25 Best Inspirational Movies You Shouldn T Miss 2023

At some point in our lives, the majority of us would have felt as though we had hit rock bottom. There’s nothing wrong with admitting it, as acceptance is the first step to see things as they are and move forward to better ourselves. The alternative to moving forward can vary from one person to another. It could be a meaningful book for one, a motivational song for another, or an uplifting movie for someone else. So if you are looking for the best movies to replenish your emotional energy and uplift your mood, we have got you covered. Motivational movies like Forrest Gump, Good Will Hunting, and many others can give us hope and encouragement when we need it the most and give us a fresh perspective. We have compiled a list of 25 inspirational movies to help you get through tough times and uplift your mood.

As Jogging Baboon from Bojack Horseman says, “It gets easier. Every day it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day — that’s the hard part. But it does get easier.” Indeed, life can be challenging at times, but you can watch one of the inspirational movies on this list to give you a new outlook on life.

• Forrest Gump (1994)The Shawshank Redemption (1994)Into the Wild (2007)The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)Life Is Beautiful (1997)Dead Poets Society (1989)It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)The Intouchables (2011)The Truman Show (1998)The Pianist (2002)The Green Mile (1999)Rush (2013)Whiplash (2014)Life of Pi (2012)Rocky (1976)Hacksaw Ridge (2016)Inside Out (2015)Amelie (2001)Little Miss Sunshine (2006)Everything Everywhere All at Once (2021)The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)Up(2009)My Left Foot (1989)Coda (2021)Soul (2020)Frequently Asked Questions

1. Forrest Gump (1994)

• IMDB: 8.8Rotten Tomatoes: 71%/95%Director: Robert ZemeckisWriter: Winston Groom, Eric RothCast: Tom Hanks, Robin WrightRuntime: 2 hours, 22 minutes

Robert Zemeckis’ most acclaimed motivational movie is indisputably regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Starring Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, the film is partially based on the same-titled novel. The film depicts the life of Forrest Gump, an innocent and kind-hearted guy from Alabama. Some of US history’s most pivotal events are told through the eyes of our lovely hero, who longs to be reunited with his childhood love.

Watch trailer here

• IMDB: 9.3Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/98%Director: Frank DarabontWriter: Frank DarabontCast: Tim Robbins, Morgan FreemanRuntime: 2 hours, 22 minutes

For decades, The Shawshank Redemption has been at the top of the IMDB’s highest-rated movies of all time. Inside the prison, the movie explores the friendship of two convicted guys. The film teaches us some of the most important life lessons, such as the power of hope, and can help alter our outlook on life. Also, this movie is based on Stephen King’s short novel Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.

3. Into the Wild (2007)

• IMDB: 8.1Rotten Tomatoes: 83%/89%Director: Sean PennWriter: Sean PennCast: Emile Hirsch, William HurtRuntime: 2 hours, 27 minutes

Sean Penn’s finest work has to be Into the Wild. This film is based on a real story and follows the life of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who abandons his usual life to seek the genuine beauty of nature and the world we live in. Throughout his travels, he encounters a variety of adventures and meets individuals who would play an essential role in defining his life later on.

• IMDB: 8Rotten Tomatoes: 67%/87%Director: Gabriele MuccinoWriter: Steve ConradCast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe NewtonRuntime: 1 hour, 56 minutes

The Pursuit of Happyness has to be Will Smith’s greatest big screen performance to date. Many people felt this film to be a turning point in their lives. This film is also inspired by the actual story of a man named “Chris Gardener” (who even makes an appearance at the end of the movie). The film shows Chris (Will Smith) as he struggles with his career and life as a salesperson while caring for his son (Jaden Smith).

“Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.” – Chris

• IMDB: 8.6Rotten Tomatoes: 81%/96%Director: Roberto BenigniWriter: Vincenzo Cerami, Roberto BenigniCast: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta BraschiRuntime: 2 hours, 2 minutes

Anyone can be inspired by Roberto Benigni’s heartbreaking drama, Life is Beautiful. The plot of this film takes place during World War II. It’s about a Jewish waiter and his family getting caught up in the horrors of war. He then uses his wits to shield his son from the perils that lie around the camp. This movie masterfully blends comedy, brilliance, melancholy, and powerful dialogues that make you inspired, along with the protagonist’s never-give-up mentality.

This inspiring movie received three Academy Awards – best actor, best soundtrack, and best foreign language picture. This film received a BAFTA award for best acting as well. This indeed conveys the idea that Roberto Benigni’s most acclaimed inspirational drama should not be forgotten at any cost.

• IMDB: 8.1Rotten Tomatoes: 84%/92%Director: Peter WeirWriter: Tom SchulmanCast: Robin Williams, Ethan HawkeRuntime: 2 hours, 8 minutes

Robin Williams has given us many feel-good movies that are talked about by generations decades later. Amongst them, it’s the Dead Poets Society that stands tall. This is a noteworthy and touching film about an English teacher named John Keating (Williams), who uses poetry to teach his students essential life lessons.

• IMDB: 8.6Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/95%Director: Frank CapraWriter: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, Philip Van Doren Stern, Jo SwerlingCast: James Stewart, Donna ReedsRuntime: 2 hours, 9 minutes

Since its premiere in the 1940s, It’s a Wonderful Life has been regarded as one of the most popular Christmas movies. The longevity of the film attests to its greatness. Frank Capra’s masterpiece narrates the story of a man who intends to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. But he is saved by an angel from heaven, who shows him what his loved ones’ lives would look like if he had never existed in the first place and also shows him the true value of his existence.

8. The Intouchables (2011)

• IMDB: 8.5Rotten Tomatoes: 76%/93%Director: Olivier Nakache, Eric ToledanoWriter: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache, Eric ToledanoCast: François Cluzet, Omar SyRuntime: 1 hour, 50 minutes

The Intouchables is a well-known French comedy-drama. The plot of this film revolves around an aristocrat named Philippe (Cluzet) who becomes a quadriplegic after an unfortunate paragliding accident. Later, he employs a young man named Driss (Omar Sy) as his caregiver. This movie explores the themes of friendship, adventure, and love in a comedic manner, and is bound to leave you amused in the end.

• IMDB: 8.2Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/89%Director: Peter WeirWriter: Andrew NiccolCast: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura LinneyRuntime: 1 hour, 42 minutes

The Truman Show is considered to be one of those movies that were released far ahead of its time. The psychological and satirical drama depicts the life of a man named Truman (Jim Carrey), who subsequently learns that his whole life is a reality TV show. Carrey is a show-stealer here with his magnificent performance in this movie.

“Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!” – Truman

• IMDB: 8.5Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/96%Director: Roman PolanskiWriter: Wladyslaw Szpilman, Ronald HarwoodCast: Adrien Brody, Emilia FoxRuntime: 2 hours, 28 minutes

Roman Polanski is an internationally respected filmmaker, and his movie The Pianist earned him all the honors he coveted in his life. This film tells the inspirational tale of a Polish Jewish musician (Adrien Brody) who struggles to survive in the war-torn Warsaw Ghetto during WWII. This movie was also highly celebrated as a musical marvel.

This movie won three Academy Awards: best director, best actor, and best writing. It excels at depicting a war-torn countryside as Roman Polanski personally survived in the same location as a child. As a result, he was able to recreate in the film what he had seen with his own eyes. Although the movie might seem depressing, the protagonist’s story inspires us to keep moving forward against all odds.

• IMDB: 8.6Rotten Tomatoes: 79%/94%Director: Frank DarabontWriter: Frank Darabont, Stephen KingCast: Tom Hanks, David MorseRuntime: 3 hours, 9 minutes

We’ll never be tired of Tom Hanks films. This guy has created countless masterpieces throughout his career. One of them is the green mile, in which he gives a spectacular performance. This film is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name and stars Tom Hanks as a death-row prison officer. The plot of this film is around how the guards’ lives are impacted when they meet a kind-hearted black guy accused of child murder. The film also delves into supernatural elements, since the guilty character possesses a mysterious ability.

• IMDB: 8.1Rotten Tomatoes: 88%/88%Director: Ron HowardWriter: Peter MorganCast: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia WildeRuntime: 2 hours, 3 minutes

Even if you aren’t a fan of Formula One, Rush is one of the most energizing movies out there. Rush is a biographical movie about two legendary Formula One racers, Niki Lauda and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth). This film is about more than just the sport, it is also about the respect between the two titans as they encourage and push each other to reach their full potential.

13. Whiplash (2014)

• IMDB: 8.5Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/94%Director: Damien ChazelleWriter: Damien ChazelleCast: Miles Teller, J.K.Simmons, Melissa BenoistRuntime: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Damien Chazelle has only directed a few films, yet he has already established himself as one of the best directors of all time. This clearly demonstrates the caliber of his movies. Whiplash is a life-changing music drama about a prodigious teenage drummer. Later, he meets an instructor at his music conservatory who begins to coach our hero in order to help him attain his full potential and fulfill his goals.

• IMDB: 7.9Rotten Tomatoes: 86%/84%Director: Ang LeeWriter: David MageeCast: Irrfan Khan, TabuRuntime: 2 hours, 5 minutes

Ang Lee’s Life of Pi is an adaptation of the same named novel by Yann Mortel. This movie follows the story of a young survivor in the seas who then embarks on an adventurous journey as he unexpectedly makes a connection with an odd survivor which is a Bengal Tiger. The movie recollects the adventures of Pi Patel in his early days when he was interviewed by a writer.

“I suppose, in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.” – Pi Patel

• IMDB: 8.1Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/69%Director: John G. AvildsenWriter: Sylvester StalloneCast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia ShireRuntime: 1 hour, 59 minutes

Rocky Balboa is a legendary figure in cinematic history, and Sylvester Stallone was born to play him. This motivational movie recounts the life of Rocky, a poor boxer who works as a debt collector in Philadelphia. When heavyweight champion Apollo Creed visits Philadelphia, he arranges a battle between himself and Rocky, giving Rocky the opportunity to create a reputation for himself in the boxing world.

Sports drama movies are always motivating, and what makes this one stand out is none other than Sylvester Stallone’s iconic performance. This film won three Academy Awards: best director, best editing, and best picture. This film is much more than simply boxing since it depicts Rocky’s struggles and how he surmounted them. Without a question, this is an inspirational movie at its best.

• IMDB: 8.1Rotten Tomatoes: 84%/91%Director: Mel GibsonWriter: Andrew Knight, Robert SchenkkanCast: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Teresa PalmerRuntime: 2 hours, 19 minutes

Hacksaw Ridge is the movie that proved to the world that Andrew Garfield is more than simply Spider-Man. Along with the uplifting plot, Andrew Garfield’s world-class performance in the film is the biggest positive. The plot revolves around Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), an American Army Medic during WWII who became the first soldier in American history to earn the Medal of Honor without firing a single shot.

• IMDB: 8.2Rotten Tomatoes: 98%/89%Director: Pete DocterWriter: Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh CooleyCast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Mindy KalingRuntime: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Pixar movies aren’t only for kids, they’re for everyone. With their devastating and wholesome endings, they may easily make a grownup cry. Inside Out is a popular Pixar film that follows the life of a little girl named Riley. When she is forced to relocate to San Francisco due to unforeseen circumstances, her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness – clash over how to manage this new life of her.

18. Amelie (2001)

• IMDB: 8.3Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/95%Director: Jean-Pierre JeunetWriter: Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Guillaume LaurantCast: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu KassovitzRuntime: 2 hours, 1 minute

Amelie (Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain) is a beloved French rom-com drama . The plot of the film is simplistic, It follows the life of Amelie (Audrey Tautou), a teenage waitress in Paris. She vows to help others find happiness, and while on this joyful journey, she meets the true love of her life.

• IMDB: 7.8Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/91%Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie FarisWriter: Michael ArndtCast: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul DanoRuntime: 1 hour, 42 minutes

Little Miss Sunshine is about a typical family who goes through some abnormal circumstances, and they band together to overcome the issue and restore happiness to their life. This motivating narrative, along with superstars such as Steve Carell, Paul Dano, and others, makes this movie a memorable family movie.

“A real loser is someone who’s so afraid of not winning he doesn’t even try.” – Edwin Hoover

• IMDB: 8.1Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/89%Director: Dan Kwan, Daniel ScheinertWriter: Dan Kwan, Daniel ScheinertCast: Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy QuanRuntime: 2 hours, 12 minutes

When Everything Everywhere All at Once was released in 2021, it quickly captured everyone’s attention, and it was regarded as one of the greatest movies of the decade. The story of this film is about a Chinese immigrant who goes on an epic quest in which she must unite all the various versions of her parallel universe in order to save the multiverse from impending devastation. The concept may appear relatively simple at first, but grab your popcorn and prepare for the most inspiring and surreal viewing experience of your life.

This film is truly mind-blowing since it makes you experience a mix of emotions while witnessing it. An interesting fact about this film is that the visual effects were done by only 9 individuals, and none of the VFX crew attended VFX school. This movie will be talked about for decades, so make sure to view it before and enjoy a multiversal and inspirational ride.

• IMDB: 7.3Rotten Tomatoes: 52%/71%Director: Ben StillerWriter: Steve ConradCast: Ben Stiller, Kathryn Hahn, Sean PennRuntime: 1 hour, 54 minutes

Although Ben Stiller’s feel-good adventure film was not well-reviewed by critics, it piqued the attention of moviegoers. This film is about a man named Walter (Ben Stiller) who goes on an adventure he never anticipated while he and his coworkers are about to be fired. The film features amazing cinematography as it was shot in Iceland.

• IMDB: 8.3Rotten Tomatoes: 98%/90%Director: Pete Docter, Bob PetersonWriter: Pete Docter, Bob PetersonCast: Ed Asner, Jordan NagaiRuntime: 1 hour, 29 minutes

Up is another Pixar classic motivational movie that should be seen right away. It follows the adventures of 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen, who travels to Paradise Falls with his house outfitted with large balloons and accidentally brings a little child with him.

23. My Left Foot (1989)

• IMDB: 7.9Rotten Tomatoes: 98%/92%Director: Jim SheridanWriter: Jim Sheridan, Shane Connaughton Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda FrickerRuntime: 1 hour, 43 minutes

My Left Foot is an incredible motivational movie that is based on Christy Brown’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of Christy Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), a man with cerebral palsy. But he does not let his condition prevent him from becoming the artist and writer he always has wanted to be.

• IMDB: 8Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/91%Director: Sian HederWriter: Sian HederCast: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee MatlinRuntime: 1 hour, 51 minutes

CODA stands for Child of Deaf Adults. Ruby is the only hearing member of her deaf family and the protagonist of the story. Ruby is stuck between aiding her family with their fishing company and pursuing her dream at Berklee College of Music, and the story revolves around how she finds a way to put her life back together. This movie is a remake of the 2014 French-Belgian movie La Famille Bélier.

“It’s a duet. That means you du-et [read do it] together!” – Bernando

• IMDB: 8Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/88%Director: Pete DocterWriter: Pete Docter, Mike Jones, Kemp PowersCast: Jamie Foxx, Tina FeyRuntime: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Pixar’s soul is a soulful contribution to their heartwarming filmography. In Soul’s Story, Joe is a New York jazz pianist named who gets the gig of a lifetime. But then he finds himself in a mysterious land somewhere between earth and the afterlife. He must now help an infant soul in order to return to his existence.

Soul won two Oscars and two BAFTAs for Best Original Score and Best Animated Feature Film, respectively. This motivational movie concludes with a great message about how you should rejoice and be joyful in all of life’s tiny moments. As a result, Soul is another great addition to the list of inspirational movies.

Which is the best life-changing movie?

They serve an important role because they can give you the necessary boost of positivity and hope in your life during the darkest times.