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I had a similar experience with The Theory of Everything (2014). It's a look at Dr. Stephen Hawking's life through the perspective of his wife, based on her book. It introduced me to physics and science in general. Unlike you, I dropped out of high school and I never had any interest in academia. I was wholly invested in music as it was my passion. This movie was the thing that made me pivot directions on my life path. Though truthfully it had been a long time coming as I'd been growing tired of music. I began independent study a few years ago, became an avid reader (where I previously was never interested in reading) and am now getting ready to go back to school next fall and I plan to major in physics. I find it amusing we have this interest in common! 

Yes, art has a way of inspiring those who work in STEM, and in that way it can be arguably as important. Science is a battle against the unknown. Of course, what is there to fight for if there is nothing of substance in this world? :)