Worst2First: My Top Ten True-Life Inspirational Films

Worst2First: 

My Top Ten True-Life Inspirational Films

In the very trying and downright depressing times we're facing today, it may seem easy to focus on the negative and throw yourself into a rut of self-despair and loneliness.  Since we're cooped up in our homes, we let our minds wander to places it shouldn't, and need a positive outlet to know that this isn't the end, and that the human spirit is stronger than anything.

With that in mind, I compiled a list of my personal favorite true-life inspirational films.  Sure, many of these films are fictionalized (and one almost completely), but it doesn't dampen the impact, legacy, and timeless effects these real-life people have had on the world - and these films will easily leave a smile on your face (and definitely a tear or two), something we all need now more than ever.

So here are my top ten true-life inspirational films, worst2first...

**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**

#10

 Sully

Everyone knows about the Miracle on the Hudson - when captain Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger did the impossible: land a plane suffering near-catastrophic damage on the Hudson River resulting in absolutely zero casualties.  Tom Hanks portrays this real-life hero with the simple elegance and subtle humanity that Sully represents, and will absolutely have you cheering - as well as showing the true heroism in humanity.

#9

 Julie & Julia

Based on two true-life stories, "Julie & Julia" focuses on the stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell.  Everyone knows Julia Child as the foremost expert on cooking, and we get to see her story of how she became such a legend (except, unfortunately, for her time as a spy for the OSS - maybe another movie) delivered with a piece de resistance performance by Meryl Streep.  Then the story focuses on blogger Julie Powell, who wants to change her life and does so by blogging all of Julia Child's recipes in a year, and how this undertaking changes her life for the better - and again we're gifted with another amazing performance by Amy Adams.  This film will uplift your spirit and show that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.

#8

 The Big Sick

Highlighting the cultural divide of Americans and Pakistanis, "The Big Sick" focuses on the real-life courtship of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gardner, who both co-wrote the script, and the several hurdles they had to endure to be where they are today - most notably Emily suffering a serious lung infection that leaves her in a medically induced coma.  It's then he meets her parents, and the bridge begins being built between the two cultures.  Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano all give tremendous performances and shows that love can conquer anything, and there's no barrier that can't be torn down.

#7

Remember the Titans

In the still-racially divided town of Alexandria, Virginia, in the early 70s, "Remember the Titans" tells the story of how one football team managed to find common ground despite their color and perform as a team.  Denzel Washington plays Herman Boone, an African American man brought in to coach the Titans alongside his white fellow coach Bill Yoast, and worked hard to bring the team together.  "Attitude reflects leadership, captain" is still one of the most powerful lines I've heard in any film, and this movie showcases the indelible power of the human spirit that can overcome racial prejudices and bring people together for a common goal.

#6

 Patch Adams

 "Our job is improving the quality of life, not just delaying death."  Now, more than ever, doctors are the real heroes in our world, who have to endure so much hardship, sadness, and depression as they stand on the front lines of this crisis, and "Patch Adams" shows that the most important thing is to treat patients with respect, dignity, and give them something to laugh about and, most importantly, live for.  Robin Williams plays the real-life Adams with his natural charisma and charm that's undeniable, and the film proves that the human spirit can overcome any adversity with the power of humor.

#5

 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

If we needed a man like Fred Rogers before, we need him now more than ever especially to comfort children on the growing terror that seems to engulf their young lives.  Tom Hanks plays the iconic Fred Rogers as only Tom Hanks (who's actually distantly related to the man) can, giving him a sincere, earnest, humbling spirit as he sets out to help a journalist mend his own broken life.  This film proves that the human spirit can be capable of sincere kindness, and that we need to offer it to everyone.

#4

 Harriet

Proving that there's nothing the human spirit cannot achieve, "Harriet" tells the true-life story of Harriet Tubman, a former slave who - against all odds - managed to single-handedly make her way from the slavery-filled South to the free North.  That story alone would've been profound, but it only deepened as she resolved to go back South to get her family and bring them to freedom, and continue the trek to bring more and more African Americans from slavery to freedom through the use of the Underground Railroad, forever changing countless lives for generations to come.  Cynthia Erivo gives an Oscar-nominated performance, and the film proves that there's nothing the human spirit cannot achieve.

#3

 Hidden Figures

"Hidden Figures" shows that it's the unsung heroes that deserve the most recognition.  The film tells the story of three African American women working at NASA during the Space Race - mathematician Katherine Johnson, supervisor Dorothy Vaughan and engineer Mary Jackson - as they worked to achieve the impossible - send a man into outer space.  Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae showcase these three strong women as they are, defying both the racial segregation and their own struggles as they helped make history.  This film proves that the human spirit is indelible, and capable of changing and shaping the future.

#2

 Lion

I will easily say that no movie has really affected me as this one, and I feel its a completely underrated masterpiece that needs to be seen.  "Lion" follows the story of Saroo Brierly, a twenty-something year old adopted Indian man who sets out to achieve the impossible - find his mother and brother, after being separated from them at a very young age, using Google Earth to find practically every memory he can bring up to re-trace his steps.  The film is utterly inspiring, uplifting, and downright perfect, showing that the human spirit is relentless in its pursuit to achieve its goals - in this case, the goal of reuniting with your true family.

#1

 The Greatest Showman

Alright so this is kind of a cheat since the film doesn't really resemble the real-life P.T. Barnum (who, more than likely, wasn't a very likable fellow), but "The Greatest Showman" is undoubtedly an uplifting film about the perseverance of a dream and showcasing the uniqueness in us all.  The film will easily having you smiling and singing along to the fantastic songs and remarkable choreography for days (or even years) afterwards, and shows that the human spirit is strong, unique, and strengthened by others.