Watching movies is a favorite pastime for a significant number of people and thus can be used as a positive stimulus for reinforcing motivational feelings and thoughts when one is feeling blue. Most people can relate to the artificial scenarios depicted in heartwarming movies and thus they are an excellent source of inspiration. Whether it’s an event, a thought-provoking biopic, or a heart-warming sports film, a motivational movie has the means to inspire and motivate everyone from individuals, students and employees to business owners. Listed below are the top ten motivational movies of all time which we are sure you will find inspiring and energizing for your thoughts, feelings, and offer some lessons to learn about life.
- Joy
Image source: Joy
Loosely based on the life of Joy Mangano, Joy is the story of the inventor of the miracle mop. This is an inspirational movie for any business enthusiast and also offers some gripping life lessons. Joy overcomes several obstacles throughout the movie. Her resilience and ability to fight through rejections, bankruptcy and failure, and emerging successful on the other end is heartwarming and motivating for anyone who’s looking for a dose of inspiration to start a business. While this movie offers several lessons, the most important one is perseverance.
- The Pursuit of Happiness
Image Source: Sony Pictures
The Pursuit of Happyness has been recognized as one of the most inspiring movies ever made. It recounts the true story of the single father Chris Gardener and son Christopher, trying to make life better for the two of them, and redeeming the family from a life of poverty. This movie provides a clear and important message about hard work, regardless of the situation. The motivational movie beautifully shows that everyone needs to adopt a more appreciative attitude towards life and not take anything for granted, and be prepared for every outcome. Instead of feeling helpless, you need to learn to work hard and never shy away from any opportunity in our pursuit of happiness.
- Shawshank Redemption
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This thriller yet motivational movie is a great watch that leaves you feeling inspired long after the it ends. The central characters, Andy Dufresne and Ellis Boyd Redding make an inspiring team. With their wit, cleverness, and partnership they manage to persevere and attain their kind of justice and revenge. This movie gives several lessons like not giving weight to what others think about you, being persistent and always focus on your dreams, and treating everyone with respect.
- The Blind Side
Image source: IMdB
The Blind Side is another film that goes down in the list as one of the most inspirational movies of all time. Viewers can immediately relate and connect with the characters in this motivational movie, primarily due to the fact that it is based on a true story of NFL star Michael Oher. The movie is an uplifting piece of sports drama but centers on numerous messages of importance including family, hard work and inclusivity. The movie is inspirational mainly because it shows the struggle of both its protagonists and portrays that with enough willpower anything is possible and achievable in this world.
- Million Dollar Baby
Image source: Rotten Tomatoes
Million Dollar Baby is the inspirational movie and story of a female boxer and an underrated coach. This movie has a plethora of motivational messages and dialogues that inspire the audience to reflect on. The movie preaches owning one’s weaknesses and strengths to overcome obstacles. The main lesson is that, growth can only be achieved by challenging and driving yourself towards what you want.
- The Social Network
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The Social Network is one of the best films made to demonstrate the entrepreneurial mindset and what inspires leaders. This motivational movie recounts the story of Mark Zuckerberg and the birth of the gigantic social media network, Facebook. The movie tells the story of the inspiration, hard work, and endeavors of the college student Zuckerberg in bringing his idea to life. His life story teaches us the lesson of hard work and patience as the main ingredients for success. The movie recounts all the hurdles faced by Zuckerberg in developing Facebook into what we know of it today, and also shows that there is no easy way to succeed. The movie gives the inspiration to entrepreneur audience to develop the millionaire mindset to succeed in their goals.
- Dead Poet’s Society
Image source: IMdB
The main theme of Dead Poet’s Society is “carpe diem” i.e., seize the day. The main lesson of the movie is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way regardless of the differences among ourselves. The main character Professor Keating inspires and motivates his students in making their dreams a reality by focusing on their actions more than anything. This heartwarming and motivational movie inspires the audience to achieve their life goals, dreams and hopes in life.
- The Greatest Showman
Image IMDB
The Greatest Showman is an uplifting and inspirational movie about society’s misfits and how they all come together to create something magnanimous. The movie is filled with motivational lessons, the most important one being that anyone can rise beyond their station in life. The film delivers a strong message of empowerment and owning one’s self. This motivational movie is a must watch for whenever you are feeling down and need something to uplift your spirit.
- The Bucket List
Image source: Rotten Tomatoes
The Bucket List is a story of two men from opposite backgrounds, learning that they have terminal cancer, both decide to make a bucket list and achieve them. To escape from the cancer ward and fulfill all the things they wanted to do before they die. This is one of those motivational films that makes you reflect on your choices and inspires you to go after your dreams before it’s too late. The positivity and can-do attitude of both characters leave the audience feeling inspired.
- Whiplash
Image source: Whiplash
Whiplash documents the story of a 19-year-old drummer and his pursuit of becoming the world’s greatest musician. The story portrays the complicated choices made by the protagonist, his obsession with being the best, and his resilience in proving to his mentor that he is the best. This movie delivers several life lessons that everyone can incorporate into their lives, and helps in overcoming feelings and thoughts of demotivation. The character Andrew demonstrates that one should always persevere and never give up in the face of difficulties. The film also addresses the importance of maintaining relationships in one’s life while going after your ambitions. This one theme is reflected throughout the movie as Andrew doesn’t let any challenge or adversity get in the way of his pursuit of his goals.
So, which motivational movie have you watched from the above list? Did we miss any out? Let us know in the comment below.