10 Must-Watch Films on Social Protests

Description: John Ford's adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel captures the plight of the Joad family during the Great Depression, highlighting the struggle of the working class against exploitation and poverty.

Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning two, and it was one of the first films to address the Dust Bowl migration.

Description: An Italian-Algerian film that chronicles the Algerian War of Independence, focusing on the guerrilla tactics used by the National Liberation Front against French colonial rule, highlighting the brutality of urban warfare.

Fact: The film was banned in France for five years due to its controversial depiction of the conflict, and it was used by the Black Panthers for training purposes in the 1960s.

Description: This biographical film traces the journey of young Che Guevara across South America, where he witnesses social injustice, which later fuels his revolutionary spirit.

Fact: The film was shot in the actual locations where Che Guevara traveled, providing an authentic backdrop to his transformative journey.

Description: Spanning several decades, this film follows Cecil Gaines, a White House butler, whose personal journey mirrors the civil rights movement, showcasing the quiet yet profound impact of individual protest.

Fact: The film was inspired by the life of Eugene Allen, a real-life White House butler, and it features a star-studded cast depicting various historical figures.

Description: While primarily known as a dystopian adventure, this film also explores themes of social inequality, rebellion, and the fight against an oppressive regime, making it a modern take on social protest.

Fact: The film's director, Gary Ross, used real-life footage of protests and riots to inspire the scenes of rebellion in the Capitol.

Description: Set in the 1960s, this film focuses on the lives of African-American maids in Mississippi and their subtle yet powerful resistance against racial segregation, showcasing the strength of unity and the power of storytelling.

Fact: The film was adapted from Kathryn Stockett's novel, and it sparked discussions on race and civil rights.

Description: This biographical drama follows the life of Cesar Chavez, a Mexican-American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers, highlighting his non-violent protests for farm workers' rights.

Fact: The film was shot in Mexico and California, and it was endorsed by the Chavez family for its accurate portrayal of his life.

Description: This British film delves into the early 20th-century fight for women's suffrage in the UK, focusing on the militant actions of the suffragettes and their struggle for voting rights.

Fact: The film was the first to be shot in the Houses of Parliament, and it was praised for its historical accuracy.

Description: This heartwarming British film tells the true story of the unlikely alliance between striking Welsh miners and London's gay and lesbian community in the 1980s, showcasing the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, and it received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of the intersection of class and sexuality.

Description: Sally Field stars as a Southern textile worker who becomes an unlikely union leader, fighting for workers' rights in a small town, symbolizing the broader struggle for labor rights in America.

Fact: Sally Field won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role, and the film was based on the real-life story of Crystal Lee Sutton.