Whether it’s the pandemic blues or just a meh period, some days, it can be hard to get up and fight for your dreams when everything seems to stand in your way. If motivation doesn’t come that easily, and you can’t find anything to inspire you to push forward, these ten movies will pick you up and make you feel ready to take on the world.
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THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (2016)
If you’ve ever tried to chase a job like your life depended on it, and lived from paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet, this movie will strike a chord in you. Based on Steven Conrad’s best-selling memoir, The Pursuit of Happyness stars Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to become a stockbroker. Between the challenges of his job and his parenting responsibilities, Chris makes great sacrifices, which lead to him becoming homeless and spending the night in jail, but he never reveals his circumstances to his employers or uses them as an excuse. For this role, Will Smith has received both Academy Award and Golden Globe Nominations.
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HIDDEN FIGURES (2016)
Based on the true stories of the female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race, Hidden Figures is a striking biographical drama about racism and gender inequality. The movie also celebrates the accomplishments of African-American women in astrophysics and that, without their incredible efforts, the United States might not have been able to send people into space. The critically acclaimed movie also sparked a debate about the representation of Black women in STEM research and received numerous awards.
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WONDER WOMAN (2017)
Say what you will about the prequel, but 2017’s Wonder Woman was unanimously praised as the best female-led superhero movie. Directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot into the defining role of her career, the movie had actually been in the works since 1996, but it was stuck in development hell for years. When it did eventually come out, Wonder Woman was one of the highest-grossing films of the year, started a new wave of female representation in superhero movies, and showed millions of girls and women that they can achieve anything.
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STEVE JOBS (2015)
If you work in tech, or perhaps have your own startup that you hope will one day change the world, Steve Jobs is probably one of the figures you look up to. His commitment to innovation and perfectionism helped Apple become the tech giant it is today and, although he did make some mistakes along the way, he always managed to bounce back. Most futurist speakers for hire give Steve Jobs’ example when talking to tech employees, precisely because of his innovative mindset. Whether you already know every detail about Steve Jobs’ life or you’ve only heard of him by name, Steve Jobs (2015) is a must-see. Starring Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs, the movie does a fantastic job at depicting the drive and commitment of the tech genius and will definitely inspire you to pursue your wildest career dreams.
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BOOKSMART (2019)
If you’re a bit confused about school, college, or you’re getting ready to start a new job, Booksmart is a different take on the coming-of-age comedy. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the movie tells the story of best friends Amy and Molly, two smart high school seniors who sacrificed their social life for academic performance. Before graduation, they discover that the classmates they thought to be lazy and sloppy all got into prestigious colleges, feel sorry for not enjoying high school more, and decide to let themselves go crazy at the graduation party. Booksmart is a heartwarming movie about the power of friendship and finding your path.
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ROCKY (1976)
More than 40 years after the initial release, Rocky is still one of the best movies ever made, not just because it’s a thrilling action flick that still delivers, but also because it’s a fantastic lesson in hard work and determination. If you ever scroll through Pinterest looking for motivational quotes, chances are you’ll come across quite a few from Rocky. You don’t have to be a boxing fan to enjoy Rocky. Whether you’re feeling a bit down or you’re going through a tough period, this is one of those movies that will make you trust your strength and push forward.
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127 HOURS (2010)
When a mountain climber is stuck under a boulder and has to survive for 127 hours until someone comes to save him, he soon learns that life itself is the greatest gift and that we should never take our loved ones for granted. Starring James Franco in one of the best roles of his career, 127 Hours is a story about endurance, determination, self-control, and gratitude for the little things in life.
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THE BLIND SIDE (2009)
For the role in The Blind Side, Sandra Bullock won the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Actress. But, apart from an acting tour-de-force, The Blind Side is the inspirational story of a talented football player who manages to overcome his difficult childhood and get into the National Football League.
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BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (2018)
Is there anyone who didn’t feel more empowered and uplifted after watching Freddie Mercury’s live performances? We thought so too. Bohemian Rhapsody did a great job at describing Mercury’s health struggles but, despite his timely departure, it’s a wholesome and inspirational story about his love of music. If you feel a bit down, this is the perfect pick-me-up flick.
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WILD (2014)
Based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed, who went on a 94-day trek from Mojave, California to the Washington border, Wild is one of those memorable movies that everyone should watch when they’re going through a difficult period. During the 1,100-mile hike, Cheryl, played by Reese Witherspoon, reflects on her mother’s death from cancer and her own struggles with addiction, depression, and the loss of her unborn child.
Andrea Bell is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter:@IM_AndreaBell
