The Best Films 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. Gladiator

Gladiators are great figures that have shaped my grandfather’s identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa that was a huge fan of gladiators in the ancient Roman era. I remember bonding with a grandfather that often took interest in lives of ancient Roman gladiators. He would love embarking on trips to the Cinema to watch movies about gladiators in the medieval era. Through his interest with gladiators that fought in the Colosseum, my grandfather encouraged me to achieve dreams of film criticism. Few films I’ve seen have captured the lives of gladiators in history as powerfully as “Gladiator”. Ever since its release in 2000, Ridley Scott’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about bravery. With the greatest film of his career, Scott used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the lives of brave Roman gladiators that faced despair. Scott has always had an aptitude for making movies about bravery that causes disaster, and “Gladiator” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott effectively recreates the time period of ancient Rome through stunning visuals. For instance, the iconic scene in which Maximus reveals his true identity as a slave seeking revenge to Commodus in the Colosseum causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Russell Crowe, who embodied an ancient gladiator that faced sorrow centuries ago. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” my favourite film about bravery of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about ancient Roman gladiators, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 30 years after the release of a grand classic about Roman gladiators seeking revenge in a Colosseum, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies achieving tremendous stardom.

2. 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. As precious as the lost Ark, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies with a bright unforgettable spark.

3. 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.

4. 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. As strong as Andy’s desire for redemption, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that definitely deserves immense appreciation.

5. 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. 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 satisfied.

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. The Martian

The Martian is a beloved science-fiction book about bravery that has built a great reputation. Since its publication in 2011, Andy Weir’s book has become a literary classic. In 2015, Ridley Scott celebrated the book about space survival in his movie “The Martian”. Unlike most movies in the survival genre, what makes “The Martian” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Scott effectively uses humour to capture a brave astronaut seeking to survive a disastrous planet. It’s refreshing to come across humour in a genre that has always followed a serious tone. Assisted by Matt Damon who is fantastic in the lead role, Scott created a powerful space survival epic. As strong as Mark Whatney’s desire to survive a planet, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved a following by making movies which are impossible to commonly forget.

9. Hidden Figures

When it comes to the most courageous women in NASA’s space history, it’s worth discussing the hidden figures. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become legendary figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. What makes “Hidden Figures” stand out in the space genre is its empowering depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Accompanied by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards Africa-American women that participated in NASA, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

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.