Movies About Changing Your Life

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andrew "Andy" Dufresne, a banker 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 his life in the prison, Andy develops a friendship with fellow inmate Ellis "Red" Redding, played by Morgan Freeman, and finds himself protected by the guards after the corruption of the warden is exposed. The film portrays the hope and camaraderie between the inmates as well as Andy's struggle against despair and injustice. It is widely considered one of the greatest 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. It is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as SS officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern. The film follows Schindler and his attempts to help Jews avoid deportation to concentration camps. Along the way, he struggles against the Nazi bureaucracy, coming into conflict with Göth and eventually creating an elaborate production system that saves the lives of hundreds of Jews. The film also pays tribute to the courage and ingenuity of Schindler's Jewish workers. In the end, Schindler is forced to confront the enormity of his actions and the consequences of his choices. Schindler's List won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score. It is widely considered to be one of the best films ever made.

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 and written by Eric Roth. It is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom, and stars Tom Hanks as the titular character, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and unwittingly influences several defining historical events in the 20th century in the United States. The story depicts several decades in the life of Forrest Gump, a dim-witted but kindhearted and athletically prodigious man from Alabama, who witnesses and unwittingly influences several key events in American history in the 20th century. Forrest Gump is a Southern gentleman with a low IQ but good intentions. He is running through childhood with his best and only friend Jenny. His 'mama' teaches him the ways of life and leaves him to choose his destiny. Forrest joins the army for service in Vietnam, finding new friends called Dan and Bubba, he wins medals, creates a famous shrimp fishing fleet, inspires people to jog, and starts a ping-pong craze. However, this is all irrelevant to Forrest who can only think of his childhood sweetheart Jenny Curran, who has messed up her life. Although in

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 comedy-drama film directed by Milos Forman. It is an adaptation of the 1962 novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Randle McMurphy, a charming rogue who is sent to a mental institution after feigning insanity to get out of a prison work farm. He clashes with the oppressive Nurse Ratched, whose rule over the inmates of the hospital is absolute. With help from his fellow inmates, McMurphy leads a revolt against the authoritarian regime of the ward, ultimately allowing the inmates to gain control over their own destiny. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Nicholson, and Best Director for Forman.

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 and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows Chihiro, a sullen 10-year-old girl who, while moving to a new neighborhood, enters the world of spirits and gods. After her parents are transformed into giant pigs, Chihiro is put to work in a bathhouse for the gods, where she encounters a vast array of spirits and supernatural creatures. With the help of the mysterious Haku and a cast of unique characters, Chihiro embarks on a journey of self-discovery and courage as she attempts to free her parents and return to the human world. The film is widely praised for its engaging story, strong characters, and breathtaking animation.

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

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. Set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II, the film follows United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last-surviving brother of four servicemen. In the present day, an elderly Ryan visits the American cemetery at Omaha Beach with his family. He asks the grave of Miller, who fought alongside him to save him, why he was spared. The film then flashes back to the beginning of the invasion. Miller's squad lands on Omaha Beach, facing heavy resistance from German forces. While searching for Ryan, Miller and his squad cross through hostile territory while encountering heavy resistance. After numerous close calls, they eventually reach a bridge that Miller believes is guarded by Ryan. They meet a German soldier, who reveals that the bridge is in fact unguarded. Miller's squad then comes under fire from a Tiger tank, which is eventually destroyed. They eventually find Ryan, but Miller is killed in the process. Ryan, now with Miller's squad, returns to the United

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

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama film, directed by Frank Darabont, and based on Stephen King's 1996 novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hanks as Paul Edgecomb and Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey, two prison guards on Cold Mountain Penitentiary's death row, nicknamed the Green Mile, in the 1930s. Edgecomb's life is changed when John Coffey, a mysterious inmate with supernatural powers, is brought to the prison. Edgecomb eventually comes to believe that Coffey has been sent to Cold Mountain for a reason and is determined to help him. As Coffey's execution date draws near, Edgecomb must try and save him before it is too late. The film explores the relationship between Edgecomb and Coffey, as well as the supernatural themes found in the novel. The Green Mile also explores themes of justice and redemption, and the power of faith and friendship.

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

The Intouchables follows the story of Driss, an ex-con from the tough neighborhoods of Paris, and his sudden employment as the caretaker of Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two develop a unique and heartwarming friendship. Over the course of their time together, Driss helps Philippe rediscover joy and the beauty of life, while Philippe provides Driss with a newfound appreciation and respect for life. Despite the roadblocks they face, they come together to show the world what it truly means to be an inspiration.

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

Amadeus is a 1984 award-winning epic period drama film directed by Milos Forman, adapted by Peter Shaffer from his stage play of the same name. Set in the 18th century, the movie tells the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a remarkably talented composer, and his music rival Antonio Salieri. Salieri, a court composer for Emperor Joseph II, is driven by envy and a desire for revenge against Mozart for his superior musical genius. The movie follows the story of both men, their love for music, and the challenges and successes that come with it. The story culminates in the last musical composition of Mozart, his Requiem, which is commissioned by a mysterious messenger from the Emperor and completed shortly before his death. Amadeus is a powerful story that highlights the beauty of music and the power of human ambition and jealousy.

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 and written by Abhijat Joshi. It was adapted from the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. The movie stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani and Omi Vaidya. The story follows the lives of three engineering students: Farhan (Madhavan), Raju (Joshi), and Rancho (Khan). Farhan and Raju try to fit into their academic lives at the Imperial College of Engineering, but Rancho is an unconventional and rebellious student who has a different way of looking at life. Rancho’s rebellious spirit and enthusiasm for life and learning endear him to his friends and the faculty, but he soon finds himself at odds with the school’s authoritarian Dean Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Irani). The story follows the three characters as they experience a range of emotions while dealing with the pressures of college, as well as their personal struggles. The movie is ultimately a story of friendship and self-discovery, as the three friends come to terms with the choices they

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

Braveheart is a 1995 epic war film directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The film chronicles the life of 13th-century Scottish warrior William Wallace and his quest to lead his countrymen to freedom from the oppressive rule of King Edward I of England. Wallace rallies the Scots in a rebellion against the English, and through his leadership, unites the Scottish people to fight for their freedom. Despite his bravery and tactical prowess, Wallace is ultimately betrayed and executed for treason, but his courage and sacrifice inspire his compatriots to fight on, ultimately leading to Scotland’s independence. The film portrays Wallace’s story as a classic tale of courage and sacrifice, and is renowned for its stirring battle scenes.

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

The Truman Show is a 1998 American science fiction comedy-drama film directed by Peter Weir, written by Andrew Niccol, and starring Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank. The film tells the story of Truman, a man whose life is a fake one; it has been broadcast around the world as a TV show from his birth. Truman is unaware of this, and believes that his life is normal, while his relationships, career, and home are all staged in a giant studio. As the show's creator, Christof (Ed Harris), watches over him, Truman gradually becomes aware of the fact that he is being watched and his life is not what it seems. The film follows Truman's quest to discover the truth of his life and escape his manufactured reality. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its originality and humorous elements. The Truman Show was a commercial success, earning over $125 million during its theatrical run. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Carrey.

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

"A Beautiful Mind" is a 2001 biographical drama film directed by Ron Howard. It tells the story of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics and a mathematician who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. The film follows Nash's journey as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, eventually learning to cope with his illness. The film also explores the themes of love, friendship, and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite his illness, Nash is able to discover a revolutionary concept in the world of mathematics. Through this, he is able to gain recognition and respect from his peers and the world. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of the mind to overcome adversity.

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, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but good-hearted debt collector for a loan shark in Philadelphia. Rocky gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship when the current titleholder, Apollo Creed, decides to give an unknown fighter a chance to prove himself. Rocky trains hard with his trainer, Mickey Goldmill, and in the process, begins a relationship with Adrian, the shy, reclusive sister of his friend Paulie. With the help of Mickey and Adrian, Rocky is able to go the distance in the fight against Apollo, even though he ultimately loses the match. In doing so, however, he gains respect from the crowd and earns the love of Adrian, who he eventually marries. The film ends with Rocky's iconic climb up the 72 stone steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 drama film directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams as an English teacher at a conservative boys' preparatory school in 1959. The story follows English teacher John Keating, who encourages his students to challenge the status quo and "think for themselves." Through Keating's unconventional teaching methods, he inspires his students to look beyond traditional views of life and literature and encourages them to find their own individual paths in life. The film explores the issues of conformity, freedom of expression, and the conflict between passion and practicality. It is a coming-of-age story, as the students learn to embrace the power of their own voices and make difficult decisions about their futures. The film was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for numerous awards, including four Academy Awards.

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

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 sports drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman. It tells the story of a female boxer, Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank), and her determination to become a professional boxer with the help of her hard-nosed boxing trainer and manager, Frankie Dunn (Eastwood). Despite Dunn's reluctance to take on a female fighter, Maggie's talent and determination eventually win him over and they develop a deep bond of friendship. Along the way, Maggie is faced with difficult choices and hardships, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking tragedy. The film explores themes of hope, determination, and friendship and received numerous awards, including four Academy Awards.

From Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang
Rated Not Rated

Pink is a 2016 Indian courtroom drama film directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and produced by Rashmi Sharma and Shoojit Sircar. The film tells the story of three young working women in Delhi and the court case they bring against the man who assaults them. The three women, Meenal (Taapsee Pannu), Falak (Kirti Kulhari), and Andrea (Andrea Tariang), are living in an apartment and their landlord's son, Rajveer (Angad Bedi), is making advances on them. After they reject him, he and his friends break into their apartment one night and, while they are away, threaten and harass the other girls. In response, the women file a lawsuit against Rajveer and his friends in court. The film follows the court case as the women fight for their justice and freedom in a society hostile to the idea of women having autonomy. The film was a critical and commercial success, with particular praise for its depiction of gender dynamics and its courtroom drama.

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

The Help is an American period drama film released in 2011, directed and written by Tate Taylor, and based on Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel of the same name. Set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s, the story focuses on Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis), a middle-aged African-American maid who reluctantly agrees to help Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), a young white woman, to write a book about the African-American domestic workers of the region. As the story progresses, Aibileen and Skeeter develop a close bond and Aibileen's best friend Minny (Octavia Spencer) joins them in their endeavor. Together, the three women risk their jobs, reputations, and well-being to help expose the injustices they face in the Jim Crow South. The Help ultimately becomes an inspiring story of strength and courage in the face of adversity.

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

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an award-winning film directed by Julian Schnabel. It is based on the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French journalist who suffered a paralyzing stroke and was left only able to communicate by blinking one eye. The film follows Bauby's journey as he struggles to reconnect with the outside world and to reclaim his life in spite of the physical limitations imposed upon him. Through Bauby's interactions with his nurses, doctor, and family, he learns to accept his new reality and make the most of it. The film is a powerful exploration of human resilience and the power of imagination in the face of adversity.

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

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 biographical drama directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith. The movie follows the true story of Chris Gardner, a single father struggling to make ends meet while pursuing his dream of becoming a stock broker. Chris and his son are evicted from their apartment and they must live in shelters and homeless centres. Despite his hardships, Chris never gives up and continues to strive for success. With hard work and determination, Chris eventually lands an unpaid internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. Through sheer resilience and dedication, Chris eventually works his way up to becoming a successful stockbroker. The film is a touching portrayal of the power of hard work and determination to rise above adversity.

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

Slumdog Millionaire is an Academy Award winning film from 2008, directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan. It tells the story of Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai who is one question away from winning the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Through a series of flashbacks, the movie reveals how Jamal knows the answers to the seemingly impossible questions. The movie follows Jamal as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about his past, his culture, and his dreams for the future. With the help of his brother Salim, Jamal is able to rise above his circumstances, and ultimately find his place in the world.

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. The film follows the newly appointed African-American coach, Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), and his attempt to integrate the school's football team in the wake of the desegregation of the school. The team, made up of both African-American and white players, must overcome racism and prejudice in order to unify and come together to win. With the help of assistant coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton), Boone works to overcome the obstacles and leads the team to the state championship. Along the way, the players and coaches form a deep bond and learn the importance of teamwork and respect.

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

Cast Away is a 2000 American drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks. The film follows the story of Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive who is stranded on an uninhabited island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific Ocean. He soon learns how to survive on the island by learning to create fire, build shelter and find food. Throughout the film, Chuck struggles to stay alive while also attempting to make his way back home. With only a volleyball, Wilson, as company, Chuck's faith and resilience are tested as he fights to stay alive on the island in order to make it back to his loved ones.

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

Ben Thomas (Will Smith) is an IRS agent whose life is filled with guilt and regret. After a tragic accident in which he was responsible for the death of seven people, Ben sets out to make amends for his mistake by helping seven strangers. He meets each of them in turn and does whatever he can to make their lives better. He also begins to fall for Emily (Rosario Dawson), a young woman with a failing heart condition. Ben discovers that he can help her too, but at a great cost to himself. In the end, Ben sacrifices the ultimate price to save Emily and fulfill his mission of redemption.

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