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When life throws curve balls, cinema can offer an escape, if only for a few hours. Movies can do wonders to get someone out of a slump and widen their horizons. Movies hold the power to not only divert the mind but also to inspire.
From the harsh realities of prison life to the pursuit of the American Dream, these eight films delve deep into the human experience, exploring themes of resilience, hope, and the unyielding spirit. They not only entertain us but also remind us of our own inner strength and potential.
Rocky, The Pursuit of Happyness, and six other motivational movies to watch in 2024
1) The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
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Any true film fan will recognize The Shawshank Redemption as peak cinema. A timeless tale of hope and perseverance, the movie follows Andy Dufresne's journey from being wrongfully convicted and serving time in prison for 28 long years, to finally tasting the sweetness of freedom and redemption.
Despite facing damning hurdles, Andy's resilience never lets him give up on the idea of getting out. All of his pleas are squashed and even after proving his innocence, the warden refuses to listen to him. But Andy's unwavering resolve helps him get through all of it.
The movie inspires audiences to have faith, no matter how dire the circumstances seem to be. The Shawshank Redemption is available to stream on Netflix.
2) Rocky (1976)
The Rocky franchise has solidified itself as one of the most successful movie series ever made. Every other scene in these films gets the blood flowing and fills your mind with enough motivation to go out and conquer the world. Whether it is the iconic stair-climbing scene in the first iteration or Rocky and Apollo's training montage on the beach in Rocky 3.
The movie holds significant importance in American culture. A literal statue of Rocky is established outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art and tourists line up every day to click pictures with it. Talk about legendary!
Over the years, the official soundtrack has become the quintessential workout and gym music to get in the 'zone'. Who hasn't listened to Eye of the Tiger on a lazy day to gain that extra dose of motivation?
The first movie is the ultimate underdog story. Rocky Balboa, a young southpaw from downtown Philadelphia, gets the opportunity to fight in the big leagues and prove to everyone, especially himself, that he is not a 'bum'. Rocky's determination, grit, and unwavering spirit have inspired generations, proving that with hard work and belief in oneself, anything is possible.
The entire Rocky and Creed franchise is currently streaming on Prime Video.
3) The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on a true story, the movie follows the inspiring journey of Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith), a salesman struggling to make ends meet while providing for his family. Chris gets the opportunity to intern in a stockbroking firm, but his problems don't end there, as it is an unpaid gig. Chris must juggle the responsibility of looking after his son (played by Jaden Smith) and proving his value at work for the next six months, hoping to build a better future.
Apart from Will Smith's stellar performance and the heartfelt plot, the movie is also an exploration of the human spirit. Despite facing failures at every step, the main character continues to trudge forward in pursuit of the American dream.
The film motivates the audiences to chase their goals and makes them believe that everyone can turn things around in life with determination and consistent hard work.
The Pursuit of Happyness can be streamed on Netflix.
4) Forrest Gump (1994)
'Life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you gonna get'. These are the lines that form the heart and soul of the movie. Born in a small town in Alabama, Forrest (Tom Hanks) is a special needs kid that people tend to underestimate.
But as he travels through life, he ends up accomplishing extraordinary feats, like serving in the Vietnam War, starting his own shrimp business, becoming an international-level ping-pong champion, and more!
He is able to do all of this with single-minded focus, coupled with pure and good intentions. Despite facing debilitating losses and seemingly crippling failures, Forrest keeps his head up and keeps moving forward. His unwavering optimism and ability to find joy in the simplest things are a reminder to cherish every moment.
Forrest Gump can be streamed on Hulu and Paramount Plus.
5) Dead Poets Society (1989)
The movie is an inspiring drama that takes place in the backdrop of an elite boarding school. Robin Williams portrays Mr. Keating, who uses unorthodox teaching methods to ignite his students' enthusiasm for learning.
He encourages them to find their own voices and embrace life to the fullest. The movie teaches valuable lessons that can be applied in daily life. One of the most famous sayings from the film is "Carpe diem" or "Seize the Day."
Mr. Keating tells his students, as well as the audience, to not wait for the right moment and to make each day extraordinary.
Dead Poets Society is currently streaming on Disney Plus.
6) The Terminal (2004)
One from Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg's repertoire, The Terminal, is an endearing watch that feels like the perfect warm hug, specifically for gloomy days. Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a tourist from Krakozhia, arrives at JFK airport and finds out that a war has broken out in his home country. The US government does not recognize Viktor's passport, and he is restricted from stepping on US soil.
With nowhere else to go, Viktor makes the airport terminal his home and turns the airport staff into his close friends. And after many trials and tribulations, he also wins over the hearts of the government officials that confined him.
Viktor's story teaches audiences that life is filled with unexpected situations and innumerable challenges. How one chooses to face adversity is what matters in the end.
The Terminal is available to stream on Prime Video and Paramount Plus.
7) Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Released in 2016, Hacksaw Ridge tells the real-life war story of Desmond Doss (played by Andrew Garfield) who served as a medic in World War 2. Despite being ridiculed and ostracized by his fellow soldiers, Doss' unwavering resolve and faith led him to save countless lives on the battlefield without firing a single shot. He was distinguished with the Medal of Honor for his noble act of valor.
Even though the odds were not in his favor, Desmond's decision to risk his life in order to save his team members on the battlefield showcases the true meaning of bravery. His achievements and selfless acts exemplify the power of the human spirit and restore the viewer's faith in humanity.
Hacksaw Ridge is currently streaming on Netflix.
8) Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Million Dollar Baby follows the unlikely bond between Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), an aspiring boxer, and her gruff trainer, Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood).
Initially refusing to train Maggie due to artificial barriers of age and gender, Frankie eventually grows to recognize and respect Maggie's efforts as she displays unparalleled dedication towards the sport she loves.
The film's raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of its characters make it a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Million Dollar Baby is presently streaming on Prime Video.
These movies have not only been recognized for their cinematic achievements but also for inspiring generations of people to stay focused on whatever their goals may be in life.
Someone who has had the pleasure of watching even one of these movies will probably not need anything else to uplift their mood and get the ball rolling.
For sports fans, these six inspirational films are a must-watch: sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/6-inspirational-sports-movies
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