Movies About Personal Growth

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. It tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Prison for the murder of his wife and her lover, despite his claims of innocence. During his time at the prison, he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), and finds himself protected by the guards after the warden begins using him in his money-laundering operation. With the help of his friends, Andy is eventually able to escape Shawshank and gain his freedom. The film features a powerful and uplifting message of hope and resilience, as Andy perseveres despite the odds being stacked against him.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film starring Tom Hanks and directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film tells the story of a slow-witted but kind-hearted man named Forrest Gump (Hanks), who, despite his limited intellect, has led an extraordinary life. Throughout his journey, Forrest’s good heart and optimistic outlook on life have been a constant source of strength as he experiences racism, tragedy, and a series of unforeseen events. Along the way, Forrest meets a variety of people and has many unique experiences, including serving in the Vietnam War, becoming a successful shrimp boat captain, and meeting the President of the United States. In the end, Forrest’s incredible life story serves as a reminder of the power of optimism and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges.

From Wim Wenders, starring Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, Sam Berry
Rated R

Paris, Texas is a 1984 drama film written by Sam Shepard and directed by Wim Wenders. It stars Harry Dean Stanton as Travis, a man who has been missing and presumed dead for four years. After being found in a desert town in Texas, Travis is reunited with his brother Walt (Dean Stockwell) and young son Hunter (Hunter Carson). Together, they embark on a road trip to California in search of Travis’ long-lost wife, Jane (Nastassja Kinski). Along the way, they confront their pasts, grapple with their internal struggles, and attempt to rebuild their family. Along the way, Travis reveals the story of his disappearance and the secrets of the past that drove him away. Paris, Texas is a powerful exploration of family and identity, as Travis and his family try to redefine what it means to be connected to each other.

From Stephen Chbosky, starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Rated PG-13

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age film that follows the story of introverted high school freshman Charlie (Logan Lerman), who is navigating his way through life with the help of his two best friends, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). Through this journey, Charlie finds the courage to face his past and make peace with his present, and ultimately learns to accept who he is and find his place in the world. Along the way, the trio experience the highs and lows of teenage life, including the joys of friendship, first love, and the struggles of growing up.

From Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, starring Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cooke, Nick Offerman
Rated PG-13

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a 2015 American comedy-drama directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and written by Jesse Andrews, based on Andrews' 2012 debut novel of the same name. The film stars Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, RJ Cyler, Jon Bernthal, Nick Offerman, Molly Shannon, and Connie Britton. The story follows Greg Gaines, a high school senior, who begrudgingly befriends Rachel, a classmate diagnosed with leukemia. Through their shared passion for movies, they develop an unlikely friendship. As Rachel begins chemotherapy against her wishes, Greg and Earl help her make a series of comically amateur films for her to enjoy as her health declines. Despite being overwhelmed by Rachel's disease, Greg musters the courage to support her as she struggles with death.

From Zach Braff, starring Zach Braff, Peter Sarsgaard, Natalie Portman, Ian Holm
Rated R

From Lasse Hallström, starring Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon
Rated PG

From Ben Stiller, starring Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly, Kathryn Hahn
Rated PG

From Craig Gillespie, starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, R.D. Reid
Rated PG-13

From Rob Burnett, starring Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez, Alex Huff
Rated TV-MA

From Jean-Marc Vallée, starring Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffmann, Michiel Huisman
Rated R

From Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, starring Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts, Dana DeVestern
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, starring Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Sharon Small
Rated PG-13

From Robert Stromberg, starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville
Rated PG

From Alison Maclean, starring Billy Crudup, Robert Michael Kelly, Torben Brooks, Dierdre Lewis
Rated R

From Vincent Ward, starring Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., Annabella Sciorra, Max von Sydow
Rated PG-13

From Jake Scott, starring James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart, Melissa Leo, David Jensen
Rated R

From Peyton Reed, starring Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins
Rated PG-13

From Audrey Wells, starring Diane Lane, Raoul Bova, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan
Rated PG-13

From Josh Radnor, starring Josh Radnor, Malin Akerman, Zoe Kazan, Michael Algieri
Rated R

From Marcos Siega, starring Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Stuart Townsend, Sarah Chalke
Rated PG-13

From David Kaplan, starring Kevin Corrigan, Dean Winters, Aarti Mann, Jess Weixler
Rated R

From Curtis Hanson, starring Toni Collette, Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine, Anson Mount
Rated PG-13

From Jon Turteltaub, starring Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding Jr., Donald Sutherland, Maura Tierney
Rated R

From Daniel Barnz, starring Jennifer Aniston, Adriana Barraza, Anna Kendrick, Sam Worthington
Rated R