiscuit' (2003) -

In Depression-era America, an under-sized, limping horse looks an unlikely contender to lift the nation's spirits. But Seabiscuit races to success, in a real triumph of underdog spirit.

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'Cinderella Man' (2005) -

Another underdog tale set during the Depression, this one sets the stakes even higher. Russell Crowe plays a washed-up boxer risking everything for one last stab at success in the ring.

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'Frida' (2002) -

Battling physical pain and the trauma of a tempestuous marriage, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (played by Salma Hayek) poured her passions into her painting. This acclaimed biopic highlights how hard Kahlo had to work for her success.

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'Remember the Titans' (2000) -

A newly-integrated Virginia high school takes on racist attitudes, and sporting challenges, to become a symbol of unity for their community. Set in 1971, it's based on real-life events.

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'A League of Their Own' (1992) -

Madonna brandishes a baseball bat with style in this World War II-set movie in which women pitch up to take the place of absent male professional baseball players serving their country. It's based on true events, and the women really did succeed.

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'Billy Elliot' (2000) -

In 1980s northern England, Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell) is supposed to be a boxer, not a ballet dancer. His no-nonsense coal-mining father is vehemently opposed to feminine pursuits, and with mines threatened with closure, times are tough at home. But Billy's talent can–and does–shine through.

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'Life is Beautiful' (1997) -

In a beautiful Italian movie that tugs on the heartstrings, a Jewish father pulls out all the stops to protect his son from the horrors of a concentration camp. Maintaining his charade at all times, Guido (Roberto Benigni) makes believe that life in the camp is a game, with a tank awaiting the winners at the end.

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'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' (2013) -

Imprisoned under the apartheid system for his involvement with the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela was never going to admit defeat. This powerful movie shows his journey to becoming president of South Africa.

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'My Left Foot' (1989) -

Born with cerebral palsy to a poor Irish family, Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis) isn't given much of a shot at life. But he uses his one working limb–his left foot–to paint a future as an artist.

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'The Greatest Game Ever Played' (2005) -

Much more than a movie about golf, this is a story about defeating class prejudice to reach the very top of your game. It's based on the true story of the 2013 US Open, where a young American golfer played against his idol Harry Vardon. The movie reveals how both men had faced societal struggles on their route to the top.

Sources: (Refinery29) (ScoopWhoop)

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Inspiring movies about overcoming adversity

These films will remind you to never give up!

22/03/22 | StarsInsider

MOVIES Films

There's something particularly uplifting about a movie in which the main players get knocked down, but always come back fighting. There are many movies about overcoming adversity to come out on top, all of them virtually guaranteed to give you a warm glow of satisfaction at the end. Based on true stories or sheer flights of fancy, these movies tend to be big hits at the box office. Read to get inspired? Click through the following gallery to discover some of the best movies about overcoming the odds.