The Best Movies Made About Bravery Ranked

Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as bravery. Since the 1980’s, stories of brave heroes have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s ancient gladiators, Holocaust survivors or magical teachers, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about bravery that deserve to be appreciated.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a legendary piece of literature that always inspired by father. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that was a huge fan of books about the segregation era. As charismatic as Atticus Finch, he would love discussing an iconic book he considered highly precious. He would speak fondly about a book that shaped his identity. Bravery has always been a central theme in a book about big lawyers that my father loved dearly. In 1962, my father’s favourite book was beautifully adapted to the big-screen in the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Ever since its release in the 1960’s, Robert Mulligan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about bravery. Mulligan always had an aptitude for making great movies about racism causing danger, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Mulligan effectively used dramatic monologues to capture racism during the segregation era. For instance, the scene in which Atticus delivers his final monologue in court about all men being created equal during the segregation era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gregory Peck, who embodied a brave lawyer fighting racism in history. Ultimately, what makes “To Kill a Mockingbird” my favourite film about bravery of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a classic film about bold lawyers fighting racism in an intense courtroom case, it’s a fantastic reminder of a great genre that has made bold movies audiences embrace.

2. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a great professor that had immense history knowledge. Several years ago, I was taught about the grim genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in a dark ghetto. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture the mass genocide in which people perished as powerfully as “Schindler’s List”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie captured a brave businessman that saved Jews in the genocide. Spielberg used captivating black-and-white visuals capturing a businessman’s journey to save Jews from genocide catastrophe. For instance, the scene in which Oskar Schindler reacts with horror at seeing the girl in the red coat face grim warfare causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Liam Neeson, who embodied a brave businessman seeking to prevent genocide destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust which are targeted to a small audience, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a grim mass genocide in which Jewish civilians died, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated genre that has always left audiences satisfied.

3. The Shawshank Redemption

Hope is something I’ve always found challenging finding. Several years ago, my life hit crushing lows when I began failing classes in school causing sorrow. Unable to cope with pressure posed by high school studies, I experienced intense anxiety. As someone that witnessed a lack of hope in a tense situation without redemption, I adored “The Shawshank Redemption”.  Released in 1994, Frank Darabont’s movie captured brave prisoners seeking to survive in a prison causing catastrophe. Darabont has always had an aptitude for demonstrating emotions through voice-over narration, and his strengths as a filmmaker are evident in “The Shawshank Redemption”. For instance, the scene in which Red narrates his harrowing memories of the time when Andy escapes the prison causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tim Robbins, who embodied a hopeful inmate overcoming adversity. Ultimately, what makes “The Shawshank Redemption” a timeless classic is its appeal. Unlike most prison movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about hope which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Andy’s desire for redemption, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that definitely deserves immense worldwide appreciation.

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that my aunt always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an aunt that loved a series about rings causing damage. Drawn to rings that were dangerous, she loved a famous fantasy series he considered precious. Bravery has always been a central theme in a series about magical wizards seeking to destroy rings causing catastrophe. In 2001, Peter Jackson honoured the fantasy series about rings in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Jackson used compelling world-building to recreate the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary literature. For instance, the iconic scene in which Gandalf has a dilemma battling a dragon stating that it shall not pass is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Ian McKellen, who portrayed a legendary wizard with strong dedication. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a great literary adaptation is its message. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. 70 years following the publication of a famous book about courageous hobbits carrying a ring that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies about bravery which audiences consider precious.

5. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is a legendary book about bravery that my cousin always loved dearly. I remember forming strong bonds with a cousin that loved a book series he considered to be iconic literature. A huge fan of Katniss Everdeen, he always spoke fondly about a book series that became a pivotal part of his routine. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the iconic book about competitive games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Ross used captivating montages capturing hardships that a brave teenager living in an impoverished district of society is facing. For instance, the scene in which Katniss volunteers as tribute participating in the games causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who embodied a brave teen girl facing an impoverished experience. Ultimately, what makes “The Hunger Games” a captivating classic is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book series to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about government which would resonate with everyone. As strong as arrows used by Katniss Everdeen, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making timeless movies that deserve to be seen on the big-screen.

6. 12 Years a Slave

Bravery is a characteristic that slaves often exhibited in American history. In America, slaves with courage often stood up against acts of injustice causing trauma. In 2013, Steve McQueen captured the bravery that a heroic slave survivor exhibited in his movie “12 Years a Slave”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its depiction of slavery. McQueen uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a slave mistreated on plantations is facing. Assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is extraordinary in the lead role, McQueen created a captivating slavery movie. Centuries after Solomon Northup faced slavery leading his life to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated genre making unforgettable movies about individuals overcoming adversity that hasn’t lost abilities to commonly captivate.

7. The White Tiger

Brave housekeepers facing a dilemma are common in India.  India has built an image of being a country where brave housekeepers often stand up against masters causing damage. The negative treatment of housekeepers in India treated in an unfair manner is beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses captivating narration capturing hardships housekeepers in India are facing. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of housekeepers facing trauma in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

8. Superman

Superman is an inspiring superhero that has gained a huge fan following. With his larger-than-life presence, charisma and brave personality, Superman has built a lasting legacy. In 1978, Richard Donner honoured the iconic comic-book character with elan in his movie “Superman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Superman” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Donner uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a commemorated superhero abandoned by his parents is facing. Assisted by Christopher Reeves who is spectacular in the lead role, Donner created a captivating comic-book movie. As strong as Superman’s abilities to soar, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about inspirational heroes embarking on dangerous journeys which audiences adore.

9. Judas and the Black Messiah

Fred Hampton is a legendary African-American politician that showcased bravery. During the 1960’s, Hampton was a courageous African-American activist that fought racism. In 2021, Shaka King honoured the courageous leader that changed America in his movie “Judas and the Black Messiah”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Judas and the Black Messiah” stand out is its depiction of racism. King uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a black political leader during the segregation era was facing. Assisted by Daniel Kaluuya who is sensational in the lead role, King honoured an iconic leader in America. 60 years after Fred Hampton became a political leader that’s powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies about racism audiences consider extremely special.

10. Gladiator

Few movies ever made about brave heroes under pressure are as beloved as “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Ridley Scott’s movie captured brave Roman gladiators in history. Scott used captivating montages capturing hardships that brave gladiators fighting in the Colosseum are facing. Assisted by Russell Crowe who is remarkable in the lead role, Scott honoured gladiators centuries ago. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of brave Roman gladiators that isn’t historically accurate has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Maximus’ desire for vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about brave heroes with presence which I will forever treasure for inspiring my love of filmmaking giving my life guidance.