25 Movies About Resilience

face the mountain movies Mar 29, 2025

I just released my fifth book in the personal growth and leadership space—Face the Mountain.
In it, I dive into the idea of resilience, breaking it down into what I call the 3Cs: Competence, Courage, and Compassion.

Resilience shows up in different ways, but at the heart of it are these three essential traits:

Competence is about rising to the challenge with skill and preparation.
Courage is the decision to move forward even when fear or uncertainty stands in the way.
Compassion is the strength to care—for others, for purpose, and for something greater than self.

In the stories we watch and the lives we lead, these three traits show us what it means to press on.
When combined, they create a powerful measure of resilience.

But for this post, I want to have a little fun.

I’ve always loved stories of resilience—especially on screen. So I’ve pulled together a list of 25 movies that showcase the 3Cs in action. These are films I return to often. They remind me that no matter the obstacle, we can rise.

Here’s my list. Watch them. Rewatch them. Share them.
Resilience lives in story. And these stories live strong.

Rank	Movie Details	Cover
#25	American Underdog (2021) IMDb-rating: 7.1 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG Kurt Warner's rise from grocery store shelves to Super Bowl MVP. Starring: Zachary Levi Competence: 8 – Mastery of the game Courage: 8 – Perseverance through rejection Compassion: 8 – Rooted in faith and family	Watch on Amazon
#24	Race (2016) IMDb-rating: 7.1 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG-13 Jesse Owens defies racism to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Starring: Stephan James Competence: 9 – Unmatched athletic talent Courage: 8 – Competes on the world stage Compassion: 7 – Represents something greater than himself	Watch on Amazon
#23	Unbroken (2014) IMDb-rating: 7.2 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG-13 Louis Zamperini survives a plane crash, ocean ordeal, and POW camp. (P.S. The book is even better). Starring: Jack O'Connell Competence: 8 – Athletic and mental discipline Courage: 9 – Endures unimaginable hardship Compassion: 7 – Later forgives his captors	Watch on Amazon
#22	Stand and Deliver (1988) IMDb-rating: 7.3 \| FTM-rank: 8.3 \| Rated PG A teacher inspires underperforming students to excel in calculus. Starring: Edward James Olmos Competence: 9 – Revolutionary teaching approach Courage: 8 – Confronts academic bias Compassion: 8 – Invests in students' success	Watch on Amazon
#21	The Boys in the Boat (2023) IMDb-rating: 7.3 \| FTM-rank: 7.3 \| Rated PG-13 A working-class rowing team triumphs in the 1936 Olympics. This is the story I share in the book Breaking Average. Starring: Callum Turner Competence: 8 – Precision teamwork Courage: 7 – Overcomes poverty and doubt Compassion: 7 – Brotherhood and unity	Watch on Amazon
#20	Invictus (2009) IMDb-rating: 7.3 \| FTM-rank: 8.3 \| Rated PG-13 Nelson Mandela inspires national unity through rugby. Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon Competence: 8 – Political and emotional intelligence Courage: 8 – Leads post-apartheid reconciliation Compassion: 9 – Forgives former enemies	Watch on Amazon
#19	McFarland, USA (2015) IMDb-rating: 7.4 \| FTM-rank: 7.7 \| Rated PG A coach transforms a team of Latino farm boys into champions. Starring: Kevin Costner Competence: 7 – Training with limited resources Courage: 8 – Running against every odd Compassion: 8 – Belief in overlooked youth	Watch on Amazon
#18	42 (2013) IMDb-rating: 7.5 \| FTM-rank: 8.3 \| Rated PG-13 Jackie Robinson breaks baseball's color barrier. Starring: Chadwick Boseman Competence: 9 – On-field excellence Courage: 9 – Silent strength amid racism Compassion: 7 – Inspires future generations	Watch on Amazon
#17	The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) IMDb-rating: 7.6 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG-13 A man with Down syndrome pursues his dream of becoming a wrestler. Starring: Zack Gottsagen, Shia LaBeouf Competence: 7 – Learns self-reliance Courage: 8 – Embarks on a solo journey Compassion: 9 – Deep bonds form along the way	Watch on Amazon
#16	Last Breath (2024) IMDb-rating: 7.6 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG-13 A diver trapped under the North Sea fights for survival in this dramatized retelling. Starring: Woody Harrelson Competence: 8 – Survival skills in harsh, isolating conditions Courage: 9 – Endures hopelessness under pressure Compassion: 7 – A team races against time to rescue	Watch on Amazon
#15	Apollo 13 (1995) IMDb-rating: 7.7 \| FTM-rank: 8.3 \| Rated PG Astronauts and NASA battle to bring a damaged spacecraft home. Starring: Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton Competence: 9 – Engineering ingenuity Courage: 8 – Staying calm in crisis Compassion: 8 – A world united in hope	Watch on Amazon
#14	Remember the Titans (2000) IMDb-rating: 7.8 \| FTM-rank: 8.3 \| Rated PG An integrated football team becomes a symbol of unity. Starring: Denzel Washington Competence: 8 – Coaching mastery Courage: 8 – Confronts racism Compassion: 9 – Brotherhood beyond the field	Watch on Amazon
#13	Hidden Figures (2016) IMDb-rating: 7.8 \| FTM-rank: 8.7 \| Rated PG Three Black women at NASA become key to launching a man into orbit. Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe Competence: 9 – Math and engineering brilliance Courage: 9 – Break societal barriers Compassion: 8 – Lifting each other up	Watch on Amazon
#12	The King's Speech (2010) IMDb-rating: 8.0 \| FTM-rank: 7.7 \| Rated R King George VI battles a speech impediment to lead a nation. Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush Competence: 8 – Mastering public speaking Courage: 8 – Faces public and personal fear Compassion: 7 – The power of a trusted guide	Watch on Amazon
#11	The Martian (2015) IMDb-rating: 8.0 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG-13 A stranded astronaut survives alone on Mars. Starring: Matt Damon Competence: 9 – Problem-solving with limited resources Courage: 8 – Faces isolation with hope Compassion: 7 – Global effort to bring him home	Watch on Amazon
#10	Lion (2016) IMDb-rating: 8.0 \| FTM-rank: 8.3 \| Rated PG-13 A man searches for his birth family decades after being lost in India. Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman Competence: 8 – Leverages memory and tech Courage: 8 – Confronts his past Compassion: 9 – Love across two families	Watch on Amazon
#9	The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) IMDb-rating: 8.0 \| FTM-rank: 8.7 \| Rated PG-13 A single father faces homelessness while chasing a dream. Starring: Will Smith Competence: 8 – Learns and applies skills Courage: 9 – Never gives up Compassion: 9 – Devotion to his son	Watch on Amazon
#8	Hacksaw Ridge (2016) IMDb-rating: 8.1 \| FTM-rank: 8.7 \| Rated R A WWII medic saves lives without carrying a weapon. Starring: Andrew Garfield Competence: 8 – Medical excellence Courage: 9 – Faces combat unarmed Compassion: 9 – Rescues all he can	Watch on Amazon
#7	Batman Begins (2005) IMDb-rating: 8.2 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG-13 Bruce Wayne becomes Batman after personal tragedy. Starring: Christian Bale Competence: 9 – Trains into a formidable force Courage: 8 – Faces inner fear Compassion: 7 – Protects the innocent	Watch on Amazon
#6	Finding Nemo (2003) IMDb-rating: 8.2 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG A timid clownfish crosses the ocean to rescue his son. Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres Competence: 7 – Navigating vast and dangerous waters Courage: 8 – Overcoming fear and uncertainty Compassion: 9 – Deep love of a father and friendships formed along the way	Watch on Amazon
#5	A Beautiful Mind (2001) IMDb-rating: 8.2 \| FTM-rank: 8.7 \| Rated PG-13 John Nash battles mental illness while transforming economics. Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly Competence: 9 – Mathematical genius Courage: 9 – Fights internal demons Compassion: 8 – Grounded by love	Watch on Amazon
#4	Top Gun: Maverick (2022) IMDb-rating: 8.2 \| FTM-rank: 8.0 \| Rated PG-13 Maverick trains elite pilots for a dangerous mission. Starring: Tom Cruise Competence: 9 – Peak performance Courage: 8 – Steps back into the fight Compassion: 7 – Guides the next generation	Watch on Amazon
#3	Gladiator (2000) IMDb-rating: 8.5 \| FTM-rank: 8.7 \| Rated R A general-turned-slave rises to defy a corrupt empire. Starring: Russell Crowe Competence: 9 – Master tactician Courage: 9 – Faces death with purpose Compassion: 8 – Honors family and justice	Watch on Amazon
#2	Life is Beautiful (1997) IMDb-rating: 8.6 \| FTM-rank: 8.7 \| Rated PG-13 A father uses humor to shield his son in a concentration camp. Starring: Roberto Benigni Competence: 8 – Protects with creativity Courage: 9 – Maintains hope under tyranny Compassion: 9 – Loves selflessly	Watch on Amazon
#1	The Matrix (1999) IMDb-rating: 8.7 \| FTM-rank: 8.7 \| Rated R A hacker discovers reality is a simulation and joins a rebellion. This is one of my all time favorite symbolic leadership movies. Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss Competence: 9 – Unlocks new abilities Courage: 9 – Chooses the truth Compassion: 8 – Fights for freedom of others	Watch on Amazon

Rank

Movie Details

Cover

#25

American Underdog (2021)
IMDb-rating: 7.1 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG

Kurt Warner's rise from grocery store shelves to Super Bowl MVP.
Starring: Zachary Levi

Competence: 8 – Mastery of the game
Courage: 8 – Perseverance through rejection
Compassion: 8 – Rooted in faith and family

Watch on Amazon

#24

Race (2016)
IMDb-rating: 7.1 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG-13

Jesse Owens defies racism to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Starring: Stephan James

Competence: 9 – Unmatched athletic talent
Courage: 8 – Competes on the world stage
Compassion: 7 – Represents something greater than himself

Watch on Amazon

#23

Unbroken (2014)
IMDb-rating: 7.2 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG-13

Louis Zamperini survives a plane crash, ocean ordeal, and POW camp. (P.S. The book is even better).
Starring: Jack O'Connell

Competence: 8 – Athletic and mental discipline
Courage: 9 – Endures unimaginable hardship
Compassion: 7 – Later forgives his captors

Watch on Amazon

#22

Stand and Deliver (1988)
IMDb-rating: 7.3 | FTM-rank: 8.3 | Rated PG

A teacher inspires underperforming students to excel in calculus.
Starring: Edward James Olmos

Competence: 9 – Revolutionary teaching approach
Courage: 8 – Confronts academic bias
Compassion: 8 – Invests in students' success

Watch on Amazon

#21

The Boys in the Boat (2023)
IMDb-rating: 7.3 | FTM-rank: 7.3 | Rated PG-13

A working-class rowing team triumphs in the 1936 Olympics. This is the story I share in the book Breaking Average.
Starring: Callum Turner

Competence: 8 – Precision teamwork
Courage: 7 – Overcomes poverty and doubt
Compassion: 7 – Brotherhood and unity

Watch on Amazon

#20

Invictus (2009)
IMDb-rating: 7.3 | FTM-rank: 8.3 | Rated PG-13

Nelson Mandela inspires national unity through rugby.
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon

Competence: 8 – Political and emotional intelligence
Courage: 8 – Leads post-apartheid reconciliation
Compassion: 9 – Forgives former enemies

Watch on Amazon

#19

McFarland, USA (2015)
IMDb-rating: 7.4 | FTM-rank: 7.7 | Rated PG

A coach transforms a team of Latino farm boys into champions.
Starring: Kevin Costner

Competence: 7 – Training with limited resources
Courage: 8 – Running against every odd
Compassion: 8 – Belief in overlooked youth

Watch on Amazon

#18

42 (2013)
IMDb-rating: 7.5 | FTM-rank: 8.3 | Rated PG-13

Jackie Robinson breaks baseball's color barrier.
Starring: Chadwick Boseman

Competence: 9 – On-field excellence
Courage: 9 – Silent strength amid racism
Compassion: 7 – Inspires future generations

Watch on Amazon

#17

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
IMDb-rating: 7.6 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG-13

A man with Down syndrome pursues his dream of becoming a wrestler.
Starring: Zack Gottsagen, Shia LaBeouf

Competence: 7 – Learns self-reliance
Courage: 8 – Embarks on a solo journey
Compassion: 9 – Deep bonds form along the way

Watch on Amazon

#16

Last Breath (2024)
IMDb-rating: 7.6 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG-13

A diver trapped under the North Sea fights for survival in this dramatized retelling.
Starring: Woody Harrelson

Competence: 8 – Survival skills in harsh, isolating conditions
Courage: 9 – Endures hopelessness under pressure
Compassion: 7 – A team races against time to rescue

Watch on Amazon

#15

Apollo 13 (1995)
IMDb-rating: 7.7 | FTM-rank: 8.3 | Rated PG

Astronauts and NASA battle to bring a damaged spacecraft home.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton

Competence: 9 – Engineering ingenuity
Courage: 8 – Staying calm in crisis
Compassion: 8 – A world united in hope

Watch on Amazon

#14

Remember the Titans (2000)
IMDb-rating: 7.8 | FTM-rank: 8.3 | Rated PG

An integrated football team becomes a symbol of unity.
Starring: Denzel Washington

Competence: 8 – Coaching mastery
Courage: 8 – Confronts racism
Compassion: 9 – Brotherhood beyond the field

Watch on Amazon

#13

Hidden Figures (2016)
IMDb-rating: 7.8 | FTM-rank: 8.7 | Rated PG

Three Black women at NASA become key to launching a man into orbit.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe

Competence: 9 – Math and engineering brilliance
Courage: 9 – Break societal barriers
Compassion: 8 – Lifting each other up

Watch on Amazon

#12

The King's Speech (2010)
IMDb-rating: 8.0 | FTM-rank: 7.7 | Rated R

King George VI battles a speech impediment to lead a nation.
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush

Competence: 8 – Mastering public speaking
Courage: 8 – Faces public and personal fear
Compassion: 7 – The power of a trusted guide

Watch on Amazon

#11

The Martian (2015)
IMDb-rating: 8.0 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG-13

A stranded astronaut survives alone on Mars.
Starring: Matt Damon

Competence: 9 – Problem-solving with limited resources
Courage: 8 – Faces isolation with hope
Compassion: 7 – Global effort to bring him home

Watch on Amazon

#10

Lion (2016)
IMDb-rating: 8.0 | FTM-rank: 8.3 | Rated PG-13

A man searches for his birth family decades after being lost in India.
Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman

Competence: 8 – Leverages memory and tech
Courage: 8 – Confronts his past
Compassion: 9 – Love across two families

Watch on Amazon

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
IMDb-rating: 8.0 | FTM-rank: 8.7 | Rated PG-13

A single father faces homelessness while chasing a dream.
Starring: Will Smith

Competence: 8 – Learns and applies skills
Courage: 9 – Never gives up
Compassion: 9 – Devotion to his son

Watch on Amazon

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
IMDb-rating: 8.1 | FTM-rank: 8.7 | Rated R

A WWII medic saves lives without carrying a weapon.
Starring: Andrew Garfield

Competence: 8 – Medical excellence
Courage: 9 – Faces combat unarmed
Compassion: 9 – Rescues all he can

Watch on Amazon

Batman Begins (2005)
IMDb-rating: 8.2 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG-13

Bruce Wayne becomes Batman after personal tragedy.
Starring: Christian Bale

Competence: 9 – Trains into a formidable force
Courage: 8 – Faces inner fear
Compassion: 7 – Protects the innocent

Watch on Amazon

Finding Nemo (2003)
IMDb-rating: 8.2 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG

A timid clownfish crosses the ocean to rescue his son.
Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres

Competence: 7 – Navigating vast and dangerous waters
Courage: 8 – Overcoming fear and uncertainty
Compassion: 9 – Deep love of a father and friendships formed along the way

Watch on Amazon

A Beautiful Mind (2001)
IMDb-rating: 8.2 | FTM-rank: 8.7 | Rated PG-13

John Nash battles mental illness while transforming economics.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly

Competence: 9 – Mathematical genius
Courage: 9 – Fights internal demons
Compassion: 8 – Grounded by love

Watch on Amazon

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
IMDb-rating: 8.2 | FTM-rank: 8.0 | Rated PG-13

Maverick trains elite pilots for a dangerous mission.
Starring: Tom Cruise

Competence: 9 – Peak performance
Courage: 8 – Steps back into the fight
Compassion: 7 – Guides the next generation

Watch on Amazon

Gladiator (2000)
IMDb-rating: 8.5 | FTM-rank: 8.7 | Rated R

A general-turned-slave rises to defy a corrupt empire.
Starring: Russell Crowe

Competence: 9 – Master tactician
Courage: 9 – Faces death with purpose
Compassion: 8 – Honors family and justice

Watch on Amazon

Life is Beautiful (1997)
IMDb-rating: 8.6 | FTM-rank: 8.7 | Rated PG-13

A father uses humor to shield his son in a concentration camp.
Starring: Roberto Benigni

Competence: 8 – Protects with creativity
Courage: 9 – Maintains hope under tyranny
Compassion: 9 – Loves selflessly

Watch on Amazon

The Matrix (1999)
IMDb-rating: 8.7 | FTM-rank: 8.7 | Rated R

A hacker discovers reality is a simulation and joins a rebellion. This is one of my all time favorite symbolic leadership movies.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss

Competence: 9 – Unlocks new abilities
Courage: 9 – Chooses the truth
Compassion: 8 – Fights for freedom of others

Watch on Amazon

Which of these movies speaks to your story of resilience?”

While you are at it, check out my book Face the Mountain. I just might share my favorite stories from a few of these great movies.

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Author

Paul Gustavson

Paul is a tech industry leader with a passion for innovation and the outdoors. He is the co-founder and CTO of SimVentions, which was established in 2000. SimVentions supports today’s military and decision-makers with innovative engineering solutions and services. The Virginia Chamber and Inc. Magazine have recognized SimVentions as one of the best places to work. As the CTO, Paul fosters innovation, contributes to the company’s strategic vision, leads IR&D efforts, provides technical expertise, and participates in industry standards development. Paul is also the author of Face the Mountain, Imagine, Breaking Average, Speech Blueprint, and Leaders Press On and a co-host of the Breaking Average Podcast. He is an active member of the simulation community. As the CTO, Paul fosters innovation, contributes to the company’s strategic vision, leads IR&D efforts, provides technical expertise, and participates in industry standards development. Paul is also the author of Face the Mountain, Imagine, Breaking Average, Speech Blueprint, and Leaders Press On and a co-host of the Breaking Average Podcast. He is an active member of the simulation community.

25 Movies About Resilience

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