My Favourite Films About Courage of All-Time

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. 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 professor that often had knowledge about genocide damage. Several years ago, I was taught about grim genocide by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in dark ghettos. He would take often pride in teaching his students about gruesome genocides in which his people died. My teacher believed that movies were an inferior art that couldn’t capture genocides which tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured a grim genocide in which terror would persist as powerfully as “Schindler’s List”. Ever since its release in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about courage. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a bold businessman that rescued Jews from a grim genocide that caused despair. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making movies about historical events that put lives in danger, and “Schindler’s List” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. One of the most common techniques that Spielberg uses in his movies is symbolism. Throughout “Schindler’s List”, the girl in the red coat is hope in the grim genocide. For instance, the scene in which Schindler reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat being slaughtered causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” my favourite film about courage of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust targeted to a small audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a frightening mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about courage which have always left audiences commonly satisfied.

2. 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.

3. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones is an incredible character that shaped my grandfather’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that adored the whip-smart hero. I remember a grandfather that regarded Jones to be a national treasure. He admired all the films made about the hero with a spark, but his favourite film was always “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Released in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s movie introduced the whip-smart hero embarking on a journey. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of heroes through montages, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Jones gives an inspirational lecture to a classroom of bored students facing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the teacher genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Harrison Ford, who embodied the personality of an iconic teacher. Ultimately, what makes “Raiders of the Lost Ark” a classic film is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of dreams which would resonate with everyone. As precious as the lost Ark, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies with a bright spark.

4. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the anxiety faced by a courageous mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a beautiful masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy commonly behind.

5. 12 Years a Slave

Slavery is a sensitive subject that shaped my friend’s identity. Several years ago, I formed a bond with a friend taking interest in slavery. He sought to educate people in my school about a time he came to celebrate. My friend believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture a historical tragedy that tore lives apart. Few films I’ve seen have captured slaves with a strong drive to survive a time that was grave as powerfully as “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s Oscar-winning movie captured a real-life slave’s survival. McQueen beautifully used production-design to capture slaves facing a decline. For instance, the scene in which Solomon discovers that he bas been deceived by friends that sell him into slavery causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the survival genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who embodies a slave in American history. Ultimately, what makes “12 Years a Slave” a survival classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about slavery, it tackles strong themes everyone can relate to. The film delivers a profound message about freedom which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after Solomon Northup miraculously survived slavery, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has made movies that inspire people to overcome frightening lifetime adversity.

6. Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman is a legendary comic-book heroine that has inspired wonder in women. Since her creation in the 1940’s, Wonder Woman has appeared in unforgettable movies. In 2017, Patty Jenkins’ honoured the iconic heroine inspiring wonder in her movie “Wonder Woman”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Wonder Woman” stand out is its depiction of a commemorated comic-book heroine. Jenkins uses captivating slow-motion to showcase the strength of a heroine inspiring wonder in women. Assisted by Gal Gadot who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jenkins honours a commemorated comic-book heroine created years ago. A wonderful tribute towards a heroine dodging bullets in WWII, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made celebrated movies about strong female characters which audiences value.

7. Superman

Superman is a legendary superhero that has built a lasting legacy. With his larger-than-life presence, charisma and strong 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 commonly adore.

8. Oppenheimer

When it comes to iconic inventors that changed the world forever, it’s worth discussing Oppenheimer. During World War II in history, Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb causing catastrophe. Oppenheimer’s bomb invention made him a controversial figure in history. In 2023, Christopher Nolan honoured the iconic inventor in his Oscar-winning movie “Oppenheimer”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its complex storytelling. Nolan deviates from the traditional three act structure of biopics telling the story in a unique non-linear style. Assisted by Cillian Murphy who is extraordinary in the lead role, Nolan honoured Oppenheimer’s legacy. 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb that was tragic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that’s absolutely iconic.

9. The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is great literature capturing heroes that experience danger. Since its publication in 2008, Suzanne Collins’ book has become a classic readers appreciate. Courage has always been a central theme in the legendary book. In 2012, Gary Ross honoured the book about games in his movie “The Hunger Games”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hunger Games” stand out is its feminist point-of-view. Ross uses captivating montages capturing an impoverished girl facing games that are frightening. Assisted by Jennifer Lawrence who is amazing in the lead role, Ross created a captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about heroes. As strong as Katniss’ desire to become a feminist hero, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.

10. Argo

The Middle East is a country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. As someone that grew up in the Middle East several years ago, I adored “Argo”. Released in 2012, Ben Affleck’s movie captured heroes in the Iranian hostage crisis in the 1970’s. Affleck showcased strong control as a filmmaker capturing history of Iran. Although “Argo” is a captivating historical drama, it has aged poorly. Its exaggerated depiction of a CIA agent with heroism that prevented a hostage tragedy has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. 40 years after a CIA Agent rescued helpless hostages in Iran facing a price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made bold movies about courage I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love for Cinema today.