6. October Sky (1999)

Based on the memoir Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, an engineer for NASA, this inspirational drama sets itself in a 1950s coal-mining town. It is about young Homer, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, defying all societal expectations for rocketry. This teenager is pushed forward by his teacher and incited by the launch of Sputnik. Together with his friends, he enjoys a hopeful victory in overcoming many obstacles. The heartwarming message of this movie about perseverance and the transformative power of education is universally resonated with. It is a favorite among STEM advocates and educators who want to inspire future generations of scientists.
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