Films That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity

Description: A classic Christmas film where an angel helps a despairing businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. It's a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the value of every individual's life and the impact they have on others.

Fact: Initially considered a box office disappointment, the film has since become a beloved holiday classic, often shown on television during the Christmas season.

Description: An English teacher at an all-boys preparatory school inspires his students through poetry to seize the day and make their lives extraordinary. This film celebrates the transformative power of education and the importance of individuality.

Fact: Robin Williams won a Golden Globe for his role as John Keating, and the film was nominated for several Academy Awards.

Description: This Steven Spielberg masterpiece depicts the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It's a powerful narrative of redemption and the capacity for good even in the darkest times.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary feel, except for the iconic scene with the girl in the red coat.

Description: Set during World War II, this Italian film follows a Jewish father who uses his imagination to shield his son from the horrors of a concentration camp by turning their ordeal into a game. It's a poignant reminder of the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child's innocence.

Fact: Roberto Benigni, who stars as the father, also directed and co-wrote the film. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor, one of the few non-English speaking performances to do so.

Description: Set in the 1930s, this film tells the story of a death row corrections officer who witnesses supernatural events through a gentle giant of a prisoner. It explores themes of compassion, justice, and the human capacity for both good and evil.

Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen King's novel of the same name, and its title refers to the green linoleum that covers the floor of the prison's death row.

Description: A young boy starts a movement where people help others without expecting anything in return, which spreads kindness across the community. This film highlights the ripple effect of small acts of kindness and the potential for change through compassion.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde. It inspired many real-life "Pay It Forward" movements around the world.

Description: This film chronicles the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who battles schizophrenia. It showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the support of those around him, highlighting the beauty in overcoming personal adversity.

Fact: Russell Crowe's portrayal of Nash earned him an Academy Award nomination, and the film won Best Picture.

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son while simultaneously pursuing a better life through an unpaid internship. It's a testament to perseverance, fatherly love, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Fact: Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith played father and son in the film, mirroring their real-life relationship.

Description: Based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who becomes an All-American football player with the help of a caring family. It's a story of kindness, second chances, and the impact of nurturing on potential.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy.

Description: This French film tells the story of an aristocrat who becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident and hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver. Their unlikely friendship transcends social barriers and showcases the power of human connection and empathy.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver, Abdel Sellou. It was a massive box office success in France, becoming the second highest-grossing French film of all time.