5 Inspiring Movies Opening in Theaters This Fall

1 ^{of 5} First Man – October 12

Ryan Gosling stars as astronaut Neil Armstrong in this gritty depiction of what it took to become the first man to set foot on the moon. The film explores aspects of Armstrong’s life that viewers may be unaware of—his daughter’s death from a brain tumor, Armstrong’s spotty flight record and the stress his career put on his wife and family. Visually, the film is stunning and is definitely worth seeing on a big screen.

2 ^{of 5} The Hate U Give – October 5

Based on the best-selling novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give tells the story of Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), a young black girl struggling to balance the different personas she adopts in her poor neighborhood and the rich prep school she attends. The balance is shattered when she witnesses a friend get shot by a police officer. It’s an inspiring, challenging story of a young girl finding the courage to be herself and use her voice.

3 ^{of 5} What They Had – October 19

This moving film tells the story of a family struggling to determine the best course of care for their matriarch, Ruth (Blythe Danner), who has Alzheimer’s. Explicit language is used throughout the movie, but mature viewers will appreciate the humor and heartbreak of this moving story of family and love.

Read how Hilary Swank and Blythe Danner’s real life caregiving experiences influenced their roles in the film. 

4 ^{of 5} The Nutcracker and the Four Realms – November 2

Disney continues bringing fairytales to life in a moody take on the classic Christmas story. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Helen Mirren as Miss Ginger and Misty Copeland as the ballerina, it’s a fast-paced, visually stunning story that fans of the Christmas ballet will enjoy.

Read Misty Copeland’s inspiring Guideposts cover story.

5 ^{of 5} Instant Family – November 16

Based on the real-life foster care and adoption experiences of director Sean Anders, Instant Family is at turns hilarious and emotional. Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne star as a well-to-do couple who, on a whim, decide to become foster parents. The movie chronicles the ups and downs of their journey fostering three children. It’s a heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting, look into the foster care system and how strangers can become family.