Unforgettable lives: 5 films that made us believe in real-life heroes

What makes a hero? Few stories are as inspiring as those of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary challenges. From surviving impossible odds to fighting for justice, these five films highlight true stories of everyday bravery. Some are available to stream now; others are coming soon to cinema. Each one redefines what it means to be brave. Get ready for a thrilling, emotional journey.

As its name suggests, Hidden Figures highlights the unsung heroes who helped shape history – in this case, civil rights and space travel. The film tells the true story of three African-American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – whose mathematical brilliance played a pivotal role in launching astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, into space in 1962.

Why watch? Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe shine bright as the trailblazers who challenged everyday racism and sexism, paving the way for mathematicians of all races and genders.

It’s not rocket science, but with its fast-talking, feelgood energy, this Oscar-nominated blockbuster offers a powerful reminder of the progress that was, and still is, shaped by the talent and courage of women who challenge the status quo.

Stream Hidden Figures on Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and more

Within days of Raynor’s husband of thirty-two years being diagnosed with a rare and terminal illness, the couple were evicted by bailiffs from their home.

Why watch? Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs play the couple, who, broke and facing homelessness, decide to pack what essentials they can carry into small rucksacks and walk the 630-mile stretch of windswept coastline. A trek beginning in Somerset, looping through Cornwall, ending in Dorset, and involving an ascent equivalent to climbing Everest nearly four times. What follows is an unpredictably uplifting story of nature’s healing power and human tenacity.

Adapted from Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir, The Salt Path recounts their year-long trek along Britain’s dramatic coastline. Wild camping in a tent bought from an online auction, the couple face challenges they never expected, pushing them in ways they couldn’t have imagined and changing the course of their lives forever. It’s a journey that’s also quietly transformative to watch.

The Salt Path is in UK cinemas from 30 May

On 19 September 2012, three divers descended 300 feet into the watery darkness of the North Sea to replace a section of pipeline during a raging storm. Tossed by crashing waves, the ship they were tethered to began to drift. As the divers scrambled to get back on board, one of their cables snapped, trapping diver Chris Lemons on the seabed with just five minutes of oxygen left. His colleagues were pulled away with the ship and couldn’t help. What happened next defies scientific explanation – but it all happened.

Why watch? One of the most dramatic diving accidents in recent memory, this nail-biting race against time in icy, unforgiving depths was initially the subject of a documentary, featuring footage and audio recorded during the accident. Director Alex Parkinson has brought all that realness to the big-budget thriller starring Woody Harrelson and Finn Cole. Prepare to have your heart pounded: this is almost unbearably tense.

Last Breath is in UK cinemas now

Will Smith has a few Oscar-nominated roles based on real-life people under his belt, but The Pursuit of Happyness might be the most charming. He plays Chris Gardner, now a multimillionaire motivational speaker, who was then a struggling salesman turned stockbroking intern, homeless while raising his adorable son (played by a very young Jaden Smith).

Why watch? First released in 2006, many of the film’s themes – systematic poverty and the widening economic gap – feel as relevant as ever. At night, Gardner and his son sleep in increasingly desperate places, hostels and even a public toilet cubicle. During the day, he works with wealthy brokers. It’s a rollercoaster of emotion, but what keeps this viewing compelling is the bond between father and son as they navigate their situation with humour and heart.

Stream The Pursuit of Happyness on Apple TV , Amazon Prime Video and more

What if the government kidnapped your daughter? This was the chilling tagline that Phillip Noyce's hard-hitting Australian drama was marketed with. Dealing with the systematic seizure of First Nations children from 1905 to 1971, Rabbit-Proof Fence follows the true story of three girls – Molly, Daisy, and Gracie – who were forcibly removed from their families and placed in a government-run institution.

Why watch? Making a daring escape, the young girls set out on foot on a 1,500-mile walk back home, relying on their wits, determination and the landmark of the rabbit-proof fence to guide them across some of the most brutal conditions on the planet. The girls – played by Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, and Laura Monaghan – were 14, 10, and 8. They had no maps, no provisions, no real shoes. Nothing except each other.

Most countries have a dark period in their history, this is set within one of Australia’s and it’s the kind of film you never forget.

Stream Rabbit-Proof Fence on Apple TV

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