A Must-Watch List: 11 Films to Fuel Your Motivation and Optimism

The best motivational movies leave you laughing, smiling, and even misty-eyed. This collection of inspirational and feel-good films is a tribute to what touching movies do well: motivate, educate, and offer an escape from the daily grind.

If you’re ready to celebrate real-life heroes alongside fictional characters who aim to move the needle forward in their own lives or for the greater good, you’re sure to find something on this list. Grab a box of tissues and a snack and gather loved ones to stream these uplifting movies over a weekend-long marathon or a digital viewing party.

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Inside Out (2015): A Comforting Reminder That It’s OK to Feel All the Things

Walt Disney Studios

IMDb Rating : 8.1/10

Genre : Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black

Director : Pete Doctor, Ronnie Del Carmen

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Runtime : 1 hour, 35 minutes

Inside Out is one of those solid inspirational movies that offer time away from reality while gently tackling the genuine nature of life transitions’ ups and downs.

While the story centers around young Riley and her new move to San Francisco, it’s a priceless reminder to all of us, at any age, that embracing our emotions is an excellent thing.

Watch ‘Inside Out’ on Disney+ Now

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Good Will Hunting (1997): Best Movie About Therapy and Moving On

HBO Max

IMDb Rating : 8.3/10

Genre : Drama, Romance

Starring : Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck

Director : Gus Van Sant

Motion Picture Rating : R

Runtime : 2 hours, 56 minutes

While working as a janitor at a university, Will Hunting (Matt Damon) impresses a math professor with his knack for numbers. At the advice of his mentor, Will agrees to meet with psychologist Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), who helps unlock Will’s true potential.

An emotional masterpiece,Good Will Hunting won Affleck and Damon an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and Robin Williams won Best Supporting Actor at that year’s Oscars.

Watch ‘Good Will Hunting’ on Max Now

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Crip Camp (2020): Celebrating the Power of Community and Advocacy

Higher Ground Productions

IMDb Rating : 7.7/10

Genre : Documentary

Starring : Judith Heumann, Jim LeBrecht, Denise Sherer Jacobsen

Director : Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht

Motion Picture Rating : R

Runtime : 1 hour, 46 minutes

This film documents the true story of camp members and counselors who met at Camp Jened, an inclusive camp for young people with disabilities who become advocates for their community.

They are visible and independent at camp and strive to achieve the same qualities in everyday life by fighting for representation and long-overdue civil rights for people with disabilities.

Watch ‘Crip Camp’ on Netflix Now

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The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019): Adventure Tale About Friendship and Chosen Family

Roadside Attractions

IMDb Rating : 7.6/10

Genre : Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Starring : Zack Gottsagen, Shia LeBeouf, Dakota Johnson

Director : Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Runtime : 1 hour, 37 minutes

This touching adventure tale follows Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who dreams of becoming a wrestler. After escaping from the senior home where he’s assigned to live by the state, he quickly finds an unlikely new friend looking for a fresh start.

Heartwarming without being saccharine, it’s a story about unconditional acceptance and forging friendships and family in unlikely but beautiful places.

Watch ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ on Amazon Prime Video Now

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Mangrove (2020): An Inspiring True Story of Activism

Amazon Prime Video

IMDb Rating : 8.0/10

Genre : Drama

Starring : Shaun Parkes, Letitia Wright, Malachi Kirby

Director : Steve McQueen

Motion Picture Rating : TV-MA

Runtime : 2 hours, 7 minutes

Mangrove is one of five films in Amazon Prime Video’s_Small Axe_ collection.

This movie recounts the real-life heroism and activism of Frank Crichlow, the owner of the Mangrove restaurant that serves as a gathering space for the West Indian community in London. In 1970, Crichlow and others organized a peaceful protest against mistreatment by the police and were later tried in court for inciting a riot.

Their trial leads to the first acknowledgment of racially motivated behavior in the London police system. The film is a stirring tribute to those who stand up against injustice.

Watch ‘Mangrove’ on Amazon Prime Video Now

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CODA (2021): A Different Kind of Coming of Age Film

Apple

IMDb Rating : 8.0/10

Genre : Comedy, Drama, Music

Starring : Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin

Director : Sian Heder

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Runtime : 1 hour, 51 minutes

Teenage Ruby (Emilia Jones) acts as an interpreter for her deaf parents, who she also helps run a fishing business. However, her true love is music, and she’s starting to feel torn between following her dreams and supporting her family.

CODA won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor.

Watch ‘CODA’ on Apple TV+

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Skater Girl (2021): An Untraditional Teen Sports Movie

Netflix

IMDb Rating : 6.7/10

Genre : Drama, Family, Sport

Starring : Waheeda Rehman, Amy Maghera, Jonathan Readwin

Director : Manjari Makijany

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Runtime : 1 hour, 47 minutes

Skateboarding isn’t for girls. At least, that’s what they’re told. Nonetheless, a group of teen girls in rural India is about to prove their traditional community wrong. This cute coming-of-age story crosses gender and cultural boundaries, which makes it appealing to everyone, even if you’re not a fan of the sport.

Watch ‘Skater Girl’ on Netflix Now

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Remember the Titans (2000): An Inspirational and Timeless Story of Unity

Walt Disney Studios

IMDb Rating : 7.8/10

Genre : Biography, Drama, Sport

Starring : Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris

Director : Boaz Yakin

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Runtime : 1 hour, 53 minutes

This inspirational sports story is based on an African American coach’s real-life experience brought to lead the first integrated football team at a Virginia high school. While the players, coaching staff, and town members initially express resistance and intolerance, hope and unity win.

This movie delivers an enduring message of racial acceptance that doesn’t require you to love football to root for the team or feel moved by their bonds.

Watch ‘Remember the Titans’ on Disney+

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Hidden Figures (2016): Inspirational Women Who Shaped History

20th Century Studios

IMDb Rating : 7.8/10

Genre : Biography, Drama, History

Starring : Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae

Director : Theodore Melfi

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Runtime : 2 hours, 7 minutes

Hidden Figures draws back the curtain to tell the true story of the brilliant African-American female mathematicians at NASA. Though unknown to the public, they made John Glenn the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth. This movie is a celebration of their brilliance and their deserving place in the history books.

Watch ‘Hidden Figures’ on Disney+ Now

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The 40-Year-Old Version (2020): Finding Your Voice at Any Age

Hillman Grad Productions

IMDb Rating : 7.2/10

Genre : Comedy, Drama

Starring : Radha Blank, Peter Kim, Oswin Benjamin

Director : Radha Blank

Motion Picture Rating : R

Runtime : 2 hours, 3 minutes

Based on playwright Radha Blank’s real-life career struggles, this semi-autobiographical film follows the main character’s attempt to reinvent herself as a hip-hop artist. In music, she finds relief from feeling that she’s sacrificing too much of her authentic voice to gain recognition in New York City’s theater world.

If you need a reminder that success doesn’t always have a set path or fall by a certain age, this is a cathartic and humorous homage to staying true to oneself.

Watch ‘The 40-Year-Old Version’ on Netflix Now

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Bruised (2020): A Knock-Out About Fighting for Family

Netflix

IMDb Rating : 6.2/10

Genre : Drama, Sport

Starring : Halle Berry, Adan Canto, Sheila Atim

Director : Halle Berry

Motion Picture Rating : R

Running Time : 2 hours, 9 minutes

Retired cage fighter Jackie Justice (Halle Berry) is ready for a comeback to the octagon, but she has second thoughts when her estranged son Manny (Danny Boyd Jr.) comes back into her life. Halle Berry is impressive in her directorial debut, and her performance is on-point as always.

Watch ‘Bruised’ on Netflix Now

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A Must-Watch List: 11 Films to Fuel Your Motivation and Optimism

A Must-Watch List: 11 Films to Fuel Your Motivation and Optimism