39 Best Movies like Hidden Figures (2016)

Depicting the early days of America's space program, The Right Stuff connects through its historical setting and its portrayal of high-stakes NASA missions. It stands out for its sweeping narrative, providing a grand perspective on the personal and professional challenges that defined an era of ambitious exploration.

At the dawn of the Space Race, seven test pilots set out to become the first American astronauts to enter space. However, the road to making history brings momentous challenges. The Right Stuff is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 3h 13m runtime, released in 1983 with an average rating of 7.4 by 987 people. The movie made an estimated total of $21,500,000 in the box office.

A pivotal entry for stories involving NASA, Apollo 13 finds its place due to its tension-filled depiction of real-life space drama. The film remains memorable for its blend of suspense and teamwork, capturing the resolve and ingenuity required to overcome extraordinary adversity.

The true story of technical troubles that scuttle the Apollo 13 lunar mission in 1970, risking the lives of astronaut Jim Lovell and his crew, with the failed journey turning into a thrilling saga of heroism. Drifting more than 200,000 miles from Earth, the astronauts work furiously with the ground crew to avert tragedy. Apollo 13 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 20m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 7.5 by 6,023 people. The movie made an estimated total of $355,237,933 in the box office.

Highlighting trailblazing women in a male-dominated field, A League of Their Own makes this list for its tribute to those breaking barriers. The film balances humor and heartfelt drama, creating an entertaining narrative about ambition, resilience, and finding unity through shared challenges.

As America's stock of athletic young men is depleted during World War II, a professional all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest, funded by publicity-hungry candy maker Walter Harvey. Competitive sisters Dottie Hinson and Kit Keller spar with each other, scout Ernie Capadino and grumpy has-been coach Jimmy Dugan on their way to fame. A League of Their Own is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 8m runtime, released in 1992 with an average rating of 7.2 by 1,570 people. The movie made an estimated total of $132,440,069 in the box office.

By exploring the impact of underappreciated minds on world-changing historical events, The Imitation Game deserves inclusion. This movie delivers a gripping account of courage and intellect, immersing viewers in a story where individual brilliance alters the course of history.

Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. The Imitation Game is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 8.0 by 18,258 people. The movie made an estimated total of $233,555,708 in the box office.

On the Basis of Sex depicts the formidable journey of a pioneering woman challenging discrimination, resonating with narratives of overcoming systemic obstacles. Its compelling courtroom drama and inspiring real-life story make it rewarding for those drawn to tales of persistence and justice.

Young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of sex discrimination. On the Basis of Sex is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 7.3 by 1,140 people. The movie made an estimated total of $38,755,968 in the box office.

Tackling issues of race and unity, Remember the Titans belongs on this list for its emotional portrayal of integration within a divided community. The film weaves powerful moments of confrontation, courage, and camaraderie, offering an uplifting sports drama with broad appeal.

After leading his football team to 15 winning seasons, coach Bill Yoast is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone – tough, opinionated and as different from the beloved Yoast as he could be. The two men learn to overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions. Remember the Titans is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.7 by 3,008 people. The movie made an estimated total of $136,700,000 in the box office.

Selma finds a place here thanks to its historical drama about individuals striving for civil rights against determined opposition. It stands out for its potent depiction of leadership and collective action, offering an emotionally resonant portrayal of pivotal moments in American history.

"Selma," as in Alabama, the place where segregation in the South was at its worst, leading to a march that ended in violence, forcing a famous statement by President Lyndon B. Johnson that ultimately led to the signing of the Voting Rights Act. Selma is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 8m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.4 by 2,342 people. The movie made an estimated total of $66,787,908 in the box office.

By recounting the life of a visionary figure who challenges oppression, Harriet contributes an inspiring real-world story of courage and determination. The film captivates with its steadfast protagonist and exploration of the pursuit of freedom under seemingly insurmountable odds.

The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. Harriet is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 5m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 7.3 by 954 people.

42 joins the list for championing the narrative of an African-American trailblazer excelling within an exclusionary system. The film draws strength from its portrayal of perseverance and talent, making the journey of its subject compelling and uplifting.

In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball facing unabashed racism from the public, the press and other players. 42 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 8m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 7.2 by 1,987 people. The movie made an estimated total of $95,020,213 in the box office.

With its focus on a pioneering woman’s accomplishments in science, Radioactive earns inclusion for celebrating intellect, innovation, and resilience. The story’s rich sense of discovery and its unflinching look at challenges faced offer viewers a layered and inspiring biographical experience.

The story of Nobel Prize winner Maria Skłodowska-Curie and her extraordinary scientific discoveries—through the prism of her marriage to husband Pierre—and the seismic and transformative effects their discovery of radium had on the 20th century. Radioactive is a movie from France in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 6.6 by 929 people. The movie made an estimated total of $3,515,958 in the box office.

Chronicling the intricacies of race and gender in a historical setting, The Help earns a spot for its exploration of marginalized women finding strength in solidarity. The film’s vivid characters and dramatic tension bring depth to its examination of social change.

Aibileen Clark is a middle-aged African-American maid who has spent her life raising white children and has recently lost her only son; Minny Jackson is an African-American maid who has often offended her employers despite her family's struggles with money and her desperate need for jobs; and Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is a young white woman who has recently moved back home after graduating college to find out her childhood maid has mysteriously disappeared. These three stories intertwine to explain how life in Jackson, Mississippi revolves around "the help"; yet they are always kept at a certain distance because of racial lines. The Help is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 26m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 8.2 by 9,164 people. The movie made an estimated total of $216,600,000 in the box office.

October Sky merits presence for its emotional account of youthful ambition driving scientific achievement against modest circumstances. The movie’s coming-of-age innocence, coupled with an inspiring sense of hope, provides an engaging narrative about believing in one’s potential.

The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes. October Sky is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 1999 with an average rating of 7.7 by 1,461 people. The movie made an estimated total of $34,698,685 in the box office.

Adventure and innovation form the basis for The Aeronauts’ placement, as the spirit of exploration pulses through its story of daring balloon flight. Its captivating visuals and suspenseful journey through the skies deliver a thrilling cinematic adventure.

In 1862, daredevil balloon pilot Amelia Wren teams up with pioneering meteorologist James Glaisher to advance human knowledge of the weather and fly higher than anyone in history. While breaking records and advancing scientific discovery, their voyage to the very edge of existence helps the unlikely pair find their place in the world they have left far below them. But they face physical and emotional challenges in the thin air, as the ascent becomes a fight for survival. The Aeronauts is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.8 by 1,211 people. The movie made an estimated total of $3,485,251 in the box office.

Suffragette claims its spot by documenting the struggle for women’s rights in a rigid society. The film’s intense depiction of sacrifice and activism captures the determination required for meaningful change, making it emotionally powerful and historically significant.

Based on true events about the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. Suffragette is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.2 by 1,682 people. The movie made an estimated total of $16,002,420 in the box office.

Race offers a riveting glimpse into the challenges faced by an athlete fighting for recognition amidst discrimination. Its energetic portrayal of competition and persistence makes the story both riveting and inspiring for audiences drawn to tales of overcoming adversity.

Based on the story of Jesse Owens, the athlete whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy. Race is a movie from Canada in English, with a total 2h 14m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.3 by 1,637 people. The movie made an estimated total of $24,804,129 in the box office.

RocketMan takes a comedic approach to space travel, earning its place through a lighthearted take on NASA adventures. Audiences are treated to humorous mishaps and irreverent fun, making for an enjoyable contrast to more serious depictions of astronaut life.

An accident-prone and obnoxious geek joins a NASA space mission to Mars. During the flight, he manages to put himself and the entire crew in jeopardy, but is in danger of emerging as a hero when his new colleagues need him to save them from the unforgiving surface of the red planet. RocketMan is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 1997 with an average rating of 5.2 by 149 people. The movie made an estimated total of $15,448,043 in the box office.

Erin Brockovich is included for its focus on a determined woman battling injustice in a historically accurate context. The film’s blend of drama and tenacity, as its protagonist faces systemic challenges, makes it an engaging portrayal of individual agency effecting profound change.

A twice-divorced mother of three who sees an injustice, takes on the bad guy and wins -- with a little help from her push-up bra. Erin goes to work for an attorney and comes across medical records describing illnesses clustered in one nearby town. She starts investigating and soon exposes a monumental cover-up. Erin Brockovich is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 11m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.4 by 3,700 people. The movie made an estimated total of $256,271,286 in the box office.

Freedom Writers features an inspiring journey of positive transformation within a challenging environment, akin to stories of overcoming societal and institutional boundaries. The film triumphs with its emphasis on education, empathy, and the power of personal connection.

A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school. Freedom Writers is a movie from Germany in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.9 by 2,453 people. The movie made an estimated total of $43,095,175 in the box office.

Queen of Katwe belongs here by tracing the uplifting path of a young woman defying expectations to excel in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Its vibrant storytelling and warm sense of community provide a heartfelt viewing experience.

A young girl overcomes her disadvantaged upbringing in the slums of Uganda to become a Chess master. Queen of Katwe is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 4m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.2 by 474 people. The movie made an estimated total of $10,367,161 in the box office.

The Color Purple, with its generational narrative of African-American women pursuing dignity and hope, offers viewers a poignant and enduring exploration of hardship and resilience. Its emotional depth makes the story particularly memorable and affecting.

An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing 'Mister' Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa. The Color Purple is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 34m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 7.7 by 2,010 people. The movie made an estimated total of $146,300,000 in the box office.

By joining the fight against injustice, Just Mercy finds its place as a powerful legal drama rooted in true events. It stands out for its moving depiction of advocacy, moral courage, and the ripple effect of dedicated individuals.

The powerful true story of Harvard-educated lawyer Bryan Stevenson, who goes to Alabama to defend the disenfranchised and wrongly condemned — including Walter McMillian, a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence. Bryan fights tirelessly for Walter with the system stacked against them. Just Mercy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 17m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 7.8 by 2,527 people. The movie made an estimated total of $50,401,502 in the box office.

Pride makes the list for illustrating alliances across social divides, celebrating the unlikely partnerships that influence historic change. The film’s lively ensemble cast and sense of optimism create an empowering and joyous atmosphere.

In 1984, a group of LGBT activists decide to raise money to support the National Union of Mineworkers during their lengthy strike. There is only one problem: the Union seems embarrassed to receive their support. Pride is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.7 by 1,425 people. The movie made an estimated total of $16,700,000 in the box office.

He Named Me Malala fits as a documentary portrayal of unwavering conviction in the fight for education and equality. The story resonates for its intimate look at personal sacrifice amid global issues, inspiring audiences through real-life activism.

A look at the events leading up to the Taliban's attack on the young Pakistani school girl, Malala Yousafzai, for speaking out on girls' education and the aftermath, including her speech to the United Nations. He Named Me Malala is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 27m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.7 by 160 people. The movie made an estimated total of $2,642,899 in the box office.

The Great Debaters earns inclusion by presenting a compelling journey of academic achievement for African-American students in a segregated era. The film captivates with its well-drawn characters and dramatic rhetorical showdowns.

The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite. The Great Debaters is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.3 by 726 people. The movie made an estimated total of $30,226,144 in the box office.

The Butler gains relevance for chronicling life through sweeping social changes, viewed from the unique perspective of a man serving at the heart of power. The film’s reflective tone and personal lens make historical events feel intimate and meaningful.

Cecil Gaines was a sharecropper's son who grew up in the 1920s as a domestic servant for the white family who casually destroyed his. Eventually striking out on his own, Cecil becomes a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. There, Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents over the decades as a passive witness of history with the American Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum even as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria, struggles with alcoholism and his defiant eldest son, Louis, strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way. The Butler is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 12m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 7.3 by 3,059 people. The movie made an estimated total of $177,313,795 in the box office.

Stand and Deliver secures its spot by celebrating educational perseverance, following a teacher and students striving to overturn expectations. Its tightly woven narrative and themes of self-belief and hard-earned achievement ensure its enduring appeal.

Jaime Escalante is a mathematics teacher in a school in a hispanic neighbourhood. Convinced that his students have potential, he adopts unconventional teaching methods to try and turn gang members and no-hopers into some of the country's top algebra and calculus students. Stand and Deliver is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 1988 with an average rating of 7.8 by 469 people. The movie made an estimated total of $13,994,920 in the box office.

Loving occupies a place here by dramatizing a landmark struggle for equality through a passionate, personal narrative. Its quiet storytelling and emotional honesty bring nuance and humanity to a groundbreaking moment in civil rights history.

In 1958, in the state of Virginia, the idea of interracial marriage was not only considered to be immoral to many, it was also illegal. When Richard and Mildred fall in love, they are aware of the eyes staring at them and the words said behind their backs. It's when they get married, however, that words and looks become actions, and the two are arrested. The couple decide to take their case all of the way to the Supreme Court in order to fight for their love. Based on a true story. Loving is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.7 by 978 people. The movie made an estimated total of $8,996,802 in the box office.

North Country addresses the challenges of a woman confronting systemic discrimination, earning a place for its treatment of adversity and courage in workplace environments. The film’s intense performances and firsthand perspective drive its emotional impact.

A fictionalized account of the first major successful sexual harassment case in the United States — Jenson vs. Eveleth Mines, where a woman who endured a range of abuse while working as a miner filed and won the landmark 1984 lawsuit. North Country is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.3 by 752 people. The movie made an estimated total of $25,224,242 in the box office.

Mona Lisa Smile makes this list by chronicling the efforts of a progressive teacher encouraging women to challenge prescribed societal roles. The blend of period detail and character-driven drama enriches its examination of empowerment and evolving gender norms.

Katherine Watson is a recent UCLA graduate hired to teach art history at the prestigious all-female Wellesley College, in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraces them, Katherine inspires her traditional students, including Betty and Joan, to challenge the lives they are expected to lead. Mona Lisa Smile is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 2003 with an average rating of 6.9 by 1,920 people. The movie made an estimated total of $141,337,989 in the box office.

Invictus carves out a spot for its depiction of unity and hope arising from improbable alliances in a pressured historical context. The film stands as a testament to the transformative power of leadership and collective vision.

Newly elected President Nelson Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby union team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match. Invictus is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 14m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.2 by 4,388 people. The movie made an estimated total of $122,400,000 in the box office.

Dead Poets Society belongs here for its stirring message of mentorship and the life-changing influence of education. The film’s combination of inspiration, strong ensemble performances, and memorable setting make it a resonant coming-of-age drama.

At an elite, old-fashioned boarding school in New England, a passionate English teacher inspires his students to rebel against convention and seize the potential of every day, courting the disdain of the stern headmaster. Dead Poets Society is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 9m runtime, released in 1989 with an average rating of 8.3 by 12,786 people. The movie made an estimated total of $235,860,116 in the box office.

The Pursuit of Happyness stands out for highlighting perseverance in the face of daunting obstacles, connecting to broader themes of ambition and triumph. Its deeply personal story and emotional performances create a lasting impression.

A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career. The Pursuit of Happyness is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.9 by 10,742 people. The movie made an estimated total of $307,077,295 in the box office.

McFarland, USA earns its inclusion by presenting a community’s journey toward realizing its potential through teamwork and grit. The heartfelt story and uplifting tone engage viewers with a strong sense of hope and camaraderie.

A track coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders. McFarland, USA is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 8m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.5 by 957 people. The movie made an estimated total of $45,710,059 in the box office.

Woman in Gold finds a place for bridging themes of historical injustice and personal resilience, detailing one woman’s determined effort to reclaim what was lost. The film’s blend of legal intrigue and emotional storytelling provides a rich viewing experience.

Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family. Woman in Gold is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.3 by 1,469 people. The movie made an estimated total of $61,619,773 in the box office.

Billy Elliot’s spot is justified by its exploration of a young person defying cultural expectations in pursuit of passion. The film’s heartwarming coming-of-age journey and vibrant characters make its story both inspiring and accessible.

County Durham, England, 1984. The miners' strike has started and the police have started coming up from Bethnal Green, starting a class war with the lower classes suffering. Caught in the middle of the conflict is 11-year old Billy Elliot, who, after leaving his boxing club for the day, stumbles upon a ballet class and finds out that he's naturally talented. He practices with his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson for an upcoming audition in Newcastle-upon Tyne for the royal Ballet school in London. Billy Elliot is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.6 by 4,136 people. The movie made an estimated total of $109,280,263 in the box office.

Little Pink House is included for dramatizing individual resistance against powerful interests in pursuit of justice, resonating with stories of personal advocacy. The film succeeds with its intimate storytelling and compelling depiction of community solidarity.

A Connecticut nurse finds herself at the center of a political firestorm and a Supreme Court case centering on eminent domain. Little Pink House is a movie from Canada in English, with a total 1h 38m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.3 by 31 people.

To Kill a Mockingbird appears here for its treatment of social justice and the dismantling of prejudice within historical communities. The film’s iconic narrative, rich characters, and moral clarity remain deeply significant.

Scout Finch, 6, and her older brother Jem live in sleepy Maycomb, Alabama, spending much of their time with their friend Dill and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley. When Atticus, their widowed father and a respected lawyer, defends a black man named Tom Robinson against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to evils of racism and stereotyping. To Kill a Mockingbird is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 9m runtime, released in 1962 with an average rating of 8.0 by 2,907 people. The movie made an estimated total of $13,129,846 in the box office.

Joy makes the list due to its compelling portrait of a woman's resourcefulness in surmounting personal and professional adversity. The film’s energetic storytelling, combined with its exploration of creativity and ambition, make it a captivating watch.

A story based on the life of a struggling Long Island single mom who became one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs. Joy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 4m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.6 by 4,316 people. The movie made an estimated total of $101,134,059 in the box office.

Bopha! belongs in this collection for its examination of institutional pressures within a divided society. The film’s tense narrative and exploration of moral complexity reward viewers with dramatic depth and insight into generational change.

In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist government. When his son gets involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he finds himself torn between his family and what he believes is his duty. Bopha! is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 1993 with an average rating of 5.4 by 14 people. The movie made an estimated total of $212,483 in the box office.