5 Inspirational Movies That Will Teach You Valuable Lessons
Discover 5 inspirational movies that inspire and teach life-changing lessons. These films will leave you motivated and ready to grow!
Disclaimer: Since I'll be discussing some significant lessons found in each of the films I'll be mentioning, there may be spoilers. If you haven't already, you can view any of these movies and then read the lessons.
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What movies have inspired you throughout your life? Have you ever seen a movie that altered your perspective on life or taught you something new? If so, these best inspirational movies are worth seeing.
Films are a terrific way to escape reality and have some fun. They can also teach us important life lessons.
In this blog post, I have compiled the five best movies that are truly inspiring and have touched my heart and taught me some great lessons. I hope you will benefit from them as well.
5 Most Inspiring Movies To Watch On Your Movie Night
The Pursuit Of Happyness
About The Movie:
Starring: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
Director:Gabriele Muccino
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith. This movie is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, who suffered from homelessness while raising a toddler son.
The plot revolves around a failing salesman who invested much in a technology known as a "bone density scanner."
Due to financial insecurity and dissatisfaction, he suffered in his marriage.
His wife abandoned Chris and their son Christopher, and Chris obtained full custody of their child.
He was attempting to sell one of his scanners one day, which he did each and every day restlessly. He ran across Jay Twistle, a key manager and partner at Dean Witter Reynolds.
After he saw how happy the individuals who worked at Dean Witter’s firm, prompted Chris to work there as well.
Chris was evicted from his flat owing to his inability to pay his rent. He and his son become homeless and were struggling to make ends meet with the little they had.
Chris was asked to become an intern for Dean Witter, but after learning that there would be no pay, he had second thoughts.
He gave it a shot and did his best to prove himself useful to the firm. During his six months of training as an intern, he had to outperform the competition in order to be considered for a full-time position with pay.
He spent restless nights learning and rehearsing for this dream career at homeless shelters.
He finally landed a position at Dean Witter after six months of sleepless nights studying, attempting to sell density scanners, and wandering around looking for shelter for his son.
Valuable Lessons We Can Learn From This Movie
What can we get from this great movie? I've selected the top life lessons I learned from viewing this really amazing and life-changing film.
Protect Your Dreams No Matter What
A really encouraging remark from a loving father, Chris, to his son, who was feeling disheartened and hopeless.
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People who can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”
This teaches us an important lesson to never give up on our dreams no matter what people say or think.
What is really astonishing is that Chris was teaching his son this lesson in the midst of poverty.
It is often hard to have such faith in oneself when your life is falling apart. Chris had a dream himself, to be a stockbroker, to be financially stable and to be able to provide for his son.
Many, including his own wife, did not believe in him and abandoned him. Despite the uncertainty of getting approved for this position and being a homeless man, he maintained his faith.
Find Your Inspiration And Work Hard To Get It
Finding your inspiration is frequently the first step in discovering your purpose. What genuinely inspires us is frequently a clue to what we should pursue.
Chris discovered his dream in this manner. Due to his relationship issues and financial struggles, he was a very unhappy man.
As he went about his day, trying to sell his scanners, as he did every morning.
He went by Dean Witter Reynolds' business. He observed the building from the outside and the workers entering and leaving it.
He became really inspired and wanted to work there as well after seeing how content and prosperous they were.
He wasn't strictly aiming for the job itself, but rather for success and happiness.
Considering that he was in a rut in life and wanted what was best for his family. He regarded the advantages of working there as a chance to make every effort to get that position.
As we could see throughout this movie, he really had to put in the hard work to get it.
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We Can Never Predict When Tragedy Strikes
It was a huge relief when Chris finally sold all of his scanners; it appeared like their lives were going well. His optimism was restored by that.
Although it didn't continue for very long, when he was reading his mail one day, he received a letter from the bank demanding all of his money since he was far behind on his tax payments.
Only twenty-one dollars and thirty-three cents were now accessible in his bank account.
When he believed everything was going well, a tragedy struck. He suffered a complete loss and was forced to sleep in homeless shelters.
We can never predict when difficult circumstances will enter our life. As the bible states:
For everything there is a season,a time for every activity under heaven.A time to be born and a time to die.A time to plant and a time to harvest.A time to kill and a time to heal.A time to tear down and a time to build up.A time to cry and a time to laugh.A time to grieve and a time to dance.A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.A time to embrace and a time to turn away.A time to search and a time to quit searching.A time to keep and a time to throw away.A time to tear and a time to mend.A time to be quiet and a time to speak.A time to love and a time to hate.A time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 NLT
Even the happy moments in life have their seasons, therefore we shouldn't become too comfortable in them because tragedy might strike at any time.
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The Fastest Runner Doesn’t Always Win The Race
“I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT
Chris was a very intelligent man who consistently received good grades in the schools he attended. He was also an excellent communicator and salesperson, and most people enjoyed how he carried himself.
No matter how intelligent or educated you are, though, you might wind up on the streets, as the film illustrates.
It's a common misconception that being smarter will make you more successful. You'll never lack anything the more educated you are. Running more quickly will give you an advantage and help you win.
He was an excellent salesperson and communicator, yet he frequently struggled to sell his scanners despite those skills. People were frequently uninterested in his offers.
When he was in the right location at the right time, he was mostly successful.
Value Time And Money
Chris became an intern for the company of Dean Witter, without any pay, in hope that they would soon make him his employee.
All the interns were given a study book they had to study every day in order to pass the test that was ahead.
They also had to make sales calls. Chris had already a lot going on in his life, he had to take care of Christopher, and find a new place to stay, for they were always on the run.
While all the other interns had nine hours to finish the list of sales calls, he could only manage to do it in six hours.
Therefore he had to come up with a strategy to be able to finish the list in six hours.
Time was so crucial to him, he had to learn time management in order to make it, he couldn’t spend any days resting, and he had to keep moving forward.
Here is our problem. Many of us have all the time in the world, yet don’t do anything productive with it.
We often only make effort if we will get some kind of reward for it. Chris, was working for free, and there was a big possibility he wouldn’t get the job – yet he was working harder than anyone else.
Movie Quotes From Pursuit Of Happyness
"Because when I was young and I'd get an A on a history test or whatever... I'd get this good feeling about all the things I could be. And then I never became any of them." — Chris Gardner ( Will Smith) from the pursuit of happyness
“I'm the type of person that if you ask me a question and I don't know the answer, I'm gonna tell you that I don't know. But I bet you what, I know how to find the answer and I will find the answer. " —Chris Gardner ( Will Smith) from the pursuit of happyness
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People who can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.” —Chris Gardner ( Will Smith) from the pursuit of happyness
Forrest Gump
About The Movie:
Starring: Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Robin Wright
Director: Robert Zemeckis
IMDb rating: 8.8/10
Although Forrest Gump is based on numerous true events, he is a fictional character.
Forrest is a simple man with an IQ of 75 who has been mocked his entire life for being stupid.
Despite his low IQ and being chastised his whole life, he was able to do wonderful things that many others could not - but not on purpose, more by chance.
To list a few of his accomplishments: He was a football all-star, a Vietnam War hero, a world ping-pong champion, a shrimp boat captain, and a millionaire.
His mother instilled in him the value of hard work and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Despite his prosperity and the admiration of others, his main wish in life was to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart Jenny.
Valuable Life Lessons We Can Learn From This Movie
You Don’t Have To Be Intelligent To Achieve Great Things
What inspired me the most while watching this classic film, was that it demonstrated that you don't have to be a genius to achieve good things in life.
Many people mistakenly assume that in order to be successful in life, you must be born intellectual.
To be successful in life, you must first have a decent education. As I already stated, “the fastest runner doesn’t always win the race. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives.”
It is often by being in the right place at the right time. Forrest became a great success over time because of these reasons:
Place
Time
Circumstance
Forrest recognized his ability for the first time when he was a child.
He had physical limitations as a kid and had to wear leg braces, which made it quite difficult for him to walk correctly.
Because of this condition, as well as his intellectual deficiency, he was regularly tormented at school by other students.
He was strolling with his childhood sweetheart and closest friend Jenny one day when he was pursued by a couple of bullies who were attempting to harm him.
Jenny encouraged him to run from the bullies. Although he struggled with running, he still gave it his all. Suddenly his leg braces came off, revealing his capacity to run incredibly fast.
Because of this occurrence, he became a football all-star. Another instance occurred when he was sent to the army and deployed to war in Vietnam.
As they were at war and many of their comrades were injured, Forrest utilized his skill for sprinting to rescue many of the soldiers on his squad, earning him the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Vietnam War.
Yet another instance that made him successful was when Jenny turned down his proposal and left him one morning without saying goodbye or providing any reason.
Feeling upset, he chose to run and continued to run for three years.
This earned him notoriety and a swarm of devotees who supported and followed him everywhere he went.
Forrest Highly Supported Other People’s Dreams
When Forrest joined the army, he met a man who he calls Bubba, and they became close pals.
Shrimps were the only thing Bubba talked about since he couldn't get enough of them. He would undoubtedly annoy a lot of people for obvious reasons. However, Forrest didn't bother to pay attention to him.
Bubba aspired to be a shrimp boat captain and asked Forrest if he’d join him after they returned from the war.
Forrest agreed and gave him a promise. Unfortunately, Bubba didn’t survive the war.
Gump maintained his word and bought a shrimp boat and started a shrimping company in memory of his best friend.
Even though he didn't fully comprehend his friend's vision, Forrest never doubted it.
Forrest was genuinely a fantastic friend and served as a great example of how we need to stand by one another and encourage one another's aspirations.
He Did Not Allow People’s Opinions To Have An Influence On Him
Gump received several criticisms throughout his life, calling him stupid, due to his IQ scores.
He didn't enjoy these remarks, but he didn't let them have any impact on his life. Many of us let the judgments and critiques of others mold who we are.
He knew that we control our own destiny and shouldn't let others define who we are or what we are capable of.
Pain May Be Redirected Into Something Constructive
Throughout his life, Forrest suffered a great deal of loss and struggle. He lost many close friends and family members, was heartbroken by the woman he loved, and was ridiculed as a child and as an adult.
Although each adversity yielded something positive in his life, it all relies on how you look at the adversity or struggle.
When Forrest was going through a difficult moment, he always looked on the bright side.
Despite the difficult circumstances he was in, he could laugh, grin, make jokes, be there for people, and enjoy his ice cream.
As Jacko Willink so eloquently stated:
“That’s it. When things are going bad: Don’t get all bumped out, don’t get startled, don’t get frustrated. No. Just look at the issue and say: Good.” — Jacko Willink
“I’m the only one I know who’s lost a quarter of billion dollars in one year. It’s very character building.” — Steve Jobs
Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolate
This is a statement he regularly heard his mother use to describe things to him in a manner he could grasp.
“Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
That is correct. Life is full of surprises; you never know what the future contains, and you never know when you will encounter a stumbling block.
Although let me demonstrate this a little further.
As with a box of chocolates, you never know what filling is inside each one.
You may be looking for a strawberry filling, but in order to get there, you may have to go through other fillings that you don't find particularly appealing.
Sometimes you have to go through things that you don't particularly enjoy in order to get what you want out of life.
As an example, suppose you had a dream career or a dream business. Often, in order to acquire it, you must first gather experience from other professions you dislike, or go through courses or schooling.
Movie Quotes From The Forrest Gump
"You have to do the best with what God gave you." — Mrs. Gump from Forrest Gump movie
“My Mama always said you've got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” – Forrest Gump from Forrest Gump movie
“My mama always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.” Forrest Gump from the Forrest Gump movie
The Help
About The Movie:
Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer
Director: Tate Taylor
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
A moving movie from 2011, The Help, depicts the difficulties encountered by African American women in the 1960s. The movie is not only amusing, but it also teaches viewers today important lessons.
Skeeter aspired to become a writer. She was inspired to write a book on how white people handled black maids after learning and observing how maids in white houses were treated.
Life Lesson We Can Learn From This Movie
Courage Is Not The Absence Of Fear
“Courage isn’t just about being brave. Courage is about daring to do what is right, in spite of the weakness of our flesh.”
Preacher Green's remarks inspired Abileen to accept Skeeter's offer to write the book about the help.
Despite her concerns as a black woman, she believed she was doing the right thing.
We shouldn't think that being fearless equates to being courageous. A man who displays feelings is not weak, and a man who exhibits no emotion is not strong.
Abileen was concerned that helping Skeeter would put her and others in danger.
However, there are times when we must leave our safe havens and act morally, even if it means losing everything, in order to bring about change in the world.
As Nelson Mandela said:
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Movie Quotes From The Help
“Love and hate are two horns on the same goat.” — Minny Jackson from The Help movie
“God says we need to love our enemies. It's hard to do, but it can start by telling the truth.” —Aibileen from The Help movie
“No one had ever asked me, what it felt like to be me. Once I told the truth about that, I felt free.” —Aibileen from The Help movie
Prisoners
About The Movie:
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Viola Davis, Jake Gyllenhaal
Director: Denis Villeneuve
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Prisoners tells the story of two young girls who were kidnapped.
The police were called to look into the investigation of the girls, they found a man with an IQ of 10 years old who had his RV parked outside of the girl's home while he was still inside. He was taken into arrest.
The police freed the guy from detention owing to a lack of evidence, but Keller, the father of one of the girls, still suspected he was involved.
Due to his conviction that this man was somehow connected to his daughter's abduction, Keller loses faith in the police and decides to handle the situation himself.
Keller kidnaps the suspect and imprisons him in the abandoned home where he grew up while making every effort to get the suspect to reveal the children’s whereabouts.
Life Lesson We Can Learn From This Movie
Hope For The Best, Prepare For The Worst
The police had not been able to work on enough leads, thus six days had passed and they still hadn't located the two little girls.
Keller was doing all in his power to get information from the man he suspected but without any luck.
His mind was always wondering if his daughter was still alive. He fought to hold on to his faith and hoped she would be found.
While everyone else was losing faith, he maintained his. He never missed a day of searching for his daughter and following up on his own leads.
“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” Is a quote he kept reminding himself of.
To be hopeful despite fear and uncertainty while also being ready for the possibility that he wouldn't ever locate his daughter or that she wouldn't be found alive.
Movie Quotes From Prisoners
“You know the most important thing your granddad ever taught me? Hmm? Be ready. Hurricane, flood, whatever it ends up being. No more food gets delivered to the grocery store, gas stations dry up. People just turn on each other, and uh, all of a sudden all that stands between you and being dead is you.” — Keller Dover from the Prisoners movie
“Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.” — Keller Dover from the Prisoners movie
Gladiator
About The Movie:
Starring: Russel Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen
Director: Ridley Scott
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Maximus was a highly esteemed commander of the mighty Roman army. He had the respect and admiration of both the populace and the ailing Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Maximus was adored by Marcus Aurelius, who even wanted him to succeed him when he passed away and bring back the Roman republic rather than his own son Commodus.
Because Marcus thought Commodus lacked merit due to his moral failings and character flaws.
It irritated Commodus that his father loved Maximus so much that he murdered him, and tried but failed to assassinate Maximus.
While Maximus was escaping he found his family dead at the decree of the new emperor Commodus. He was taken by a slave trader to North Africa, where he was sold to the gladiator trainer Proximo.
Life Lesson We Can Learn From This Movie
What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity
“Brothers, what we do in life echoes in eternity.” — Maximus from the gladiator movie
Maximus was a man of high morals and integrity. He served Rome effectively and was a well-respected army leader.
He was an incredible leader who lived what he preached to the people he commanded.
He was also a very simple man who merely wanted to return home to his family and agriculture.
He had no ambition for glory or a title; all he wanted was to embrace his family in his arms.
As a leader, he grasped a principle that we must all learn and comprehend. People will remember us according to how we lived our lives after we pass from this world.
Determining how we want to be remembered by future generations is therefore something we need to decide.
Some people have spent their lives in such a manner that no one remembers them since they did nothing with their lives.
How do you want your family or the world to remember you?
Maximus's life was definitely lived in a way that earned him honor. When Commodus rose to power, Maximus was stripped of everything, including his wife, kid, home, generalship, and freedom as he was made a slave.
However, he never became irate. Never raised any complaints. He never abused others and he never lost his integrity.
He remained the same person from the time he was a respected commander to the time he lost everything and became a slave until the time he passed away.
When The Righteous Are In Authority, The People Rejoice
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”
Proverbs 29:2 NKJV
Maximus shone like a lightbulb in the middle of the darkness that surrounded him. Everywhere he went, he won respect and offered people hope.
People cheered every time he entered a room. When Commodus rose to power, the populace grumbled and was dissatisfied because of his evident character faults.
Despite his attempts to be perceived as a merciful man, he never achieved the esteem that Maximus did.
At the end of the film, when Commodus goes to fight Maximus in the arena. He cowardly harmed him in order to defeat Maximus.
When Commodus lost his sword, he ordered the troops who surrounded him to lend him one, but they refused because they lacked respect for him.
They were prepared to sacrifice themselves and defy the emperor's decree because they admired Maximus.
They both perished in the combat, but Commodus died having lost all he had ever loved in life, whilst Maximus died having gained everything he had ever treasured.
Movie Quotes From Gladiator
"When A Man Sees His End, He Wants To Know There Was Some Purpose To His Life." - Marcus Aurelius From Gladiator movie
"I Knew A Man Once Who Said, 'Death Smiles At Us All. All A Man Can Do Is Smile Back." - Maximus from Gladiator movie
"Brothers, whatever we do in life echoes in eternity."- Maximus from Gladiator movie
Wrapping Up
These are the five most inspirational movies that will impart some really important lessons to you.
I'm confident that seeing these films again and paying close attention to the details helped me learn a lot.
Have you seen any of these films? If so, what did you learn from them?