Max out your holiday break and treat yourself to a movie marathon! Outwiths has compiled a list of five STEM-related films that deserve greater attention and recognition. These movies are based on true stories to inspire you even more as STEM students. Grab a seat, get the popcorn, and dream big with these films!

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the true and engaging story of William Kamkwamba, a 13-year-old boy whose love for science and education saves his family and Malawian village from drought and famine. Having found a science book at their local library, William built a wind turbine from scrap materials, providing his village water and electricity.

The 2019 film stars Maxwell Simba as William and renowned actor Chiwetel Ejiofor as his father, Trywell. Ejiofor also directed the film, which made it his directorial debut. The powerful movie portrays the reality of human struggles and the value of family relationships, and the undeniable importance of the right to education. Go and be inspired by The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind! 

Snowden (2016)

If you want to watch a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then Snowden is your pick. Released in 2016, the biographical thriller film revolves around the eponymous Edward Snowden, an employee of the U.S. NSA (National Security Agency) who leaked classified information as he discovered that the government was spying on ordinary Americans without their knowledge or consent. Oliver Stone was the film’s director, acclaimed actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt was the lead, and Edward Snowden himself appeared as a cameo. 

The film shows that a line must be drawn between national security and data privacy, and it also shows the need for institutional accountability and ethical practices. In 2013, Edward Snowden shared in an interview with The Guardian that his “sole motive is to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.” In the same year, he even received the Integrity in Intelligence Award from former CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) staff. Ready for your pulse to pound? Watch Snowden now! 

Underwater Dreams (2014)

The 2014 documentary Underwater Dreams explores a group of undocumented Mexican high school boys who signed up for the eminent underwater robot competition sponsored by prominent institutions such as NASA and the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration. Having a little budget, the students learned how to build a robot using materials from Home Depot. Among the challenges they also encountered was being overwhelmed as they kept up with college teams across the U.S., including the prestigious MIT. The young boys show admirable courage and carve their path to success with the proper guidance.

Written and directed by Mary Mazzio, Underwater Dreams is a moving film that was even screened at the White House with opening remarks by former US President Barack Obama. Further, the film was able to spur a group of corporate donors, schools, and non-profit organizations called Let Everyone Dream Coalition and raise US$100 million to finance STEM education for underrepresented youth. Be amazed by the young students from Underwater Dreams!

X+Y (2014)

This one is for the math lovers out there. Inspired by the 2007 documentary Beautiful Young Minds, X+Y focuses on the life of Nathan Ellis, a teen math prodigy who has an autism spectrum disorder. Nathan lost his father at a young age and struggled with connecting with others, thus he finds comfort in the world of numbers. Earning a spot in the esteemed International Mathematics Olympiad, Nathan steps out of his comfort zone to gain a new sense of confidence in himself and also new friends along the way.

Asa Butterfield plays Nathan, and he is joined by other notable cast members Sally Hawkins (as Nathan’s mother Julie Ellis) and Rafe Spall (as a math teacher, Martin Humphreys). China-born English actress Jo Yang also stars in the insightful film as Zhang Mei, a Chinese student paired with Nathan in the competition. Directed by Morgan Matthews, X+Y takes you on a journey of loss and love… Is there a solution for loss? Is there a formula for love? Know the answers by watching X+Y! 

Hidden Figures (2016)

Save the best for last. Get ready for this all-star female-led film, Hidden Figures. The 2016 biopic pays tribute to three brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA and served as the “computers” to safely propel the first American astronaut, John Glenn, into orbit in 1962.  Witness how Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) shattered stereotypes and conquered challenges in the male-dominated space industry. 

Hidden Figures won several accolades for its screenplay, original songs, and of course, acting performances. The film might be already considered well-known, but the story demands more acknowledgment. Films like Hidden Figures need to be acknowledged more as they show that despite women’s crucial and remarkable roles in science, they struggle with being underrated. Fight the system and reignite your STEM dreams in Hidden Figures!

Final Thoughts

Did any film catch your interest? Share this movie list with your family and friends, and you can all watch them together! Who knows, one of these movies might just be the right inspiration for you. One of these movies might refresh, recharge, and reenergize that STEM dream of yours.

When you achieve your goals, celebrate! This reminds you of the time you set your goal, and now you’re at the place you once dreamed of. Never forget a dream achieved with a digital portfolio like Outwiths! Create one today!

Created on: 12 January 2022