Who doesn’t love movies that make our blood rush through our veins, make our souls sing, and make us stand up and put our best foot forward? Ever felt that feeling after watching a movie? There are some movies that just leave us feeling that we have to do better in life. These are the ones that make our hearts grow ten times bigger, or give us the strength of a warrior. They make us cry. They make us laugh. They give joy to our curious minds. But most importantly, they remind us about the things that are most worth living for and why we are alive.
Read on for our list of 10 movies that will have you resolving to be a better, happier person.
10. A Thousand Words
Words are powerful. What you say does matter. We don’t always think ahead to the consequences of our thoughts and actions, and sometimes we forget that what we has the power to hurt other people. A Thousand Words stars Eddie Murphy and follows the story of a literary agent who speaks too much, often stretching the truth a little to get what he wants. He then meets a spiritual guru who grants him a thousand words to use however he wishes. But he will have to choose his words wisely because when they run out, so will his life.
9. Soul Surfer
Bethany Hamilton is a teenaged champion surfer who gets attacked by a shark and loses her left arm. This movie shows not only how she manages to get back up after suffering the accident that almost shatters her dreams, but it also teaches us not to give up hope and reminds us that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
8. God’s Not Dead
This is a film about faith and the limits a young man will go to in order to defend his belief in God. This movie teaches us to never be afraid to stand up for what we believe in. Whatever the reasons are, if you know you’re right, you have to fight for it.
7. The Princess Diaries
Mia Thermopolis goes from nerdy schoolgirl to princess when the truth about her father’s identity comes out, and she struggles with her identity as a result—is she the same old Mia, or this Princess Mia she doesn’t even really know and isn’t sure she is cut out to be? This is a fun movie that reminds us that what we are doesn’t necessarily reflect who we are and that it’s important to be true to yourself and your friends, no matter what.
6. The Devil Wears Prada
Based on the best-selling novel of Lauren Weisberg, this movie is about a bright young woman who stumbles into the hectic world of high fashion and publishing. This movie underscores the idea that if you want something, you have got to work for it. No matter how hard it may be at times, you should never give up because if you do, you’ll never know if it all could have been worth it in the end.
5. Rise of the Guardians
When the evil spirit Pitch plans to take over the world, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children everywhere. This epic and magical adventure is about fear and faith. It will teach you to believe in and accept yourself; to never lose faith in your strengths and abilities. And it will also remind you that, even as an adult, you can still tap into that sense of childlike wonder that makes life, and the world, seem magical.
4. Life of Pi
This movie is a story within a story. After a shipwreck, Pi is left on a lifeboat with a tiger. The film focuses on Pi’s struggle to survive and make sense of the dehumanizing position in which he finds himself. Not only will it make you think about what’s important when all the trappings of your day-to-day existence are stripped away, but it will also teach you how to learn to let go, be humble, and stand up for yourself.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness
This film follows the life of a homeless man trying to raise his son in the best surroundings possible. He dreams of becoming successful and lands an internship where he works for long, strenuous hours hoping to get a full-time position at a brokerage firm. This movie reminds us that hard work, patience, and will power will go a long way to achieving any goals we set our minds on. It also stresses the importance of taking risks in life, if they have the potential for great rewards.
2. Forrest Gump
Here’s a story of an accidental billionaire who remains humble despite all his successes in life—one whose crystal-clear simplicity in his desire to do what’s right takes him through the chaos of wartime and the heartbreaking deaths of his loved ones. This movie reminds us that if you want something, you have to try to succeed. No perceived shortcoming is insurmountable if you have the willpower to see your dreams through to reality. And the fact is, life really is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get. The important thing is what you do with the cards (or the chocolates) you’ve been dealt.
1. In Time
In this movie, time is the only currency in circulation, and as in just about any society, there are haves and have nots in this world too. This movie reminds us that our lives our short, and time is one of your most valuable commodities, so it’s important not to waste it. Make the most of your time because you never know how much of it you have; choose to be thankful and to be happy. Ask yourself what you would do if you could measure the remaining minutes of your life. Then ask yourself why you aren’t doing it.
Have we left some of your fave inspiring movies off this list? Leave a comment to share your motivational flick picks!