In an era marked byrising awareness of social concerns and the need for significant change, we'veproduced a list of 15 excellent films that have excelled in conveying strikingsocial commentary over the years. All of these films have significant messagesthat resonate with viewers, spark vital dialogues, and are sure to result in atear or two.

‍

1. She Said (2022)

Running time: 129 mins

The movie is based on the book of the same title published in 2019 by New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor. This is based on the true story exposing sexual abuse and harassment allegations against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein which led to the launching pad for the #MeToo movement.

‍

2. On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Running time: 120 mins

The movie is a biographical legal drama based on the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg - the second woman to serve as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The film centers around the early days of Ruth Bader Ginsburg struggling her job as an attorney and being a mother facing adversity in fighting for equal rights.

‍

3. Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)

Running time: 126 mins

Earning six Oscar nominations, this movie is a biographical drama about the a plea deal by the FBI, infiltrating Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in late 1960s.

‍

4. The Hate You Give (2018)

Running time: 133 mins

Starr Carteralternates between the affluent suburban prep school she attends and the impoverished neighborhood where she lives. When Starr sees her childhood best friend Khalil being fatally shot by a police officer, the delicate balance between the two worlds is upended.

‍

5. Atlanta

The series, directedby the popular singer Donald Groover (Childish Gambino), discusses the topics of rags-to-riches and the impact racism has on the music scene. The 4 season show begins with Earn, a Princeton dropout, as he manages his cousin PaperBoi's rap career in Atlanta but ends with a deeper analysis of the Black experience in America.

‍

6. Parasite (2019)

Filmmaker Bong Joon-ho‘s"Parasite" depicts the tale of the poor Kim family, who scheme towork for a wealthy family. A sequence of sinister and unexpected occurrences occur as they penetrate the wealthy Park family's lives, exposing the glaring inequities in society. The movie is a suspenseful, humorous thriller that deftly examines topics of social inequality, economic inequity, and human survival and deception.

‍

7.  Kim Ji Young- Born In 1982

The movie explores the life of Kim Ji Young, a regular woman in her 30s who, seemingly out of the blue, starts to reflect the characteristics and experiences of other women inher life. The movie examines the difficulties of being a woman in South Korean culture, such as gender inequality, societal norms, and the demands of parenthood and career. The movie sheds focus on crucial gender-related issues and the fight for women's equality through its gripping narrative and strong acting.

‍

8. The Pursuit ofHappiness (2006)

The inspirational biographical film "The Pursuit of Happiness" stars Will Smith asChris Gardner, a poor salesman who battles homelessness while pursuing a job asa stockbroker in San Francisco. The fictionalized account of Gardner's unwavering resolve to better his life and that of his little son. The film tackles themes of tenacity, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of one's aspirationsin the face of difficulty via its touching narrative.

‍

9. The Imitation Game (2014)

Running time: 115 mins

The gripping historical drama "The Imitation Game" portrays the real-life story of Alan Turing, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who was a brilliant mathematician and codebreaker during World War II, when he tries to break the unbreakable German Enigma code. The movie, which also features Keira Knightley, examines Turing's brilliance, his tribulations as a secret gay man in a conservative culture, and his crucial role in altering history by deciphering the code andaiding in the victory of the war.

‍

10. Good Will Hunting

Running time: 126 mins

The movie follows the account of Will Hunting, a teenage janitor at the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology (MIT) who possesses exceptional mathematical abilities and whoselife changes when he figures out a challenging math problem that was written ona chalkboard. This film is a potent examination of intelligence, trauma, andhuman development as Will faces his painful past and wrestles with the possibility of creating a better future.

‍

11. A Good Person (2023)

Running Time: 129 mins

Young Allison has agreat fiancé, a flourishing profession, and an encouraging family and friends,which is fully taken away when she survives a car accident that claimed the life of her partner. When she emerges from rehab with an opioid addiction and unresolved grief, she develops an odd bond with her prospective father-in-law, which provides her an opportunity to start again and move on with her life. The movie explores death, grief, and human connections needed to start anew.

‍

12. The Intouchables (2012)

The odd connection between Philippe, a wealthy paraplegic nobleman, and Driss, a charismaticex-convict employed as Philippe's caregiver, is the focus of the French movie "The Intouchables." This inspiring and frequently amusing film based on true story highlights the transformational power of friendship and serves as a gentle reminder that some of life's most meaningful experiences can result from chance encounters.

‍

13. The Specials /Hors norms (2019)

In the endearingFrench comedy-drama "The Specials" (originally titled "Horsnormes"), Vincent Cassel and Reda Kateb play two men who operate a non-profit organization for children and teenagers with autism. The movieoffers a detailed look at the struggles and victories endured by autistic people and their caretakers. In a world that frequently marginalizes those who are different, "The Specials" explores the power of human connection and the significance of acceptance with a blend of humor and empathy.

‍

14. A Man Called Otto (2023)

Running time: 126 mins

The 2022 American comedy-drama film A Man Called Otto, directed by Marc Forster and starring Tom Hanks, is about a resentful elderly man who reluctantly gets engaged in his neighbors' lives. The movie examines what makes us humans and what it means to have a community.

‍

15. St. Vincent (2014)

"St.Vincent" stars Bill Murray as Vincent, a cynical and eccentric war veteran who develops an odd connection with a little child named Oliver. Oliver and Vincent go on a series of escapades that bring out the best in one other as Vincent takes on the role of Oliver's unusual mentor. The movie looks at issues including friendship, atonement, and the unexpected places where wisdom and compassion can show up in our lives.

‍

16. City of Lies (2018)

Running Time: 112 mins

Available on Netflix, "City of Lies" stars Jonny Depp as a retired LAPD detective and Forest Whitaker as the LA Times journalist investigating the murders of rappers Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. LAPD detective Russell spends years trying to solve the case of the murder cases but fails to close the investigation. In 2015, the LA Times journalist gets assigned to write about the case, and meets the retired LAPD detective and teams up to unravel the web of insitutional corruption and lies.