With the many challenges that life throws at us, it is natural to lose our inner shine and feel low on morale. Thankfully, movies are a great source of inspiring stories that help boost one’s self-esteem. From Reese Witherspoon starring as Cheryl Strayed, who decides to solo hike and discover herself, to Tom Cruise playing a principled sports agent, who coaches a single athlete, here are some movies to instill motivation.
*Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.*
1. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2014)
Directed by and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, is a beautiful movie that revolves around a young boy, William Kamkwamba, who does not let his constraints define him. After gaining knowledge by sneaking into the school library, he helps his village people by making a windmill after a drought hits. The movie is based on a memoir of the same name by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, and teaches one about not backing down in life despite hardships and the importance of education.
2. Fatherhood (2021)
A movie that challenges gender norms and tells a wonderful story on parenthood is Fatherhood, a comedy-drama starring Kevin Hart, based on a memoir, Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love, by Matthew Logelin. A recently widowed, Logelin (played by Kevin Hart), raises his young daughter alone and takes on the challenges of grief, guilt, societal norms, family judgment, and insecurity. The movie highlights fatherhood issues that are often ignored by society and is an inspirational watch for all fathers.
3. Rustin (2023)
Former US President, Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama’s production house always bring a unique topic to the screens. This time, the biographical drama Rustin, follows the journey of important gay Civil Rights activist, Bayard Rustin. Starring Colman Domingo in a career-defining performance, the movie highlights Bayard’s bravery, who helped to organize the 1963 March on Washington, and fought off social and political pressures. With themes of racism and homophobia, the movie is a must-watch.
4. The Beautiful Game (2024)
This British sports drama revolves around The Homeless World Cup Foundation, aiming to end homelessness. As such, the organization holds an annual football tournament that brings together various homeless people. Directed by Thea Sharrock, and starring Bill Nighy, The Beautiful Game, follows the dynamics between the coach and a talented yet troubled striker of the British football team. The two must accept their past and win the game for a just cause.
5. Whiplash (2014)
One of the most inspirational movies of recent times, Whiplash, is about a genius jazz drummer, Andrew Neiman (played by Miles Teller), who enrolls at a highly prestigious music conservatory. Even though he faces extreme pressure from his demanding instructor, Terence Fletcher (played by J.K. Simmons), he gives his all to fulfill his dream. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film presents a medley of music, and inspirational moments to highlight the importance of self-belief.
6. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck, Good Will Hunting, is a classic movie revolving around a mathematically gifted janitor, Will Hunting (Damon), at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Will lives a desolate life, unaware of his gift as he serves prison term and resorts to drinking. When a psychology professor, Dr. Sean Maguire (Williams), discovers his intelligence, he tries to bring out the gift within Will.
7. The Pianist (2002)
Another classic motivational movie that should be on your list is The Pianist, directed by Roman Polanski. The film features Adrien Brody as Władysław Szpilman, and is based on the autobiography of Polish-Jewish composer and Holocaust survivor, Szpilman. The film is a harrowing look into the times of World War II. Amidst the era of Nazi Germany, the movie portrays the musician’s various struggles, as he loses his family’s contact, and has to desperately hide in ruins. The movie is a reminder to never give up on your dreams because of the current circumstances.
8. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
One of the most heart-breaking yet motivational movies, The Pursuit of Happyness, stars Will Smith, and is directed by Gabriele Muccino. Based on the real-life memoir of Chris Gardner, the movie follows a year in the life of Gardner (Smith), a salesman, who gets into mounting financial troubles and has to deal with homelessness. As his struggles increase and he is left to take care of his young son, the movie takes a devastating look at the strength of the human spirit.
9. Wild (2014)
Sheryl Strayed’s memoir was an immense inspiration for women who felt lost in life. Adapting her real-life story, Wild, is a drama starring Reese Witherspoon. It follows the journey of Strayed, who after suffering major setbacks, decides to go on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. During the trail, she remembers personal losses like the death of her mother, the use of drugs, and a failed relationship. The film highlights that one can always redeem themselves.
10. Unbroken (2014)
Starring Jack O’Connell, and directed by Angelina Jolie, Unbroken, is a war drama that revolves around Louis Zamperini (O’Connell), an Olympic athlete. The situations caused by World War II, force him to survive many gruesome obstacles like a plane crash, bombing, staying in a raft, and being taken by the Japanese as a prisoner of war. The movie highlights the unwavering courage that humans require to carry through excruciating challenges.
11. Penguin Bloom (2020)
Based on a book by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive, Penguin Bloom, is an Australian movie starring Naomi Watts. Sam Bloom (Watts) is a talented surfer who loves to ride the waves. But tragedy strikes when she becomes disabled. Despite her family’s encouragement, Sam begins to wallow in her condition. When an injured magpie enters her life, she finds a friend who can understand her, and the two begin to heal together.
12. Nyad (2023)
Starring Jodie Foster and Annette Bening, Nyad is a biographical sports drama based on the life of ace swimmer Diana Nyad. The movie is about her multiple attempts to swim through the Straits of Florida. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and Jimmy Chin, the film tells Nyad’s story through flashbacks, and looks into her struggles. The movie is an ideal watch as it highlights the importance of grit, determination, and perseverance.
13. Jerry Maguire (1996)
A compelling movie about the importance of standing for what is right and believing in oneself, Jerry Maguire, stars Tom Cruise in the titular role. The critically and commercially acclaimed movie follows a sports agent, Maguire, who faces hardships after exposing the corrupt practices in his profession. After getting fired, he decides to start his agency, but only finds one athlete who believes in him. The movie is a must-watch for those who are feeling dejected and need a push.
14. Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)
Starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium is a fantasy film directed by Zach Helm. The movie is about Mr. Magorium (Hoffman), who owns a magical toy store, where every toy comes alive. But when he hands over the store to his manager Molly Mahoney (Portman), the magic vanishes. Now, Molly must find answers to bring the store’s magi9c back. This light-hearted film includes an important lesson on self-belief as Molly must believe in herself for the magic to work.
15. The Postman (1997)
A post-apocalyptic movie starring and directed by Kevin Costner, The Postman, is based on a 1985 book by David Brin. Set in a future where the USA is disestablished, and human society has eroded, a nomad finds a US Postal Service uniform and decides to inspire hope in the hearts of people. As he faces various challenges, he remains steadfast in his belief in spreading joy. Even though the movie received mixed reviews, this film is an inspiring watch.
16. The Rider (2017)
Directed by Chloé Zhao, The Rider, is a Contemporary Western movie starring Brady Jandreau. The film is set in South Dakota. A talented rodeo star, Brady Blackburn (Jandreau), encounters a severe brain-damaging injury, and has to abandon his dreams of horse-riding. Blackburn is forced to live in poverty with his family and do odd jobs. Eventually, he rises above his challenges to fulfill his dreams.
17. The Greatest Showman (2017)
Starring Hugh Jackman, The Greatest Showman, is a biographical musical drama based on the life of P.T. Barnum, an entertainer who created the Barnum and Bailey Circus. The film’s narrative follows Barnum’s (Jackman) rise as a visionary entertainer, who has to undergo various struggles on his path to success. From losing his job as a clerk to setting up one of the best circuses, the movie truly highlights that there is no gain without pain.
18. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Directed and starring Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby, is a sports drama based on the stories of F.X. Toole. The film follows the bond between an aspiring yet underrated boxer, Maggie (Hilary Swank), and the underappreciated coach, Frankie Dunn (Eastwood). After Dunn reluctantly agrees to coach Maggie, he realizes that her grit and talent are phenomenal. Soon, Frankie pushes Maggie to strive for the best. The movie is a heart-warming and inspirational watch about working hard and staying strong.
19. Suffragette (2015)
Starring Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep, Suffragette is a British historical movie that explores the lives of women who fought hard to secure the right to vote for women. Set in 1912, Maud Watts (Mulligan) is a laundress who gets involved in the suffragette movement, and even gets jailed for her rebellion. Despite various challenges, Maud and her fellow women friends, present a picture of strength and inspiration.
20. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
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Based on the life of the Nobel Laureate in Economics, John Nash, A Beautiful Mind, is a biographical drama with Russell Crowe essaying the role of Nash. Directed by Ron Howard, the movie follows Nash, a genius mathematician at Princeton, who is arrogant, and hardly makes any friends. When Nash finds an important discovery and is poised to gain renown, he questions reality and goes on a path of self-discovery.
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