In the ups and downs of life, we often turn to the power of cinema to refocus and find solace. Especially, motivational movies can be an effective companion when we need to show inner resilience.
In this selection, we’ve gone beyond classic recommendations to bring together productions with less-known but compelling narratives. In terms of the themes they offer, these films are not only uplifting but also thought-provoking and guiding, contributing to personal development.
These productions can also be classified under the category of inspiring films due to their strong character development and emotional intensity. Stories that explore starting over, overcoming challenges, and the desire for change can leave a lasting impact on the viewer.
If you’re looking for a meaningful starting point to take time for yourself, reflect, and begin anew, this list might be helpful.
Motivational Movies: 10 Inspiring Films
Everything is Illuminated (2005)
Dir: Liev Schreiber ▪ Cast: Elijah Wood, Eugene Hutz, Boris Leskin ▪ Duration: 106 min.
IMDb: 7.4/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 3.7/5
The film tells the story of Jonathan, a young American writer who travels to Ukraine to find the woman who saved his grandmother’s life during World War II. With an eccentric family as his guides and their comical English, Jonathan confronts the bitter truths of the past while discovering the profound meaning of human connection and belonging.
Chef (2014)
Dir: Jon Favreau ▪ Cast: Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson ▪ Duration: 115 min.
IMDb: 7.3/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 3.7/5
The film follows a successful chef who leaves behind corporate pressures to rediscover his freedom and passion for cooking by hitting the road with a food truck. Also touching upon father-son relationships, the movie is an entertaining and motivational production that definitely belongs on any motivational movies list, focusing on pursuing dreams, maintaining authenticity, and reigniting the joy of cooking.
The Way, Way Back (2013)
Dir: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash ▪ Cast: Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney ▪ Duration: 103 min.
IMDb: 7.3/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 3.7/5
This is the story of Duncan, a shy and introverted teenager who finds himself and gains self-confidence through unexpected friendships formed during his summer vacation. It’s a poignant and heartfelt film about overcoming childhood traumas, finding a sense of belonging, and discovering one’s true self.
The Way, Way Back was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
Intouchables (2011)
Dir: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano ▪ Cast: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny ▪ Duration: 112 min.
IMDb: 8.5/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 4.1/5
The story begins with Philippe, a wealthy aristocrat, becoming paralyzed and needing constant care. The unexpected friendship that blossoms between him and Driss, a lively and unconventional caregiver with a criminal record, shows how two contrasting worlds can come together and complement each other.
Intouchables received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for Best Foreign Language Film, and its lead actor, Omar Sy, won the César Award for Best Actor.
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Dir: Matt Ross ▪ Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn ▪ Duration: 118 min.
IMDb: 7.9/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 3.9/5
Conflicts begin when Ben Cash, who instills survival skills, deep philosophical knowledge, and critical thinking in his children, is forced to return to the “real” world with them after an unexpected event. This thought-provoking and inspiring production on environmental awareness, education systems, family bonds, and challenging societal norms, won the Best Director award in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Dir: Colin Trevorrow ▪ Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson ▪ Duration: 85 min.
IMDb: 7.0/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 3.3/5
The film follows a magazine reporter and her interns as they investigate a peculiar classified ad seeking a partner for time travel. It’s a sweet, funny, and thought-provoking film about believing in dreams, taking risks, and being open to life’s unexpected opportunities.
The Straight Story (1999)
Dir: David Lynch ▪ Cast: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton ▪ Duration: 112 min.
IMDb: 8.0/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 4.2/5
The film tells the story of an old man who embarks on a long journey on a riding lawnmower to visit his ailing brother. It’s a simple but profound tale of faith, determination, family bonds, and appreciating the small beauties of life. Despite its slow pace, it leaves a deep impact.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Dir: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris ▪ Cast: Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Paul Dano, Alan Arkin ▪ Duration: 102 min.
IMDb: 7.8/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 4.2/5
The Hoover family, facing challenges in every aspect of life, embarks on a crazy road trip in their rickety van for little Olive to compete in the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty pageant. During this journey, the family members strengthen their bonds while questioning their perceptions of success and perfection.
The film won two Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
Dir: Rob Burnett ▪ Cast: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Ehle ▪ Duration: 97 min.
IMDb: 7.3/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 3.5/5
Ben, a writer coping with a tragic loss in his life, decides to become a caregiver and meets Trevor, a young man with muscular dystrophy. Although their journey together starts out challenging, it evolves into an unexpected friendship, and both learn to view life from a different perspective.
Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Dir: Dexter Fletcher ▪ Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken ▪ Duration: 106 min.
IMDb: 7.3/10 ▪ Letterboxd: 3.5/5
This is the true story of Michael “Eddie” Edwards, who dreamed of competing in the Olympics since childhood despite his limited athletic abilities. Despite seemingly impossible obstacles, Eddie, driven by his determination and unwavering belief, aims to become the first British ski jumper to represent his country.