12 Meaningful Movies With Important Life Lessons To Learn
“Celes, I was reading one of your articles and noticed a reader mentioning the movie ‘Yes Man’ in his comment. After reading the comment, I watched the movie and really felt a positive change in me. I will be really grateful if you could suggest similar movies that can help me in self-improvement.” – Fahad, Pakistan
Today’s post is different from usual. We’re going into the topic of movies – specifically, movies with meaningful life lessons for us to learn. Get some popcorn before you continue reading! 
To be honest, I don’t watch a lot of movies. I have a penchant for superhero/fantasy type movies (think X-Men, Harry Potter) and romantic comedies – the former for its good triumphing over evil and moral messages, the latter for the light-heartedness, positivity, romance and humor all rolled into one. While they’re not exactly classified under the inspirational genre, they are inspiring in their own way.
I’ve put together a list of top movies with important life lessons for us to learn. The first 12 features films complete with trailers, descriptions, and my personal reviews if I’ve watched them before. Following that is a condensed list of more movies with meaningful life lessons. There are videos throughout this post. If you’re reading this from your mobile/email client, be sure to load up the original article to see the whole post.
If you’ve watched any of them, feel free to give your reviews/take in the comments area (no spoilers please!). Also feel free to recommend your favorite inspiring movies so others can check them out. If it has enough recommendations, I add it to the list.
I dislike spoilers, so there aren’t any here (nothing that gives away the film anyway). Read on without reservations
Not in any order of importance.
1. Bruce Almighty
Bruce Almighty is a fun film with a meaningful message embedded in it. It’s about a TV reporter who has a constant string of bad things happen to him. He complains that God is doing a poor job as a God – at which point God appeared to him and offered him all his powers to see if he can do a better job. Along the way, he learns lessons that changed his life.
On the whole I think the messages can be played up more – the humor tends to take over the film sometimes, possibly to cater to the mainstream audience. Great weekend film to watch with friends.
2. The Peaceful Warrior
A friend of mine read Personal Excellence when I started back in ’08 and told me I had to watch the Peaceful Warrior. He said many of the things I talk about here are similar to what the film drives. So he gave me a copy of the movie and I watched it.
Based on Way of The Peaceful Warrior (book), the film features Dan, a student from U.C. Berkeley who has everything a college student could possibly want – the looks, fame, great friends, attention from every girl and talent in his gymnastics, his passion. Yet, he’s unhappy, deeply troubled and has trouble sleeping at night. One night, he meets a spiritual guide and from there his journey of self-discovery begins.
I like the Peaceful Warrior and there are many meaningful messages littered throughout the show. In fact, I’ve also included several of the quotes in the inspiring quotes of all time series. Some of my favorites are:
- “There is never nothing going on. There are no ordinary moments.”
- “The ones who are hardest to love are usually the ones who need it the most.”
- “Death isn’t sad. The sad thing is: most people don’t live at all.”
- “A warrior is not about perfection or victory or invulnerability. He’s about absolute vulnerability. That is the only true courage.”
However, while I concur with overall message of the movie and feel that there are some great moments (especially the one at the rooftop scene), I found the movie quite slow paced and predictable on the whole. While I was watching the movie, there were many times where “Socrates” (the spiritual guide) said something or revealed an important lesson which I already knew he was going to say (in the exact words too). Hence, the impact was somewhat lost on me.
That being said, there’s definitely some good stuff in this movie, especially evidenced by the rave reviews by others. For those who are looking for a deeper meaning in life, this is a great movie to get you started.
3. The Family Man
The Family Man is a comedy drama about a highly successful, single investment banker who gets to experience how his life would have been if he made a different decision 13 years ago (i.e. choosing to stay with his girlfriend over a fast-lane career). It’s a movie with a ‘what if I had done this instead?’ experience and contrasts the life of one with great wealth and success vs. a quiet family life.
It’s a great movie to that sparks thoughts about your life, though I’m not exactly in agreement with the indirect message the movie sends that life has to be an either/or scenario (in this case, wealth vs. family). It encourages people to justify not pursuing career / wealth goals because they have a family, or that they shouldn’t pursue love / have a family because they’re busy with their career. Both are achievable (else top business people/CEOs/the best performers in their fields would all be singletons, which isn’t the case) – it’s a matter of growing and expanding our capacity.
What I do like is it gets you to reflect on what you’re currently doing in your life. If you continue what you’re doing today, where is it going to lead you? A life of achievements and wealth but with no real friends or loved ones to speak of? A life spent conforming to norms and never taking action to pursue your real goals and dreams? A life just living for others but not for yourself? Someone bitter at life and at the end of it all, yourself? And is this life what you want? If not, what are you going to do to change this outcome?
Similar movies worth checking: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946 film) and A Christmas Carol (classic). These have same “what if” / alternate reality scenarios that get you thinking about your life.
4. Click
Click is about a man who receives a magical remote controller that allows him to flash back, stop and fast forward through time. He uses it to skip past moments in life that he finds mundane/boring (e.g. family dinner, shower, time taken to get to the next promotion, when he’s sick). Initially it seems fun, but after a while he found it comes with unexpected consequences, which you have to watch to find out.
Forget the demeanor of the trailer/marketing that comes across as your typical Hollywood, slapstick comedy. This really isn’t. At first it may seem like that, but halfway through you realize there’s something deeper that the story is driving. It gets you to think about life’s moments and how every moment is no less important than another. IMO, it drives home the message that “every moment is a moment to be lived” more strongly than Peaceful Warrior.
I really, really love this film and highly recommend this to everyone. There is this really moving scene near the end where I cried like crazy of the 3 times I watched it. If you watched this film you’d know which one I’m talking about. A great plot and message that provokes, and there’s humor injected throughout the film to keep it light-hearted. I highly recommend you to watch it if you haven’t before. Kudos to Adam Sandler too for his acting :D.
5. Forrest Gump
I haven’t watched Forrest Gump before but I’ve heard too many great reviews about it not to include in this list. Here’s a summary from Wiki:
Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The story is of Forrest Gump, a simple man who comes from Alabama and his journey through life meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing firsthand historic events of the late 20th century.
If you’ve watched Gump before, feel free to share your review in the comments area.
6. The Secret
A non-fiction movie on Law of Attraction and positive thinking. Law of Attraction refers to the idea that both your conscious and subconscious thoughts affect your outcomes in life, whether through the subconsciousness and consciousness. The movie took the world by storm and has been featured on Oprah, The Ellen Show, Larry King, among countless other mainstream media.
I watched this right about when it first came out in 2006, via The Secret Official Site. There’s an option to view it online at just $3.99 USD (cheaper than the price of a movie ticket in SG), so I just paid and watched it there. At that time I was new to the concept of the LoA, so learning it from the show was definitely intriguing. Later on in 2006 I learned more about LoA from reading other blogs and came to appreciate it even more. Basically the concept of LoA syncs with a lot of things I’ve come to conclude from my own experience, so it was more of an affirmation for me.
20 minute clip of the beginning of The Secret
The combination of the imagery, music and the idea of a loose story line weaved in a documentary style with examples drove a very powerful message. Throughout watching the show and afterward, I felt more conscious than my usual self. Just watching this once once a week/month can create an upward shift in your consciousness in the long-term (of course, don’t fall into the trap of a self-help junkie – ultimately self-help resources are meant to accentuate actions you’re taking in life). I recommend all of you watch this and get the DVD, since it has high replay value. The core message applies to you no matter what stage of life you’re at.
There are many LoA detractors out there who feel LoA is a hoax. Based on what I’ve read, their refutations are more of a result of a misunderstanding of the concept. In the future I plan to write a LoA post, but not for the moment as there are other topics I wish to cover at Personal Excellence first.
There’s also a companion book of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I haven’t read it before but I gather it’s similar in its overall message with the film.
7. The Bucket List
The Bucket List (movie) is about 2 terminally ill men who cross paths in a hospital after they were diagnosed with lung cancer. Through their treatments, they befriend each other. They decided to embark on a trip to fulfill their bucket list – a list of things they want to do before they die.
I’ve not watched The Bucket List before but I read about the idea elsewhere. I embrace the concept of bucket lists personally and have written several articles on this:
- What’s on Your Bucket List? 101 Things To Do Before You Die – One of the most popular articles on Personal Excellence to date. I also give away a free ebook of the article for newsletter subscribers
- My Bucket List – My list of over 100 things I want to do before I die, which I work toward every day
- Additional notes on bucket list and life (interview/feature on CNN) – I was interviewed by CNN on bucket lists and their relation to personal excellence
8. Space Jam
I watched Space Jam when I was a kid and I continue to enjoy it today (I have the VCD). It’s a classic. The story is simple – the bad guys (Monstars) ousts the good guys (Looney Tunes) in a game of basketball at the beginning, after which the Looney Tunes go through arduous training to triumph in the end. Michael Jordan stars as himself where he is “kidnapped” by Looney Tunes to help them succeed.
The winning point of the movie is really the simplicity. It drives home the values of determination, persistence/never giving up, hard work, self-belief and friendship. I love the opening (watch clip above) which shares Jordan’s childhood scene with his Dad, and then the transition to the present day Michael. I got goosebumps watching it. R Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly is a perfect theme song for the movie.
There is a joke on piracy in the middle of the film (when Bugs and Daffy are in Michael’s house) which I lol-ed when I heard it. You have to watch to find out what it is :D.
9. The Lion King
Lion King is an all-time classic and hands down the best hand-drawn animated film of all time. Even with all the 3-D films released today (which are great in their own right), none of them come close to matching Lion King in terms of raw quality and appeal. I remember the very first time I watched Lion King was in the theaters, right when it was released. I was just 10 years old and my parents brought me and my brother out on a movie outing. The memories!
If you haven’t watched Lion King before, please rent/buy/borrow a copy and watch it. I’ve probably watched some 6-7 times at least. I never fail to cry during the key scene in the 2nd quarter of the film (those who watched it before will know which one). I continue to rewatch the film once every few years and continue to be moved each time, because the story just never gets old. It speaks of love, responsibility, courage and strength.
10. Pay It Forward
Pay It Forward is about a young boy who creates a good-will movement, where he helps 3 people with something they can’t do themselves. The recipient cannot return the favor and must “pay it forward” by helping 3 other people. The film starts off a little slow, but does pick up mid-way. 3/4s through the film, everything starts to fall into place and the ending is a tear-inducing one. I like how the things unexpectedly reconnect throughout the film. It’s a film of kindness, generosity, warmth and gratitude.
11. The Pursuit of Happyness
The Pursuit of Happyness is about a salesman who undergoes defeats, challenges and hardship (his wife leaving him, being rendered homeless) to secure a better living for his son. Throughout his journey, he never once gave up, and stood firm to his goals. The mood of the show is slow and somber, intended for the audience to experience more fully what the character is going through. Besides determination, self-belief, persistence and going after our dreams, the story also speaks strongly of a dad’s love for his child.
If you feel like you’ve been down and out in life and just about had enough of it, you should check out this film. It’s based on Chris Gardner‘s true story.
12. Yes Man!
This is the same movie mentioned that Fahad watched. Yes Man! is about a bank employee (Jim Carrey) who kept saying no to everything in his life until an experience in a motivational seminar changes him to say Yes! to everything that comes his way.
How many times do you say no in life? Do you shut out opportunities without even realizing? Is it about time you say yes to things that come your way? This movie will get you thinking.
More Films With Lessons To Learn
- Shawshank Redemption – A story showing how your hope and outlook in life is what shapes your life experience, regardless of where you may be (prison or “free” in the world). (It’s quite evident that creators of Prison Break drew inspiration from this film!)
- Memento – A psychological thriller, except that it’s not your typical one. It’s about a man with anterograde amnesia (a condition where the brain unable to store new memories) who seeks to find justice for his wife’s murder. The fact is I don’t watch thrillers at all, but a friend recommended this to me and I was very impressed by it after watching. For one, Memento is a very smart film executed in a very unique fashion. The film’s events unfold in two separate, alternating narratives — one in color, and the other in black and white. The black and white scenes are told in chronology, while the color scenes are in reverse chronology. By the time the film ends, both narratives converge to shed light on whole investigation. There are different takeaways depending on the viewer. For me it spoke how people put themselves in a state of self-denial and the self-created fantasies, and because of that they pursue a hollow life, putting themselves in pain/anguish.
- The Butterfly Effect – This is a film of a man who desperately goes back in time to try to change the future for the better, with unexpected consequences each time. The butterfly effect is the phenomenon whereby one little action (the flutter of a butterfly) magnifies over time into a huge effect in the long-run (think along the lines of a tornado). I have the DVD and I have only watched it once because the show is overall very somber and depressing. However, it does have an important message in the film. Many people often wonder “What if I did this?” “What if I did that?”. The point is, we can’t change something without affecting something else in our life. Every decision we make comes with its downsides and upsides, and it’s our role to make the best out of the outcome, rather than regret and wish we did something else (because it is already in the past). Looking backwards prevent us from truly living our life. In the film you can see the character oblivious to everything that’s happening in the present because he is too busy trying to go back in time to change things. I won’t spoil the ending for you – watch the film and catch the outcome yourself.
- Groundhog Day (recommended by reader Sumit) – A disgruntled TV weather man finds repeating a day over and over again, where only he himself remembers the past day’s events. At first he uses it for his personal advantage; but after a while he starts to evaluate his life and priorities.
- Rocky series – An underdog club fighter who overcomes all odds to become the world heavyweight champion of all time.
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – An interesting tale of a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards. Through the film, he experiences the human joys of love, departure, life and death
- Up in the Air – It’s about a corporate downsizer who travels around the world helping companies lay off people. His life philosophy is about being non-commitment – detaching oneself from things, locations, and especially relationships. Through the course of the film, he meets people who gets him thinking otherwise. I watched Up in the Air but felt that the film didn’t resonate with me. Instead, I felt I was being set up throughout the film for an outcome which never took place. I’m putting it here as there seem to be many rave reviews of it – You might get a different experience watching it.
- Inception – Of course, who can forget Inception, the 2010 hit film. While it has been better remembered as an action/heist film, there are many personal development lessons to take away from it too, which I covered in detail in: 8 Important Personal Development Lessons To Learn From Inception
Please read the comments below too – There are many wonderful suggestions by readers. Thanks everyone for sharing!
This is part of the Inspiration & Motivation series. Check out the other articles in the series:
- 8 Important Personal Development Lessons To Learn From Inception
- 25 Most Inspirational Songs To Listen To
- 15 Amazing Commercials That Will Inspire the Greatness in You
- 15 Free, Beautiful Inspirational Wallpapers For Your Desktop
- 10 Powerful & Inspiring Graduation Speeches You Don’t Want To Miss
- 101 Most Inspiring Quotes of All Time: Vol 1 | Vol 2 | Vol 3 | Vol 4
- 101 Things To Do Before You Die
- 101 Ways To Live Your Life To The Fullest
- 101 Important Questions To Ask Yourself in Life
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Filed in: Awareness & Growth, Career & Work, Emotional Mastery, Goals & Success, Inspiring, Motivation & Inspiration | Published: Jul 23 2010 | By Celes | |
These movies are truly great :wink:
Amelie is a wonderful and insipirational movie, I definitely recommened it!!
Great list of movies
I would like to add two more to the list, that you might have already thought about including in your future posts.
The one movie that really got me thinking about life, change and my place in the world is “Pleasantville” – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120789/. If anyone hasn’t seen it, I would highly recommend it. However, when you watch it, you must watch it with an open mind and question the meaning of every scene and event. Ask yourself how it relates to your life and your purpose in life.
Another great movie is “The Village” – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368447/. This is a remarkable movie that shows how people struggle to step out of their comfort zone (overcome their fears), and how they accept life at face value. There are also many other metaphors within the movie. Well worth watching.
Thanks Adam! I haven’t heard about either movies and will check them out :D. Pleasantville looks particularly interesting!
I rarely watch movies
My favorite movie is October sky.
Yes Man – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068680/
Groundhog day! and The shift ! by wayne dyer
Shawshank Redemption – An amazing and powerful movie!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/
“Fear can hold you captive; hope can set you free.”
Hi Ruth! I watched Shawshank a couple of years ago and it’s a great film.
I did some parts somewhat slow though, particular to the life in the prison (possibly contrasted with Prison Break, which I watched too and it tended to be faster paced). I’ll be listing this in the next part 
These are 2 of my favorites:
Rocky 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA9272r7JNk
Meet The Robinsons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV7F8FKazN0
I thought -One Week- :-P (with the actor Joshua Jackson). A story of a young man who gets diagnosed with cancer and is given a poor prognosis. He buys a motor bike on the way home and takes of on a road trip. It is about really experiencing life, appreciating life, and chasing a dream. It was such a delightful inspiring story that made me laugh and cry at the same time. I just loved it and a surprised that so few people know about this movie.
I have on amazing movie to share. It is about the 3 stories of Steve Jobs’ life
http://www.zimliu.com/blog/inspiration/3-stories-of-steve-jobs-life/
“If you live each days as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right”, this quote inspired Steve Jobs when he was young.
We often delay task we don’t like to do and we spend more time on what we likes to do. Sometime we wasted too much time on those unproductive tasks and delay to important one.
That’s a great list, thank you! I haven’t seen Bruce Almighty & Click though I downloaded it quite a while ago, so probably it’s a good way to spend Friday evening
Family man might be the next one.
Talking about other thought-provoking and motivational movies… I would definitely add some of my favorites: Vanilla Sky, Fight Club and of course Waking Life by Richard Linklater!
Thanks for your list Maxim! I’ll be checking out your list as I write the next part
You HAVE to catch Click… it really moved me on a personal level. Let us know how you find it after you watch it.
I agree that “Click” is a must-see! I was raving about it to a friend, and mentioned that I thought a lot of Adam Sandler’s movies offered some real life lessons, and my friend thought I was nuts. it’s too bad that many people miss those lessons, because they see only Sandler’s wild humor.
Some Of My Favorites: Freedom Writers & Hitch & Dreamer & Juno & No Reservations [2007] & We Are Marshall……. Thank You……
Just updated this post with part-2 of the series. There are now 17 films listed. Please keep your suggestions coming
That’s great!
I really appreciate that. Thanks for sharing. :-P
One of my favourites has to be “Gattaca”.
A science fiction movie that : (1) draws on concerns over reproductive technologies which facilitate eugenics, and the possible consequences of such technological developments for society; (2) explores the idea of human spirit and the ways in which it can and does govern lives.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gattaca
I think several films come to mind:
Liar Liar – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119528/
Seven Pounds – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/
Remember the Titans – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0210945/
I Am Sam – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277027/
This are all Hollywood movies..I’d like to see in the list something not so mainstream, especially Asian, since it’s where you are from.
I will add Into The Wild an two european very inspiring movies for me, who are known worldwide
Talk to her (Almodovar) – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0287467/
Life is beatiful (Benigni) – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118799/
“Lost in Translation” is very inspiring about the joy of relationships and living your life. The whole film builds too a magical scene at the end. Highly recommend it. I recommend watching Up in the air afterwards.
Celes here is a movie I believe all people should see. Not only is the filming, acting, cinematography, colors etc great but, the story line shares the trials of real life and the :wink: struggles one needs to accept in order to live that “Perfect Life” we all seek.
I add a trailer and please share it with your audience! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pHCtLzmras
Pierre & Pierrette Trudel
The Quest For Perfect Health
Hey guys! It’ll be terrific and helpful for the other readers if you can share a short note or two on why you are sharing the particular film and why/how it inspired you.
Thanks!
Celes I love this movies so much that I forgot to write down the title.It is “What Dreams May Come” and stars Robin Williams.Real life needs to be gutwrentching at times and this movie is one that will get you deep and permit you to reflect on your challenges and take action to make the rest of your life “The Best”.
Thanks
Pierre Trudel :wink:
Among the 12 I have only watched Space Jam and the Lion King but that was like a decade ago. Might watch the others soon. I’ve seen Forrest Gump but didn’t manage to finish it since it’s boring in the beginning.
And Last year I’ve seen Curious Case of Benjamin Button. and I must admit that was a great movie.
I also want to recommend My Sister’s keeper. It was a movie adaptation of the novel by Jodie Picoult. That movie was so touching.
Hey Celes,
I’m glad you had The Pursuit of Happyness on your list there. That is one hell of a movie.
For me, I know some people are going to laugh and I know its a “kids” movie…………..but I have to say:
Ratatouille!
It rocks because it really reminded me to keep the dream alive even when your closest friends think you’re crazy.
Fun blog post here by the way
Bailey
Bailey, indeed it’s a fun post!
I watched Ratatouille before, and while I can’t remember much about the film, I thought it was a great film.
After seeing these great responses, I got some inspiration and revised it to be a list on ‘Movies with Important Life Lessons For Us To learn’. I just added 2 more films to the list above – The Butterfly Effect and Memento. Both have very powerful lessons and messages imo.
Hi Celes
For me “The Pursuit of Happyness” should be on top of the list
Thanks for sharing the list.
Ahmed
Hi Ahmed, the list is not ranked in order of importance as mentioned in the post
A Knight’s Tail is very inspiring and beautiful.
here is some of my favourite quotes:
William: I have seen sunsets and sunrises, but nothing of your beautiful face. The pieces of my broken heart are so small that they could be passed through the eye of a needle. I miss you like the sun misses the flower; like the sun misses the flower in the depths of winter.
Brave Heart tells us more about freedom, faith, heart, love etc.
Some of my favorites:
Every man dies, not every man really lives.
wallace：Ay, fight and you may die, run and you’ll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies, that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom
BTW, The Scottish Pipe is very lovely
I love Pixar animations! They are all funny and feel-good, especially Finding Nemo and Wall-E.
Forrest Gump was a really good film, I watched it so a few times on TV and it never failed to move me. I think the essential message is about not seeking, but being. Forrest was a simple man with a big heart who does his best every moment, for the people around him. Despite not having any lofty ambitions or desires, wonderful things (e.g. fame, wealth) still make their way to him.
You should watch it! It made me feel like…. zen? LOL.
Hi!
I highly recommend “The Ultimate Gift,” directed by Michael O. Sajbel. Thinking that he would inherit millions of dollars from the death of his wealthy grandfather, Jason Stevens instead learns 12 significant life lessons: work, money, friends, learning, problems, family, laughter, dreams, giving, gratitude, a day and love. This story definitely gives its audience perspective on life, and how to change one’s attitude and thought-process.
Thanks.
I completely agree!!! After working in a video store for 6 years this is the one that I always recommend if people want a really good story with meaning and value! I am waiting before my kids are a little older before watching but it holds so many values that I want my children to inherit!
:-o If you haven’t seen it you have to check it out.
Wow, what a wonderful list! Some of these I don’t know, but the clips highlight your points well. I’m trying to think of movies with important life lessons to add to this, and I’m going to add 2 movies, one of which you’re going to think is strange but go with me, and one series of movies that, when you think about it, has its own major life lesson.
1 – The Boy Who Could Fly was a movie with a message about living and dreams.
2 – The Muppet Movie, which was a slapstick kind of comedy, but the message once again is that if you have an overwhelming dream and vision and persevere you can get it done
3 – The Harry Potter series, which has many themes, but the overriding theme is that friendship and goodness can conquer even the worst that life has to throw at you.
All of you are giving amazing recommendations!
Thanks so much to all who have posted so far! I might very well have to start a new post on 101 movies with important life lessons for us to learn. Please keep your suggestions coming!
I’d like to recommend October Sky…a true story about a teenager in a West Virginia coal mining town who is destined like almost everyone else in town to a bleak future in the mines with the likelihood of an early death due to accident or lung disease. When the Russians launch Sputnik, he gets inspired and decides to build and launch his own small rocket and faces a series of setbacks including the opposition of his father who wants him to ‘grow up and face responsibility’. But encouraged by a teacher dying of a terminal illness, he perseveres, builds his rocket, and creates a new destiny for himself.
At the end of the movie, I stood up and cheered!
Celes, I have watched MEN OF HONOUR. It’s an inspirational movie. I recommend it.
Here are a few movies I can think of off the top of my head where I felt like I came away with learning a few things:
Erin Brokovitch
Dead Poets Society
White Men Can’t Jump
Waking Life
I Am Sam
Thanks for this list by the way! I always look forward to your posts!
Where is ” the matrix “…. I m realy amazed .. U hvnt added this movie ?? ! ??
Hi!
I highly recommend “Patch Adams”…….
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129290
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Vf304YNXA
“The Family Man” is a great movie. Another movie I would recommend is “Moonlight and Valentino”.
Hi Celes, At the outset would like to thank you for this post on movies. A great way to share/discover great inspirational movies. Here is a movie that we all can relate from contemporary work culture and lives … “The Devil Wears Prada”. This is about an aspiring journalist Andrea Sachs who works for an arrogant/agressive editor-in-chief Mirinda Priestly of a fashion magazine.
I feel a big take away from this movie is the importance and power of RIGHT ATTITUDE and PROACTIVENESS. Initially Andrea thinks of her boss as arrogant, pushy etc. But that complaining doesn’t change anything, except adding more frustration. Later she takes initiative and changes her attitude toward the situation and she starts being proactive which finally brings her appreciatin and success.
We can relate the characters in the movie to proactiveness concept from Stephen Covey’s book ‘The 7 habits of highly effective people’. Here the aggressive boss represents the situations or entities in our live which are outside our circle of influence – something which we can’t do much/anything about. We can overcome such situations if we proactively take initiatives to find solutions rather than lamenting about the situation.
Besides the inspiring take aways from the movie, Meryl Streep’s superb performace as Mirinda Priestly – the arrogant boss is highly commendable.
-Rajesh
Hey Rajesh
Thanks for your great review of the film – it really helps others who haven’t watched it to get the essence of why the film is great. I watched Devil Wears Prada before and really like it too (while most watch it more for the fashion, the movie has its own message of the day and value). I thought Meryl Streep’s performance was fantastic too!
Thank you, Celes! As I mentioned earlier this is a great post. If I may request, once the 101 inspiring movie list is compiled, can we have a post for list of most inspiring songs and biographies/auto-biographies(books)?
Hey Rajesh, I thought over writing a 101 inspiring movies list, and realized it’s not going to be much value to the reader since I’ll just be regurgitating the movie summaries on the list (not having watched the movies myself before). It’ll probably be most useful to readers to refer to this post and read the comments by all of you, complete with your opinions/takes. Thanks so much for sharing yours here
I LOVE it. I’ll have it in my upcoming posts list, likely next week or so. Thanks so much! Will look forward to your suggestions then too :D. For auto-biographies, I don’t read any of them (hence wouldn’t have any perspective to offer), so I might hold it off for the moment. I’ll have it in my idea incubator though 
On that note, a list of most inspiring songs sounds like a fabulous idea!!!
I have to second the recommendation for Groundhog Day. Not only is it a funny movie, but it also has a great lesson in it in that it is somewhat of an analogy of how everyday life is always the same for most people. Bill Murray’s struggles in the movie sort of represents people’s struggles with trying to find meaning in an everyday life where every day seems the same (in his case, it IS the same).
Another reason you (Celes) would like the movie is that it has a small romantic aspect to it! Not to give too much away, but his love interest has a role in his decision to change his life around. I found the romantic part of the movie to be a little cheesy, but based on your movie preferences, you’d probably love it!
Hey Leo!
Thanks for your comment. Yesterday, I went to check the DVD shop to get a copy of Click and Groundhog Day. I bought Click, but alas, they don’t have Groundhog Day! It’s quite a large DVD shop too (complete with rentals and all). The premise of the movie definitely sounds very interesting (the day repeating over and over), plus with both Sumit and you recommending it, I’m interested to check it out. I’ll be checking other shops tomorrow – hope they’ll have it 
heey celes…. Veronika decides to die is a movie based on paulo coelo`s novel,,and it is awesome…defining the purpose of life,defination of life….
and other one is Life is beautiful……this movie is also full of life…
great lessons in both of movies
Great list, I saw a few of my favorites on there like Bucket List.
But for me personally Shawshank Redemption holds a special place, as I went through a very trying time in my life leaving a hugely negative environment and situation and this quote summed up the parallels I felt in my own life:
“Andy Dufresne – who crawled through a river of shit and came out clean on the other side.”
(sorry for the profanity, but it was part of the quote)
And I also like the message of this quote from Shawshank Redemption:
“You can either get busy living, or get busy dying.”
Michelle, I know where you are coming from. Many of us hit bottoms but refuse to admit it. Many of us reach “burn out” conditions and never tell anyone. Many of us feel gutwrenching pain and keep it all bottled up inside.
Bucket List and Shawshank Redemtion are two great movies. If you are an intense person you cannot “not see” :wink: the messages in them,right?
Watch “What Dreams May come” with Robbin Williams from beginning to end and tell me what you think.
Take care,
Pierre Trudel
Thee Quest For Perfect Health
Celes, Have you seen “What Dreams May Come” starring Robin Williams? I think it is one of the best movies ever made. The human element in it and the life lessons are so true and potentially life changing and know one else has mentioned it.
I ask you to please see it, review it and tell me what you think.
Thanks very much,
This is the second time I put it on the list.
Pierre
Thee Quest For Perfect Health :wink:
I found that we love a lot of same movies, haha..
P.S. I love you really go to me and also the older movie A Little Princess. The former because it shows how to cope and move on and I also that you need to get back up no matter how much you dont think you can. The latter because it shows that if you really have class and can always be kind…good things will come of it. I agree with Meet the Robinsons and pretty much every movie I think can in inspire you in a different way. I, for one, am inspired by pretty much everything. Thanks for having such an amazing blog!!
I love this list of movies and I have watched many of them, and I also love many of the recommendations that people have added. There is one I can think of that I am surprised hasn’t been mentioned so far.
“Under a Tuscan Sun” ….with Diane Lane
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328589/
It’s just a beautiful movie about going off on a tangent and living life on a whim. After a broken relationship, Dianes’ character is on a holiday through Tuscanny (forced on her by a friend) and on the spur of the moment, buys an old house in Italy (renovators dream, so to speak) and moves in while renovating.
The movie follows her journey during the renovation and the final awakening of some things she wished for at the end of the movie. It’s such a feel-good movie and leaves you with the biggest smile on your face and the most wonderful feeling….
While writing this, I also came to think of “Erin Brokovich” with Julia Roberts.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0195685/
….and of course, how could I forget this one…
“What The Bleep Do We Know”
Ok, it might not fit under the category of ‘life lessons’, but it absolutely makes you think about life and what reality is.
“Disney’s the kid” is a meaningful comedy I’d like to suggest. It’s about a successful image consultant (Bruce Willis) who usually acts like a jerk with others and has tense relationship with his father. Until one day he comes across a kid eating popcorn in his house and suddenly realizes that he’s his past version 32 years ago…
“How many of us turn out the way we think we will when we were kids?” Sometimes we need to stop for awhile and awake the sleeping kid inside of us, right? It is a touching and really funny story I highly recommend.
celes great post by the way……keeep it up..and thnx for the friends who shared great movies filled with a real life challenges and fun……
[...] writing 12 Meaningful Movies With Important Life Lessons To Learn last week, I was inspired to rewatch Click. The last time I saw it was a few years back and [...]
The Blue Butterfly and
Flash of Genius and
The Greatest Indian
I think Remember the Titans deserves a spot on this list. A great film about team work, overcoming obstacles and being different. I return to it whenever I need a pick me up.
Fireproof – another one if people haven’t watched it -its worth it. The acting is a little lame (it is a “B” movie) and Kirk Cameron is the only main name recognizable but the story is worth it. I will warn those who are anti-christian because there are some passages through it. But the store is of a husband to wrapped up in his work to realize he is losing his marriage and a wife also busy in her work and her parents health. The story is of his father giving him a 40 day challenge of various sacrifices (computer addictions, selfishness, etc) to be able to show his wife that he doesn’t want a divorce.
To me the movie was very telling of the sacrifices that some of the previous generations did to keep their marraiges and some today are willing to walk away so easily without trying. It shows that through good or bad relationships take work but you have to want to try before calling it quits…
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810036605/trailer
I was really moved with Click :’(
Blind Side by Sandra Bullock is one of the most inspiring movie I’ve seen.
I love this post, since I am very inspired by the visual aspect of film and storytelling. It is hard to name them all, but the films that have had the most profound effect on me are:
Dead Poet’s Society – my all time favorite film with the important lesson to think for yourself.
The Truman Show – another great film by Peter Weir that plays with the idea of what reality is.
The Matrix – some see this as a great sci fi movie, but there is so much more to this movie.
Man on Wire – the best and most inspiring documentary.
Vitus – great film about a child prodigy
A Man Named Pearl – documentary about a very inspiring and humble artist/landscaper/teacher
Amelie
Step into Liquid – the joy and passion of surfing around the world from amateur to pro surfers
Milk – one man’s actions can make a difference and inspire both a community and city.
Chocolat – Johnny Depp, need I say more?
Sound of Music – I have seen this more times than I can count.
This Is It – just watched this recently with all the bonus features. While Michael did not live to perform his final shows, this truely would have been the concert of all concerts.
All Together Now – the making of the Cirque Love Show.
The Pixar Story – Pixar raises the bar as a company and for the film industry in general.
Pursuit of Happyness
and many more……..
Awakening with robin williams and Robert de Niro is highly recommended.
It tells us about how we take life for granted and forgot to appreciate the simple things such as breathing or walking.
here is the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FURflBxeTyI
Without a doubt, “It’s A Wonderful Life”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJfZaT8ncYk
Well i will like to add a Bollywood film called “taxi no.9211″. it is the tale of two guys who always curse others for their misfortune and how their path intersects and they learn important lessons of life in between.
i really liked the list compiled here.i have seen most of movies listed here.my favourite among these are “FOREST GUMP” and “PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS”
And plz also try”the motorcycle diaries”.
[...] the original post: 12 Meaningful Movies With Important Life Lessons To Learn More on this:Learn important life lessons by playing with toys « Reel Life JourneysLearn important [...]
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Most that I would recommend have been covered, how about ‘The Notebook’?
Another great movie is “August Rush” (2007). It’s about love, music and dreams. http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/search?q=august
I think a great movie that i love is THE NOTEBOOK…is more than a romantic movie for me…is inspirational, is a hope of knowing that the love is the only thing that keep us moving on life, that when love exist in your heart everything is possible, that no matter what love is the only thing that save us.
I love watching this movie when i’m sad or when things are going wrong, it give me the strength to keep going in live.
I think this is a great movie…and teach the lesson of never give up on love.
I agree with your comment – well said!!
Hi great list…I am very happy to comment here. As a Movie Blogger, this post inspries alot. Please add the following movies in the list.
1. Cast Away (2000)
2. Invictus(2009)
3. The songs of Sparrow (2008)
Cheers
I have only watched four of the mentioned films and I loved all of them. I have just ordered Butterfly Effect because I have heard that it is a very good film.
I think you could of mentioned the Matrix…I think that’s one of the greatest films ever and very inspiring also Jerry Maguire and The Great Debaters.
Hi Celes, tonight I am going to start a movie contest to run for the next 2-3 weeks. This was an excellent post and with your permission, I will link back to you for all the inspiration and good content rolled up in one post! Thank you :)!
Of course Farnoosh, I look forward to seeing your post
Dear Celes, the post is up and I hope you not only see it but participate in the contest as I’d LOVE to have your presence and energy…..all my best!
:-P
Thanks for this great list and all extra comments. My movie schedule is gonna be filled for the rest of this year!
2 movies which I highly recommend which have not been mentioned
1) Coach Carter
Based on a true story of Coach Ken Carter, a controversial high school basketball coach played by Samuel L. Jackson. Coach Carter took the coaching job under his rules. He believed that the players must maintain good grades and become a united team or they would not play. Lots of lessons to be learned here, not your typical Sports Movie!
2) 3 Idiots (Bollywood)
3 Engineering Students and their adventures, stories while pursuing their dreams and conforming to the society they live in. How they discovered themselves and followed their hearts. Lots of funny and touching moments! The highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time!
Hey everyone, I finally watched Groundhog Day last week. It started out a little slow but it got better toward the 2nd half. It’s as great and meaningful as you guys mentioned it’d be. Thanks so much for the recommendation :D.
Just watched “The Blind Side” – what an inspirational movie – what a story! :-P
Celeste,
This was not a mainstream film, but it is one of my favorites for inspiration.
Saint Ralph(2005).
Fictional story about a 14 year old boy, who is told the only thing that will save his mother who has Leukemia is a miracle.
Ralph decides that winning the Boston marathon would be the miracle that will save his mother’s life.
Wonderful movie!
Hi celes
The list seems amazing and i wonder what a variant
movie viewers we have. i would like to add :
1.Munna bhai MBBS(Bollywood)
2.Gladiator
3.A Beautiful mind
I loved “Life is Beautiful” & “Erin Brockovitch”.
Hi,
It’s a great thing to learn and take lessons from any thing around us in our daily life as long as our eyes and senses are opened and minds rolls and question. You might see any thing wrong in the street (or good) and learn to refrain from the first and practice the latter.
This post agitated a question in my mind, I wish I can hear an answer from you Celeste.
How do we learn?
When I watch a movie, I may notice the lesson (or not) the idea behind the movie-which could be just a phrase from the whole movie-, but How do I know that I learned the lesson? In general, HOW DO WE LEARN?
They are all there with a few others at the beginning of the list :wink:
http://www.youtube.com/CandlesOfUnity#grid/user/E6EC90235D72BD30
Please subscribe! You might be the 1000… :idea:
Great idea Celes. Be blessed !
Some great movies are listed. I’d like to add:
Beautiful – Minnie Driver
Radio – is a must see!!
The truman Show is a great inspiring film, watch it if you haven’t yet
wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Truman_Show
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYj2m1yVpGU
I also find Wall-e a very intresting film
Hi Celes
Some fantastic movies listed!
Here are a few based on true life events that really inspire with their message:
Coach Carter – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFhHEepF4s
Cinderella Man – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlbHzcH4VJY
Invictus – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Ovkye6lac
Ray – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlk1fLJxGnE&feature=related
Hope you all enjoy! :-)
How is “The Truman Show’ not on this list??? fantastic film!
also recommend Inception.
Seven Pounds and the Persuit Of Happyness are also up there!
How about:
- Before Sunrise (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112471/)
- Before Sunset (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381681/)
These are my two favorites movies of all time. Lots of interesting discussions between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who are both amazing in their roles.
I highly recommend both to anyone. It seems like a romantic movie when you watch the trailer, and it actually is one :D, but watch it and you will find that there are a lot of ideas about many subject in life that are really interesting.
I love Remember the Titans so i give it 2 thumb ups
I will check the movies i haven’t watched from the posts… superb topic Celes…
My apologies if i overlook if someone already posted about this movie cause i only browsed the posts
but this movie i would like everyone to watch and checkout
Finding Forrester – this is about an afro-american boy who aspire to be a writer and a teacher. i can’t actually put into words what all i learned but for all the movies i watched this i can’t forget if u asked me what movie impacted my life.
I’d like to share by mentioning: CLILCK.
My first suggestion is The Fountain: another heart-wrenching movie that inspires you to go after whatever it is you dream of with every fibre of your being.
The Power Of One (the movie adaptation of a Bryce Courtenay novel set in South Africa during Apartheid) has a powerful message that even one person can change their world.
“Up” is another excellent movie. Yes, it’s animated, and yes, it’s a Pixar movie, but it is most definitely not just for kids, and will touch even the hardest of hearts.
The Pursuit Of Happyness is another I would definitely recommend. The message is very clear – where there’s a will, there’s a way (no pun intended).
Other recommendations I would second are The Shawshank Redemption, The Bucket List, Click, Pay It Forward, and What Dreams May Come (I watched it as a 15-year-old and have never forgotten it).
My final recommendation: Slumdog Millionaire. One of the most inspiring movies I have seen in years. The message: everything happens for a reason.
“D. It is written.”
Collateral and Heat, are my two #1 favorite movies that inspire the hell out of me. Both press on the value of time, acting right now and making mistakes, and doing what you want to do in life rather than living in the “what if’s”
I would like to add….
A walk to remember…..
Its a beautiful story about a girl who is dying of a terminal disease and of a a spoiled school boy who is clueless about whats wrong and whats right in life.
They both are absolute opposites to each other until when their paths cross and they help each other fill the gaps in their lives. It teaches that the power of love can make miracles happen.
Thanks
I really loved “Remember Me” I’m not going to spoil it, but I learned that you have to treasure each moment in live, cause it could be your last;
Billy Elliot is a favorite of mine!
The Big Blue !
Hey,
Tuesdays With Morrie Needs to be on this list. It’s a movie that has simply changed my life. It makes you realize just how carefully we need to prioritize our time and efforts. Really great story line and very very touching
Eat.Pray.Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aafqJBLni4
Great job, btw!
Very insightful tips…
So much wisdom from someone so young..