9 Movies like ‘Hidden Figures’ That Are Similarly Empowering and Profound

Besides having an exciting and unique story, "Hidden Figures" became among the most talked about films of its release year for many other reasons. Fans who enjoyed the movie will likely enjoy those with a similar premise and lesson.

Released in 2016, "Hidden Figures became one of the most recognized films of the year, with two Academy Award nominations for Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The movie followed the story of African-American mathematicians who helped NASA compete against Russia in their space program, one of the most significant operations in American history.

"Hidden Figures," which stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, remains a beloved inspirational film as it highlights representation in the industry. It also has a unique storyline and a perspective of the racist South in the '60s.

'Precious'

Set in Harlem, New York, in 1987, 16-year-old Claireece "Precious" Jones lives without much knowledge of the real world and the potential of a bright future. She is pregnant for the second time, again by her biological father. Her first daughter, born with Down Syndrome, lives with her grandmother.

Meanwhile, Precious resides with her abusive mother, a bum and fraud who does not believe education will do her daughter good. When a teacher shows her a possible future, Precious begins to have hope that she can escape the shackles living with her mom places on her.

"Precious" features several talented actresses and actors, including Gabourey Sidibe as Precious, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, and Lenny Kravitz.

'Loving'

A story about love amidst an era when racial segregation was prominent, "Loving" follows a white man, Richard Loving, and a black woman, Mildred Jeter's romance. When the couple became pregnant, they decided to tie the knot and spend forever with each other.

However, their interracial marriage would violate the laws in Virginia. Set in 1958, they make their way to Washington, DC, to tie the knot, proving all love is created equally.

"Loving" is one of the many movies that touch on racial discrimination. The film received high acclaim thanks to the cast and crew, including Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will Dalton, Dean Mumford, Terri Abney, and Alano Miller.

'Radioactive'

Millions of people internationally know who Marie Curie is, a famed scientist and Nobel Prize winner. However, only a few know her incredible story. In 1934, Paris, "Radioactive" depicts Curie's life as a scientist when women were not respected.

Despite being overshadowed by her colleagues, Curie is determined to excel and discover something that would change the scientific world in more ways than one. Curie coined the term "radioactivity" and won a Nobel prize in 1911.

The true-to-life film stars Rosamund Pike as Marie Curie, Yvette Feuer, Mirjam Novak, Ralph Berkin, Sam Riley, and Simon Russell Beale.

'On the Basis of Sex'

"On the Basis of Sex" is another docu-drama that follows the life of esteemed US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As one of only nine women admitted to Harvard Law School, she works twice as hard to prove herself.

Although she excelled in her academic years, Ginsburg found it just as challenging to start a career as no firm wanted to hire a woman despite graduating at the top of her class and from a prestigious institution.

Despite the challenges, Ginsberg never gave up and worked hard to become the known justice she is today. She also received immense support from her husband, her law school classmate.

"On the Basis of Sex" stars Felicity Jones, Armie Hammer, Justin Theroux, Sam Waterson, Kathy Bates, and Cailee Spaeny, among many other talents.

'The Best of Enemies'

Set in 1971, in Durham, North Carolina, Ann Atwater becomes a civil rights activist and goes head-to-head with exalted Ku Klux Klan President C.P. Ellis. Hoping to win her argument regarding school integration, she goes to great lengths for her advocacy.

"The Best of Enemies" features a stellar cast, including Taraji P. Henson, Sam Rockwell, Babou Ceesay, Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, and Nick Searcy.

'The Man Who Knew Infinity'

Srinivasa Ramanujan was gifted with immense intelligence and the ability to comprehend beyond the average person, so much so that British mathematics educator G.H. Hardy recognized him. Because of his intelligence, Ramanujan stepped into the academe to further develop his skills at Trinity College at Cambridge.

However, with Britain at the onset of World War One, his health issues, and other struggles, Ramanujan must work to be among India's most outstanding scholars. "The Man Who Knew Infinity" stars Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair, Raghuvir Joshi, Dhritiman Chatterjee, and Stephen Fry.

'The Pursuit of Happyness'

Based on a true story, "The Pursuit of Happyness" follows the challenging life of Christopher Gardner, a single father and salesman struggling in his career. Things take a turn for the worse when he loses his apartment and has nowhere to go with his young son.

With the odds stacked against him, Gardner has only his determination and grit to succeed. The beloved movie stars Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, and Dan Castellaneta.

'The Theory of Everything'

"The Theory of Everything" follows esteemed physicist Stephen Hawking's career and personal life, including his love story with Jane Wilde. Given his health diagnosis, not much was expected from Hawking.

However, as a husband, father, and scientist, he worked hard to be the best in all aspects. Although his body slowly deteriorated, his name in the academe became more recognized. "The Theory of Everything" stars Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry, Finlay Wright-Stephens, and Harry Lloyd.

'Marshall'

Set in 1940, Attorney Thurgood Marshall becomes one of the most talked-about men as he defends African-Americans from a prejudiced court. One of his cases involves a black man accused of raping a wealthy white woman.

However, many stand against Marshall, including a racist judge who does not want him to speak in court. "Marshall" stars Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Sterling K. Brown, Dan Stevens, and James Cromwell.

Several other films have a similar storyline to "Hidden Figures," including "A League of Their Own," "Invictus," "The Imitation Game," and "A Beautiful Mind."

More recent films include "The Glorias" (2020), "The Banker" (2020), "Harriet" (2019), and "Just Mercy" (2019). Meanwhile, releases in the '90s include "Ghosts of Mississippi" (1996) and "Infinity" (1996).