Movies About Self Love

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, who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary 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, 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 eventually gains freedom and is able to rebuild his life outside of prison.

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

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. It stars Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, a simple man with a low I.Q. but good intentions who is able to influence several of the pivotal events of the 20th century in the United States. The story follows his epic and impactful journey as he bravely navigates his way through life's challenges with the help of his devoted mother (Sally Field) and best friend Lieutenant Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise). Along the way, he meets a plethora of interesting characters (Jenny Curran, Lieutenant Dan, Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy) and finds himself in the middle of several historical events, from the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal. Despite his lack of intelligence, Forrest's unwavering optimism and perseverance help him ultimately discover his true purpose in life. The film won several awards, including six Academy Awards, and it has become a widely beloved classic.

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 directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The film stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy as Driss and Philippe, respectively. Driss is an ex-con from the projects and Philippe is a wealthy paraplegic. When Philippe's caretaker quits, he is forced to hire Driss as his replacement. Initially, the two are at odds with each other, but gradually form an unlikely friendship as Driss helps Philippe find joy and happiness in life. The film follows Philippe and Driss as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning to appreciate life and one another. Along the way, they experience a number of humorous, heartwarming, and poignant moments that ultimately bring them closer together.

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

American History X is a 1998 American drama film directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna. The film tells the story of Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), a former neo-Nazi who is released from prison and tries to prevent his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), from following in his footsteps. The film follows Derek as he struggles to escape his past while trying to keep Danny from repeating the same mistakes. In the process, Derek attempts to re-examine his own beliefs and values, and reconcile his newfound respect for African Americans with his former white supremacist ideology. Derek's journey leads him to gain a greater understanding of racism, acceptance and 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 romantic science-fiction comedy-drama film, written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry. The plot revolves around a couple, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), who have recently broken up and undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other. Through Joel's memory flashbacks, the film captures the beauty and pain of a relationship that has deteriorated over time. The film explores themes of regret, love and relationships, and ultimately celebrates the power of human connection.

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

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American comedy-drama fantasy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Danny Rubin and Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a TV weatherman who is assigned to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again. Stuck in the cycle, Phil tries to find ways to better himself, gain the affections of his work colleague Rita (Andie MacDowell) and end the loop. The film was a box office hit upon its release and has since become a cult classic. It has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

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 starring Robin Williams. Set in 1959 at the fictional elite conservative Vermont boarding school Welton Academy, it tells the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry. The students come from various backgrounds, with conflicts between them and their parents over their futures. Despite their differences, the students form a mutually supportive bond with each other and the teacher, inspiring each other through their exploration of poetry and other literature. The film ends with the students standing on their desks as a tribute to their teacher and his legacy.

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

The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film directed by Gabriele Muccino, based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. The film stars Will Smith as Gardner, a homeless single father who struggles to make ends meet while raising his son Christopher (played by Smith's real-life son Jaden). Gardner's determined pursuit of a better job and life for himself and his son leads him to a stockbroker internship at Dean Witter, where he must compete against twenty others for a coveted paid position. Through sheer determination and hard work, Gardner finally secures a job as a stockbroker and takes his son on a life-changing journey to achieve the elusive American Dream. Despite the odds stacked against him, Gardner refuses to give up and eventually finds happiness and financial stability.

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 drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky and based on his novel of the same name. The film follows Charlie, an introverted freshman who is taken under the wing of two seniors, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick. Through the two seniors, Charlie is introduced to the world of partying, music, and love. As the film progresses, Charlie begins to experience the highs and lows of teenage life on his own terms as he deals with his troubled past and his growing relationships with his new friends. The film follows Charlie as he learns to open up to the people around him and ultimately finds a place where he belongs. It’s a story of acceptance, friendship, and finding yourself.

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

Almost Famous tells the story of 15-year-old William Miller, an aspiring journalist who is given the chance to go on tour with the up-and-coming rock band Stillwater in 1973. Despite being a novice in the music world, William quickly finds himself caught up in the hectic world of rock and roll, learning about life, love, fame, and friendship along the way. With the help of his supportive mother and a host of quirky characters, William is able to navigate the highs and lows of the music industry and ultimately write a groundbreaking story that changes his life forever.

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

About Time is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Richard Curtis and starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, and Bill Nighy. The story follows Tim Lake (Gleeson), a young man from Cornwall, England, who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time. He soon learns that his power is limited to his own life, and he can only re-live moments and certain experiences. Tim decides to use his new power to get a girlfriend, Mary (McAdams), and they eventually fall in love. He also uses his ability to help his father (Nighy) fix his past mistakes. As Tim struggles to keep his power in check, he learns to appreciate the present and the importance of living in the moment. He also discovers that he can't change the past, no matter how hard he tries. In the end, Tim finds his happy ending when he is able to marry Mary and build a life with her.

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

The Notebook is a romantic drama set in the 1940s, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. It follows the story of young Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams), two star-crossed lovers who meet one fateful summer in North Carolina and fall in love. As the summer passes, the two must part ways, but the strength of their love keeps them connected through the years. Despite the odds, they reunite and must decide if they are willing to take the risk to make their love last forever. Throughout the movie, Noah and Allie must overcome society’s expectations and their own internal struggles to find a way back to each other. The Notebook is ultimately a story of hope and the power of true love.

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

The Motorcycle Diaries follows the journey of two young friends, Ernesto Guevara (Gael García Bernal) and Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna), as they traverse South America on an old motorbike. Over the course of their eight-month journey, the two experience a thrilling adventure, as well as a profound glimpse into the lives of the people of Latin America. Through their travels, the two form a strong bond and gain a newfound appreciation for life and a passion for social justice, eventually inspiring Ernesto to become the revolutionary leader known as Che Guevara.

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

Mr. Nobody is a 2009 science fiction drama directed by Jaco Van Dormael. It follows the story of Nemo Nobody (Jared Leto), the last mortal on Earth, as he reflects on his life and choices. He is 118 years old and is the only living mortal on a post-apocalyptic Earth where humans can choose to become immortal. He is living out his final days in a hospital, surrounded by his family and doctors, as he is unable to decide whether to become immortal or not. The film follows Nemo's flashbacks of his three possible lives, each with a different result based on the choices he makes. As he remembers his past, his present day decisions become more difficult. The film offers a philosophical exploration of the themes of mortality and the power of choice, emphasizing the unpredictability of life and the endless possibilities of the future. Ultimately, Nemo realizes that no matter what he chooses, he will always be happy with the result.

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

The Experiment is a 2001 psychological thriller directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel. The film is based on the true story of the Stanford Prison Experiment conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971. The story focuses on an experiment where 26 men are randomly divided into two groups, prisoners and guards. The experiment takes place in an abandoned prison, and the 'guards' are instructed to treat the 'prisoners' as if they are real prisoners. The experiment quickly spirals out of control as the guards begin to take their roles too seriously and the prisoners become increasingly desperate. The situation escalates to a breaking point, as the guards become violent and unpredictable and the prisoners struggle to cope with their confinement. In the end, the experiment is disastrous as the prisoners and guards experience psychological trauma, and the experiment is abruptly ended. The film serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked authority and of the fragility of the human psyche.

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

Malcolm X is a biographical drama film based on the life of civil rights leader Malcolm X, directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington in the title role. The film follows Malcolm's journey from a street hustler to a political activist, ultimately becoming a respected leader of the Nation of Islam. The film follows Malcolm's experiences in the Nation of Islam, his debates with civil rights leaders, and his eventual assassination. The film also examines the complexities of race relations in the United States and Malcolm's evolving views on race, religion, and education. The film is widely praised for its depiction of Malcolm X, and Washington's performance was widely acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

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

50/50 is a 2011 dramedy directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam, a 27-year-old aspiring public radio journalist in Seattle who is diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer. With the help of his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) and therapist (Anna Kendrick), Adam attempts to make peace with his mortality while also trying to maintain his relationships with his girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard) and mother (Anjelica Huston). Throughout his journey, Adam learns to embrace life with humor, hope and courage.

From Dennis Gansel, starring Jürgen Vogel, Frederick Lau, Max Riemelt, Jennifer Ulrich
Rated Not Rated

The Wave is a 2008 German drama film based on the true story of a social experiment conducted by teacher Rainer Wenger at a high school in Germany. In the experiment, Wenger creates a dictatorial regime known as "The Wave" in order to demonstrate to his students how fascism can take hold in any society. As the experiment escalates, the students become increasingly devoted to the cause and adopt fascist principles, eventually leading to chaos and violence. The film follows the students as they grapple with the consequences of their actions, and ultimately, the lesson that the experiment serves to teach.

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

The Butterfly Effect is a 2004 science fiction psychological thriller film directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber. The film stars Ashton Kutcher as Evan Treborn, a young man who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time to alter the past and change the present and future. Evan attempts to use his newfound power to fix the broken lives of those around him and make the world a better place. However, he soon realizes that the consequences of his actions are unpredictable and often catastrophic. The Butterfly Effect explores the idea that even the most seemingly insignificant decisions made in the past can have a profound effect on the future.

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

The Blind Side is a biographical sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and released in 2009. Based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teen from a broken home, the film follows his journey to become an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick. With the help of an affluent couple, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, who take him in and become his legal guardians, and the support of his new coaches and teachers, Michael defies the odds to achieve success on and off the football field. In the end, he realizes the power of family, loyalty, and hard work, and is able to find his place in the world.

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

Creed is a 2015 sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler, and starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, and Phylicia Rashad. The movie follows Adonis Johnson (Jordan), the son of the former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, as he attempts to pursue his own boxing career. With the help of his mentor Rocky Balboa (Stallone), Adonis goes on an inspiring journey to become a champion. Along the way he must confront his own demons, including his troubled past and the overwhelming pressure to win. Along the journey, Adonis discovers his family's legacy and learns about his father's boxing career, as well as the true meaning of self-respect, honor, and dignity.

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

Love Actually is a romantic comedy directed by Richard Curtis. It tells the story of eight couples who find their lives intertwined during the chaotic month before Christmas. The movie follows the couples as they deal with issues of love, loss, trust and commitment. The story focuses on Prime Minister David (Hugh Grant) and his growing feelings for his sexy new staffer, Natalie (Martine McCutcheon). Meanwhile, Juliet (Keira Knightley) discovers that her new husband is cheating on her with his American secretary. Other couples include Jamie (Colin Firth) and his Portuguese housekeeper, Sarah (Laura Linney) and her brother, and Harry (Alan Rickman) and his long-time wife. As the tangled web of relationships unfolds, all of the characters learn important lessons about love and relationships.

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

From Thomas Carter, starring Samuel L. Jackson, Rick Gonzalez, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown
Rated PG-13

From Curtis Hanson, starring Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer
Rated R