Films About Change
Films about change explore the transformative journeys of their characters or societies, delving into personal growth, societal shifts, or the impact of pivotal events. These narratives often focus on the challenges and triumphs encountered during significant transitions, providing profound insights into the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether through personal evolution, cultural revolutions, or unexpected life events, these films highlight the dynamic nature of life and the inevitability of change.
List of Films About Change
“Forrest Gump”, 1994
Director: Robert Zemeckis
This film chronicles the life of Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in 20th-century America. Through his simple innocence, the film highlights themes of personal growth and the impact of historical change.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, Michael Conner Humphreys, Hanna R. Hall, Sam Anderson, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Rebecca Williams;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama, comedy, melodrama, history, war;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 142 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,8;
More information about the film “Forrest Gump” on the website imdb.com
“The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this film follows his journey from homelessness to becoming a successful stockbroker. It showcases his determination and the drastic changes in his life brought about by his perseverance and hard work.
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com
“Groundhog Day”, 1993
Director: Harold Ramis
In this comedic fantasy, a cynical weatherman finds himself reliving the same day over and over. Through this repetitive loop, he undergoes a profound personal transformation, learning to appreciate life and improve himself.
Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, Angela Paton, Rick Ducommun, Rick Overton, Robin Duke;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Groundhog Day” on the website imdb.com
“The Shawshank Redemption”, 1994
Director: Frank Darabont
This film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly imprisoned for murder. Over the years, Andy transforms the lives of his fellow inmates and himself, ultimately orchestrating a daring escape. It explores themes of hope, change, and redemption.
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, James Whitmore, Jeffrey DeMunn, Larry Brandenburg;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 142 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 9,3;
More information about the film “The Shawshank Redemption” on the website imdb.com
“Boyhood”, 2014
Director: Richard Linklater
Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, this coming-of-age drama captures the growth of a young boy named Mason from childhood to adulthood. The film uniquely portrays the passage of time and the changes that come with growing up.
Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater, Libby Villari, Elijah Smith, Steven Chester Prince, Bonnie Cross, Sydney Orta, Marco Perella;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 166 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Boyhood” on the website imdb.com
“Erin Brockovich”, 2000
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Based on a true story, this film follows a single mother who becomes a legal assistant and almost single-handedly brings down a California power company accused of polluting a city's water supply. It showcases her personal growth and the significant impact of her work on the community.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones, Tracey Walter, Conchata Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Erin Brockovich” on the website imdb.com
“Slumdog Millionaire”, 2008
Director: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan
This rags-to-riches story follows Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who surprises everyone by correctly answering every question on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The film highlights his journey and the changes in his life as he navigates love, adversity, and destiny.
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Mahesh Manjrekar, Irfan Khan, Madhur Mittal, Raj Zutshi, Jeneva Talwar, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: crime, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Slumdog Millionaire” on the website imdb.com
“Billy Elliot”, 2000
Director: Stephen Daldry
Set against the backdrop of the 1984-85 UK miners' strike, this film tells the story of an 11-year-old boy who discovers a passion for ballet, defying the expectations of his family and society. It explores themes of personal change, family dynamics, and societal expectations.
Starring: Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven, Stuart Wells, Mike Elliot, Billy Fane, Nicola Blackwell, Carol McGuigan;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, 2013
Director: Ben Stiller
This film follows Walter Mitty, a daydreaming photo editor who embarks on a real-life global adventure. His journey transforms him from a passive dreamer into an active participant in life, highlighting the power of change and self-discovery.
Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Shirley MacLaine, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn, Patton Oswalt, Adrian Martinez, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Marcus Antturi;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: comedy, adventure, fantasy, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” on the website imdb.com
“Eat Pray Love”, 2010
Director: Ryan Murphy
Based on the memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, this film follows her journey of self-discovery and healing after a painful divorce. Traveling through Italy, India, and Indonesia, she undergoes significant personal growth and transformation.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, Billy Crudup, Viola Davis, Mike O'Malley, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Christine Hakim, Sophie Thompson, Hadi Subiyanto;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “Eat Pray Love” on the website imdb.com
These films about change offer diverse perspectives on how characters adapt to and embrace transformation, providing audiences with relatable and inspiring stories about the power of change.
Films about change capture the essence of transformation, highlighting the human spirit's resilience and capacity for growth. These narratives, ranging from personal journeys of self-discovery to societal upheavals, provide a mirror to our own lives, reflecting the myriad ways change shapes our existence. They often challenge audiences to confront their fears, embrace new perspectives, and recognize the beauty and inevitability of evolution. Ultimately, these films serve as powerful reminders that change, despite its inherent difficulties, is a vital and enriching part of the human experience.
