Some films have the power to profoundly impact and alter the way we see ourselves and the world. Movies that deeply resonate with us can impart wisdom, hope, courage and emotional truths that awaken our spirits.
The most inspirational movies don't just entertain us, they help us reflect on our lives and motivate us to be better people. In this post, we have compiled a list of 20 such life-changing films that will redefine the way you look at the world.
The following films contain inspirational stories, characters and themes that can reframe our perspectives. They allow us to walk in others' shoes, open our minds, find strength during struggles and reflect on life's meaning.
Through stirring narratives and intimate human portrayals, these best motivational movies will inspire personal growth and stay with you long after the credits roll.
| Sr. No. | Movie Name | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | 8.7 | |
| 2 | 8.1 | |
| 3 | 8.4 | |
| 4 | 8.1 | |
| 5 | 9.0 | |
| 6 | 8.8 | |
| 7 | 9.3 | |
| 8 | 8.3 | |
| 9 | 8.6 | |
| 10 | 8.2 | |
| 11 | 8.6 | |
| 12 | 8.2 | |
| 13 | 8.6 | |
| 14 | 8.1 | |
| 15 | 8.0 | |
| 16 | 8.0 | |
| 17 | 8.0 | |
| 18 | 8.1 | |
| 19 | 8.4 | |
| 20 | 8.1 |
1 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
- Stars: Jack Nicholson (R.P. McMurphy), Louise Fletcher (Nurse Mildred Ratched), Will Sampson (Chief Bromden), William Redfield (Dale Harding), Brad Dourif (Billy Bibbit)
- Director: Miloš Forman
- Network: Fantasy Films, United Artists
- Release Date: November 19, 1975
- Run Time: 133 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Miloš Forman, based on Ken Kesey's 1962 novel. Jack Nicholson stars as Randle Patrick McMurphy, a rebellious convict who feigns mental illness to serve his sentence in a mental institution instead of prison. There, he clashes with the sadistic Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) while rousing his fellow patients.
Awarded the 'Big Five' Oscars including Best Picture, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is renowned for its anti-establishment themes and allegory of fighting soul-crushing conformity. Nicholson's magnetic performance as the nonconformist hero inspires us to question oppressive forces and uphold free thought. The film empowers us to rebel against the Ratcheds trying to subdue our spirits.
2 - Rocky (1976)
- Stars: Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa), Talia Shire (Adrian), Burt Young (Paulie Pennino), Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed), Burgess Meredith (Mickey Goldmill)
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Network: Chartoff-Winkler Productions, United Artists
- Release Date: December 3, 1976
- Run Time: 119 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer in Philadelphia given the chance to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). With no expectation of winning, he undertakes intense training to go the distance.
As an underdog story of grit, determination and resilient spirit, Rocky shows us that circumstances don't define who we are. It reminds us that with passion and perseverance, we can exceed perceived limitations. Rocky's courage to keep fighting despite the odds inspires us to believe in chasing our dreams against all adversity.
3 - Amadeus (1984)
- Stars: F. Murray Abraham (Antonio Salieri), Tom Hulce (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), Elizabeth Berridge (Constanze Weber), Roy Dotrice (Leopold Mozart), Christine Ebersole (Katerina Cavalieri)
- Director: Miloš Forman
- Network: Orion Pictures, The Saul Zaentz Company
- Release Date: September 19, 1984
- Run Time: 160 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Amadeus is a 1984 period biographical drama based on Peter Shaffer's play, depicting the rivalry between composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce portray the warring composers in 18th century Vienna under the reign of Emperor Joseph II.
Sweeping and tragic, Amadeus reminds us that obsessive jealousy can poison genius. Mozart's divine musical gifts stir bitterness and envy in the technically skilled yet less creative Salieri. The film offers a cautionary tale on resentment over talents we lack in ourselves or others. It also celebrates Mozart's scintillating artistic legacy.
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4 - Dead Poets Society (1989)
- Stars: Robin Williams (John Keating), Robert Sean Leonard (Neil Perry), Ethan Hawke (Todd Anderson), Josh Charles (Knox Overstreet), Gale Hansen (Charlie Dalton)
- Director: Peter Weir
- Network: Touchstone Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV
- Release Date: June 9, 1989
- Run Time: 128 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir, set in 1959 at a conservative prep school. English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) inspires his students to seize the day through his unorthodox teaching methods focused on poetry.
Through its stirring story and Williams' iconic performance, Dead Poets Society calls us to live boldly instead of conforming to societal expectations. Keating's message to follow our hearts and passions reminds us we are all free to live fully. The film motivates us to make the most of life rather than sleepwalking through it.
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5 - Schindler's List (1993)
- Stars: Liam Neeson (Oskar Schindler), Ben Kingsley (Itzhak Stern), Ralph Fiennes (Amon Göth)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Network: Amblin Entertainment, Universal Pictures
- Release Date: November 30, 1993
- Run Time: 195 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
- Language: English, German, Hebrew, Polish
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Schindler's List is a 1993 American historical drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. It follows German industrialist Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) who saves more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
Haunting and profound, Schindler's List reminds us that one person truly can make an immeasurable positive impact, redeem themselves and exemplify the best of humanity - even amidst unimaginable atrocities. It teaches us ethical courage and that a life lived only for oneself has no lasting meaning.
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6 - Forrest Gump (1994)
- Stars: Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump), Robin Wright (Jenny Curran), Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan Taylor), Sally Field (Mrs. Gump), Mykelti Williamson (Bubba)
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Network: Paramount Pictures
- Release Date: July 6, 1994
- Run Time: 142 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Forrest Gump is a 1994 American drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks. It depicts several decades in the life of slow-witted yet kind hearted Forrest Gump (Hanks) and his participation in major events during the 20th century.
Mixing comedy, drama and romance, Forrest Gump teaches us to embrace our individualism and inherent worth beyond our capabilities. Forrest's humility, virtue and unconditional compassion leave positive impacts despite his cognitive limitations. The film inspires us to lead with kindness and retain hope through life's unpredictability.
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7 - The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- Stars: Tim Robbins (Andy Dufresne), Morgan Freeman (Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding), Bob Gunton (Warden Samuel Norton), William Sadler (Heywood), Clancy Brown (Captain Hadley)
- Director: Frank Darabont
- Network: Columbia Pictures
- Release Date: September 23, 1994
- Run Time: 142 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 9.3
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on Stephen King's novella. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who is sentenced to life in the Shawshank State Penitentiary for murders he did not commit. Over decades, he befriends contraband smuggler Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman).
Shawshank reminds us that hope is vital and no prison can trap the human spirit. Andy's patience, resilience and refusal to submit inspires us during our darkest times. The film teaches timeless lessons about holding onto optimism through hardship and the salvation found in hope and friendship.
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8 - Braveheart (1995)
- Stars: Mel Gibson (William Wallace), Sophie Marceau (Princess Isabella), Patrick McGoohan (King Edward I), Angus Macfadyen (Robert the Bruce), Brendan Gleeson (Hamish)
- Director: Mel Gibson
- Network: Icon Productions, The Ladd Company, B.H. Finance C.V.
- Release Date: May 24, 1995
- Run Time: 178 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Language: English, French, Latin, Scottish Gaelic
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Braveheart is a 1995 American epic war film directed by and starring Mel Gibson as the legendary 13th-century Scottish warrior William Wallace. It dramatizes Wallace leading the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England.
The rousing medieval action film reminds us that tyranny can only prevail when good people do nothing. Wallace's courage teaches that freedom is a prize worth dying for. His inspirational uprising against oppression kindles our spirits to stand up for justice and resist even seemingly undefeatable rulers.
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9 - Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- Stars: Tom Hanks (Capt. John H. Miller), Matt Damon (Pvt. James Francis Ryan), Tom Sizemore (TSgt. Mike Horvath), Jeremy Davies (Cpl. Timothy E. Upham), Edward Burns (Pvt. Richard Reiben)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Network: DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures
- Release Date: July 24, 1998
- Run Time: 169 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Language: English, French, German, Czech
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film directed by Steven Spielberg, set during WWII's Normandy invasion. It follows a squad of Army Rangers led by John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) to find paratrooper Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), the last surviving brother of four servicemen.
Unflinching yet poetic in its depiction of war's horrors, Saving Private Ryan honors sacrifice in the name of others. The film's profound messages about service, duty and the lives we owe to each other remain deeply affecting. Its rousing call to earn the lives given for us inspires selflessness.
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10 - The Truman Show (1998)
- Stars: Jim Carrey (Truman Burbank), Laura Linney (Hannah Gill), Noah Emmerich (Marlon), Natascha McElhone (Lauren Garland / Sylvia), Ed Harris (Christof)
- Director: Peter Weir
- Network: Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions
- Release Date: June 5, 1998
- Run Time: 103 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Paramount+
The Truman Show is a 1998 American satirical social science fiction film directed by Peter Weir. It depicts the life of Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), a man living in a constructed reality television show filmed with hidden cameras since birth and broadcast worldwide - unbeknownst to him.
Profoundly thought-provoking, The Truman Show inspires us to break free from our preconceived notions, question outside influences and gain self-determination. Its omnipotent director symbolizes the media, capitalism, religion or other systemic powers dictating our existence. Truman's emancipation is our own.
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11 - The Green Mile (1999)
- Stars: Tom Hanks (Paul Edgecomb), Michael Clarke Duncan (John Coffey), David Morse (Brutus 'Brutal' Howell), Bonnie Hunt (Jan Edgecomb), James Cromwell (Warden Hal Moores)
- Director: Frank Darabont
- Network: Castle Rock Entertainment, Darkwoods Productions, Warner Bros. Pictures
- Release Date: December 10, 1999
- Run Time: 189 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama film directed by Frank Darabont, adapted from the Stephen King novel. It centers on death row guards at Cold Mountain penitentiary in 1935 including officer Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) and John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a giant inmate convicted of child murder who possesses a miraculous gift.
This supernatural tale urges us to look beyond surface appearances in others to uncover goodness - and vice versa. Coffey's gentleness despite persecution teaches profound lessons on morality and injustice. The film reminds us that those who exude virtue may be the most outwardly damned by society.
12 - A Beautiful Mind (2001)
- Stars: Russell Crowe (John Nash), Jennifer Connelly (Alicia Nash), Ed Harris (William Parcher), Paul Bettany (Charles), Adam Goldberg (Sol), Josh Lucas (Hansen), Anthony Rapp (Bender), Christopher Plummer (Dr. Rosen)
- Director: Ron Howard
- Network: DreamWorks Pictures, Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment
- Release Date: December 21, 2001
- Run Time: 135 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: fuboTV
A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 American biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard about the life of mathematician John Nash (Russell Crowe). It focuses on his brilliant career investigating the concept of governing dynamics and his struggles with schizophrenia. Jennifer Connelly plays his wife Alicia.
The film inspires us to support loved ones battling mental illness with patience and compassion. Nash's perseverance teaches that we should not let perceived limitations define us. A Beautiful Mind motivates us to overcome life's challenges through steadfast commitment to meaningful relationships and life purpose.
13 - Spirited Away (2001)
- Stars (voices): Rumi Hiiragi (Chihiro Ogino), Miyu Irino (Haku), Mari Natsuki (Yubaba), Bunta Sugawara (Kamajii), Yasuko Sawaguchi (Yumi), Tsunehiko Kamijo (Aogaeru)
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Network: Studio Ghibli
- Release Date: July 20, 2001
- Run Time: 125 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Language: Japanese
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated coming-of-age fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki about a sullen 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in the spirit world. There she must find work and discern friends from foes to escape back to her family.
Miyazaki's masterpiece teaches us courage, perseverance and responsibility through Chihiro's transformative odyssey. Her strength in the face of peril shows us that with determination, empathy and clarity of purpose, we can overcome life's disorienting trials to claim our best selves.
14 - Million Dollar Baby (2004)
- Stars: Clint Eastwood (Frankie Dunn), Hilary Swank (Maggie Fitzgerald), Morgan Freeman (Eddie 'Scrap-Iron' Dupris)
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Network: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Release date: December 15, 2004
- Run Time: 132 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 sports drama directed by Clint Eastwood who also stars as boxing trainer Frankie Dunn. When amateur boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank in an Oscar-winning role) approaches the reluctant Dunn, he eventually agrees to manage her career. As they form a close bond, Maggie's rapid success is cut short by a devastating injury. Eastwood's understated direction guides stunning performances from himself and Swank in this gritty, emotional film. It packs a powerful punch as their bond transcends the sport to tell a deeper human story.
15 - The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
- Stars: Will Smith (Chris Gardner), Thandie Newton (Linda Gardner), Jaden Smith (Christopher Gardner Jr.), Dan Castellaneta (Alan Frakesh), Kurt Fuller (Walter Ribbon)
- Director: Gabriele Muccino
- Network: Columbia Pictures
- Release date: December 15, 2006
- Run Time: 117 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes
The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 biopic based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner's struggles with homelessness. Will Smith delivers an emotional performance as Gardner who takes an unpaid internship while dealing with poverty and caring for his young son. The realistic portrayal of hardship combined with the undeterred spirit of a man determined to build a better life for his family make it a deeply inspiring rags-to-riches story. While depicting poverty's toll, it motivates us to persevere through unrelenting obstacles for those you love.
16 - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
- Stars: Mathieu Amalric (Jean-Dominique Bauby), Emmanuelle Seigner (Céline Desmoulins), Marie-Josée Croze (Henriette Durand), Anne Consigny (Claude), Patrick Chesnais (Dr. Lepage), Niels Arestrup (Roussin), Olatz López Garmendia (Marie Lopez)
- Director: Julian Schnabel
- Network: Pathé Renn Productions
- Release date: May 23, 2007
- Run Time: 112 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Language: English, French
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Stream on Kanopy
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a 2007 French biopic depicting the memoir of Jean-Dominique Bauby. After a stroke leaves him with locked-in syndrome, he dictates his experiences by blinking his left eye as a means of communication.
Director Julian Schnabel's innovative use of POV shots takes us into Bauby's world as he conveys his hopes and memories. Mathieu Amalric's nuanced performance drives this story about imagination's power. The film inspires us to connect with others and find freedom through our minds even when physically restrained.
17 - Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
- Stars: Dev Patel (Jamal Malik), Freida Pinto (Latika), Madhur Mittal (Salim Malik), Anil Kapoor (Prem Kumar), Irrfan Khan (Police Inspector)
- Director: Danny Boyle
- Network: Fox Searchlight Pictures
- Release date: January 23, 2009
- Run Time: 120 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Language: English, Hindi
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu
Slumdog Millionaire is Danny Boyle's 2008 drama about Jamal, an impoverished Indian teen who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Accused of cheating by the show host (Anil Kapoor), Jamal recounts his life story and how he learned the answers.
Jamal's journey with his brother and his unrequited love Latika (Freida Pinto) is both heartbreaking and life-affirming. From the vivid visuals to the stunning soundtrack, the film takes audiences on an exhilarating ride about perseverance. Inspiring and emotional, Slumdog Millionaire is an underdog story that stirs hope.
18 - Mary and Max (2009)
- Stars: Toni Collette (Mary Daisy Dinkle), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Max Jerry Horowitz), Barry Humphries (Narrator)
- Director: Adam Elliot
- Network: Icon Entertainment International
- Release date: April 9, 2009
- Run Time: 92 minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu
Mary and Max is a 2009 Australian stop-motion animated film that tells the tale of an unlikely pen pal friendship between two very different people – Mary, a lonely 8-year old girl living in Melbourne and Max, a middle-aged, obese New Yorker with Asperger's syndrome.
Their exchange of letters across continents forms a heartwarming, quirky story about an enduring cross-cultural friendship. The acclaimed claymation and brilliant voice acting bring these outcast characters to life in this poignantly funny and moving story. It inspires us to find common ground and connection.
19 - 3 Idiots (2009)
- Stars: Aamir Khan (Rancho), R. Madhavan (Farhan Qureshi), Sharman Joshi (Raju Rastogi), Kareena Kapoor (Pia), Boman Irani (Viru Sahastrabudhhe), Omi Vaidya (Chatur)
- Director: Rajkumar Hirani
- Network: Vinod Chopra Films
- Release date: December 25, 2009
- Run Time: 170 minutes
- IMDB Rating: 8.4
- Language: Hindi
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Netflix
3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan. It follows the friendship of three engineering students - Rancho, Farhan and Raju - and their clashes with the authoritarian system of their college.
Khan's lively portrayal of the innovative Rancho who encourages his friends to pursue their passions over rigid careers makes this an energetic portrayal of nonconformity. With hilarious antics mixed with moving messages about following one's heart, 3 Idiots became the highest-grossing Bollywood film at its time. Its universal theme of breaking free from societal pressures continues to inspire.
20 - The Help (2011)
- Stars: Emma Stone (Skeeter Phelan), Viola Davis (Aibileen Clark), Octavia Spencer (Minny Jackson), Bryce Dallas Howard (Hilly Holbrook), Jessica Chastain (Celia Foote), Allison Janney (Charlotte Phelan), Sissy Spacek (Mrs. Walters)
- Director: Tate Taylor
- Network: DreamWorks, Participant Media
- Release date: August 10, 2011
- Run Time: 146 minutes
- IMDB Rating: 8.1
- Language: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iTunes
Set in 1960s Mississippi, The Help stars Emma Stone as aspiring writer Skeeter who decides to write a book from the perspective of African-American maids, exposing the racism they suffer under their white employers. Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer earned Oscar nominations for their roles as maids who share their stories with Skeeter, despite the risks.
The Help brings racism and civil rights issues powerfully to the forefront through the strong performances and compelling friendships. With both heavy and uplifting moments, it reminds us that courage comes in all forms when standing up for justice.
DPM Top Picks
If we had to pick 3 life-changing movies from this list, we would go with the movies below:
- Forrest Gump is a whimsical yet heartwarming story that reminds us to appreciate the little moments in life.
- The Shawshank Redemption never fails to restore my faith in the resilience of the human spirit.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a stark reminder to fight oppression and retain your individuality against all odds. These three films have messages that stick with me long after watching them.
Final Verdict
The films on this list all have unique and inspiring stories that can motivate us, teach us valuable life lessons and help us see the world in a different light. Whether an uplifting drama, a fun-filled adventure, or an emotional biopic, these movies have the power to profoundly impact our lives for the better. So if you're feeling uninspired or simply want to watch something meaningful, put on one of these fantastic, thought-provoking films. Immerse yourself in memorable characters, riveting plots and timeless messages that will rekindle your passion for life.
FAQs
Q: What movies will change your life?
Schindler's List, Forrest Gump, Good Will Hunting, The Shawshank Redemption and Pursuit of Happyness.
Q: Which movie influenced your life the most?
Dead Poets Society
Q: What movie is inspiring?
Rocky, The Pursuit of Happyness, Gandhi, Invictus, Patch Adams, The Blind Side