The Most Inspirational Movies Ever

Updated February 18, 2021 29.1k votes 4.6k voters 482.1k views188 items

List RulesVote up the films that inspire you the most.

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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Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks, Sally Field
Released: 1994
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
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Saving Private Ryan
Tom Hanks, Matt Damon
Released: 1998
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
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The Truman Show
Jim Carrey, Paul Giamatti
Released: 1998
Directed by: Peter Weir
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Dances with Wolves
Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell
Released: 1990
Directed by: Kevin Costner
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The Shawshank Redemption
Morgan Freeman, Rita Hayworth
Released: 1994
Directed by: Frank Darabont
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Stand by Me
Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman
Released: 1986
Directed by: Rob Reiner
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Star Wars Franchise
Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Released: 1977 - Present
Directed by: George Lucas, JJ Abrams, Rian Johnson, Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand
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Gladiator
Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix
Released: 2000
Directed by: Ridley Scott
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Philadelphia
Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington
Released: 1993
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
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Rocky Franchise
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Good Will Hunting
Ben Affleck, Robin Williams
Released: 1997
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
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The African Queen
Katharine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart
Released: 1951
Directed by: John Huston
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The Lord of the Rings film trilogy
Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan
Released: 2001 - 2003
Directed by: Peter Jackson
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Babe
Hugo Weaving, James Cromwell
Released: 1995
Directed by: Chris Noonan
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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Katharine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier
Released: 1967
Directed by: Stanley Kramer
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The Ten Commandments
Charlton Heston, Vincent Price
Released: 1956
Directed by: Cecil B. DeMille
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Mr. Holland's Opus
Alicia Witt, William H. Macy
Released: 1995
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Up
Christopher Plummer, Ed Asner
Released: 2009
Directed by: Pete Docter
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Brian's Song
Dick Butkus, James Caan
Released: 1971
Directed by: Buzz Kulik
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Good Morning, Vietnam
Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker
Released: 1987
Directed by: Barry Levinson
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12 Angry Men
Henry Fonda, Jack Klugman
Released: 1957
Directed by: Sidney Lumet
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Cinderella Man
Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger
Released: 2005
Directed by: Ron Howard
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October Sky
Jake Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern
Released: 1999
Directed by: Joe Johnston
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Glory
Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington
Released: 1989
Directed by: Edward Zwick
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Miracle on 34th Street
Richard Attenborough, Mara Wilson
Released: 1994
Directed by: Les Mayfield
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