10 Dramatic Films About Societal Change

Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a legal clerk who single-handedly takes on a power company that's poisoning a town's water supply, showcasing the impact of individual action on societal change.

Fact: Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich.

Description: A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965, illustrating the struggle for civil rights.

Fact: The film was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and its director, Ava DuVernay, became the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Director by the Golden Globe Awards.

Description: Spanning several decades, this film tells the story of Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who serves numerous presidents during a time of great social upheaval in America.

Fact: The film is inspired by the real-life story of Eugene Allen, who served as a White House butler for 34 years.

Description: Set in the 1960s, this film explores the lives of African-American maids working in white households in Mississippi, highlighting the racial tensions and the beginnings of civil rights movements.

Fact: The film was adapted from Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel, which itself was inspired by her own experiences growing up in Mississippi.

Description: This film explores King George VI's struggle with a stammer and his relationship with his speech therapist, set against the backdrop of Britain's societal changes during WWII.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was praised for its historical accuracy and performances.

Description: This film delves into the financial crisis of 2007-2008, showing how a few investors predicted the collapse of the housing market, exposing the systemic issues in society's economic structure.

Fact: The film uses unconventional narrative techniques, including breaking the fourth wall, to explain complex financial concepts.

Description: This film follows the lives of women in early 20th century Britain as they fight for the right to vote, showcasing the personal sacrifices and collective efforts that led to a significant societal shift.

Fact: Meryl Streep plays Emmeline Pankhurst, but her role is brief, reflecting the historical figure's limited direct involvement with the foot soldiers of the movement.

Description: This heartwarming film captures the unlikely alliance between a group of gay and lesbian activists and striking miners in 1984 Britain, showcasing how solidarity can bridge divides and bring about social change.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events, and the actual Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners group was consulted during the making of the movie.

Description: Set in the early 1970s, this film follows The Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, which exposed government secrets about the Vietnam War, highlighting the role of the press in societal change.

Fact: Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, who play key roles, were both nominated for Academy Awards for their performances.

Description: A biographical drama about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, who fought for gay rights and against discrimination, highlighting the power of activism in changing societal norms.

Fact: Sean Penn won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Harvey Milk.