Inspirational Movies About Life

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. Over the course of the film, he befriends a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. Through his ingenuity, Andy helps the other prisoners find hope and eventually gains his own freedom. The film was critically acclaimed on release and was a box office success. It has since become one of the most beloved films of all time.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Caroline Goodall
Rated R

Schindler's List is a 1993 American epic historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. The film follows Oskar Schindler, a Sudeten German businessman, who together with his Jewish workforce saved the lives of over a thousand mainly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. The film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, an ethnic German businessman who risked his life to save more than 1,000 Jews from extermination during the Holocaust by employing them in his factory during World War II. When Nazis begin systematically exterminating the Jews of Krakow, Schindler convinces them to allow him to move the Jews to a nearby town and work in a factory. There, he puts his business skills, ingenuity, and connections to use in order to save as many lives as possible. Along the way, Schindler's relationships with his Jewish employees and with other key

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film tells the story of an incredibly kind-hearted and slow-witted man named Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), and the journey he takes through life as he meets a variety of interesting characters and experiences a range of remarkable events. Throughout his life, Forrest never gives up, despite being confronted with many obstacles and misfortune. His unwavering optimism, innocence and determination to do what's right, make him an inspiring figure. The film also stars Robin Wright, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, and Mykelti Williamson. The film was a commercial and critical success and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hanks. Forrest Gump is a classic film that still resonates with audiences to this day.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 American drama film directed by Milos Forman and based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a rebellious criminal deemed mentally ill, who is sent to a mental institution for evaluation. It is set in an Oregon psychiatric hospital in 1963, where McMurphy's struggle with the authoritarian Nurse Ratched dominates the lives of the other inmates. The film also stars Louise Fletcher, William Redfield, Will Sampson, and Brad Dourif. The story follows McMurphy's attempts to stand up against the oppressive Nurse Ratched, ultimately resulting in a battle of wills with a shocking outcome. Through its depiction of institutional power and the effects of mental illness, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest provides a powerful and insightful exploration of the human condition. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
Rated R

Saving Private Ryan tells the story of a group of U.S. soldiers during World War II who are sent on a mission to find a paratrooper, Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have all been killed in action. The mission, led by Captain John Miller, takes the soldiers behind enemy lines in order to bring Ryan home safely. Along the way, the men must face fierce German resistance and come to terms with the horrors of war. Ultimately, the mission is successful, though not without great sacrifice. Saving Private Ryan is a powerful and moving story of courage and friendship in the face of overwhelming odds.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is an Academy Award-winning Japanese animated fantasy film, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the story of Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who, after moving to a new town, finds herself trapped in a mysterious spirit world. With the help of a mysterious boy named Haku and a cast of eccentric spiritual beings, Chihiro must find a way to free her parents from the spell of an evil witch and return safely to her own world. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of family. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest animated films of all time.

From Frank Darabont, starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
Rated R

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy crime drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1996 Stephen King novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks as Paul Edgecomb, a death row corrections officer on a prison's eponymous mile who witnesses supernatural events that occur after a mysterious inmate, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) is brought to his facility. Coffey possesses a miraculous, supernatural empathy and healing power which, as Edgecomb eventually discovers, may have been put to use for his own execution. The film also stars David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter, and Sam Rockwell. The film's setting is during the Great Depression, focusing on the death row inmates of a Louisiana prison. It follows Edgecomb's journey as he gradually discovers the truth about Coffey and comes to understand the meaning behind Coffey's miraculous abilities. It is a story of compassion and redemption, as Edgecomb ultimately shows mercy to Coffey, and is profoundly affected by Coffey's actions.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is a 2011 French buddy comedy-drama directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. It tells the story of Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, who hires a young ex-con, Driss, as his live-in caregiver. Despite their differences in background and lifestyle, the two men form a strong and unlikely bond. Driss teaches Philippe to embrace life and take risks again, while Philippe helps Driss gain confidence and find direction in life. Along the way, they both learn important lessons about life, love, and friendship. The film ends with both men gaining a newfound understanding of each other and appreciation for what they have gained from their unlikely friendship.

From Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi
Rated PG-13

3 Idiots is a 2009 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, written by Abhijat Joshi, and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Omi Vaidya, Boman Irani, and Mona Singh in pivotal roles. The film follows the friendship of three friends, Rancho (Khan), Farhan (Madhavan), and Raju (Joshi), at the Imperial College of Engineering (ICE), one of the best engineering colleges in India. The story follows the trio's endeavors as they challenge the establishment and seek to find success on their own terms. Through a series of misadventures, Rancho struggles to help and encourage his two friends to follow their dreams. Along the way, they confront social pressures, and ultimately stand up to the college's oppressive administration. In the end, the three friends are rewarded for their efforts and find success. Ultimately, the film's message is to pursue the path of one's dreams and live life according to one's own terms.

From Mel Gibson, starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen
Rated R

Braveheart is an epic historical drama directed by Mel Gibson, starring Gibson as the legendary Scottish hero William Wallace. Set in the late 13th century, the film centers around Wallace's fight for freedom for Scotland from English rule. Wallace rallies the Scottish clans to form an army and leads them into battle against the ruthless King Edward I and his soldiers. With passion and courage, Wallace inspires the Scots to take a stand and fight for what they believe in. The film culminates in a climactic battle at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where Wallace and his men emerge victorious. Braveheart is a sweeping, emotionally charged tale of courage, honor, and sacrifice that won five Oscars, including Best Picture.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a 1984 historical drama film directed by Milos Forman. It tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's rise to fame and his eventual downfall due to his rivalry with Antonio Salieri. Salieri, a court composer to the Emperor of Austria, is jealous of Mozart's talent and is determined to destroy him. The film follows Mozart's attempts to establish himself as a composer and Salieri's attempts to sabotage him. The film was nominated for 53 awards and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made and has become a classic of the genre.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

A Beautiful Mind tells the story of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash, played by Russell Crowe, who suffers from schizophrenia. The film follows Nash's journey from his early days at Princeton University to his eventual recovery. Along the way, Nash encounters paranoia and delusions of grandeur that threaten to derail his career. He is eventually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and is forced to confront his illness and the truth of his life. With the help of his devoted wife (Jennifer Connelly) and a sympathetic therapist (Ed Harris), Nash learns to manage his condition and eventually triumphs over his illness. The film is a powerful exploration of the power of love, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit.

From Peter Weir, starring Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

The Truman Show is a 1998 American comedy-drama film starring Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who has spent his entire life unknowingly living in a large-scale television show. The story follows Truman's quest to discover the truth of his life and the reality of the world around him as he realizes that his entire life is being broadcast on national television. Along the way, he is aided by his best friend Marlon, played by Noah Emmerich, as well as a growing sense of paranoia about the world he lives in. With the help of an old lover, Truman ultimately discovers the truth about his life and is able to confront his creator and finally break out of the show that had been his prison for so long.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

"Rocky" is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags to riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working class Italian-American boxer working as a debt collector for a loan shark in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when fortuitous circumstances make him a challenger against the champion, Apollo Creed. Through determination, courage, and an iron will, Rocky struggles to come out of his corner and to go the distance for his self-respect. In the process, Rocky underscores the importance of pride and self-worth in being able to transcend social and economic boundaries.

From Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles
Rated PG

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film directed by Peter Weir, written by Tom Schulman, and starring Robin Williams. Set at an all-male preparatory school in New England in 1959, the film tells the story of English professor John Keating, who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry and his lessons about the importance of thinking for oneself. The students, initially resistant to Keating's enthusiasm and unconventional teaching methods, ultimately come to recognize their individual talents and take risks to pursue their dreams. The film's climax involves the students standing on their desks in tribute to Keating. The film has become a cult classic and remains one of the most beloved films of the 1980s.

From Tate Taylor, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

The Help is a 2011 drama film directed by Tate Taylor and starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer. Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the film tells the story of a young white woman named Skeeter (Stone) who returns home from college to care for her ailing mother. She begins interviewing black maids who work for white families, and in the process discovers a number of secrets and injustices that the maids have been facing. With the help of her friend, a civil rights activist named Abileen (Davis), Skeeter begins to write a book chronicling the experiences of the maids, ultimately giving them a voice in the segregated society. Through Skeeter's efforts, the maids are empowered to stand up for themselves and bring about a change in the city. Along the way, Skeeter learns about friendship, courage, and standing up for what she believes in.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American sports drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman. The film follows the story of Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined woman who wants to become a professional boxer. She seeks out the guidance of Frankie Dunn, an aging boxing trainer and manager who is reluctant to train her at first. Despite his reluctance, Maggie's determination and talent win him over and he decides to help her pursue her dreams. As their relationship develops, they must face the harsh realities of the boxing world and the personal issues they must overcome in order to succeed. The film earned numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith, Brian Howe
Rated PG-13

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 film starring Will Smith, directed by Gabriele Muccino. It tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesperson who is homeless and struggling to provide for his son. With the help of his son and extraordinary determination, Chris eventually lands a prestigious internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, creating a better future for himself and his son. Despite the hardships and struggles, Chris never gives up on his dream of becoming a successful stock broker. Through his journey, he teaches his son valuable life lessons about determination and perseverance.

From Directors: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan, starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, Anil Kapoor
Rated R

Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British drama film directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan and written by Simon Beaufoy. It is based on the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup and stars Dev Patel as Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of the popular TV game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and wins the top prize. Jamal is unexpectedly arrested and subjected to police torture during a “cheating” investigation, despite protests from the show’s host Prem Kumar (Anil Kapoor). Through losing consciousness, Jamal remembers his life story and the experiences that led him to correctly answer the questions and win the grand prize. The story follows Jamal’s life from his childhood in the slums, including his separation from his brother, his life with a gang of street children, and his desperate struggle to survive in the face of poverty and violence. Jamal’s journey is narrated by an older, wiser version of himself, and the film culminates with his return to the game show, and his reunion with his long-lost brother. Slumdog Millionaire

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly tells the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), a successful French fashion editor and a 43-year-old father of two. After suffering a stroke, Jean-Do is left completely paralyzed, with the exception of his left eye, which he is able to blink and open. He is then placed in a hospital and diagnosed with the rare “locked-in syndrome.” Jean-Do is confined to a diving bell, unable to speak, eat, or move. With the help of an imaginative speech therapist (Emmanuelle Seigner), Jean-Do slowly learns to communicate through blinking his eye. His book, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,” is composed entirely through this method and becomes a bestseller. Through his struggle, Jean-Do discovers a new way of living and discovers that his inner self is still intact despite his physical limitations.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film based on the true story of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team. After the Supreme Court ruling to integrate the schools, the newly appointed African American head coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) struggles to overcome the deep-seated resentments of his players and their families in Alexandria, Virginia. With the help of his assistant coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton), Coach Boone rallies the team to come together and overcome the odds, eventually leading to the team's undefeated season and a berth in the state championship game. Along the way, the team and the community come to terms with integration and the power of teamwork, ultimately becoming an important part of the civil rights movement.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez, Lari White
Rated PG-13

Cast Away is a 2000 American survival drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks. The film tells the story of a FedEx executive stranded on an uninhabited island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific. Stranded without any human contact and resources, he is forced to improvise to survive. The film follows his story over the course of four years, as he learns to cope with the loneliness and how he ultimately makes the journey back to civilization. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of friendship, courage, and the strength of the human spirit.

From Danny Boyle, starring James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Sean Bott
Rated R

127 Hours is a 2010 biographical survival drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy and adapted from the memoir Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston. The film stars James Franco as Aron Ralston, a canyoneer who becomes trapped by a boulder in an isolated slot canyon in Blue John Canyon, southeastern Utah, in April 2003. Over the next five days, Ralston examines his life and survives the ordeal by cutting off his arm. The film details Ralston's attempt to save himself after he becomes trapped and injured by a boulder while exploring a slot canyon in Moab, Utah. He considers abandoning hope and letting himself die, but ultimately decides to amputate his own arm to free himself from the boulder. After a grueling struggle, Ralston is eventually rescued and taken to a hospital, where he recovers from his ordeal. The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Franco's performance. The film is a testament to Ralston's courage, strength and his will to survive.

From Gabriele Muccino, starring Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy
Rated PG-13

Seven Pounds is a drama starring Will Smith as Ben Thomas, an IRS agent who embarks on a journey of self-discovery following a tragedy in his life. After the accident, Ben is determined to change the lives of seven strangers by donating part of his body to those in need. As he struggles to come to terms with his past, Ben discovers the true power of love, redemption and self-sacrifice. Along the way, Ben learns that sometimes the greatest gift you can give another person is yourself.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chi McBride, Stanley Tucci
Rated PG-13