The Ten Best Movies Based on True Stories

Movies that Inspire (1990-2008)

I like good "message" movies; inspiring movies based on true stories. Here's my pick for the top 10 to come out since 1990. I include the movie's official website in the title.

Amazing Grace (2006) The film based on the life of William Wilberforce and his decades long fight to abolish the English slave trade. The story of battling injustice to the very end.

Apollo 13 (1995) Ron Howard brings the story of the "successful failure" Apollo 13 moon shot that ended in triumph for NASA and the American spirit.

Cinderella Man (2005) The story on which Sylvester Stallone based his "Rocky" character finally came to the big screen thanks to Ron Howard and crew. In 1935 light-heavyweight boxer James Braddock came out of retirement and fought for the title despite 10-1 odds. It was the era of the Great Depression; Braddock fought for his family.

Glory Road (2006) In 1966 Don Haskins formed and coached the first all-black starting lineup for a NCAA basketball team. It's the story of American racism and African-American triumph.

October Sky (1999) A story of pursuit of a passion in the face of obstacles. It's the story of Homer Hickam who as a teen in a coal mining town during the 1950s became enthralled with rockets and with his friends set out to build them.

Patch Adams (1998) Hunter Campbell "Patch" Adams began medical school at the age of 26 and brought with him a paradigm shift; wellness and environment are connected. Robin Williams is out of control as Patch Adams but it works.

Rudy (1993) Another story of pursuit of a dream when everyone around is crying "impossible."

Little Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger always wanted to play football at Notre Dame but he had no size, no talent, and no money. A story of "gritting it out."

Schindler's List (1993) German entrepreneur Oskar Schindler makes a bundle of money during World War II by using Jewish labor in his factory. He then wakes up and realizes the plight of the Jews in Hitler's Germany. A story of greed that transforms into sacrifice and concern for our fellow man.