27 Must Watch Movies that are Inspiring and Motivating!

Most people would have had a feeling of having reached their lowest point at some point in their lives. Admitting it is perfectly acceptable because it’s the first step toward accepting reality and moving on to become better versions of ourselves. Choosing not to move forward could mean different things to different people. For some people, it can be an inspirational movie, a song, or a thought-provoking book. Therefore, we have what you need if you’re searching for the greatest films to elevate your spirits and restore your emotional vitality. When we most need it, inspirational films like Good Will Hunting, Forrest Gump, and many more can offer us hope, encouragement, and a new outlook. We’ve put up a list of 28 motivational films to help you feel better and get through difficult moments.

It becomes easier, as Jogging Baboon from Bojack Horseman puts it. It becomes little simpler each day. But the difficult part is that you have to do it every day. However, things do get easier. Life can be difficult at times, but you can change your perspective on it by seeing one of the motivational films on our list.

27 Exceptionally Powerful and Inspirational Films You Must See

1. Forrest Gump (1994)

8.8 on IMDB
71% of tomatoes are rotten.
Director: Zemeckis Robert
Writers: Eric Roth and Winston Groom
Cast: Robin Wright, Tom Hanks
2 hours and 22 minutes of running

Unquestionably one of the best movies ever created is Robert Zemeckis’ highly acclaimed motivational film. The movie, which stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, is loosely based on the novel of the same name. The life of Forrest Gump, an Alabaman man of innocence and kindness, is portrayed in the movie. Through the eyes of our charming hero, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood love, some of the most significant moments in US history are told.

Tom Hanks won the Academy Award for finest actor in a leading role for this transformative film. Best picture, best actor, best director, best writer, best film editing, and best visual effects are among the six Oscars that Forrest Gump has won. Forrest Gump is undoubtedly at the top of our list of favorite inspiring films, having garnered approximately 51 wins and 75 nominations overall.

2. Into the Wild (2007)

8.1 on IMDB
83%/89% of tomatoes are rotted.
Led by Sean Penn
Composer: Sean Penn
Cast: William Hurt, Emile Hirsch
Two hours and twenty-seven minutes

Into the Wild is without a doubt Sean Penn’s best effort. Based on a true event, this movie tells the tale of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a man who gives up his regular life in search of the true beauty of the natural world and the place we call home. He experiences a range of adventures and meets people who would eventually play a crucial part in shaping his life as he travels.

“Into the Wild,” a song by Eddie Vedder, won both the Grammy and Golden Globes for Best Original Song in this movie. This inspirational film is a must-watch since it features amazing performers and stunning cinematography. It may also open your eyes to new perspectives in life.

3. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

8 on IMDB
67% of Rotten Tomatoes
With Gabriele Muccino in charge
Penmanship: Steve Conrad
Cast: Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, and Will Smith
Length of run: 1 hour, 56 minutes

Unquestionably, Will Smith’s best big-screen performance to date is The Pursuit of Happyness. For a lot of folks, this movie marked a sea change in their life. The real-life narrative of a man by the name of “Chris Gardener” served as another inspiration for this movie; he even appears toward the conclusion. In the movie, Will Smith plays Chris, a salesman who faces challenges in his work and personal life while taking care of his son Jaden Smith.

In addition to his father’s finest performance, Jaden Smith’s portrayal of Christopher marked a turning point in his career and was warmly received by the crowd. The inspirational plot and potent dialogue in this inspirational film will uplift and motivate you in your line of work.

4. Life Is Beautiful (1997)

8.6 on IMDB
96% of Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Benigni Roberto, director
Authors: Roberto Benigni and Vincenzo Cerami
Cast: Nicoletta Braschi, Roberto Benigni
Duration: two hours and two minutes

The tragic drama Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni can inspire anyone. This movie’s story revolves around a Jewish waiter and his family who become enmeshed in the horrors of World War II. Then, through cunning, he protects his son from the dangers surrounding the camp. This film skillfully combines the protagonist’s never-give-up attitude with humour, intelligence, sorrow, and inspirational language.

The three Academy Awards for best foreign language film, best actor, and best music went to this inspirational film. Additionally, this movie won a BAFTA for best acting. This does, in fact, communicate the message that one should never, ever forget Roberto Benigni’s most beloved inspirational drama.

5. Dead Poets Society (1989)

8.1 on IMDB
94 % of tomatoes are rotted.
Peter Weir, director
Author: Thomas Schulman.
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Robin Williams
Duration: 2 hours and 8 minutes.

Many of the nostalgic films that Robin Williams has starred in are still talked about decades later by younger audiences. The Dead Poets Society is the most notable of them. An English teacher named John Keating (Williams) utilizes poetry to teach his students important life lessons in this moving and notable movie.

This inspiring film won the Oscar for best script. You shouldn’t miss Robin Williams’ incredible performance as a schoolteacher at any cost. Therefore, if you’re a fan of Robin Williams, you should watch this motivating film and be enthralled with its profoundly beautiful life lessons.

6. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

8.6 on IMDB
93% of tomatoes are rotten.
Leading Man: Frank Capra
Authors: Jo Swerling, Philip Van Doren Stern, Frank Capra, Frances Goodrich, and Albert Hackett
Cast: Donna Reeds, James Stewart
Duration: 9 minutes and 2 hours

It’s a Wonderful Life has been recognized as one of the most well-liked Christmas films since its debut in the 1940s. The movie’s enduring popularity is proof of its excellence. In Frank Capra’s masterwork, the story of a man planning his suicide on Christmas Eve is told. However, he is saved by a heavenly angel who demonstrates to him the true significance of his existence and what his loved ones’ lives would have looked like if he had never existed in the first place.

The film’s director took home a Golden Globe for this inspirational picture. For many years to come, people will remember Capra’s timeless masterpiece for its brilliant way of giving people their confidence back. This work of art will give you hope as you watch it. As such, we heartily recommend this amazing and motivational drama to you.

7 The Intouchables (2011)

8.5 on IMDB
76% of Tomatoes Rotten: 93%
Directors: Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache
Authors: Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache, and Eric Nakache
Cast: Omar Sy, François Cluzet
Running time: fifty minutes

One well-known French comedy-drama is The Intouchables. The story of this movie centers on Philippe (Cluzet), an aristocrat who has a paragliding accident that leaves him quadriplegic. Later on, he hires Driss (Omar Sy), a young man, to take care of him. This humorous film tackles friendship, adventure, and love themes, and it will definitely make you smile at the end.

It’s widely acknowledged as one of the most commercially successful films in French film history. Owing to its immense popularity, it has been translated into several languages. Key roles in the English adaptation of “The Upside” go to Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart.

8. The Truman Show (1998)

8.2 on IMDB
Tomato Rotten: 95%/89%
Peter Weir, director
Andrew Niccol is the author.
Cast: Laura Linney, Ed Harris, and Jim Carrey
Running time: forty-two minutes

Relatively speaking, The Truman Show is one of those films that came out well before its time. Jim Carrey plays Truman in the psychological and satirical drama, which follows him when he discovers that his entire life has been turned into a reality TV program. Carrey steals the show in this film because to his outstanding performance.

Even though the plot can seem complicated at first, it is explained clearly throughout the entire movie. Three BAFTAs were given to this ambitious movie: best production design, best script, and best directing. Therefore, this is a must-have for your library if you want to watch a very unique psychological drama that is also inspirational.

9. The Pianist (2002)

8.5 on IMDB
Tomato Rotten: 95%/96%
helmed by Roman Polanski
Ronald Harwood & Wladyslaw Szpilman, authors
Cast: Emilia Fox, Adrien Brody
Two hours and twenty-eight minutes

Roman Polanski is a well-known director around the world who received all the accolades he had always wanted for his film The Pianist. Inspiring story of a Polish Jewish singer (Adrien Brody) fighting to survive in WWII’s devastated Warsaw Ghetto is told in this film. As a musical masterpiece, this film received a lot of praise as well.

Three Academy Awards were given to this film: best writing, best acting, and best director. Roman Polanski, who grew up in the same war-torn landscape, does a fantastic job of capturing its devastation. Consequently, he was able to accurately portray in the movie what he had really witnessed. Despite the film’s gloomy appearance, we are motivated to keep going on by the protagonist’s story.

8.6 on IMDB
79% of 94% are Rotten Tomatoes
helmed by Frank Darabont
Writers: Stephen King and Frank Darabont
Cast: David Morse, Tom Hanks
Duration: 3 hours and 9 minutes.

We will always enjoy Tom Hanks movies. Over the course of his career, this guy has produced innumerable masterpieces. Among them is the green mile, where he performs magnificently. Based on Stephen King’s book of the same name, this movie features Tom Hanks as a death-row inmate officer. The film’s plot revolves around the influence that a kind-hearted black man accused of killing a kid has on the guards’ life. Due to the guilty character’s enigmatic talent, the movie also explores supernatural themes.

A Stephen King novel could be tough to adapt, but the green mile did it quite well. This movie is a real tearjerker at the conclusion, so bring tissues or handkerchiefs. This motivational film will deeply inspire you with its abundance of life lessons and high goals.

11. Rush (2013)

8.1 on IMDB
Tomatoes in Rotation: 88%/88%
Ron Howard, director
By Peter Morgan, author
Cast: Olivia Wilde, Daniel Brühl, and Chris Hemsworth
2 hours and 3 minutes of running

One of the most engaging films available is Rush, even if you’re not a fan of Formula One. The biographical film Rush tells the story of two renowned Formula One racers, Chris Hemsworth’s James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Beyond simply the sport, this movie explores the mutual respect between the two titans as they support and push one another to achieve their greatest potential.

10. The Green Mile (1999)

Rush was honored with a Best Editing BAFTA. Hans Zimmer’s outstanding soundtrack, exciting racing scenes, and thought-provoking dialogue are all abundant in this movie. Thus, make sure to see this motivational sports film.

12. Whiplash (2014)

8.5 on IMDB
Tomato Rotten: 94%/94%
Director: Chazelle Damien
Writer: Chazelle Damien
Melissa Benoist, J.K. Simmons, and Miles Teller in the cast
Duration: sixty-six minutes

Even though Damien Chazelle is still relatively new to the film industry, he has already made a name for himself as one of the greatest directors of all time. This aptly illustrates the quality of his films. The film Whiplash is a profound musical drama that centers on a gifted teenage drummer. Later on in life, our hero meets a teacher at his music conservatory who starts coaching him to help him reach his goals and realize his full potential.

Six awards have been given to this movie: three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards for Best Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. The thrilling conclusion of this film has garnered plaudits from moviegoers worldwide, and much like our hero, it could inspire you to realize your greatest potential.

13. Life of Pi (2012)

7.9 on IMDB
86% of tomatoes are rotted.
In charge: Ang Lee
Dave Magee is the author.
Cast: Tabu, Irrfan Khan
Duration: twenty-five minutes

The Life of Pi film directed by Ang Lee is an adaptation of Yann Mortel’s book of the same name. The narrative of this film centers on a young marine survivor who, after an unexpected encounter, sets out on an exciting trip with a peculiar survival—a Bengal tiger. The film recounts Pi Patel’s early escapades, during which he was interviewed by a writer.

Four Academy Awards were given to Life of Pi: Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Directing, and Best Achievement in Music. Two BAFTAs were also given to this movie for best visual effects and best cinematography. Viewers believe this inspirational film to be transformative and helpful. Consequently, this is unquestionably a motivational film that you should not miss.

14. Rocky (1976)

8.1 on IMDB
91% of Rotten Tomatoes
Director: Avildsen, John G.
Sylvester Stallone is the author.
Cast: Talia Shire, Sylvester Stallone
Running time: sixty-nine minutes

Legendary in the annals of film, Sylvester Stallone was destined to portray Rocky Balboa. The life of Rocky, a struggling boxer who works as a debt collector in Philadelphia, is told in this inspirational film. Rocky gets a chance to establish himself in the boxing world when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed comes to Philadelphia and sets up a fight between the two of them.

Sports drama films are typically inspirational, but Sylvester Stallone’s legendary performance is what sets this one apart. Three Academy Awards were given to this movie: best picture, best editing, and best director. This film explores Rocky’s challenges and how he overcame them, so it’s much more than just a boxing match. This is unquestionably the pinnacle of inspirational films.

15. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

8.1 on IMDB
84 % of tomatoes are rotten.
helmed by Mel Gibson
Writers: Robert Schenkkan and Andrew Knight
Cast: Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington, and Andrew Garfield
2 hours and 19 minutes of running

The film Hacksaw Ridge established Andrew Garfield’s status as more than just Spider-Man. The film’s most notable positive is Andrew Garfield’s outstanding performance, which goes well in hand with its inspirational story. Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), an American Army Medic in World War II who became the first soldier in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a single shot, is the central character of the story.

Though the film did won two Oscars for Best Achievement in Sound Mixing and Best Achievement in Film Editing, Andrew Garfield was sadly not the winner of the best actor award. With an exciting and thrilling ending, this highly emotional inspirational film will leave you feeling euphoric.

16.Inside Out (2015)

8.2 on IMDB
Tomato Rotten: 98%/89%
Pete Docter, director
Authors: Josh Cooley, Meg LeFauve, and Pete Docter
Cast: Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, and Amy Poehler
1 hour and 35 minutes of running

Pixar films are for everyone, not just young audiences. They may easily bring a grown-up to tears with their heartbreaking and morally upright ends. The life of a young girl named Riley is followed in the well-known Pixar movie Inside Out. Her feelings—Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness—collapse over how to handle her new existence when she is forced to move to San Francisco due to unanticipated events.

The Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year went to this movie. Filmmakers at Pixar Studios are masters at crafting stories and ideas that are novel. In addition to touching people’s hearts with a multitude of inspirational movies, they have been doing this for decades.

17. Amelie (2001)

One of the most popular French romantic comedies is Amelie (Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain). The film’s plot is straightforward: it centers on the lives of teenage Parisian waitress Amelie (Audrey Tautou). As she embarks on this joyous adventure, she discovers the true love of her life and makes a pledge to help others find happiness.

Best production design and best script were the two BAFTAs this movie won. People’s hearts will always remember Audrey Tautou as Amelie. Everyone should watch this motivational film, but introverts in particular should especially find encouragement and a connection with the lead character.

18. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

7.8 on IMDB
91% of Rotten Tomatoes
Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton, director
Michael Arndt is the author.
Paul Dano, Toni Collette, and Steve Carell in the cast
Running time: forty-two minutes

In the novel Little Miss Sunshine, a normal family encounters some unusual events; they pull together to solve the problem and bring happiness back into their lives. Starring celebrities like Paul Dano and Steve Carell, among others, this inspiring story makes it an unforgettable family film.

Two Academy Awards were given to this film: Best Writing and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. This inspirational film looks at a variety of obstacles that everyone encounters in life. Consequently, this movie serves as a mentor and an inspiration to all of us.

19. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2021)

8.1 on IMDB
Tomato Rotten: 95%/89%
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, directors
Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert: authors
Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ke Huy Quan in the cast
2 hours and 12 minutes of running

Upon its premiere in 2021, Everything Everywhere All at Once became an instant hit and was widely recognized as one of the best films of the year. In order to save the multiverse from being destroyed, the protagonist of this movie, a Chinese immigrant, sets out on an epic adventure to bring all the different versions of her parallel universe together. Though the idea might seem straightforward at first, get your popcorn ready and get ready for the most amazing and bizarre movie you’ve ever seen.

This movie is genuinely astounding and won every single Oscar at the 2023 Oscars. As you watch it, a range of feelings come over you. One noteworthy aspect of this movie is that none of the visual effects team members attended visual effects school, and the visual effects were created by just nine people. See it now to take a fascinating and inspirational journey; this film will be discussed for decades to come.

20. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

7.3 on IMDB
52%/71% of tomatoes are rotted.
Ben Stiller is the director.
Penmanship: Steve Conrad
Cast: Sean Penn, Kathryn Hahn, and Ben Stiller
Running time: sixty-four minutes

Moviegoers were drawn to Ben Stiller’s feel-good adventure film, even though critics did not think much of it. This movie follows Walter (Ben Stiller), a man who, just before he and his colleagues are set to lose their jobs, embarks on an unexpected journey. Because it was filmed in Iceland, the movie had great cinematography.

In addition to making the film entertaining to watch, Ben Stiller’s portrayal of the escapades also manages to impart some excellent motivational messages.

21. Up(2009)

8.3 on IMDB
Tomatoes in Rotter: 98%/90%
Directors: Bob Peterson and Pete Docter
Authors: Bob Peterson and Pete Docter
Cast: Jordan Nagai, Ed Asner
Length of run: 1 hour, 29 minutes

Another timeless Pixar inspirational film that is highly recommended is Up. It chronicles the travels of 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen, who brings an unintentional small child with him on his trip to Paradise Falls while decorating his home with enormous balloons.

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score were the two Academy Awards that this movie won. Featuring beautiful performances, endearing music, and an amazing story, this film is a must-watch inspiring film on this list.

22. My Left Foot (1989)

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24. Coda (2021)

8 on IMDB
94% of tomatoes are rotten.
Leading lady: Sian Heder
Author: Sarah Heder
Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Emilia Jones in the cast
Running time: fifty-one minutes

The acronym for Child of Deaf Adults is CODA. Ruby, the heroine of the narrative, is the only hearing member of her deaf family. Ruby finds herself torn between helping her family with their fishing business and going after her goal at Berklee College of Music. The plot centers on Ruby’s attempt to piece her life back together. This film is a remake of La Famille Bélier, a French-Belgian film from 2014.

Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, and Best Adapted Screenplay were the three Academy Awards that this film took home this year. Two BAFTAs for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor were also given to this film. You will be moved by CODA, a fantastic inspirational film that won over hearts with its touching performances by the entire group.

24. Soul (2020)

8 on IMDB
98% of tomatoes are rotted.
Pete Docter, director
Authors: Kemp Powers, Mike Jones, and Pete Docter
Cast: Tina Fey, Jamie Foxx
Running time: forty-one minutes

Pixar’s Soul is a poignant addition to their lovable catalog. Jazz pianist Joe from New York receives the opportunity of a lifetime in Soul’s Story. Subsequently, he discovers himself in an enigmatic realm situated amidst Earth and the afterlife. Now he has to save a baby soul in order to come back into his own.

For Best Original Score and Best Animated Feature Film, Soul took home two Oscars and two BAFTAs, respectively. The inspirational film ends with a wonderful lesson about how to enjoy and be thankful for all of life’s little moments. Soul is a fantastic addition to the collection of inspirational films as a result.

25. Creed Trilogy (2015, 2018, 2023)

7.6 on IMDB
Tomato Rotten: 95%/89%
Leading Man: Ryan Coogler
Authors: Sylvester Stallone, Ryan Coogler, and Aaron Covington
Cast: Tessa Thompson, Michael B. Jordan, and Sylvester Stallone
2 hours and 13 minutes of running

In case you were unaware, the renowned Rocky franchise was succeeded by the Creed series. In this series of films, even the man, the myth, the legend—Sylvester Stallone—returns as Rocky. The storyline of this franchise is as follows: former scene Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa returns to the boxing scene to serve as a trainer. The big surprise here is that he will be Adonis Johnson’s tutor, the son of his late friend Creed.

The Creed series has been incredibly popular and award-winning over the years. Similar to the Rocky films that came before it, Creed was a resounding success and captured the hearts of many with its heartfelt messages in each film. You won’t want to miss these amazing films; in my opinion, boxing movies are always the most inspirational.

26. October Sky (1999)

7.8 on IMDB
91% of tomatoes are rotted.
Joe Johnston, the director
Written by: Lewis Colick and Homer H.
Cast: Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, and Jake Gyllenhaal
Duration: sixty-eight minutes

You wouldn’t want to miss this one if, like me, you are an enormous fan of Jake Gyllenhall. The story of Homer Hickam, a young man and the son of a coal miner, is told in The October Sky. After witnessing the first Sputnik launch, he wants to work in the rocketry industry, but his father gets in the way. What happens next is up to Homer to fulfill his dream and defy his father’s wishes.

One of the greatest family films ever made, this film has received accolades for being incredibly motivating. Jake Gyllenhaal turned in a ground-breaking performance, and tales like this frequently inspire people. Without a doubt, you can begin seeing this film to gain inspiration to realize your own aspirations.

27. Lion (2016)

8 on IMDB
84 % of tomatoes are rotten.
Director: Davis, Garth
Writers: Saroo Brierley and Luke Davies
Cast: Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman, and Dev Patel
58 minutes and one hour in length

A five-year-old that went missing is taken in by an Australian family. Twenty-five years later, he wants to find his long-lost family and go back to his original roots. You do realize how incredibly motivating this plot is already? That goes to a whole new level in the movie. The drama takes place in India and features a star-studded cast including Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, and others.

This film received multiple BAFTA awards and an Oscar nomination, which increased its notoriety. It is an incredibly well-shot film with incredibly poignant performances. The resolution is so heartfelt that it will make you cry uncontrollably and motivate you until the very end. One of the films on our list that you really should watch is this one.

Must-Watch Inspirational and Motivational Films

We have selected movies from a variety of languages and genres for this collection. Popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV+, and others offer the majority of these movies. For the finest experience, you may always purchase the BluRay version or rent them if they aren’t available. We have covered almost all of the most well-liked inspirational films to help you promote optimism and grow your watchlists. However, if there are any films that you think we should have included, please let us know in the comments section below.

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