Driving Miss Daisy is a beloved classic in the drama genre, exploring themes of friendship, race, and aging. If you enjoyed this heartfelt story, here are 19 other movies you might love. Each title is linked to a YouTube search for its trailer so you can get a sneak peek!
1. Green Book
Green Book tells the true story of an African-American pianist, Dr. Don Shirley, and his Italian-American driver, Tony Lip, as they travel through the racially segregated American South in the 1960s. Starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, this film delves into themes of friendship and overcoming prejudice.
2. The Help
In The Help, a young journalist in the 1960s South writes a book exposing the racism faced by African-American maids. Featuring powerful performances by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone, this film provides a poignant look at social issues and personal courage.
3. The Blind Side
The Blind Side is based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager who is taken in by a white family and goes on to become an NFL star. Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron lead this inspiring drama about family and second chances.
4. A Beautiful Mind
This biographical drama follows the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia. Starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, A Beautiful Mind explores themes of love, perseverance, and the complexity of the human mind.
5. The Pursuit of Happyness
The Pursuit of Happyness is a touching film about Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless while raising his young son. Will Smith and his real-life son, Jaden Smith, star in this heartwarming tale of determination and hope.
6. Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures tells the true story of three African-American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, this film celebrates intelligence and perseverance.
7. The Green Mile
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Green Mile follows the story of a death row corrections officer who discovers that one of his inmates possesses extraordinary healing powers. Starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, this film is a moving exploration of humanity and justice.
8. Rain Man
Rain Man features Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in a story about a self-centered man who discovers his estranged brother is an autistic savant. This film beautifully portrays the bond that forms between the brothers as they embark on a cross-country journey.
9. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes is a heartwarming tale of friendship between women in different generations. Starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, and Mary Stuart Masterson, this film explores themes of empowerment, love, and resilience.
10. The Color Purple
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple follows the life of Celie, an African-American woman in the early 20th century South. With powerful performances by Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover, this film is a testament to strength and survival.
11. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic film adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel, focusing on racial injustice in the Depression-era South. Gregory Peck stars as Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman, in this timeless story of morality and compassion.
12. Selma
Selma chronicles the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Starring David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, and Tom Wilkinson, this film highlights the struggle for equality and justice.
13. The Butler
The Butler is inspired by the true story of an African-American butler who served eight presidents at the White House. Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey lead a stellar cast in this film that spans decades of American history and social change.
14. Amistad
Amistad tells the true story of a group of enslaved Africans who stage a mutiny on a Spanish ship in 1839. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, and Anthony Hopkins, this film is a powerful depiction of the fight for freedom.
15. Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans is based on the true story of a high school football team in Virginia that overcomes racial tensions to achieve success. Starring Denzel Washington and Will Patton, this film is an inspiring tale of unity and teamwork.
16. Mississippi Burning
Mississippi Burning is a gripping drama inspired by the true events of the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi. Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe star as FBI agents investigating the case, highlighting the brutal realities of racial violence.
17. 12 Years a Slave
12 Years a Slave is a harrowing true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong’o, this film is a powerful depiction of resilience and the fight for freedom.
18. A Time to Kill
Based on John Grisham’s novel, A Time to Kill follows a young lawyer defending a black man accused of murdering the white men who raped his daughter. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, and Samuel L. Jackson, this film explores themes of justice and morality.
19. The Secret Life of Bees
The Secret Life of Bees is a touching story about a young girl who escapes her troubled life and finds solace with a trio of beekeeping sisters. Starring Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Hudson, this film delves into themes of family, healing, and self-discovery.
