The best motivational films will make you laugh, smile and maybe even bring tears to your eyes. This collection of uplifting and uplifting films pays homage to what touching films are good at: motivating, enlightening and escaping.
If you're ready to celebrate real-life heroes alongside fictional characters looking to advance the needle in their own lives or for the greater good, you're sure to find something on this list. Grab a box of Kleenex and a snack, and gather your loved ones to stream these uplifting films during a weekend marathon or digital TV party.
01
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The Sapphires (2013): An entertaining musical film with universal appeal
IMDb rating: 7,0/10
Genre: biography, comedy, drama
With: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy
Director: Wayne Blair
film rating: PG-13
Duration: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Loosely based on the story of Australian Motown Aboriginal girl group The Sapphires, this film tells the unlikely tale of how they traveled to Vietnam to perform for American troops. It has a bit of everything: iconic music, love, friendship and the universal importance of acceptance and visibility.
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Joy (2015): For entrepreneurs, great thinkers and all-round mothers
IMDb rating: 6,6/10
Genre: biography, drama
With: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper
Director: David O. Russell
film rating: PG-13
Duration: 2 hours, 4 minutes
Inspired by real-life millionaire Joy Mangano and her struggle to make ends meet as an unemployed mother and aspiring entrepreneur, this film follows Joy's journey as she battles numerous professional and personal obstacles. It's easy to get completely charmed by Joy's determination and never-ending attitude.
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Elf (2003): Irresistible joy and whimsy in every season
IMDb rating: 7,0/10
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
With: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart
Director: Jon Favreau
film rating:PG
Duration: 1 hour, 37 minutes
One of the best feel-good movies during the holiday season, this story follows Buddy's search for his biological father after being raised by Santa's elves. What follows is joy, joy, and a heartwarming message about family bonds and believing in what can't always be seen.
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Hidden Figures (2016): Inspirational Women Who Shaped History
IMDb rating: 7,8/10
Genre: biography, drama, history
With: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae
Director: Theodor Melfi
film rating:PG
Duration: 2 hours, 7 minutes
hidden figurespulls back the curtain to tell the true story of NASA's brilliant African-American mathematicians. They were instrumental in John Glenn becoming the first US astronaut to orbit the Earth, albeit unknown to the public. This film celebrates its brilliance and well-deserved place in the history books.
05
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Inside Out (2015): A comforting reminder that it's okay to feel all things
IMDb rating: 8,1/10
Genre: animation, adventure, comedy
With: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
Director: Pete Doctor, Ronnie Del Carmen
film rating:PG
Duration: 1 hour, 35 minutes
From the inside to the outsideis one of those solid, inspirational films that offers a break from reality while gently tackling the true nature of the ups and downs of life's transitions.
As the story revolves around young Riley and her new move to San Francisco, it's a priceless reminder for all of us, of all ages, that embracing our feelings is a great thing.
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Mangrove (2020): An Inspirational True Story of Activism
IMDb rating: 8,2/10
Genre: Theater
With: Shaun Parkes, Letitia Wright, Malachi Kirby
Director: Steve McQueen
film rating: TV-MA
Duration: 2 hours, 7 minutes
This film chronicles the true heroism and activism of Frank Crichlow, owner of the Mangrove restaurant, which serves as a meeting place for London's West Indian community. In 1970, Crichlow and others organized a peaceful protest against police abuse and were later tried for inciting a riot.
The trial leads to the first recognition of racially motivated behavior in the London police system. The film is a moving tribute to those who stand up against injustice. 🇧🇷Mangois one of five films on Amazon Prime Videosmall axeCollection.)
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The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019): Adventure story about friendship and adopted family
IMDb rating: 7,6/10
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
With: Zack Gottsagen, Shia LeBeouf, Dakota Johnson
Director: Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz
film rating: PG-13
Duration: 1 hour, 37 minutes
This touching adventure story follows Zak, a young man with Down Syndrome who dreams of becoming a fighter. After escaping the federally assigned nursing home, he quickly makes an unlikely new friend looking for a fresh start.
Touching without being sweet, it's a story about unconditional acceptance and forging friendships and families in unusual but beautiful places.
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Chef (2014): A film for parents, foodies and families
IMDb rating: 7,3/10
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
With: Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo
Director: Jon Favreau
film rating:R
Duration: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Some of the best feel-good movies revolve around food and family, andKochit keeps those priorities in reassuring harmony. After a creative and personally stunted chef starts fresh with a food truck, he rediscovers his passion for food and his family. If you love delicious food, there's plenty to see in this food-focused wellness resource.
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Palm Springs (2020): Finding Love, Out of Repetition
IMDb rating: 7,4/10
Genre: Komödie, Fantasy, Mystery
With: Andy Samberg, Cristin Millioti, J.K. Simmons
Director: Max Barbakow
film rating:R
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Palm Springsoffers many of the same aspects you love about the storyline of the original looping movieGroundhog Day, with a contemporary twist set in 2020. While it's a love story centered around two characters caught up in a Palm Springs wedding on the same day, it conveys a tongue-in-cheek, humorous, and slightly cheesy message to live each day fully and genuinely appreciate the opportunity to.
10
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Remember the Titans (2000): An inspirational and timeless story of unity
IMDb rating: 7,8/10
Genre: biography, drama, sports
With: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
Director: good course
film rating:PG
Duration: 1 hour, 53 minutes
This inspirational sports story is based on the real-life experience of an African-American coach who was brought to manage the first integrated soccer team in a Virginia high school. While players, coaching staff and citizens initially expressed resistance and intolerance, hope and unity triumphed.
This film conveys a lasting message of racial acceptance that doesn't require you to love football to root for the team or be touched by their ties.
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The Happiest Season (2020): A feel-good holiday love story
IMDb rating: 6,8/10
Genre: comedy, drama, romance
With: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary Steenburgen
Director: Clea DuVall
film rating: PG-13
Duration: 1 hour, 42 minutes
If you love a festive Christmas movie,happiest seasonchecks those boxes with humor and hijinks. It's about a young couple, Abby and Harper, who travel for the first time to spend the holidays with Harper's family. The only problem is that Harper's family doesn't know that Abby is his girlfriend — or that Harper is gay.
Part rom-com, part Christmas movie, this feature doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it offers Christmas cheer with a new twist of inclusivity.
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Crip Camp (2020): Celebrating the Power of Community and Advocacy
IMDb rating: 7,8/10
Genre: Documentary film
With: Judith Heumann, Jim LeBrecht, Denise Sherer Jacobsen
Director: Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht
film rating:R
Duration: 1 hour, 46 minutes
This film documents the true story of camp members and counselors who met at Camp Jened, an inclusive camp for youth with disabilities to become advocates for their community.
They are visible and independent in the camp and strive to achieve the same qualities in everyday life, fighting for representation and long overdue civil rights for people with disabilities.
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The 40 Year Old Version (2020): Find your voice at any age
IMDb rating: 7,2/10
Genre: comedy, drama
With: Radha Blank, Peter Kim, Oswin Benjamin
Director: Radha Blank
film rating:R
Duration: 2 hours, 3 minutes
Based on the struggles in the real-life career of playwright Radha Blank, this semi-autobiographical film follows the main character's attempt to reinvent herself as a hip-hop artist. In music, she finds relief in feeling that she is sacrificing much of her authentic voice in order to gain recognition in the New York theater world.
If you want a reminder that success doesn't always follow a set path or fall at a certain age, this is a cathartic and humorous tribute to staying true to yourself.
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The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): An uplifting film for tireless fighters
IMDb rating: 8,0/10
Genre: biography, drama
With: Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith
Director: Gabriel Muccino
film rating: PG-13
Duration: 1 hour, 57 minutes
Inspirational movies based on true stories encourage us all, and this biopic does that in abundance. It tells the story of how real-life entrepreneur Chris Gardner from struggling and being homeless with his son finally changed his profession completely and changed the course of his life for the better.
It's impossible not to root for Gardner and his son and be moved by the heartfelt result of the main character's hard work and determination.
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The Biggest Little Farm (2018): A film for dreamers and doers
IMDb rating: 8,1/10
Genre: Documentary film
With: John Chester
Director: John Chester
film rating:PG
Duration: 1 hour, 31 minutes
This film follows the journey of a couple as they leave the hustle and bustle of city life in Los Angeles to start a new life on the sustainable farm of their dreams. a desire to share your experiences with others.
Be warned: This movie might put you in the mood to play in nature and take better care of the planet.
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FAQs
What are the top 10 movies right now 2022? ›
- The Best Movies Of 2022. 1 of 20. Bergman Island. ...
- 2 of 20. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. ...
- 3 of 20. Decision To Leave. ...
- 4 of 20. The Woman King. ...
- 5 of 20. RRR. ...
- 6 of 20. The Batman. ...
- 7 of 20. Red Rocket. ...
- 8 of 20. The Souvenir Part II.
- #1. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) 78% 92% ...
- #2. Avatar (2009) 82% 82% ...
- #3. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) 97% 76% ...
- #4. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) ...
- #5. The Whale (2022) ...
- #6. Black Adam (2022) ...
- #7. Emily the Criminal (2022) ...
- #8. Emancipation (2022)
- 10/10 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (2001) — 91%
- 9/10 'The Shawshank Redemption' (1994) — 91%
- 8/10 'Pulp Fiction' (1994) — 92%
- 7/10 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' (2003) — 93%
- Amelie.
- Control (Ian Curtis biopic)
- Free Solo.
- The wind that shakes the barley.
- Dead mans shoes.
Avatar, directed by James Cameron, is the highest grossing movie of all time, having a lifetime gross of over $2.8 billion, according to Box Office Mojo by IMDbPro.
What are the most inspirational movies of all time? ›- " It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
- " To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962)
- " Schindler's List" (1993)
- " Rocky" (1976)
- " Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939)
- " E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" (1982)
- " The Grapes of Wrath" (1940)
- " Breaking Away" (1979)
- Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) new. 81 % r 139m. ...
- BARDO, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (2022) 53 % 7.4/10. ...
- Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) 82 % pg 117m. ...
- Emily the Criminal (2022) 75 % 97m. ...
- 21 Jump Street (2012) 69 % ...
- Mack & Rita (2022) new. 49 % ...
- Insomnia (2002) 78 % ...
- The Night House (2021) 68 %
...
The biggest movies of 2022 by box office
- Top Gun: Maverick.
- Jurassic World: Dominion. ...
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. ...
- Minions: The Rise of Gru. ...
What are the current top 10 movies on Netflix? ›
- Trolls (2016)
- Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
- The Big 4 (2022)
- A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
- I Believe in Santa (2022)
- Bullet Train (2022)
- Prisoners (2013)
- The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari (2022)
- All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) 75 % ...
- Don't Look Up (2021) new. ...
- Mank (2020) ...
- Extraction (2020) ...
- The Mitchells vs. ...
- The Hateful Eight (2015) ...
- Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond - Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton (2017) ...
- Marriage Story (2019)
- Titanic (1997) ...
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) ...
- The Wizard of Oz (1939) ...
- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) ...
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) ...
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) ...
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) ...
- The Lion King (1994)
- The Godfather. ...
- Casablanca. ...
- Rear Window. ...
- Boyhood. ...
- Vertigo. ...
- Three Colors: Red. ...
- Notorious. ...
- Citizen Kane.
- Gone with the Wind (1939) 238 minutes or 3 hours and 58 minutes. ...
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) ...
- Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) ...
- Lawrence of Arabia (1962) ...
- Ben-Hur (1959) ...
- Swades (2004) ...
- Seven Samurai (1954) ...
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Rank | Year | Movie |
---|---|---|
1 | 2015 | Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens |
2 | 2019 | Avengers: Endgame |
3 | 2021 | Spider-Man: No Way Home |
4 | 2009 | Avatar |
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
What is universal best movie? ›Rank | Released | Movie |
---|---|---|
1 | 2015 | Jurassic World |
2 | 2015 | Furious 7 |
3 | 2018 | Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom |
4 | 2017 | The Fate of the Furious |
David Mamet (playwright, film director, and screenwriter) wrote that there are only four perfect movies: The Godfather, A Place in the Sun, Dodsworth, and Galaxy Quest.
Who is the highest paid actor? ›...
Best-paid actors worldwide as of August 2021, by income (in million U.S. dollars)
What should I watch to motivate myself? ›
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) ...
- Rocky (1976) ...
- 127 Hours (2010) ...
- Into The Wild (2007) ...
- Schindler's List (1993) ...
- It's A Wonderful Life (1946) ...
- Freedom Writers (2007) ...
- Amelie (2001)
- Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) PG-13 | 192 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy. ...
- Avatar (2009) PG-13 | 162 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy. ...
- Violent Night (2022) ...
- Black Adam (2022) ...
- Bullet Train (2022) ...
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) ...
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) ...
- Die Hard (1988)
Freedom Writers (2007)
“Freedom Writers” is an inspirational movie based on a young teacher who inspires her troublesome class to pursue studies even after high school.
1. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015) | $936 million |
---|---|
2. "Avatar" (2009) | $760 million |
3. "Titanic" (1997) | $659 million |
4. "Jurassic World" (2015) | $652 million |
5. "Marvel's The Avengers" (2004) | $623 million |
- Avatar. 2009. $2.9b.
- Avengers: Endgame. 2019. 2.8b.
- Titanic. 1997. 2.2b.
- Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens. 2015. 2.1b.
- Avengers: Infinity War. 2018. 2.0b.
- Spider-Man: No Way Home. 2021. 1.9b.
- Jurassic World. 2015. 1.7b.
- The Lion King. 2019. 1.6b.
- TÁR.
- Decision to Leave. ...
- The Banshees of Inisherin. ...
- The Menu. Release Date: November 18, 2022. ...
- A Couple. Release Date: November 11, 2022. ...
- Return to Seoul. Release Date: December 2, 2022. ...
- The Fabelmans. Release Date: November 25, 2022. ...
- Avatar: The Way of Water. Release Date: December 16, 2022. ...
- #1. Spider-Man: No Way Home. 93% 98% #1. ...
- #2. In the Heights. 94% 94% #2. ...
- #3. Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) 99% 98% #3. ...
- #4. Pig. 97% 84% #4. ...
- #5. The Power of the Dog. 94% 76% #5. ...
- #6. CODA. 94% 91% #6. ...
- #7. Raya and the Last Dragon. 94% 97% #7. ...
- #8. West Side Story. 91% 93% #8.
- Goodfellas (1990) Image via Warner Bros. ...
- Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) Image via DreamWorks Pictures. ...
- Memento (2000) Image via Summit Entertainment. ...
- Shaun of the Dead (2004) ...
- The Social Network (2010) ...
- Jurassic Park (1993) ...
- A Few Good Men (1992) ...
- Hot Fuzz (2007)
- The Tomorrow War (2021) 138m. Genre Action, Science Fiction, Adventure. ...
- Manchester by the Sea (2016) 138m. Genre Drama. ...
- Nanny (2022) new. 98m. ...
- The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021) 99m. ...
- La La Land (2016) new. 129m. ...
- Zoolander (2001) new. 61 % ...
- The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005) new. 73 % ...
- Good Night Oppy (2022) new. Trailer.
What is the most viewed movie in Netflix? ›
'The Unforgivable' (2021)
Are there any uplifting movies on Netflix? ›- The Redeem Team.
- Toscana.
- Return to Space.
- 13: The Musical.
- Hustle.
- American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.
- Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl.
- Untold: The Rise and Fall of AND1.
- The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
- The Imitation Game.
- Ip Man.
- It Follows.
- First They Killed My Father.
- Dope.
- Mudbound.
Rank | Quotation | Year |
---|---|---|
1 | "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." | 1939 |
2 | "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." | 1972 |
3 | "You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am." | 1954 |
4 | "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." | 1939 |
- Dead Poets Society (1989) ...
- The Pursuit Of Happiness (2006) ...
- Good Will Hunting (1997) ...
- School of Rock (2003) ...
- Stand and Deliver (1988) ...
- The History Boys (2009) ...
- The Social Network (2010) ...
- Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
- “ May the Force be with you.” - Star Wars, 1977.
- “ There's no place like home.” - The Wizard of Oz, 1939.
- “ I'm the king of the world!” - ...
- “ Carpe diem. ...
- “ Elementary, my dear Watson.” - ...
- “ It's alive! ...
- “ My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. ...
- “ I'll be back.” -
- The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - ...
- The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - ...
- Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. ...
- If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. -
- "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." Gone with the Wind (1939) ...
- "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." The Godfather (1972) ...
- "You don't understand! I coulda had class. ...
- "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." The Wizard of Oz (1939) ...
- "Here's looking at you, kid."
- Die Hard (1988) Director: John McTiernan. ...
- Aliens (1986) Film. ...
- Seven Samurai (1954) Director: Akira Kurosawa. ...
- The Wild Bunch (1969) Director: Sam Peckinpah. ...
- Police Story (1985) Director: Jackie Chan. ...
- Enter the Dragon (1973) ...
- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) ...
- Hard Boiled (1992)
...
Not in order of importance.
- Bruce Almighty. ...
- The Peaceful Warrior. ...
- The Family Man. ...
- Click. ...
- Forrest Gump. ...
- The Secret. ...
- Groundhog Day. ...
- The Bucket List.
What is a meaningful movie? ›
"Meaningful movies actually help people cope with difficulties in their own lives, and help them want to pursue more significant goals," said Jared Ott, lead author of the study and a graduate student in communication at The Ohio State University.
Which is the best motivational video? ›- Al Pacino's Inspirational Speech: 7940962f. ...
- Good Will Hunting – Park Scene: BiSONN16. ...
- Never, Ever Give Up: DDP YOGA. ...
- The Power of Words: RedSnappa. ...
- Dead Poets Society: TheBlessedExpress. ...
- Sacrifice: TAP. ...
- 9: Rocky Balboa's Inspirational Speech: ...
- 10: Entrepreneurs Can Change the World:
- Good Will Hunting (1997)
- Lean on Me (1989)
- The Paper Chase (1973)
- 21 (2008)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Theory of Everything (2014)
- 42 (2013)
- The Social Network (2010)
S No | Movies | IMDb rating |
---|---|---|
1 | Back to the Future | 8.5/10 |
2 | Indiana Jones | 8.4/10 |
3 | Good Will Hunting | 8.3/10 |
4 | Harry Potter | 8/10 |