Movies About Self Esteem On Netflix

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

The Shawshank Redemption is a classic 1994 drama film directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film follows the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) an innocent man convicted of murder, as he is sent to Shawshank Prison to serve a life sentence. He soon meets Red (Morgan Freeman), a friendly lifer imprisoned at Shawshank who becomes Andy's closest friend. During his time in prison, Andy forms a strong bond with Red and gains the respect of the other prisoners by using his wits to help them. At the same time, the prison's corrupt warden and prison guards abuse their power to extort money, drugs and privileges from the inmates. After 19 years of wrongful imprisonment, Andy orchestrates an elaborate escape from Shawshank with the help of Red, and the two reunite in the outside world. The film is a powerful story about resilience, hope, and the power of friendship in the face of great adversity. It is an iconic movie that has become a timeless classic and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 romantic comedy-drama directed by Robert Zemeckis. Based on a novel written by Winston Groom, the movie follows the life of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a slow-witted but kind-hearted and athletically-gifted man from Alabama. Through a series of flashbacks, Forrest's life is told from the perspective of an omniscient narrator. Forrest inadvertently finds himself involved in several of the major events of the late 20th century. From becoming a war hero in Vietnam to meeting presidents and famous people, Forrest's life is often unpredictable and sometimes inspiring. Despite the many hardships he faces, Forrest never gives up hope and continues to strive for a better life through love and friendship. By the end of the movie, Forrest escapes from a difficult past and creates a successful future for himself, his family, and the people around him.

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

The Intouchables is a 2011 French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy as two men from very different backgrounds forming an unlikely friendship. The film follows Philippe (Cluzet), a wealthy Parisian quadriplegic, as he hires Driss (Sy) from the projects of Paris as his live-in caretaker. Despite their differences, the two men develop a strong bond as Driss helps Philippe overcome his physical disabilities. As their friendship grows, the two embark on adventures that bring out the best in each other. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $335 million worldwide, and becoming the second highest-grossing French film of all-time.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 drama film directed by Tony Kaye and starring Edward Norton. The movie tells the story of two brothers, Derek and Danny Vinyard (Norton and Edward Furlong), who become involved with white supremacist movements in Venice, California. Derek, the older brother, is a former neo-Nazi skinhead who has recently been released from prison and Danny, the younger brother, is heavily influenced by Derek's beliefs. The movie follows Derek's transformation as he attempts to steer Danny away from the same violent life he once led. It looks at the destructive results of racism and violence while exploring the difficulty of breaking away from a hateful ideology. The film also examines how a single event can have a profound effect on the lives of those involved. Through the film, Kaye seeks to depict the destructive power of hate and the power of redemption.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 science fiction romantic comedy-drama film directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The story follows an estranged couple, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories, but they soon discover that erasing memories can cause more harm than good. As memories of their relationship are erased, the two must confront their true feelings for each other. The film also stars Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, and Tom Wilkinson. The movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and won the Academy Award for Best Original Score. The film is considered an innovative and original take on the genre of romantic comedy and explores the complexities of relationships, memory, and identity.

From Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen, starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling
Rated PG

Inside Out is a 2015 American 3D computer-animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is set in the mind of a young girl named Riley Andersen, where five personified emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—try to lead her through life as she and her parents adjust to their new surroundings after moving from Minnesota to San Francisco. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's mind, where they help her navigate her life by sending out thoughts and memories. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust must work together to try to maintain balance in Riley's life and to help her find a new happiness.

From Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky
Rated PG

Groundhog Day is a 1993 comedy film written by Danny Rubin and directed by Harold Ramis. It follows Phil Connors (Bill Murray), a cynical weatherman who is sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities. Every day, Phil wakes up to find that he is reliving Groundhog Day, and is forced to try to find a way out of this mysterious time loop. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about life, love, and second chances. Ultimately, Phil discovers that the only way to end the cycle is by becoming a better person. The film is widely regarded as one of the best comedies of all time, and has been praised for its exploration of themes such as existentialism, personal growth, and redemption.

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 and written by Tom Schulman. The film follows a group of students at the fictional elite conservative Verger Preparatory School in New England in the 1950s, who are inspired by their unconventional English teacher, John Keating (played by Robin Williams). Keating encourages his students to look at poetry with a different perspective and to "make your lives extraordinary" by seizing the day and making the most of the opportunities in front of them. The film follows the students' struggle to make sense of the world around them amidst the pressures put on them by their parents, the school, and society. The story culminates in a powerful and emotional climax that resonates with the audience. Dead Poets Society received critical acclaim and was a box office success. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor for Williams.

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

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith, and Brian Howe. The film follows Chris Gardner (Smith), a struggling single father, as he strives to create a better life for himself and his son (Jaden Smith). Despite the odds being stacked against him, Chris never gives up, and eventually lands a coveted internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. With determination and hard work, Chris ultimately succeeds, eventually becoming a stockbroker himself and finding financial and personal success. The film is ultimately a story of hope and resilience, showing that with the right attitude, anything is possible.

From Cameron Crowe, starring Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand
Rated R

Almost Famous is a 2000 coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Cameron Crowe. It tells the story of William Miller, a 15-year-old boy who finds himself on a journey of self-discovery as he follows the band Stillwater on tour in the 1970s. He gets an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to write a profile of the band, and in the process he finds himself experiencing the highs and lows of life on the road. Along the way, William finds himself developing relationships with the band members and their entourage, as well as learning some deep lessons about life and music. The film stars Patrick Fugit, Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, and Frances McDormand.

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 story about a teenage boy named Charlie who struggles with his social anxiety, depression, and trauma from his past. After being taken under the wing of two seniors, Sam and Patrick, Charlie learns to open up and express himself. With their support, Charlie begins to find his place in the world, overcoming his insecurities and learning to take risks. Charlie experiences love, friendship, heartache, and the joy and pains that come with growing up. As he discovers who he is and who he wants to be, Charlie learns lessons of acceptance, the importance of family and friends, and what it truly means to be a wallflower.

From Richard Curtis, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson
Rated R

About Time is a romantic comedy-drama film set in England, directed and written by Richard Curtis. The film follows Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) who discovers that he can travel in time, and decides to use this to his advantage to improve his life. After his father (Bill Nighy) reveals the family secret, Tim sets out to change his past and future in order to find true love and happiness. Along the way, he learns that his journey through time has consequences, and must make difficult choices about his life and the people he loves. In the end, Tim discovers that time is a precious thing and that it should be used to create memories, not change them.

From Jaco Van Dormael, starring Jared Leto, Sarah Polley, Diane Kruger, Linh-Dan Pham
Rated R

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 science fiction drama film written and directed by Jaco Van Dormael. The film stars Jared Leto as Nemo Nobody, a 118-year-old man who is the last mortal on earth after the human race has achieved quasi-immortality. Nemo struggles to make sense of his life and the choices he has made as he reflects on his past and the different lives he could have lived. Through a series of nonlinear flashbacks, the audience is taken on a journey throughout Nemo's life, from his childhood to his adult years, and ultimately to his final days. The film explores the universal themes of fate and destiny, and ultimately poses the question of how our lives might have been different if we had made different choices.

From Nick Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling
Rated PG-13

The Notebook is a romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes and released in 2004. It stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton, two young lovers from different social classes who spend a summer together in North Carolina in the 1940s. After a summer romance, the pair part ways only to reunite years later and rekindle their love for one another. The story is told through flashbacks as an elderly man (James Garner) reads a notebook to a woman (Gena Rowlands) he visits every day in a nursing home. The film is a tearjerker and explores themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and ultimately, hope.

From Walter Salles, starring Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna, Mía Maestro, Mercedes Morán
Rated R

The Motorcycle Diaries is a 2004 biopic directed by Walter Salles and based on the memoirs of Che Guevara. It follows the young medical student Che Guevara (Gael García Bernal) and his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo De la Serna) as they travel across South America on a 1939 Norton 500 motorcycle. Along their journey, they encounter poverty, illness, and injustice, and their experiences spark in Che a revolutionary spirit, inspiring him to later become a major figure in Latin American politics. The film was nominated for Best Original Song Score and Best Original Song at the 77th Academy Awards.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke, Trevor Jack Brooks, Lorelei Linklater, Wiley Wiggins
Rated R

Waking Life is a 2001 rotoscope-animated film by director Richard Linklater. The film follows the existential musings of an unnamed protagonist, played by Wiley Wiggins, as he drifts through a dream-like state of semi-consciousness. The film follows the protagonist as he encounters a variety of people, some of whom engage him in philosophical conversations about the meaning of life. The conversations range from discussions about the nature of dreams and consciousness, to the philosophy of free will, to the purpose of life. The protagonist also reflects on his own life, his relationships, and his mortality. The film ultimately questions the meaning of life and encourages viewers to take an active role in their own lives.

From Oliver Hirschbiegel, starring Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, Oliver Stokowski, Wotan Wilke Möhring
Rated R

The Experiment is a 2001 German drama thriller film directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel. The film is based on Mario Giordano's novel, Black Box, and details a social experiment which mimics the Stanford prison experiment of 1971. The experiment is conducted by a private research company, who hire 26 men to take part in a two-week study. A group of 12 are assigned roles as "prisoners" and the other 14 are assigned roles as "guards." As the experiment progresses, the "guards" become increasingly sadistic and out of control, leading to a shocking conclusion. The film stars Moritz Bleibtreu, Christian Berkel, and Oliver Stokowski.

From Woody Allen, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller
Rated PG-13

Midnight in Paris is a romantic fantasy comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. It follows the story of Gil Pender, a successful Hollywood screenwriter who is visiting Paris with his fiancée, Inez. During late-night strolls through the city, Gil is suddenly transported back in time to the 1920s, where he meets famous authors and artists of the era. As he continues to time travel, Gil discovers that the present is not as perfect as he once thought and begins to question his current path in life. With the help of an enchanting woman he meets in the past, Gil begins to confront his doubts and choices, learning to appreciate the beauty of both the past and present.

From Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee
Rated PG-13

Malcolm X is a biographical drama film directed by Spike Lee and released in 1992. It chronicles the life of African-American leader Malcolm X (played by Denzel Washington) from his early days as a criminal to his later years as a powerful and influential leader of the Nation of Islam. The film follows Malcolm X's radical transformation from a street hustler to a religious leader, and his attempts to promote a message of black pride and self-determination in the face of racial injustice. The film also explores Malcolm X's family life, his troubled relationship with the Nation of Islam, and his quest for a more peaceful, tolerant world. Ultimately, Malcolm X's life and work serve as a reminder of the strength and courage of African-Americans in their fight for equality.

From Directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber, starring Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Elden Henson
Rated R

The Butterfly Effect follows Evan Treborn, a man struggling to make sense of the past and present. When he discovers that he has the power to travel back in time and alter the course of his life, he uses it to attempt to fix the mistakes of his childhood and create a better future. However, his actions have unintended consequences and soon he finds himself in a dangerous game of cause and effect. As his life spirals further out of control, he must confront the darkness of his past to save himself and the ones he loves.

From Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad
Rated PG-13

Creed is a 2015 American sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler and written by Coogler and Aaron Covington. The film stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson, the son of former boxing champion Apollo Creed, and Sylvester Stallone reprising his role as Rocky Balboa. The story follows Adonis Johnson, the son of the late Apollo Creed, who follows in his father's footsteps by seeking to become a professional boxer. He goes to Philadelphia to seek out Rocky Balboa, who had been Apollo's friend and rival, and eventually persuades him to become his trainer. With Rocky's help, Adonis soon faces off against the son of the former heavyweight champion Ivan Drago, who killed Apollo in the ring. The film's themes of family, loyalty and hard work have resonated with audiences, and it has been hailed by critics as one of the best sports films of all time. Creed earned numerous awards and nominations, including seven Academy Award nominations, winning the award for Best Supporting Actor for Stallone. It became the first installment in the Creed film series.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 American biographical sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock, based on the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. The film follows Michael Oher, an African American teenager from a broken home, as he is taken in by a wealthy white family, the Tuohys, who help him prepare for college and eventually become part of the NFL. The film stars Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy, and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher. The film follows Michael's progress as he overcomes his difficult upbringing and develops into an outstanding football player and student. Michael befriends a potential teammate, S.J., and is taken in by the Tuohy family. With the help of the family, as well as his own strength and determination, Michael is able to succeed in college and eventually make it to the NFL. Along the way, he faces many challenges and learns the true meaning of family and friendship. The Blind Side is a testament to the power of family, friendship, and determination.

From Jonathan Levine, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated R

50/50 is a 2011 drama-comedy film directed by Jonathan Levine. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a 27-year-old whose life is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer. With the support of his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) and his therapist (Anjelica Huston), Adam attempts to make sense of his new reality and take control of his destiny. Along the way, he also meets a young woman, Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard), who helps him find the courage to face his diagnosis and pursue a possible relationship. The film follows Adam's journey as he battles through treatments and learns to accept his mortality in a humorous and heartfelt way.

From Richard Curtis, starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney
Rated R

Love Actually is a 2003 British romantic comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis. The ensemble cast features an array of British and American actors, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, and Bill Nighy. The film follows eight related stories that interweave during the three weeks leading up to Christmas. It follows the loves and relationships of a diverse cast of characters, including a recently widowed man, his young son, a recently divorced stepson, a young man in love with a Portuguese woman, a writer seeking a soul mate, a devoted housewife, a young girl in search of her dream man, and a Prime Minister who falls in love with a staff member. Love Actually explores the ups and downs of relationships in an amusing and heartwarming way.

From Rob Reiner, starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd
Rated PG-13