Hidden Figures is a critically acclaimed film based on the true story of three African American women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who worked as mathematicians at NASA during the height of the space race. The movie follows their struggles and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of working in a racially segregated and male-dominated environment.
The primary themes of the movie include perseverance, determination, and the power of intellect to overcome societal barriers. The film highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in the workplace, and the role that individuals can play in effecting change.
People love Hidden Figures for its inspiring story of these unsung heroes and their contributions to NASA’s success in sending the first American astronaut into space. It also sheds light on the history of the civil rights movement and the struggles of African American women in STEM fields. The movie’s emotional impact is enhanced by the excellent performances of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, who portray the three women with grace and depth.
Hidden Figures has been widely popular among audiences and has received numerous accolades, including three Academy Award nominations. It has also inspired a renewed interest in STEM education and has sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Other interesting facts about Hidden Figures include that the movie was based on a non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly, and that Katherine Johnson, one of the main characters, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her contributions to the space program. The movie has also inspired a musical adaptation, which premiered in 2019 at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City.
- Apollo 13 (1995): This movie follows the story of the Apollo 13 space mission and the team of NASA engineers who worked to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth.
- The Imitation Game (2014): This film tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who worked to crack the German Enigma code during World War II.
- The Help (2011): Set in the 1960s, this movie explores the lives of African American maids working in white households in Mississippi, and their struggles for civil rights and equality.
- A Beautiful Mind (2001): Based on the life of Nobel laureate John Nash, this film portrays his struggles with mental illness and his groundbreaking work in game theory.
- The Theory of Everything (2014): This biographical drama chronicles the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, his struggle with motor neuron disease, and his scientific breakthroughs.
- Selma (2014): This film depicts the events of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Hidden Figures: The Untold Story of the African American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race (2016): This documentary, based on the book that inspired the Hidden Figures movie, tells the real-life story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.
- Erin Brockovich (2000): This movie follows the true story of a single mother who takes on a powerful corporation accused of polluting a community’s water supply.
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): Starring Will Smith, this film is based on the true story of a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son, but never gives up on his dream of a better life.
1. Apollo 13 (1995)
Apollo 13 is a gripping film that tells the story of the Apollo 13 space mission and the efforts of NASA engineers to bring the astronauts back to Earth safely. The movie is based on a true story, and it offers a dramatic portrayal of the challenges faced by the astronauts, the engineers, and the families during the crisis.
The film stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton as the three astronauts on the ill-fated mission. Ed Harris and Gary Sinise play key roles as the NASA flight director and the spacecraft systems engineer, respectively. The ensemble cast delivers excellent performances, creating a sense of urgency and tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
One of the similarities between Apollo 13 and Hidden Figures is the portrayal of the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success. Both films emphasize the need for individuals to work together, pool their resources, and leverage their strengths to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Additionally, both movies celebrate the power of human ingenuity and intellect in solving complex problems.
2. The Imitation Game (2014)
The Imitation Game is a biographical drama that tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who worked to crack the German Enigma code during World War II. The film explores Turing’s life, his struggles with his sexuality, and his groundbreaking work in computer science.
The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing, and he delivers a powerful performance that captures the complexity of Turing’s character. The supporting cast, including Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode, also deliver strong performances that enhance the emotional impact of the story.
Like Hidden Figures, The Imitation Game sheds light on an important historical event and celebrates the contributions of individuals who have been overlooked or marginalized. The movie highlights Turing’s exceptional intellect and perseverance, and his role in helping to end the war.
3. The Help (2011)
The Help is a drama set in Mississippi during the 1960s and tells the story of African American maids working in white households and their struggles for civil rights and equality. The film stars Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone, and it offers a powerful portrayal of the racism and inequality that was prevalent during that time.
Like Hidden Figures, The Help celebrates the power of individual action to effect change, and the importance of solidarity and support networks in achieving social justice. The movie highlights the courage and resilience of the maids and their determination to fight for their rights, despite the risks and challenges they faced.
In conclusion, Apollo 13, The Imitation Game, and The Help are three powerful films that share some similarities with Hidden Figures in their emphasis on the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and individual action in achieving success and overcoming adversity. They also share a commitment to telling stories that celebrate the contributions of individuals who have been overlooked or marginalized in history.
4. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama that tells the story of Nobel laureate John Nash, a mathematician who struggled with mental illness. The movie explores Nash’s life and his groundbreaking work in game theory, while also depicting the challenges he faced due to his illness.
Russell Crowe delivers a powerful performance as Nash, and the film also stars Jennifer Connelly as Nash’s wife and Ed Harris as his colleague. The movie is emotionally resonant, and it offers a poignant portrayal of the complexities of mental illness and the importance of compassion and support.
Like Hidden Figures, A Beautiful Mind emphasizes the power of intellect and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. The movie also highlights the role of friendship and support in helping individuals to navigate difficult times and overcome adversity.
5. The Theory of Everything (2014)
The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. The movie explores Hawking’s early life, his struggles with motor neuron disease, and his scientific breakthroughs.
Eddie Redmayne delivers an exceptional performance as Hawking, capturing both his intelligence and his vulnerability. Felicity Jones also delivers a strong performance as Hawking’s wife, Jane.
Like Hidden Figures, The Theory of Everything celebrates the power of human intellect and perseverance in achieving groundbreaking scientific discoveries. The movie also highlights the importance of support and collaboration in helping individuals to overcome the challenges they face.
6. Selma (2014)
Selma is a historical drama that tells the story of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. The film offers a powerful portrayal of the civil rights movement and the struggle for equality and justice.
David Oyelowo delivers a brilliant performance as King, and the movie also features strong supporting performances from Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, and Oprah Winfrey. The film is emotionally resonant, and it offers a powerful depiction of the challenges faced by those fighting for civil rights during that time.
Like Hidden Figures, Selma celebrates the power of individual action and collective organizing in effecting social change. The movie also highlights the importance of resilience, perseverance, and solidarity in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, A Beautiful Mind, The Theory of Everything, and Selma are three powerful films that share some similarities with Hidden Figures in their emphasis on the power of human intellect and perseverance, as well as the importance of support, collaboration, and collective organizing in achieving success and effecting change. They also share a commitment to telling stories that celebrate the contributions of individuals who have been overlooked or marginalized in history.
7. Hidden Figures: The Untold Story of the African American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race (2016):
Hidden Figures is a biographical drama based on the true story of three African American women who played a critical role in NASA’s early space program during the 1960s. The film follows the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who were all skilled mathematicians and engineers, as they face racism, sexism, and discrimination while working at NASA.
The movie features a star-studded cast including Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, who deliver outstanding performances as the three women. The film is not only a powerful celebration of their contributions to the space race, but it also shines a light on the pervasive systemic racism and sexism that they had to overcome to achieve their success.
Like Hidden Figures, Erin Brockovich and The Pursuit of Happyness also tell stories of underdog individuals who defy the odds and overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.
8. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Erin Brockovich is a biographical drama based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, a single mother who becomes an unlikely environmental activist after discovering that a California power company was polluting a small town’s water supply. The movie follows her fight for justice against the company, as she faces skepticism, resistance, and even threats to her safety.
Julia Roberts delivers a powerful and Oscar-winning performance as Erin Brockovich, capturing her tenacity, wit, and compassion. The film is emotionally charged, and it offers a poignant portrayal of the importance of fighting for what is right.
Like Hidden Figures, Erin Brockovich emphasizes the importance of standing up for oneself and fighting against injustice, even in the face of adversity. The movie also highlights the power of persistence and determination in achieving one’s goals.
9. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Pursuit of Happyness is a biographical drama based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman and single father who becomes homeless while trying to provide for his son. The movie follows his journey as he overcomes multiple setbacks and obstacles to eventually secure a job as a stockbroker.
Will Smith delivers an outstanding and emotionally charged performance as Chris Gardner, and the movie also features strong supporting performances from his real-life son, Jaden Smith, and Thandie Newton. The film offers a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by those living in poverty and the power of hope, determination, and resilience.
Like Hidden Figures, The Pursuit of Happyness celebrates the power of human perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. The movie also highlights the importance of family, support, and community in helping individuals to navigate difficult times and overcome adversity.
In conclusion, Hidden Figures, Erin Brockovich, and The Pursuit of Happyness are three powerful films that share some similarities in their emphasis on the power of human perseverance and determination, as well as the importance of standing up for oneself and fighting against injustice. They also share a commitment to telling stories that celebrate the contributions of individuals who have been overlooked or marginalized in history.
Here are the IMDb ratings and Rotten Tomatoes scores for the movies you requested in a table format:
| Movie Title | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
| Hidden Figures: The Untold Story (2016) | 7.8 | 93% |
| Apollo 13 (1995) | 7.6 | 95% |
| A Beautiful Mind (2001) | 8.2 | 74% |
| The Theory of Everything (2014) | 7.7 | 78% |
| Selma (2014) | 7.5 | 99% |
| Erin Brockovich (2000) | 7.3 | 84% |
| The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) | 8.0 | 67% |
| The Help (2011) | 8.0 | 75% |
| The Imitation Game (2014) | 8.0 | 91% |