Mining is such a big industry but the truth is, it is not as popular as other fields. Unlike space exploration, military and even the corporate world are often featured in TV and films. On the other hand, there are only very few movies that revolve around mining.

If you are planning to get into mining and would want to know more about this industry, watching films and documentaries is one of the best ways to do research. These feature films are not just very informative, they are also entertaining. For the best viewing experience, make sure to do some preparations before playing your movies.

For a whole night of mining movies marathon, make sure to clear up your schedule first so you would not be disturbed. Order some takeout food, pizza and heat up popcorn so that you would have something to much on while watching. Beer and other light drinks are also great for movie night. Of course, it is essential to watch on a big screen TV, for optimal viewing pleasure. If you want to upgrade your old TV into a smart TV, click here for more information.

Below are some good movies that feature the mining industry. Add this on your list of to-watch on your next time off:

1. The Treasure of Sierra Madre

This movie was made in the 1940s and won an Academy Award for Directing and Screenplay. Although it is a vintage movie with no special effects whatsoever, people say that this is the ultimate mining movie to watch. Starts of the film include Humphrey Bogart and Walter Houston.

2. There Will be Blood

This movie was inspired by The Treasure of Sierra Madre. According to Director Paul Thomas Anderson, he watched the Sierra Madre movie nightly to inspire him with writing a screenplay. The plot of There Will be Blood is mostly about oil but the lead character gets his riches through mining gold. The vintage film features the cost and effects of mining during the 1800s and 1900s.

3. North Country

Starring Charlize Theron, this 2005 film centers on single mother Josey Aimes, who is one of the first women to work in a local mine in Minnesota. The group of female miners are harassed by the male workers and Aimes takes a stand to fight for their rights and files a historic sexual harassment lawsuit. The movie has been given a lot praises not just for the plot but also for the powerful acting.

4. Coal Miner’s Daughter

Coal Miner’s Daughter is the story of Loretta Lynn (played by Sissy Spacek), who was a daughter of a coal miner and grew up in a very poor family. After marrying young Loretta is helped by her husband (Tommy Lee Jones) to discover and improve her talent and singing skills. She grows from being a poor coal miner’s daughter into a country music icon. While the movie is more of the star’s journey than mining, it still showcases the examples of the struggles of poor families who work in mining.