Dull, restless, confused, demotivated, heartbroken, or bored – movies are our go-to inspiration source. Behind that real drama, tears, and scripted lessons, we get what our mind and soul yearn for – a pinch to shake us up. And we have a long list of motivational and inspirational movies Hollywood to rely on. Here we have handpicked 20 best movies for motivation from the West coast.
Best Movies For Motivation & Inspiration
1. The Pursuit of Happyness
A film packed with the heart-warming moment, and gut-wrenching struggles – this Will Smith and Jaden Smith’s starter inspirational drama is worth a watch. Story of a father and a struggling salesman who leaves no stone unturned to snatch a professional opportunity just for his son. The movie for one of the inspirational movies of Hollywood. Where to watch Pursuit of Happyness? You can watch it on Netflix. And, don’t forget to read the inspiring dialogues from The Pursuit of Happyness that make this movie so extraordinary.
ALSO READ:18 Quotes From ‘The Pursuit Of Happyness’ To Remind You To Never Give Up
2. The Terminal
Tom Hanks plays the part of European tourists stranded at the famous JFK airport. For some reason, he is forced to stay at the airport. The actor par excellence embodies the despair with ease and manages to turn the character into inspiration. A thumbs up to this flick that certainly finds its place in the best motivational movies in Hollywood. Where to watch The Terminal? You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video. And, don’t forget to explore what’s new on Amazon Prime this month.
3. Life Of Pi
Stranded in an airport is one thing but being left alone in an ocean with wild animals is a challenge not many succeed in overcoming. The film is a visual treat but manages to bring human strength to the forefront. If you are looking for inspiration, watch the best motivational movies Hollywood has made. Where to watch Life of Pi? You can watch it on Disney+Hotstar.
4. Rush
A film that pays tribute to sportsmanship and perseverance, Rushes essays the life of famous F1 drivers Nikki Lauda and James Hunt. The film narrates the on-the-edge life that this formula one racer lives and how they win over death after every race. Experience the thrill and inspiration of this incredible story through one of the most inspirational movies in Hollywood. Where to watch Rush? You can watch it on:
An Array Of Movies For Motivation & Inspiration
5. The Shawshank Redemption
A film that shows how perseverance and calm-mind can overcome all sorts of troubles. In this flick, a banker turned convict Andy Dufresne is forced to serve 19 years in prison. The plot is interspersed with human bonding, friendship, and redemption. While the banker manages to flee, his friend too walks free from the prison. Where to watch The Shawshank Redemption? You can watch The Shawshank Redemption on Netflix.
6. Schindler’s List
World War movies are replete with tales of death, separation, and loss. But this is one of the best motivational movies that capture a take of a factory owner who manages to save the life of Jewish laborers employed by him. A film that blends humanity and business beautifully to ring a ray of hope and happiness. Where to watch Schindler’s List? You can watch Schindler’s List on Amazon Prime Video.
7. Catch Me If You Can
Stealing is an art and masquerading it effortlessly is what brilliant actors like Leonardo DiCaprio do. He manages to swim through several professions in the film, making it difficult for actors like Tom Hanks to catch him by his collar. A film that inspires on a different tangent, watch it to feel a tad bit high. Where to watch Catch Me If You Can? You can watch Catch Me If You Can on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
8. Dead Poets Society
Poetry inspires in any form. And when it forms the base of a film, the audience can only look forward to being regaled with tales of warmth and love. Robin Williams as a teacher brings words to life in this motivational drama, that ticks all the boxes in one go. Where to watch Dead Poets Society? You can watch it on Disney+Hotstar.
9. Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire Bollywood meets Hollywood – a film set in the backdrop of Mumbai slums shows how business, love, and emotional turmoil make for a pop-corn flick. It is the best hollywood motivation movies that inspires one and all, just because everyone can relate to the struggles. Where to watch Slumdog Millionaire? You can watch Slumdog Millionaire on HBO Max.
10. Rocky
One of the best Hollywood movies on Underdogs is the Rocky series. A debt collector turned boxer who shines in the boxing ring to change the course of his life. Rocky Balboa is a character that represents grit, gumption, and guts. A must-watch for those who want to show what human strength can do. Where to watch Rocky? You can watch Rocky on Amazon Prime Video.
11. Million Dollar Baby
Story of an amateur female boxer looking to gain ground in a professional ring, trained by her gym instructor. The fighters make it big with the family lost in bathing in her glory and wealth. The film inspires at several levels and sends one message – Do not give up. Where to watch Million Dollar Baby? You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
12. Into the Wild
An athlete and a top ranker from Emory University decides to donate his savings to a charity and head to Alaska. The film captures Christopher McCandless’s journey into the wilderness. It is the people whom he meets that shape his experience while on an adventurous streak. Where to watch Into The Wild? You can watch Into The Wild on Netflix.
Some More Movies For Motivation
13. Coach Carter
These are the best motivational movies whose short videos on YouTube are used for getting a daily dose of inspiration. The film based on real life narrates the tale of a basketball coach who entrusted the task to pump up the college team who remain disinterested in life and the game. The film tells us not be get dithered even when the going gets tough. Where to watch Coach Carter? You can watch Coach Carter on Netflix or Prime Video.
14. Castaway
A Fed-ex worker ends up in the jungle post a plane crash. Tom Hanks delivers another stellar performance in this role. The character does not give up and finally ends up at home. Where to watch Castaway? You can watch Castaway on Netflix.
15. Get Rich or Die Tyrin’
Story of a rapper who battles several odds to realize his dream. The film is a thriller, replete with crime, drama, and hope. Your takeaway is – to stay true to your dreams and they will come true. Where to watch Get Rich or Die Tryin’? You can watch Get Rich or Die Tryin’ on Amazon Prime Video.
16. Any Given Sunday
An out-an-out Al Pacino film that captures the on-field moments from the football battleground. The film shows how underdogs can spring surprises and succeed given an opportunity. Where to watch Any Given Sunday? You can watch Any Given Sunday by renting on Amazon Prime Video.
Get Inspired With These Movies For Motivation & Inspiration
17. The Pianist
In the bylanes of a war-torn region of Warsaw, a pianist learns to co-habit with death and destruction. It is the music that helps him sail through the film. The film inspires and is a treat for music lovers. Where to watch The Pianist? You can watch The Pianist on Netflix.
18. Good Will Hunting
A 20-year-old lad who has spellbinding mathematical talent begins his journey with Sean McGuire who helps him realize his talent. The film depicts how the human mind works and needs to be nurtured for brilliance. Where to watch Good Will Hunting? You can watch Good Will Hunting on Amazon Prime Video.
19. The Wolf of Wall Street
One of the finest movies for motivation is The Wolf of Wall Street. A shareholder with fire in his belly rules Wall Street with his sheer ambition and go-getting attitude. The film shows how life is meant to be lived and lived like a king. Where to watch The Wolf Of Wall Street? You can watch The Wolf Of Wall Street on Amazon Prime Video, Lionsgate Play, or for free with ads on MX Player.
20. Gandhi
Last but not least is the film based on the Father of the Nation – Mahatma Gandhi. A man who leads an entire nation to freedom using peace and perseverance against oppressing the British regime. Where to watch Gandhi? You can watch Gandhi by renting or purchasing on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Vudu, and Google Play.