Julia Roberts plays the titular character in Erin Brockovich. As someone who has no legal background and with plenty of people doubting her abilities, she refuses to back down while investigating a powerful corporation. Her determination ultimately helps expose a major case of environmental contamination. | © Universal Pictures/Columbia Pictures
After being accidentally left behind on Mars, The Martian focuses on the story of astronaut Mark Watney as he realizes that his only chance of rescue could take years. Rather than panic, he rationally solves one problem after another in an effort to stay alive until he can be rescued. | © 20th Century Fox/Scott Free Productions
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey follows Odysseus as he attempts to make his way home after the Trojan War. His journey stretches across 10 grueling years, with mythical monsters, gods, temptations, and devastating losses standing between him and his home of Ithaca. Yet his determination to reunite with his wife and son never disappears, making him one of the ultimate examples of someone who refuses to give up. | © Universal Pictures/Syncopy
Slumdog Millionaire is a movie filled with hardship, as it follows the story of Jamal Malik's journey from the slums of Mumbai to the country's biggest quiz show. His difficult past becomes an unexpected source of knowledge as he refuses to let his circumstances define his fate on the game show and, ultimately, his future. | © Celador Films/Film4
Car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles take on the seemingly impossible task of building a race car capable of beating Ferrari at Le Mans. Their relentless pursuit of perfection pushes them through technical failures, corporate interference, and intense competition. Ford v Ferrari is an intense biopic that does a phenomenal job of keeping you on your toes. | © Chernin Entertainment/20th Century Fox
Hidden Figures follows the story of three brilliant Black women at NASA who face discrimination and institutional barriers while helping the United States' space program. Their talent and persistence allow them to break through obstacles that repeatedly stand in their way. | © Fox 2000 Pictures/Chernin Entertainment
In Whiplash, Andrew Neiman is determined to become one of the greatest jazz drummers alive — even when his demanding instructor pushes him to his psychological and physical limits. His relentless ambition drives him to keep improving despite the enormous pressure. | © Bold Films/Blumhouse Productions
After a devastating tsunami separates a family during a vacation in Thailand, they desperately search for one another amid unimaginable destruction. Based on a true story, The Impossible wonderfully showcases their determination to survive and how their will to reunite keeps them moving despite overwhelming odds. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Unbroken is a war drama film that follows the story of Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini as he survives a plane crash, weeks adrift at sea, and brutal treatment as a prisoner of war. Through each ordeal, his extraordinary resilience keeps him alive. | © Legendary Pictures/Universal Pictures
In The Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne spends decades behind bars for a crime he insists he didn't commit. Rather than allowing prison to destroy his spirit, he quietly works toward freedom and maintains hope through years of unimaginable hardship. | © Castle Rock Entertainment/Columbia Pictures
In The Blind Side, Michael Oher overcomes a difficult childhood and enormous personal obstacles while trying to find stability and succeed academically and athletically. His journey is ultimately shaped by perseverance and the support of people, such as his adoptive mother, who believe in him. | © Alcon Entertainment/Warner Bros. Pictures
Stranded alone on an island after a plane crash, Chuck Noland has virtually no resources and no idea whether anyone will find him. Instead of surrendering, he learns to survive and keeps searching for a way home. Cast Away is arguably one of the most iconic survival drama films of the 21st century. | © 20th Century Fox/DreamWorks Pictures
After being mauled by a bear and abandoned by his companions, Hugh Glass is left with almost no chance of survival. Injured and alone in the wilderness, he crawls, hunts, and fights his way toward civilization. The Revenant is such a moving epic Western film that it earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first-ever Oscar. | © 20th Century Fox
In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner's life falls apart as he struggles with homelessness while trying to build a better future for himself and his young son. Despite constant setbacks, he refuses to abandon his dream of becoming a successful stockbroker. | © Columbia Pictures/Relativity Media
Rocky Balboa isn't expected to beat heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, but that isn't really the point of the original Rocky. Given one unlikely opportunity, Rocky trains relentlessly because he wants to prove to himself that he can go the distance and become the person he always thought he'd be. | © Chartoff-Winkler Productions
Some of the most inspiring movies are built around characters who simply refuse to quit. Whether they're facing impossible odds, personal tragedy, or seemingly unbeatable problems, these movie characters keep pushing forward when giving up would be the easier choice.
