Top 20 Motivational Movies You Need To Watch
#20: “Gridiron Gang” (2006)
The right mentorship at the right age can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. That’s precisely what transpires in the sports drama “Gridiron Gang,” about real life football team the Kilpatrick Mustangs. Sean Porter works as a probation officer at the Kilpatrick Detention Center in Los Angeles. Not wanting the young inmates to return to lives of crime and violence, he puts together a football team to teach them discipline and cooperation. Though they struggle at first, the team not only grows as players, but as individuals. With a commanding performance from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Gridiron Gang” scores plenty of motivational “touchdowns” throughout.
#19: “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962)
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Bravery means doing the right thing, even when it seems like no one else is on your side. This Best Picture-nominated adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel is ultimately about a man who believes in justice. Gregory Peck plays Atticus Finch, a lawyer in Depression-era Alabama. Finch is defending Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of a crime he didn’t commit. The film is aware of the grave inequalities of the past and then-present, but it also acknowledges the importance of people advocating for one another. When we speak up for what’s right, we can change the future for the better. This film proves it!
#18: “Stand and Deliver” (1988)
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For many, teaching isn’t a job as much as it is a calling. In this moving drama, based on the real-life story of high school math teacher Jaime Escalante, we see just how far one teacher will go to reach his students. Played by Edward James Olmos, Escalante uses his “ganas” philosophy to help troubled students excel in advanced mathematics. While there are some naysayers who believe these kids to be a lost cause, Escalante's belief in them prevails. The film was well received by critics, with Olmos even receiving an Oscar nomination. But, above all, “Stand and Deliver” shows the utmost importance of nurturing intelligence!
#17: “12 Angry Men” (1957)
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Being a member of a trial jury is an enormous responsibility. And in the legal drama “12 Angry Men,” a guilty verdict would mean the death sentence for a young defendant. Although a conviction initially seems inevitable, one juror believes the evidence isn’t quite convincing enough. This leads to some riveting back and forth exchanges as the 12 strangers attempt to reach some semblance of understanding. With great direction by Sidney Lumet and powerful performances from actors like Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb, the verdict is unanimous: “12 Angry Men” is an all-time great motivational movie.
#16: “Amélie” (2001)
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Have you ever wondered about the individuals you encounter during your day-to-day activities? “Amélie” is the enchanting story of a young woman who makes it her mission to improve the lives of those around her, while also learning to love herself. Though she encounters obstacles, as well as people who aren’t nearly as thoughtful as she is, her faith in humanity is rightfully asserted. With lovely cinematography, clever writing, and a winning lead performance by the talented Audrey Tautou, "Amélie" is one trip to Paris we'll gladly take again and again.
#15: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013)
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When reality isn’t quite working out, it’s easy to escape into fantasy. Ben Stiller plays Walter Mitty, a man who finds refuge from his lonely life by imagining himself in a variety of incredible situations. But, when opportunity knocks, Walter is sent off on a globe-spanning adventure. As you might expect, it’s not an easy journey. In fact, it often seems like all hope is lost. But Walter keeps trying, and his perseverance is ultimately rewarded. Also directed by Stiller, "Walter Mitty" is an ode to the dreamer in all of us - a reminder that it's never too late to live the life we want to!
#14: “8 Mile” (2002)
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Eminem didn’t become the best-selling hip-hop artist in history by accident! “8 Mile” stars the rapper in a gritty tale inspired by his very own rags-to-riches story. Living in a broken home, Jimmy, a.k.a. "B-Rabbit," dreams of making it as a successful rapper. The movie shows that succeeding in any artform takes lots of patience and dedication, regardless of natural ability. You don’t have to be an Eminem superfan to appreciate “8 Mile.” This is a movie about doing your best to share your gifts with the world, one verse at a time. Your palms sweaty yet?
#13: “Whiplash” (2014)
How far would you be willing to push yourself to excel at your craft? That’s the question at the heart of director Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash.” Miles Teller plays Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer at a prestigious music academy. Andrew proceeds to put himself through a living nightmare in order to impress his ruthless instructor, played by a menacing J.K. Simmons. While we would never encourage anyone to push themselves anywhere near as far as Teller’s character does, this film is sure to motivate you - when it’s not terrifying you, that is.
#12: “A Beautiful Mind” (2001)
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Learning “how our brains work” is an endlessly fascinating topic to explore. It can also help us understand the world around us. In this Best Picture winning flick, Russell Crowe plays John Nash, a brilliant mathematician with paranoid schizophrenia. Highlighting its effects on John as well as his loved ones, the movie does a great job of illustrating the challenges posed by mental illness without demonizing those afflicted by it. With great performances by Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, this is one movie that adds up to an inspiring viewing experience!
#11: “Selma” (2014)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a legend of the Civil Rights movement for many reasons. The movie “Selma” serves to remind us that, at his core, King was simply a man fighting for change. In director Ava DuVernay’s film about the Selma to Montgomery marches, we see the lengths King went to in order to help Black Americans register to vote without racist restrictions. In the role of the Baptist minister/activist, David Oyelowo demonstrates just how King was able to inspire so many people. The fight for equality didn't end with these marches, but "Selma" serves as a reminder of the power that comes with joining together in the name of justice.
#10: “Freedom Writers” (2007)
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Another moving story of an educator inspiring their students, this movie stars Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell, a Long Beach teacher whose class is brimming with racial unrest in the early 90s. With violence occurring inside and outside of the school walls, Gruwell goes to great lengths to teach her students how to respect one another. It’s through this respect that they also learn how to live their best lives. Swank is incredibly effective in the role, while the young actors playing the students are equally genuine. Sure, there are other movies like “Freedom Writers” out there, but few are quite as inspiring.
#9: “Hidden Figures” (2017)
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For too long, many integral individuals in the United States’ race to space were all but ignored. Thanks in part to the film “Hidden Figures,” that’s since changed. It’s here that the spotlight is shunned on a group of Black women who were instrumental in helping NASA soar. The 3 mathematicians had to not only figure out complex space travel equations, but also learn how to stand tall in the face of oppression. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe were all celebrated for their portrayals, as was the film for showing just how much of a difference these women made in the efforts of space exploration!
#8: “October Sky” (1999)
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Talk about reaching for the stars! In this biographical drama, Jake Gyllenhaal plays Homer Hickam, an aspiring rocketeer. However, he has to contend with some obstacles, namely the disapproval of his coal miner father. He believes Homer is best suited to join him in the mines, not venturing into the stars. The real life Homer would go on to become a NASA engineer, and this film shows just how much he was inspired by the wide world outside his small town to get there. It may be about rockets, but “October Sky” is a wonderfully “down-to-earth” movie.
#7: “Remember the Titans” (2000)
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The best sports stories are just as captivating off the field as they are on it. In this biopic, Denzel Washington plays Herman Boone, the new football coach at a recently integrated Virginia high school. Tensions are initially high between the mixed teammates, but Boone's discipline helps them to work together. In time, they learn what “greatness” truly is. Washington was lauded for his performance, while “Remember the Titans'' would go on to stand as one of the best football movies of all time, not to mention one of the most encouraging.
#6: “Forrest Gump” (1994)
While this Best Picture winner isn’t a true story, it uses actual events to show the journey of an ordinary man who undergoes extraordinary experiences. These include meeting numerous Presidents and running cross-country for three years. Yep, watching “Forrest Gump” is like getting a tour through 20th-century history - with a guide you’ll never forget. Fan favorite actor Tom Hanks plays Forrest to heartwarming effect. The film shows that a lack of so-called book smarts can’t stop you from overcoming unbelievable odds. You know what they say about life being like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.
#5: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
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When it comes to motivational holiday movies, it’s hard to beat “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In this Frank Capra-directed classic, a man overcomes a crisis through the help of his guardian angel and neighbors. As small-town banker George Bailey, Jimmy Stewart brings to life a character who’s down on his luck but not down for the count. There may be uncaring types in Bedford Falls, like ruthless businessman Mr. Potter, but compassion wins out in the end. More than 75 years later, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is as timeless and touching as ever.
#4: “Dead Poets Society” (1989)
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No movie teacher has inspired us quite like John Keating, ever. Played by the ultra talented Robin Williams, Keating teaches the young men at his prep school the meaning of "carpe diem.'' He does so through unconventional ways however, such as having them stand atop their desks. This inspires the students to start living for the moment. The message is clear: realize your dreams, regardless of what those in power have to say about it. And as for the movie’s stirring conclusion? Prepare for goosebumps - all of them! O Captain! Our Captain!
#3: “Rocky” (1976)
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Can you think of a movie underdog that’s quite as iconic as Rocky Balboa? Good luck. A small-time Philadelphia boxer who goes up against the heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed, Rocky epitomizes the dedication required to separate the dreamers from the doers. Whether dodging punches in the ring, running museum steps, or fighting for his love interest, Adrian, we just can’t help but root for Rocky every step of the way. Add in that all-time great musical score, and “Rocky” is, and always will be, a knockout when it comes to cinematic motivation.
#2: “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
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When you’ve been knocked down, how do you pick yourself back up? “The Pursuit of Happyness” focuses on Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman who finds himself and his son, Christopher, homeless while trying to land a stockbroker job. Gardner is met with numerous setbacks throughout the film, but his hope for a better tomorrow keeps him going. That, and his unmeasurable love for young Christopher. Will Smith and his real life son, Jaden, play the family duo, both giving heart-wrenching performances in the process. Trust us, this is one pursuit worth going on.
#1: “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)
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For most people, being sentenced to life in prison would mean an end to hope. For Andy Dufresne, it was a potential new beginning. When Andy, played by Tim Robbins, is incarcerated at Shawshank State Prison, he learns how to navigate the penal system with the help of his newfound friend, Ellis "Red" Redding. But, Andy’s time on the “inside” doesn't squash his dream of a life outside the prison walls. Not with his motivation, anyways. Based on a novella by Stephen King, "The Shawshank Redemption" takes a story of crisis and turns it into a tale of triumph.
