Are you feeling low, stuck, or hopeless? We all need a little push sometimes, and movies can be the greatest inspirations. Let’s find the top inspirational films that can motivate you.
Films and movies have the ability to inspire viewers with their storytelling and character representation. We find some relatable characters in the movie that is similar to us or have a similar kind of trouble in life. The characters in reel life can actually motivate us to proceed with our real life, and that is why every movie can create a deep impact on the viewer’s mind. While movies can contain entertainment and enjoyment, they can also help to grow a strong sense of empathy, kindness, and resilience. There are many movies that you can consider as ‘inspirational’ since the films can uplift mood and motivate everyone. If you are looking for such movies, here is a list of 25 inspirational flicks from all eras till now.
- Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
While a lot of people might categorize this movie as a sports film, it is actually made on a bigger aspect than just football. This movie was released back in 2002 and not only broke the box office but also broke a ton of stereotypes and conventional norms by showcasing an Indian lesbian woman football player from a conservative family! Amazing, isn’t it? Parminder Nagra, the brown Indian Beauty, offered a spectacular performance in the movie and made this film more enjoyable for everyone. David Beckham allowed the director to use his name as he also wants to support women in football, who often do not get the support but face bullying in their careers.
- CODA (2021)
Life is difficult indeed, but if you just consider your problem as the biggest, CODA is the movie that you need to watch. The movie is dedicated to people, as four characters here talk in sign language. This film is an Academy Award winner for Best Picture, and it showcases how a good script is not always about the written lines but about acting and expression. Although it is a common coming-of-age theme, the film showcases a bigger aspect of life by showcasing the struggles of people with special needs in a humorous and enjoyable way.
- The Color Purple (1985)
This movie is based on Alice Walker’s classic novel, which shares the story of a Southern Black woman. The movie was released 40 years ago, and it is still one of the most relevant movies that showcases the true power of friendship, along with the value of goodwill and determination that cannot be destroyed by abuse, discrimination, and negative treatment. It is a movie about trauma and taking care of yourself as an act of resilience. Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg offered a tough performance in the movie that can not only inspire you but also make you emotional. This is a standout movie in Steven Spielberg’s wide list of films, which are mainly based on sci-fi and adventure.
- Cool Runnings (1993)
This is a sports movie that feels like a warm ray of sunshine on a chilly day. The story is based on a professional sprinter from Jamaica who misses the chance to participate in the 1988 Summer Olympic qualifiers and decides to participate in the Winter Olympics. There is a particular game in the Winter Olympics called Bobsled, which is sled running, but it requires a total of four people, and so, the sprinter decides to put up a makeshift crew for the squad and starts to train them to fulfill his dream. Did they achieve success? It is time to find out by watching this absolute classic banger that can inspire everyone.
- Erin Brockovich (2000)
Julia Roberts’ presence in this movie is a complete delight to the eyes, and she offered an Oscar-winning performance in the movie as the character of Erin. Her character has a certain grit and tenacity, along with the warmth, which makes her the perfect portrayal of the lead character of the story. It showcases how persuasive she is for the secretarial job, as she is a single mother. But at the same time, she has an empathetic side, which is shown when she investigates a potential story where a power company tries to make a massive criminal cover-up.
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
This is another Academy Award-winning movie for Best Picture, which is a bizarre yet delightful sci-fi drama that also consists of a fair share of action, romance, imagination, and creativity in thought. The story is based on Evelyn, a Chinese immigrant who runs a Californian Laundromat while she is already stuck with many other personal issues with family and partner. However, a glitch in reality happens, which causes multiple inter-dimensional ruptures, and Evelyn has to face the alternate realities in order to fix her own. The movie is beautifully chaotic and offers a great sense of heroism, which will make you feel like a hero as well.
- Forrest Gump (1994)
Forest Gump has become a cult classic movie starring Tom Hanks, where he played a character of a person who grows up with the bullies and then finally reaches a glow-up phase where everyone wants to become a part of his life. The character of Forrest is filled with innocence and kindness, and that is what makes him the most humane of all. It is one of the significant movies in Hollywood that has inspired many to live an honest life like Forrest. Some director in Bollywood also copied this movie completely and failed to gain attention. Watch the original movie to stay motivated.
- The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
This is definitely a cult classic that a lot of people have not heard of yet. The story revolves around the central character Tom Joad, who lost his farm in the great depression and tries to find a suitable future for his family. It is an eye-opening classic that showcases the real picture of a money-hungry society. Although Tom traveled with his family to find a better place, they only witnessed the worst through false promises and a cryptic society that is too selfish to help the needy. It is a movie of grit, resilience, and finally breaking through it all. It is a movie about believing in yourself and in those who believe in you.
- Hidden Figures (2016)
Although there are plenty of Black genius personas, Hollywood has made very few movies about them, especially when it comes to women. Perhaps it is okay to showcase black jazz and blues artists rather than a scientist or a mathematician. Hidden Figures exactly shows those people, like its name suggests, the hidden figures that often get covered up in white supremacy. The movie is based on women mathematicians who helped NASA to make its first launch into Space. Starting from sexism, racism, discrimination, and many others, the movie addresses a bunch of relevant topics that are highly important even to this date.
- High Noon (1952)
This is a daring classic movie that revolves around the aspects of murderers and bullies, as well as provides a great sense of responsibility, which is lacking in modern society. The story takes place in a country of New Mexico where the Marshal decides to leave the town in a hurry, but when the news of the release of a criminal becomes imminent, the Marshall decides to stay on his ground. It is ultimately a movie that shows the conflict between good and evil. However, there is also a taste of bittersweet conviction in it, which makes it even more intriguing for the audience. This cult classic can surely inspire you more than you can imagine.
- The Intouchables (2011)
White supremacy is a favorite ingredient in Hollywood movies, but director Olivier Nakache has reversed the roles through this movie, where a filthy rich white man is taken care of by a black person, and more than his caretaker, this person becomes his friend. A thief who becomes a caretaker of a rich man is not something that is realistically believable, but in this story, it feels absolutely justified with the amazing acting performance by both artists. Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart also tried to create an Americanized version of it, but it did not come out as good or wholesome as the original movie. The Intouchables is an uplifting movie that deserves to be watched by everyone.
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It is a classic Frank Capra movie that represents its title in a very creative and relatable way. The story is based on family man George Bailey, who thinks and regrets the missed opportunities in life, and he is mostly hopeless and pessimistic. When George is at his lowest, a guardian angel arrives to show George that life is not completely awful, but there are plenty of elements and emotions that can be cherished. It is quite amazing to witness Bailey’s change in perspective for life and how he starts to inspire others, while he was the one who was sulking before. Perhaps, we all need a guardian angel in our lives who can guide us.
- A League of Their Own (1992)
This is another sports movie that can provide life lessons. It is a female-centric sports drama that is set against the backdrop of World War II. The story revolves around a female baseball team, where Tom Hanks played the character of their mentor. The coach helps the ladies to forget their conventional norms and stereotypes that are instilled by the sick patriarchal power play reflected through society. Women can symbolize independence, ambition, and athletic talent as well, just like men, and the sooner people get to understand it, the better the world can be built without any gender inequality.
- Legally Blonde (2001)
Hollywood loves to portray the “white girl bimbo” character, where they cast blonde and beautiful actresses to play the role of a dumb person. Legally Blonde is the first movie that played a UNO reverse card on the typical expectations of Hollywood and established the intelligence of a similar white lady who wanted to prove everyone wrong about the notions regarding blonde girls. It goes without saying that Reese Witherspoon has absolutely nailed the character she played and made this movie even more iconic by creating a sensational fashion statement. The message is clear here: “don’t judge a book by its cover”.
- Lion (2016)
Lion, the name of the movie, is absolutely justified as the central character embodies the resilience and determination of a Lion. Apparently, the moniker of the protagonist is also ‘Sheru’, which translates to Lion. This amazing movie would not appear this compelling if Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel were not in the movie. The story shows a little kid getting lost on a train from a native village in India, and then he ends up in Australia after being rescued from Calcutta. As Saroo grows up, 25 years later, he starts finding his origin like a madman. Lion is full of emotions, and the movie offers a deep impact even after it ends.
- Rocky (1976)
Whenever somebody is talking about inspirational movies, Rocky deserves to stay in the top place. Superstar Sylvester Stallone starred in this masterpiece movie and made Rocky Balboa evergreen. The movie is directed by John G. Avildsen, and it was released with many other sequels, but nothing can beat the real essence of the first movie. Whether you want to train while playing ‘Eye of the Tiger’ or not, ‘Rocky’ is the kind of movie that can inspire you in every aspect of your life. It is a timeless creation that is enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and you should be one of them as well.
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine is a black comedy-drama following the dysfunctional Hoover family on a chaotic road trip from Albuquerque to California. The journey is prompted by seven-year-old Olive, who qualifies for the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty pageant. In a dilapidated yellow VW bus, the quirky and troubled family, including a failed motivational speaker dad and a suicidal uncle, faces numerous hilarious and heartbreaking setbacks. Despite their problems, the family’s shared mission ultimately brings them closer, teaching them that unconditional support matters more than conventional ideas of success.
- October Sky (1999)
October Sky is an inspirational film based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a teenager growing up in a 1950s West Virginia coal-mining town. After seeing the Soviet satellite Sputnik soar across the night sky, Homer becomes fascinated by rocketry, dreaming of a life beyond the coal mines that his father expects him to join. With a group of friends and a supportive teacher, he begins to build and launch rockets, facing local skepticism and his father’s disapproval along the way. Through determination and perseverance, the “Rocket Boys” ultimately win the National Science Fair, securing college scholarships and Homer’s ticket to a future with NASA.
- Milk (2008)
This is a poignant yet inspirational movie that encourages people to stay true to their authentic selves. Milk is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person to be elected to major public office in California. After moving to San Francisco’s Castro District in the 1970s, Milk became a prominent gay rights activist. The film follows his political rise and campaigns, leading to his historic 1977 election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. It showcases his fight against anti-gay legislation and his relationships, culminating in his tragic 1978 assassination by disgruntled fellow supervisor, Dan White. Sean Penn won an Oscar for his transformative performance
- Selma (2014)
If you are a fan of MLK, then Selma is a must-watch movie for you. Selma is a historical drama chronicling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s pivotal 1965 campaign to secure equal voting rights for all citizens. Despite fierce and violent opposition, Dr. King led a series of momentous marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, that captured the nation’s attention. The film powerfully depicts the strategic leadership and immense personal sacrifice required to confront systemic racism, which ultimately pressured President Lyndon B. Johnson into signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Led by a compelling performance from David Oyelowo as Dr. King, it portrays the fight for civil rights as a painful but profoundly significant battle for America’s future.
- Wild (2014)
Based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, ‘Wild’ is based on the chronicles of a woman’s solo hike of over 1,000 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. Driven to despair by the recent death of her mother, a shattered marriage, and a descent into reckless behavior, Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) embarks on the grueling journey with no prior experience. The film interweaves her present physical struggle with vivid flashbacks of her painful past. As she battles the elements and her own demons, Cheryl confronts her grief and addiction, ultimately transforming herself on a path toward healing and redemption.
Watch these movies turn your bad day into an empowering one!
