We all love fantasy movies with magnificent visuals and fighting, or maybe romcoms with warm and silly high school tropes. But there are a lot of movies that just touch our hearts and also provide us with important life lessons. These lessons go a long way as the impact stays through a beautiful story.
We have compiled a list of motivational movies that don’t preach too hard, but nevertheless, teach a lot about the human condition. These lessons are for life, and everyone should watch these films at least once in their lifetime.
15. The Family Man (2000)
‘The Family Man‘ is a romantic fantasy comedy-drama film starring Nicolas Cage and Téa Leoni, with Don Cheadle, Saul Rubinek, and Jeremy Piven in supporting roles. The movie chronicles the life of a single, highly successful investment banker. But he gets to experience an alternative life that he may have had if he made a different decision 13 years ago. The movie makes you think about your life decisions more than ever so you might have an existential crisis. However, it’s definitely among those movies that stay with you and change your perspective on life.
14. The Secret (2006)
‘The Secret‘ is a documentary self-help film based on a book of the same name. The movie is about the ‘Law of Attraction’ and positive thinking. It shows the power that our subconscious mind holds. The brilliant lies in how it will visibly bring a conscious shift in your mindset and set it to only think the right things.
13. The Peaceful Warrior (2006)
‘The Peaceful Warrior‘ stars Scott Mechlowicz as the protagonist. Directed by Victor Salva, the film follows Dan Millman, a student, and a famous gymnast. He has a dream to win the National Championship competition. However, things are not easy for him. He suffers from restlessness and has trouble sleeping at night. Although one night he decides to embark on a self-discovery journey.
12. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
When one comes across this dark comedy, it’s hard to imagine its feel-good factor. We get a dysfunctional family going on a road trip across the country for the only person who is peppy among this lot. It’s the nine-year-old Olive who wants to compete in a beauty pageant. However, through all their bouts of melancholy and distressing pasts, the family finds a ray of sunshine in the end. The movie teaches us how to let go of our tragedies and still find simple pleasures for those who count on us.
11. Click (2006)
‘Click’ is an American comedy film that was released in 2006, it stars Adam Sandler and Kate Beckinsale. The movie is directed by Frank Coraci. It follows the life of a man who receives a magical remote controller. The controller gives him the power to stop and fast forward through time. The film has a great plot and the humor keeps the mood lighthearted.
10. Bruce Almighty (2003)
‘Bruce Almighty’ starring Jim Carrey as Bruce Nolan merges modern-day issues with fantastical imagination. The story revolves around Bruce, a TV reporter who continues to have bad things that happen to him. After he blames god for his miserable life, he himself appears and gives him the power to do anything he wants. The film has a feel-good vibe to it being a romantic comedy however it holds a valuable lesson too. Instead of blaming others for your failings and always being miserable about not having enough, maybe take stock of what you are ruining due to your daydreams.
9. The Bucket List (2007)
‘The Bucket List’ is an adventure comedy-drama movie released in 2007. The film stars Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman and is directed by Rob Reiner. The movie follows two men who become friends after meeting in the same hospital after they are diagnosed with lung cancer. They then decide to do all the things on their bucket list before they die. The movie teaches us that life is indeed short and we should make the most of it.
8. Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde is not the usual fare of inspirational movies. In fact, when this pink-tinted Reese Witherspoon comedy dropped, it was hard for critics to take it seriously. The girl got into Harvard Law School just to prove her mettle to her ex-boyfriend. But, in that decision, she found her passion for the law and chased her ambitions. The message remains: it’s easy to judge, but it’s hard to find purpose, and no matter what route you take, just live for yourself.
7. The Lion King (1994)
‘The Lion King‘ is a popular animated film released in 1994. The movie takes inspiration from William Shakespeare’s well-known play, Hamlet. This all-time classic is a favorite for its myriad life lessons. It teaches us values like love, courage, and learning from the past. Oh yes! Don’t forget to grab a tissue with this one.
6. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Sure, this Robin Williams classic has its heartbreaking moments, but ‘Dead Poets Society‘ is a powerful film that has inspired generations of clueless students. Through the eccentric English professor John Keating, we learned that the road not taken can be wonderful. It’s important to seize the day and live life on your own terms, even if there is resistance. The goal is clear: carpe diem!
Related: ‘Dead Poets Society’: What Makes Robin Williams’ Coming-Of-Age Story A Timeless Classic?
5. Groundhog Day (1993)
‘Groundhog Day‘ is a fantastical comedy movie helmed by the phenomenal Bill Murray. The movie is directed by Harold Ramis and follows a TV weatherman who gets stuck in a time loop on the same day. Being the only one who recognizes this problem, he uses this for his selfish motives but soon realizes his mistakes. The movie has a fascinating concept with a life lesson.
4. Rocky (1976)
The iconic film that made Sylvester Stallone an overnight star in 1976 isn’t just essential for Hollywood’s sports genre. The movie’s timeless appeal remains in its underdog element. Rocky grapples with self-image, hones his talent to go up against the heavyweight world champion, Apollo Creed, and also understands the meaning of personal connections in the process.
3. Forrest Gump (1994)
‘Forrest Gump‘ is a comedy-drama film starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it’s easily among the greatest films ever made. The plot follows a man from Alabama and his life journey as he meets several public personalities and experiences historic events of the late 20th century.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Possibly the most influential film about American values and optimism in the face of life’s harsh challenges, ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a Frank Capra classic. Starring Jimmy Stewart as a man broken by life, someone who has given up on dreams and sees no point in life, the movie reveals how each life matters. Maybe the impact is not in the great scheme of things, but for our loved ones who can’t erase us from their minds and sense of joy.
1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith, and directed by Gabriele Muccino, ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ is a must-watch for everyone. The film follows a salesman and his struggles to sustain his family as he is rendered homeless. Despite being an easy option he never gives up on his life to secure a better living condition for his son. The movie teaches values like determination, hard work, and the unconditional love of a father for his son.
