Movies: 9 Most inspiring moments from films that will make you feel alive again

Films often become a gateway to a journey of self-discovery and self-realisation. Often, when we find ourselves looking for motivation that would help us out of a dark phase in life, films come to our rescue.

Although primarily made and watched for entertainment purposes, films also serve other purposes. Some are made with the sole purpose of spreading a valuable message or preaching to the general public about the ways in which one could improve their life, with instances where certain characters or scenes have a sense of redeeming quality in them. Here’s a list of the 9 most inspiring moments from movies that will make you feel alive again.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

In The Pursuit of Happyness, which stars Will Smith, Thandie Newton, and Jaden Smith, viewers come across several moments that highlight the importance of perseverance and finding joy in small things. The film emphasizes the importance of never giving up on one's dreams and on the possibility of being happy, even during the darkest phases of life.

In the film, the most inspiring moment of all has to be the final scene where Christopher successfully lands an internship, and the sheer amount of joy that envelopes him and his son symbolizes his culmination of hard work and resilience in the face of adversity. It reminds the viewers that happiness is something that can always be achieved even in the darkest of times, simply by means of perseverance. This moment inspired the viewers to keep going even when it seems impossible to imagine their dreams attaining fruition.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Matt Damon plays the titular character of Will Hunting, who happens to be a mathematics prodigy with a high level of IQ, but chooses to work as a janitor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. When he solves a difficult graduate -level math problem, his intellectual capacity is noticed by Professor Gerald Lambeau, played by Stellan Skarsgard, who eventually leads the otherwise misguided youth to reach his potential. Several scenes from the movie might remain etched in the minds of the viewers as inspiring and emotionally motivating.

The movie comprises several moments that showcase the challenges one faces in order to overcome adversity, finding purpose, and the value of human connection. The scene where Will has a moment of breakthrough with Sean, his counselor, highlights the importance of being brave enough to confront one’s insecurities and past trauma. The film’s rendering of its central themes of self-discovery and healing leaves the viewers with a sense of motivation to address their personal inner fears and give it their all to accept and overcome the same so they can live their best lives.

Forrest Gump (1994)

The movie Forrest Gump evokes a wide array of emotions in the minds of the viewers. It showcases resilience and teaches one to embrace life with all that it has to offer, including its uncertainties. The film sheds light on the theme of perseverance and an individual’s zeal to find and realize one's passions and purpose in life. The titular character, Forrest Gump puts forth his unwavering optimism and dedication towards the simplest of goals and his sheer persevering nature to attain the same.

The viewers are often moved to tears when Forrest finally finds love. The turning point in his life still resonates with the viewers and inspires them beyond imagination. Forrest’s cross-country run after Jenny leaves him symbolizes the theme of overcoming hardships and finding a reason to continue with life after suffering a great loss. The movie isn’t as much about the journey itself as it is about one’s zeal to continue on the path, even after encountering unforeseen hurdles.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

An American biographical drama about the mathematician named John Nash, A Beautiful Mind showcases several inspiring moments. It highlights themes of resilience, perseverance, and the power of love. One of the most crucial moments in the film is when Nash, even while battling with mental illness, doesn’t give up on his pursuit of mathematics. The film further depicts the need for a good support system through the relationship he had with his wife.

John Nash’s story motivates its audience to be brave and face all kinds of challenges, to be headstrong even while facing the most difficult situations. A touching moment in the film is when Nash continues to pursue his research and development despite being at the peak of schizophrenia and being tormented by hallucinations and delusions. The audience feel motivated, at the sight of a man’s unwavering commitment to his work, even in the middle of the most unimaginable conundrums.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Dead Poets Society, at its core, is a movie that inspires the viewers to imbibe the quality of "carpe diem”, in its essence, teaches people to live to the fullest, and embrace their passions. The film also highlights the significance of discovering one’s own voice and challenging societal norms. The central theme of the film revolves around the idea of personal development, leadership qualities, and the ability to own one’s life by being completely free of all constraints that hold them back from being free thinkers.

The phrase "carpe diem” translates as “seize the day”, which is the central theme of the film. The film encourages students to break free from the conforms of society and be the best version of their individual selves. The most powerful scene has to be the one where the students stand up on their desks and yell “O Captain! My Captain!” as a tribute to Mr. Keating, who has been forced to leave the school. The goosebump-inducing scene is the perfect embodiment of the movie’s message, “Carpe Diem- Seize the Day.”

Life of Pi (2012)

Life of Pi is an adventure-drama film based on Yann Martel’s 2001 novel by the same name. It is an inspiring film that explores the themes of survival, faith, resilience, and above all, the human spirit. Pi’s journey across the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger is breathtaking. Hardships and survival skills are the key elements of this journey. Pi’s transformation from a curious, naïve boy to a resilient survivor is a journey to be savoured.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring moments of the film is when Pi stops fearing Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger, and accepts him as a companion in survival. It becomes a turning point in the film as well as in his life. Pi’s acceptance of the fact that life is all about letting go and taking a moment to say goodbye with regards to the departure of the Bengal tiger encapsulates the message that even in our darkest hours, meaning can be found in one's connection with the other, no matter how alien this other might be.

Braveheart (1995)

William Wallace happens to be the medieval Scottish patriot in this epic historical war film, who has been forced to revolt against the English when the love of his life is slaughtered. He leads his army into battles that eventually take the shape of a war. Wallace's advance into England threatens King Edward I’s throne before he gets captured and executed. However, he dies by becoming the symbol for a free Scotland.

The movie taps into universal feelings like the desire to live with purpose, the courage to stand against any sort of injustice, and the beauty of fighting for something bigger than one’s own self. Wallace’s unwavering conviction reminds the viewers that life is too precious to be lived in fear. The film justly becomes an emotionally inspiring tale that leaves the audience breathless, reflective and ready to reclaim their sense of purpose.

Into the Wild (2007)

Directed by Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch as McCandless, Into the Wild is an American biographical adventure drama film that tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a man who hiked across North America into the Alaskan wilderness in the 1990s. It is an incredibly inspiring film that challenges the conventional notions about comfort, success, and happiness. McCandles gives up on a promising future, donates all his savings, and sets out on a journey into the Alaskan wilderness in search of the meaning of truth.

The raw honesty with which the film portrays McCandless' quest has been portrayed makes it so powerful. He isn’t just running away from society; instead, he is questioning its norms while searching for something real and pure. The film compels its viewers to reflect on their lives and reflect on whether they are just living their lives the way they want or simply following a script that has been handed to them.

Fight Club (1999)

Starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter, the film is based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel by the same name. Contrary to its first look, Fight Club is about the condemnation of hypermasculine violence and an awakening of the self.

When Tyler finds out that Raymond once set out to be a veterinarian but eventually gave up on his dreams, he holds a gun to his head and tells him that if he isn’t on his way to becoming a vet in a week, he’ll be dead. This moment propels the audience to question themselves about their choices in life and where they are headed. The movie highlights the aspect of breaking free from the numb autopilot mode of modern life and making something worthwhile out of it.