10 Times Fiction Made Real People Just as Incredible as Superheroes

It is possible to say that films portraying superheroes are not only common but have also become synonymous with success at the box office, becoming more and more part of the popular imagination. While fantasy is an important element in our lives, it’s also important to realize that in the real world there are amazing people, such as superheroes, even though they may not be gifted. A science genius, for example, who uses technology to enhance his mobility and makes discoveries that change the world. Does this description remind you of who: Tony Stark or Stephen Hawking?

We, from awesome.club, we put together a list of works that portray real people and who are as incredible as fictional superheroes, even if they don’t have superpowers. Indeed, do we really need them to change the world? Check it out below!

Brilliant scientists often figure in superhero movies. In real life, many of them become famous, but are they capable of as incredible feats as in fiction? Maybe even more! In 1963, Stephen Hawking had a diagnosis that, in theory, would shorten his trajectory by two years. However, for 55 years his intellect was never affected. Even in a wheelchair and using technology to communicate, Hawking revolutionized the view of the Universe. For many, he was, so far, the closest to a “theory of everything”.

That, by the way, is the title of the film that won Eddie Redmayne the Academy Award for Best Actor. Hawking’s life is perhaps one of the best examples of how it is possible to be incredible even without “being able” to do many things.

Isadora, or Dora, is the protagonist of the acclaimed Central do Brasil, by Walter Salles. The 1998 film portrays the story of a former teacher who writes letters at the request of people who cannot read. Despite not advertising in a very clear way, the film is a tribute to a real character. Maria do Socorro Nobre was the subject of a documentary by Walter Salles himself, before Central do Brasil.

Socorro also has an incredible story of overcoming difficulties, learning, like Dora, that empathy and caring for others are the best ways to deal with one’s own pain — and how this can transform everyone around us. Dora and Socorro show that a new attitude can change many people’s lives!

On June 17, 1966, Rubin Carter was arrested for a crime he did not commit. Known as Hurricane in the boxing rings for the speed that knocked out his opponents, Rubin had a promising career interrupted, but he used astute instruments to seek his freedom: pen and paper. In The Sixteenth Round, the boxer becomes a writer to tell the world his story — and with that he attracted the support of personalities like Bob Dylan and Muhammad Ali, which ended up culminating in his release in November 1985.

The film starring Denzel Washington shows the Hurricane’s biggest struggle. Rubin’s life could have taken a totally different course, but his words were stronger than the iron bars that ensnared him.

In the early 1990s, Erin Brockovich was going through a difficult phase in her life. In addition to being divorced, she had little money and three children to raise. She went on to work as a file clerk for a Los Angeles firm that uncovered major inconsistencies in a case brought against a large corporation—her obstinacy then revealed the possible cause of the water contamination in Hinkley County, Southern California. Furthermore, her work gathering evidence culminated in a millionaire lawsuit and the search for justice for the families who were victims of the contamination. The story became a movie, won Julia Roberts an Oscar and made the real Erin a star in the fight for justice.

In a very difficult moment in her life, Erin Brockovich sought justice for others, she was tireless in doing right, even if it wasn’t for herself, and found benevolence a way to overcome the situation. Without that, what good are superpowers?

Superheroes were created to inspire us, but what about when it’s a real person who inspires the superhero? That’s what happened in Man of Iron 3, when an image that marked Ayrton Senna’s farewell became inspiration for a scene in the film. Senna is considered by many to be a national hero – more than his incredible feats on the tracks (he even abandoned a race to help a competing driver), he also became a national symbol. He showed the world that a winner can become a champion, but caring for equals can make us heroes.

The documentary Senna: the Brazilian, the Hero, the Champion shows his incredible trajectory and reminds us that a Brazilian can also be a model for the world.

In the For Life series, Aaron Wallace lives a nightmare: tried and sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime he did not commit, he needs to find a way to prove his innocence. Without the help of his lawyers, who consider the case hopeless, he searches for a path to study law. He also manages to pass the bar exam and becomes a lawyer. He then discovers that helping his wronged peers is a way to achieve justice for himself. Isaac Wright Jr. he was really wrongfully convicted and managed to prove his innocence, but he only became a lawyer when he was already free.

Even though fiction now and then can exaggerate at certain points for the sake of drama, Aaron and Isaac fought for justice in the same way: helping their peers and building a story of reparation and liberation. Amazing, isn’t it?

Hebe Camargo began her career as a radio singer in 1943. In 1950 she was invited to participate in the first live broadcast on Brazilian TV, by Rede Tupi, but ended up turning down the opportunity. In 1955, however, she began presenting O Mundo é das Mulheres, the first female program on national TV. In the series Hebe, Andrea Beltrão plays the TV Lady, portraying her incredible trajectory. Not only for the example of female strength, but also for Hebe’s ability to deal with very difficult issues in a serene and natural way, speaking to all audiences.

Especially as a communicator, Hebe really seems to have been one of a kind. Her ability to address controversial issues openly and reach all audiences was perhaps as amazing as the power of telepathy! All this without having gone to college… characteristics of a true superpower, right?

Marie Sklodowska-Curie was obstinate, centered on her convictions, at a time when women were hardly seen as protagonists in life and science. The film Radioactive portrays Marie’s journey, especially her relationship with Pierre Curie, her great partner in intimacy and in the laboratory. Pierre assisted Marie in the discovery of radioactivity (a term coined by her), which earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics. Marie also became friends with Albert Einstein, who openly supported her even when the press and scientific community did not seem to take her seriously.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie changed the world with her discoveries. Only the x-ray and radiotherapy have already saved the lives of countless people. Was her “superpower” science or doggedness? We’d bet that what would make her a true science hero would actually be a compilation of those two things.

Perhaps one of life’s worst deprivations is the lack of opportunity. After all, without a chance to grow and improve, why bother? Leigh Anne Tuohy seems to have understood this when she was faced with the reality of Michael Oher. Without even having a place to shelter, the boy is welcomed by the Tuohy family. It soon becomes clear that the big guy has potential and hidden talents, especially for American football, but also that his alleged intellectual deficit is the result of neglect. Big Mike teaches the new family an important lesson: to value everything you already have, no matter how simple.

The film The Blind Side assured Sandra Bullock the Oscar for Best Actress and the Tuohy family notoriety to boost their social projects. Michael, having a hand predisposed to the sport, became one of the most famous football players. With that, it becomes clear how offering opportunities can save worlds!

There was a time when there were manuals indicating what was and was not allowed for people like Dr. Donald Shirley. Even if he was a renowned and highly cultured musician, perhaps his skin color was enough for him to be disrespected. The bouncer Frank Anthony Vallelonga Sr., better known as Tony Lip, ended up learning the ills of prejudice by his side. And the need to work together ended up allowing both to understand that looking at the world without discrimination can be as amazing as a genuine friendship.

The film Green Book shows this journey of discovery and how we all have to learn from each other. Don Shirley and Tony Lip were a true dynamic duo in the fight against racial intolerance.

Like these “real-life heroes,” have you ever done something that you felt could improve the environment around you for everyone else? How did you feel when you did this? Tell us everything in the comments tab! We are curious!