16 Best Motivational and Inspirational Movies to Watch
Discover a list of the best motivational, inspirational, courageous, and ambitious movies to elevate your spirits and provide useful insights into how to deal with life’s varied obstacles.
We’ve all been there when we needed extra push in those tough times. And what better way to get that boost than by diving into a gripping, inspiring film?
These films are not just stories, they are powerful tools that can transform your perspective, filling you with passion, inspiration, and motivation through the tales and the characters’ energy.
Best Motivational and Inspirational Movies of All Time
It’s normal to become self-critical when working intently on a task and finding a stumbling block. However, taking a breather and examining the situation objectively might be beneficial.
1. 300 Movie
Directed by Zack Snyder, 300 For Glory tells the story of Leonidas and his 300 soldiers’ bravery and determination. As the newly crowned King of Sparta, Leonidas showed unwavering determination in defending his country against the Persian invaders during the Battle of Thermopiles, a testament to the power of resilience.
Against the advice of the Senate, the 300 Spartans, led by Leonidas, courageously set off to meet the enemy, who numbered hundreds of thousands, a display of unparalleled courage.
Remember that the Spartans are considered to be the best warriors from time to time, especially because of the Apogee. It is an education that promotes asceticism and patriotism above all else.
Every Spartan citizen is introduced to the art of war from the age of 7. This film is number one on the list of the bravest and most ambitious movies to watch.
Coupled with Leonidas’ determination, this bellicose culture enabled the 300 Spartans to push back the great Army of Xerxes in the narrow corridor of the “Hot Door.”
Based on a true story told by Herodotus (the father of history), this film is a testament to what the human spirit can accomplish when prepared and determined.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
Real events inspire this Martin Scorsese film. Jordan Belfort is a stockbroker at LF Rothschild. The stock market crash, which led to the company’s bankruptcy, impacted his private life.
When he had to start from scratch, his skills and the help of his partner, Donnie Azof, allowed him to start a business on Long Island. Together, they were able to develop the pump and dump, which propelled their turnover.
Despite this feat, the FBI considers the activities of their new company to be a scam, which earned him several years in prison. This work reflects the far-sighted and strategic character of a great businessman.
3. Boyka the Undisputed
Boyka the Undisputed is number three on the list of the most motivational and inspirational movies. This film tells part of the story of Yuri Boyka, the best boxer in the world.
Despite the injury resulting from his last fight, Boyka tries to raise the bar by participating in a deadly tournament. The event occurs in a prison where the participants are subjected to severe tests.
For his part, Boyka transforms his sorrows into tireless energy, which he will use to gain even more strength, wisdom, and endurance. This film inspires viewers to believe in their talents to achieve their ends, no matter what.
4. Social Networks
Social Networks, a film directed by David Fincher, chronicles the success of the famous Mark Zuckerberg through the invention of Facebook.
Ideas raced through Mark’s mind after his break-up with his girlfriend. He did not let himself be defeated, which ultimately led to the creation of the revolutionary social network. This feat opened several doors for him in the professional world.
Her talents seduce the twins Winklevoss and Divya Narendra, and decide to integrate her into their team.
However, his adventure does not end there because he was issued by these same partners for violation of the law relating to intellectual property.
5. Skyscraper
At the center of this story is Will Sawyer, a former US Army veteran and head of a small security company. His family is trapped in a torched tower.
In addition to being wrongly accused, Will Sawyer encounters many thrilling trials. This film shows what a man is capable of doing for the sake of his family. He calls on his courage to overcome many obstacles to end this nightmare.
6. Forest Gump
The film focuses on Gump’s busy life between the 1950s and 1980s. He is often unintentionally involved in most major events in the United States.
As a child, Forest had a disability that deprived him of any mobility. Over time, luck smiles on him, and happy events follow one another, starting with his meeting with Jenny.
Then, he became a professional runner and got a sports scholarship at the University of Alabama. Fate even exposed him to the Vietnam War; his talent as an athlete will save lives.
7. Rocky
Rocky is an Italian-American boxer from a poor neighborhood. He became a world champion thanks to his relentlessness and hard training. His persevering behavior motivated successive generations.
8. Pandora
This film is about a South Korean city hit by a tsunami and then a nuclear explosion. The technicians are armed with courage and will activate themselves to fight against this attack. A man even risks his life to save his country.
9. 1945: End of War
Based on a true story, the film relates the life of Captain Ôba in times of war. He is a Japanese soldier in the Imperial Army.
After a Japanese defeat on the island of Saipan, Ôba and his troops continued to resist the American armies., His cunning allowed him to torment the Americans for 512 days.
10. You Shall not Kill
It is number 10 on the list of most inspirational and motivational movies. You Shall Not Kill is also based on a true story.
Desmond Doss, the son of a former American soldier, joins the army. He refuses to carry a firearm despite his superiors’ insistence and joins the war in the Pacific.
However, he is the only one to remain at the front line to treat and recover the wounded. Thanks to his unfailing courage, Desmond has saved more than 70 lives.
11. Unbroken
Unbroken is an adaptation of Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (2010) by Laura Hillenbrand.
Directed and produced by Angelina Jolie, this American biographical film features the stamina and endurance of Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini (1917–2014).
Humiliated and extremely tortured during a time when he was a prisoner of war, he did not lose hope and managed to stand up to the end.
12. 3 Idiots
Three Idiots is a 2009 Indian film based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone. The plot revolves around two friends who are looking for a long-lost acquaintance who pushes them to think differently. It questions the idea that life is a race and that one must work hard to stay ahead of everyone else.
The film depicts how we succumb to our surroundings and mute the voice within. The story emphasizes the significance of following your heart and taking the necessary risks because it will all be worth it.
13. Life of Pi
Life of Pi tells the narrative of a young Hindu boy who survives a shipwreck. Following this, he is thrust into his life’s most weird and perilous scenarios.
He is stranded on a boat with a Bengal Tiger in the middle of nowhere. The film teaches you to be strong and do your best, even when life throws you into a tight corner!
14. Pursuit of Happiness
The movie’s narrative revolves around a lowly salesperson who works hard and gradually progresses up the social and professional ladder.
Will Smith plays the protagonist, who works hard to provide for his son and get a better job. The encouraging film illustrates that you can achieve anything, regardless of what life throws at you.
15. Gladiator
The emperor’s son murders a Roman general’s family, leaving his life in shambles. He enters the gladiator world to return to Rome and exact his revenge on the emperor’s son.
From fighting in the mud to fighting in the Colosseum in Rome, this inspiring narrative shows that nothing is impossible if you have the willpower (and great fighting abilities).
16. Warrior 2011
To win an international MMA championship, a mixed martial arts athlete (Tom Hardy) reunites with his drunken father, who was previously a superb boxing trainer. In his forays into the world of MMA, he runs upon his estranged brother, who is competing in the same event.
The reunion of a shattered, dysfunctional family ravaged by alcohol and cancer creates a dismal setting for the characters, yet the boys’ goals show that the past can be left behind. In stark contrast to the violence of MMA, relationships are repaired, and axes are buried.