October Sky (1999)

In a small town where the coal mine is the only path forward, young Homer Hickam's fate seems set. However, when the historic moment of Sputnik's launch in October 1957 captures his attention, everything changes. Witnessing the Soviet satellite glide across the sky ignites a newfound passion in Homer - the desire to master the art of rocketry. With the support of his pals and the town's resident geek, Homer embarks on a turbulent journey of trial and error to bring his dream to life. Despite facing skepticism from his community, especially his father, who deems their pursuit a waste of time, Homer finds an ally in a solitary teacher who recognizes their potential. Encouraged by the possibility of competing in a prestigious science fair with coveted college scholarships up for grabs, Homer and his crew delve into the world of rocket science, striving to surmount obstacles as they reach for the heavens.