The Most Inspirational Movies Ever

Updated June 22, 2020 28.4k votes 4.5k voters 481.7k views160 items

List RulesFeature films that portray characters in situations where they overcome hardships; films that inspire you

This inspirational movies list, with videos, 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. These movies 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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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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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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City Lights
Charlie Chaplin, Jean Harlow
Released: 1931
Directed by: Charlie Chaplin
City Lights is a 1931 American romantic comedy film written by, directed by, and starring... more
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Mr. Holland's Opus
Alicia Witt, William H. Macy
Released: 1995
Mr. Holland's Opus is a 1995 American drama film directed by Stephen Herek, produced by Ted... 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 Goonies
Corey Feldman, Josh Brolin
Released: 1985
Directed by: Richard Donner
The Goonies is a 1985 American adventure comedy film directed by Richard Donner. The... more
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The NeverEnding Story
Gerald McRaney, Limahl
Released: 1984
Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen
The NeverEnding Story is a 1984 West German epic fantasy film based on the novel of the same... more
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October Sky
Jake Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern
Released: 1999
Directed by: Joe Johnston
October Sky is a 1999 American biographical film directed by Joe Johnston, starring Jake... more
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The Ten Commandments
Charlton Heston, Vincent Price
Released: 1956
Directed by: Cecil B. DeMille
The Ten Commandments is a 1956 American religious epic film produced and directed by Cecil B.... more
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Babe
Hugo Weaving, James Cromwell
Released: 1995
Directed by: Chris Noonan
Babe is a 1995 comedy-drama film, co-written and directed by Chris Noonan. It is an adaptation... more
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42
Chadwick Boseman, Nicole Beharie
Released: 2013
Directed by: Brian Helgeland
42 is a 2013 American biographical sports film directed by Brian Helgeland. The powerful story... more
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The Wizard of Oz
Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton
Released: 1939
Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy, Norman Taurog, King Vidor, George Cukor, Victor Fleming
The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American musical fantasy film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and... more
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Cinderella Man
Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger
Released: 2005
Directed by: Ron Howard
Cinderella Man is a 2005 American drama film by Ron Howard, titled after the nickname of... more
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The Miracle Worker
The Miracle Worker is a cycle of 20th-century dramatic works derived from Helen... more
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Brian's Song
Dick Butkus, James Caan
Released: 1971
Directed by: Buzz Kulik
Brian's Song is a 1971 ABC Movie of the Week that recounts the details of the life of Brian... 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 Hate U Give
Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall
Released: 2018
Directed by: George Tillman Jr.
The Hate U Give is a 2018 American drama thriller film directed by George Tillman Jr., based... more
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Glory
Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington
Released: 1989
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Glory is a 1989 American drama film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Matthew Broderick,... more
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Good Will Hunting
Ben Affleck, Robin Williams
Released: 1997
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American drama film directed by Gus Van Sant, and starring Matt... more
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Shane
Jack Palance, Jean Arthur
Released: 1953
Directed by: George Stevens
Shane is a 1953 American Technicolor Western film from Paramount. It was produced and directed... 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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Invincible
Elizabeth Banks, Mark Wahlberg
Released: 2006
Directed by: Ericson Core
Invincible is a 2006 sports film directed by Ericson Core set in 1976. It is based on the true... more
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Gladiator
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix
Released: 2000
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Gladiator is a 2000 American-British epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott,... more
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Hachi: A Dog's Tale
Richard Gere, Jason Alexander
Released: 2009
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Hachi: A Dog's Tale is a 2009 drama film. Based on the true story of a faithful Akita Inu, the... more
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