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Entertainment July 5, 2017
Because you know you were looking for some...
Photo via Instagram / @usiktanyaSometimes connecting with a good inspirational movie is all you need to break out of your slump. And other times, you may just be in the mood to watch a quotable film – you know, for the ‘gram.
But no matter your reason, we’ve got you covered. ENTITY compiled a list of the 10 inspirational movies that will have you laughing, crying and walking away with some good life lessons.
ENTITY’s compiled a list of the 10 inspirational movies that will have you laughing, crying and walking away with some good life lessons.
The classic “wax on, wax off” film is one of the best inspirational movies of all time. It’s about a bullied teen and the mentor who teaches him the true meaning of being a fighter. This movie teaches the importance of compassion, patience and drive. Something we could all use in our lives.
Awards: Young Artist Award for Best Family Motion Picture – Drama
With a class full of boys at a preparatory school who face strong expectations from their parents, new English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) has his work cut out for him. But his unconventional and fun methods of teaching help the boys learn the beauty in writing and how to reach the emotional sides of themselves.
Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
When another runner trips and knocks him down during the qualifying race for the Summer Olympics, Derice Bannock seeks another option to get him to the games: Bobsledding. Led by a washed-out former Olympian (John Candy), four Jamaican men who have never seen snow team up to accomplish their dreams of being in the Olympics.
Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) has a mission to find Private James Ryan. Ryan’s three brothers were killed in war and it’s Miller’s job to find him behind the enemy lines and get him home safe. Along the way, Miller’s team faces the tragedies of war and learns the importance of courage and family. Get ready because this film is sure to make you cry and better appreciate the people in your life.
Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama
When a social studies teacher tells her class to come up with an idea that will change the world, she gets way more than she expected. One young boy in her class comes up with the idea of “paying forward” random acts of kindness. But not only does this affect his immediate family, it transcends into a branch of kindness that extends worldwide. And despite the tragedy that strikes in the final moments, this movie will teach you about the beautiful aspects of human nature.
Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) shows that blondes aren’t dumb. And after her boyfriend refuses to propose because Elle is just “too blonde,” she gets into Harvard to win him back. Along the way, she learns that the brains she earns are way better than the boy. This classic comedy will have you cracking up while also inspiring a much-needed girl power attitude.
Awards: Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie of the Summer
This 2003 sports movie takes on issues of race and mental health in a heart-warming way. When football coach Jones notices a mentally-disabled African American man watching his practices from the other side of the fence, he befriends him and takes him under his wing. Soon, the man – also called Radio – becomes the most recognizable face on the field. This film will have you laughing and crying and realizing the beauty in people who may be a little different than us. After this, you may even learn to look out for that beauty too.
Awards: Camie Award for Theatrical Releases
Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) is a successful businessman and seems to have it all. But he isn’t seeing how the time he spends in the office is time away from his family that needs him. And when a magic remote allows him to see his life in the future – which doesn’t look so great, by the way – Newman realizes he needs to make some big changes. By the end of this movie, you’ll remember the importance of family and how you spend your time.
Maybe you are looking for inspiring movies based on true stories. This is just the one for you. This film is based on the life of professional football player Michael Ohor (Quinton Aaron), who became homeless because of his mother’s drug addiction. In a saving grace, Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) and Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw) adopt Ohor and help him realize his potential on the field and in the classroom. This film is sure to teach you to appreciate the people in your life who’ve stuck with you when no one else would.
Awards: ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie
Like “The Blind Side,” “127 Hours” is inspired by a true story. Aron Ralston (James Franco) had adventure on the brain when he set out on a hike in one of Utah’s remote canyons. But once alone and in the wilderness, tragedy strikes. Ralston’s arm is trapped underneath an 800-lb rock. The movie is the account of the five days he spent trapped and the heartbreaking decision he had to face. Does he amputate his arm and go free or die alone in the canyon?
Awards: AFI Awards for Movie of the Year
Obviously, these aren’t all the inspirational movies out there, but it should be enough to start you off on an inspirational binge. Hopefully after these you’ll also learn to apply many of the life lessons taught in these films.
