The Best Inspirational Movies

Updated June 19, 2020 16.6k votes 2.9k voters 96.9k views112 items

List RulesVote up the greatest movies that leave you feeling inspired.

This is a ranked list of the best inspirational movies as voted on by men and women. This inspirational list includes sports movies, romantic movies, family movies, biopics, and dramas. Movies make us want to believe, be inspired and live vicariously through the stories we see on screen. But what are the best inspirational movies?

Whenever you are looking for motivation or courage you can watch one of these movies and it will be sure to inspire you. This list of most inspiring movies includes such titles as Rudy, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 12 Years a Slave, and The Shawshank Redemption. These movies vary in their genre but they all have the ability to lift our spirits and inspire no matter how many times we’ve seen them.

Whenever we are lost, the films on this list have the ability to provide that extra needed boost. After each viewing they will leave you feeling invigorated and as though you can achieve your dreams.

Vote up your favorite inspirational film below or add one that always lifts your spirits if it isn't already on the list.

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Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks, Sally Field
Released: 1994
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Forrest Gump is a 1994 American epic romantic-comedy-drama film based on the 1986 novel of the... more
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The Green Mile
Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise
Released: 1999
Directed by: Frank Darabont
The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama film directed by Frank Darabont and adapted... more
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Saving Private Ryan
Tom Hanks, Matt Damon
Released: 1998
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic drama war film directed by Steven Spielberg. Set... more
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Philadelphia
Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington
Released: 1993
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Philadelphia is a 1993 American drama film and one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to... more
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Apollo 13
Tom Hanks, Bryce Dallas Howard
Released: 1995
Directed by: Ron Howard
Apollo 13 is a 1995 American historical docudrama film directed by Ron Howard. The film stars... more
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It's a Wonderful Life
James Stewart, Donna Reed
Released: 1946
Directed by: Frank Capra
It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film produced and... more
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Rocky
Sylvester Stallone, Joe Frazier
Released: 1976
Directed by: John G. Avildsen
Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen. A small-time boxer... more
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The Shawshank Redemption
Morgan Freeman, Rita Hayworth
Released: 1994
Directed by: Frank Darabont
The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont... more
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Rudy
Vince Vaughn, Sean Astin
Released: 1993
Directed by: David Anspaugh
Rudy is a 1993 American sports film directed by David Anspaugh. It is an account of the life... more
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The Blind Side
Sandra Bullock, Lily Collins
Released: 2009
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
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The Pursuit of Happyness
Will Smith, Thandie Newton
Released: 2006
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
The Pursuit of Happyness is a 2006 American biographical drama film based on Chris Gardner's... more
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A Beautiful Mind
Jennifer Connelly, Russell Crowe
Released: 2001
Directed by: Ron Howard
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Dead Poets Society
Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke
Released: 1989
Directed by: Peter Weir
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Braveheart
Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau
Released: 1995
Directed by: Mel Gibson
Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical medieval war drama film directed by and starring Mel... more
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Good Will Hunting
Ben Affleck, Robin Williams
Released: 1997
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
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Remember the Titans
Hayden Panettiere, Ryan Gosling
Released: 2000
Directed by: Boaz Yakin
Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and... more
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Rain Man
Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman
Released: 1988
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Rain Man is a 1988 American drama film directed by Barry Levinson and written by Barry Morrow... more
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The Karate Kid
Elisabeth Shue, Ralph Macchio
Released: 1984
Directed by: John G. Avildsen
The Karate Kid is a 1984 American martial arts romantic drama film directed by John G.... more
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Field of Dreams
Ben Affleck, Matt Damon
Released: 1989
Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson
Field of Dreams is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film directed by Phil Alden Robinson, who... more
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The Sound of Music
Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer
Released: 1965
Directed by: Robert Wise
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Life Is Beautiful
Roberto Benigni, Horst Buchholz
Released: 1997
Directed by: Roberto Benigni
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Erin Brockovich
Julia Roberts, Marg Helgenberger
Released: 2000
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
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12 Years a Slave
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender
Released: 2013
Directed by: Steve McQueen
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The Color Purple
Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg
Released: 1985
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
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Glory
Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington
Released: 1989
Directed by: Edward Zwick
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