The Most Inspirational Movies Ever

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Updated August 25, 2023 59.0K votes 5.3K voters 485.6K views
Over 5.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Inspirational Movies Ever
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Vote up the films that inspire you the most.
Latest additions: White Bird
Most divisive: The Truman Show

This inspirational movies list, includes some of the most uplifting films of all time. Inspiring films do not come by very often, but nevertheless, there are many inspirational movies in Hollywood. This list of the most inspirational movies ever includes classics like It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington as well as newer films like Saving Private Ryan, Apollo 13, and Unbroken. 

What are the most uplifting movies of all time? Only some Hollywood movies with inspiring storyline have made it to this list. You can copy this list of top 100 most inspirational movies ever to make a list of your personal favorite inspirational movies. The greatest uplifting movies on this list will definitely make you feel good about yourself. Some may even motivate you to look at the world in a different way, or to go out and try to change it. If you're looking for some great motivational movie time, try one of the flicks on this inspiring list.

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  • The Shawshank Redemption
    1

    The Shawshank Redemption

    Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
    1,114 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Frank Darabont
    The Shawshank Redemption, a captivating drama directed by Frank Darabont, hinges on the resilience of the human spirit. The narrative unfolds in the grim confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary, where banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) lands after being wrongfully convicted for murder. Alongside Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman), a long-term inmate, Andy battles despair and corruption. In this struggle, they form an unshakeable bond that transcends the prison walls. A seven-time Oscar nominee, 'The Shawshank Redemption' is a testament to friendship's power and hope's endurance amid adversity.

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  • Forrest Gump
    2

    Forrest Gump

    Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
    1,090 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
    In Forrest Gump, the eponymous character, played by Tom Hanks, lives an extraordinary life. Struggling with a low IQ but gifted with a heart full of gold, Forrest unwittingly influences several historical events in 20th century America. From serving in Vietnam to meeting Presidents, his life is far from ordinary. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a dramatic comedy that won multiple Academy Awards including Best Picture. Jenny Curran (Robin Wright), Forrest's lifelong love interest and Lieutenant Dan Taylor (Gary Sinise), his commanding officer in Vietnam, are other significant characters in this remarkable tale of an unremarkable man.

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  • Dead Poets Society
    3

    Dead Poets Society

    Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
    307 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Peter Weir
    In the captivating drama, Dead Poets Society, English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) introduces his students at the conservative Welton Academy to the world of poetry. His unconventional teaching methods, centered around the motto Carpe Diem - seize the day, inspire his pupils to challenge the status quo and explore their individual identities. The narrative unfolds as Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), an aspiring actor, grapples with his authoritarian father's expectations. This 1989 Peter Weir-directed film was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird
    4

    To Kill a Mockingbird

    Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford
    235 votes
    • Released: 1962
    • Directed by: Robert Mulligan
    Set in the throes of the Great Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird unfolds in a sleepy Southern town where racial tension simmers beneath the surface. Scout Finch (Mary Badham) and her older brother Jem (Phillip Alford) navigate their childhood under the watchful eyes of their father, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). Peck's portrayal earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. This film adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel delves into themes of racism, morality, and innocence lost. The story climaxes when Atticus, a principled lawyer, defends Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a black man unjustly accused of rape, inciting a flurry of societal backlash.

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  • Braveheart
    5

    Braveheart

    Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
    326 votes
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Mel Gibson
    Braveheart is a historical war drama directed by Mel Gibson, who also stars as the film's protagonist, William Wallace. Set in late 13th century Scotland, the narrative follows Wallace's life from his childhood to his role in leading the Scottish against their English oppressors. The movie features an ensemble cast with notable performances from Sophie Marceau as Princess Isabelle and Patrick McGoohan as King Edward I. Braveheart won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, distinguishing itself for its epic battle scenes and compelling storytelling.

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  • Good Will Hunting
    6

    Good Will Hunting

    Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck
    417 votes
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Gus Van Sant
    In the heart of Boston, a self-taught genius janitor, Will Hunting (Matt Damon), solves complex mathematical problems at MIT unnoticed. His talents are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård). The professor seeks therapy for Will's emotional issues from Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), an empathetic psychologist. As Will grapples with his past and future, he finds solace in his relationship with Skylar (Minnie Driver), a Harvard student. Good Will Hunting, a compelling drama directed by Gus Van Sant, won two Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay.

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