10 Must-Watch Biopics About Pioneers

Description: This epic tale chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program, focusing on the Mercury Seven astronauts. It's a fitting tribute to the pioneers of space exploration, showcasing their bravery and the sacrifices they made.

Fact: The film was adapted from Tom Wolfe's non-fiction book of the same name. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four.

Description: While not about exploration in the traditional sense, this film delves into the inner world of Ramón Sampedro, a quadriplegic who fought for the right to die, pioneering the right-to-die movement.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was shot in Spain, where the real-life events took place.

Description: Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, who gave away his savings and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness, this film explores themes of self-discovery and the pioneer spirit.

Fact: The film was shot in many of the actual locations where McCandless traveled. Sean Penn, who directed, also wrote the screenplay.

Description: This film tells the story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared while searching for a mythical lost city in the Amazon in the 1920s.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Colombia, where the crew faced many of the same challenges as Fawcett did. It's based on David Grann's non-fiction book.

Description: Based on the true story of the whaleship Essex, which inspired Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick," this film explores the harrowing tale of survival at sea after being attacked by a whale.

Fact: The film was shot in the Canary Islands and Malta, with a life-size replica of the Essex built for authenticity.

Description: This film explores the relationship between King George VI and his speech therapist, Lionel Logue, as they work to overcome the King's stammer, a pioneering effort in speech therapy.

Fact: Colin Firth won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of King George VI. The film was also nominated for 11 other Academy Awards.

Description: Follow Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl's daring 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft, proving that ancient South Americans could have settled Polynesia.

Fact: The film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards. It was shot in both English and Norwegian.

Description: This film recounts the Coast Guard's daring rescue of the crew of the SS Pendleton, split in half by a storm off Cape Cod in 1952, showcasing the pioneering spirit of the rescuers.

Fact: The film was shot in Massachusetts, with some scenes filmed in a massive water tank to simulate the storm conditions. It's based on the book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman.

Description: A biopic about Stephen Hawking, focusing on his early life, his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics, and his battle with motor neuron disease.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Hawking. The film was shot in various locations in England, including Cambridge University.

Description: A documentary that recounts Sir Ernest Shackleton's incredible journey to rescue his crew after their ship was crushed by ice during an Antarctic expedition.

Fact: The film uses footage from the original expedition, including previously unseen material. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.