Top 10 iconic movie characters based on real-life heroes

Mahatma Gandhi portrayed by Sir Ben Kingsley in "Gandhi" (1982) - Kingsley's portrayal of the nonviolent Indian independence leader remains a classic.

Erin Brockovich played by Julia Roberts in "Erin Brockovich" (2000) - Roberts won an Oscar for her role as the real-life legal clerk who fought against a major corporation.

Oskar Schindler portrayed by Liam Neeson in "Schindler's List" (1993) - Neeson's portrayal of the German businessman who saved over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust is unforgettable.

Malcolm X portrayed by Denzel Washington in "Malcolm X" (1992) - Washington's performance captured the complexity and evolution of the civil rights activist.

Harvey Milk played by Sean Penn in "Milk" (2008) - Penn won an Oscar for his portrayal of the first openly gay elected official in California.

Aron Ralston portrayed by James Franco in "127 Hours" (2010) - Franco brought to life the harrowing experience of Ralston, who was trapped while hiking and had to amputate his own arm to survive.

Chris Gardner played by Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006) - Smith's role as the struggling single father who overcame homelessness is both heartwarming and inspirational.

Jim Braddock portrayed by Russell Crowe in "Cinderella Man" (2005) - Crowe depicted the resilience of the Depression-era boxer who made an unlikely comeback.

Queen Elizabeth II played by Helen Mirren in "The Queen" (2006) - Mirren's portrayal of the British monarch during the aftermath of Princess Diana's death earned her an Oscar.

Ron Woodroof portrayed by Matthew McConaughey in "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013) - McConaughey's transformation into the real-life figure who helped AIDS patients access treatment is remarkable.