To watch motivational movies it's a great way to get energized and find the right determination to reach your goals.
Following the story of a character who has to make a dream come true or reach an ambitious goal, even overcoming a series of adversities, provides us with an adrenaline rush that remains in our body for a long time after watching the film.
Certainly hundreds of inspiring films about sports, money, work and life in general have been produced in the history of cinema.
To facilitate your search, I have decided to collect in this article what I believe to be the 30 best motivational movies ever, organized by similar categories.
MOTIVATIONAL FILMS ABOUT SPORT
Let's start this review by presenting my 10 favorite sports motivational films.
1. Any Damned Sunday (1999)
Every Damn Sunday is one of the best motivational movies ever, and one of my favorites.
Tony D'Amato (Al Pacino) is a football coach now believed to be at sunset, but who manages to motivate and lead his team with extreme charisma, guiding them through all the adversities he faces from time to time.
This film excites us, and teaches us that our duty in life is to fight for "that inch" every day.
“And I want to tell you one thing: in every fight it is the one who is willing to die who will gain an inch, and I know that if I can have a fulfilling existence it will be because I am still willing to fight and die for that inch. Our life is all there, in this it consists. In those 10 centimeters in front of the face ... "
2. Rocky (1976)
Among the motivational sports movies, Rocky Balboa with all its saga is definitely my favorite. It has made generations dream, inspiring them to fight for their dream, whether sporting or not.
It teaches you to stand up even when life hits you hard, never give up, and destroy your competition.
In 2015, Rolling Stone magazine placed it in second place in the ranking of the best sports films in the history of cinema. Find the whole ranking Let us know if you have any suggestions
"Neither I, nor you, no one can hit as hard as life does, so going forward is not important how you hit, the important thing is how you can withstand the blows, how you collect and if you end up on the mat you have the strength to get up ... so you are a winner! And if you believe you are strong you have to prove that you are strong! "
3. Seabiscuit - A Timeless Myth (2003)
Seabiscuit is the true story of how a jockey, businessman and trainer, each with their own problems, join forces to turn a fat, stubborn lame horse into a champion.
“In 1938, in the list of the most famous people of the year, in second place was Franklin Delano Roosevelt and in third place Adolf Hitler. At the top of the table there was not a man but a fat, lame and stubborn horse, led by an unfortunate jockey who was blind in one eye. His name was Seabiscuit. "
4. Unbroken (2014)
Film produced and directed by Angelina Jolie, which tells the incredible true story of the Olympic athlete and war hero Louis Zamperini, between his passion for running and his imprisonment in Japan during the Second World War.
The tenacity of the protagonist, who manages to survive inhuman things, teaches us to be strong and not to abandon our dreams no matter what happens.
5. The Strength of the Champion (2006)
The Strength of the Champion is taken from the best seller The Way of the Warrior of Peace, which you find at number 41 on my mega list of 50 best personal growth books Of all times.
It tells the story of Dan, a talented gymnast very attracted to exteriority and frivolity, who following a bad accident is forced to question himself and all his beliefs.
It teaches us that sometimes difficult moments in life can bring great opportunities and a renewed meaning to our entire existence.
6. Sognando Beckham (2002)
Jess is an Indo-British girl who has always had a passion for football and when she grows up she would like to become a champion like her idol David Beckham.
The story of the protagonist who wants make his dream come true despite the adversity of the family, it manages to excite and motivate the viewer to achieve any goal.
7. Rush (2013)
A compelling story of the challenges between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, ​​for the conquest of the Formula 1 world titles in the 70s.
The two drivers are totally different, but they share enormous ambition and a spirit of competition.
8. A Dream, a Victory (2002)
A Dream, a Victory is a film distributed by Walt Disney that deals with the true story of Jim Morris, a promising young baseball player who is forced to abandon his dreams of glory due to a serious injury.
Having become the coach of the school team, he tries to instill in the boys the same enthusiasm and competitive spirit that had characterized him several years earlier.
At 35 Jim manages against all odds to play again in the Major League Baseball, discovering that it's never too late to make your dreams come true.
9. Never Back Down (2008)
A frustrated teen finds himself joining an illegal MMA dating club and discovers a passion for wrestling.
If you have an interest in fighting, and a lot of anger to bring out, this movie is for you.
10. Billy Elliot (2000)
Billy Elliot is in my opinion one of the best motivational films ever.
If you want to see your dream come true you must be willing to do everything to make it a reality.
You have to be as determined as Billy Elliot, whose father wants him to take boxing lessons, while he wants to be a dancer.
The film is moving and motivating; conveys the important message that you must not let anyone decide for you what to do with your life.
MOTIVATIONAL FILMS ABOUT MONEY
After the motivational films about sports, we now see the best motivational films about money, business and work.
11. The Social Network (2010)
The Social Network is the film about the story of Mark Zuckerberg, founder of the social network that changed the way billions of people interact.
This is a great film that encourages us to follow our vision, and to make our dreams come true. Huge source of inspiration for any entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur.
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12. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)
The Pursuit of Happiness is the thrilling and heartwarming story of a man trying to get his dream job while at the same time taking care of his child.
Going through countless defeats and economic difficulties, the protagonist (masterfully played by Will Smith) conveys a simple and powerful message: never give up, as difficult as it may seem.
“Hey! Never let anyone tell you you can't do something. Me neither. Ok? If you have a dream you have to protect it. When people can't do something they tell you that you can't do it. If you want something, go and chase it. Point."
13. Limitless (2011)
Limitless is about a disordered and uninspired writer who accidentally discovers a secret drug that can change people's lives: it helps them to use the maximum of their intellectual abilities.
Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) reaches a crazy success in life almost immediately, but he soon finds himself forced to fight with numerous enemies and the terrible side effects of the drug.
The film keeps you glued to the screen for its entire duration and gives you a crazy charge, making you think: "how many incredible things can I achieve in my life if I get out of the usual ways?"
14. The Founder (2016)
The Founder is the true story of Ray Kroc, who in the 50s from a penniless representative of blenders turns into the founder of an empire: that of McDonald's.
This is certainly one of the most beautiful motivational films of recent years, and it gives us at least 3 fundamental lessons of life and of entrepreneurship:
1. It is never too late to change your life. Age doesn't matter.
2. If you have such a great vision, no one can stop you.
3. We must always believe in it, going from one failure to another. The opportunity will come.
15. Chef: The Perfect Recipe (2014)
Carl Casper is a well-known chef who works in a prestigious restaurant in Los Angeles, but who suddenly finds himself out of work due to some vicissitudes and criticisms from a famous food blogger.
After an initial period of discomfort, the Chef decides to open a walking sandwich kiosk and leaves with his family for a business trip which leads him to rediscover the love for life and for his work.
“You will never be satisfied, cooking for someone else”.
16. Jerry Maguire (1996)
Jerry Maguire is a sports attorney who is facing difficulties in his professional and emotional life, with several people who turn their backs on him all the time.
The protagonist does not give up, finds the best path to follow, and finally manages to be successful both in business and in love.
“Success consists of simply getting up one more time than you fall.”
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17. The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)
The Wolf Of Wall Street is one of the best motivational movies ever on money and about success.
Based on a true story, it tells the incredible rise and subsequent fall of Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo Di Caprio.
“My name is Jordan Belfort. The year I turned 26, I made 49 million dollars, which pissed me off, because there were only three and I would have averaged one million a week. "
18. The Jackal (2014)
The Jackal is a film by great inspiration entrepreneurial, suitable for people with a strong vision.
It tells the story of a young boy who can't find a job and lives on thefts and tricks, but suddenly after witnessing a crime he realizes an important business opportunity, and reinvents himself a crime journalist.
The protagonist is possessed and unscrupulous, and he certainly does not represent a morally positive character, but he manages to inspire in a crazy way, giving the idea that with focus and ambition anyone can achieve anything.
MOTIVATIONAL FILMS WITH HISTORICAL SETTING
There are also some great inspiring films that feature a particular historical setting. Here are 4:
19. Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart - Fearless Heart - is the fictionalized story of William Wallace (Mel Gibson) who defends his Scottish people against the English oppressors.
The film won 5 Academy Awards and the Golden Globe for Best Director, and is a masterpiece that it will never fade.
The strong message he leaves us is that “everyone dies, but not everyone really lives”.
If you have ideals to assert, values ​​to fight for, a dream to defend, Braveheart will inspire you to become a hero and realize your vision, at any cost.
20. The Gladiator (2000)
The Gladiator is the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russel Crowe), hero of the Colosseum, and of his personal revenge against the emperor Commodus, killer of his family.
Movie loaded with motivation, accompanied by one of the most beautiful soundtracks in history, to be seen and reviewed absolutely.
"At my signal, raise hell."
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21. 300 (2007)
Based on the comic by Frank Miller of the same name, it tells the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC in which King Leonidas and his three hundred Spartan soldiers fought to the death against the Persian king Xerxes and his immense army.
One of the best motivational films of the last decade.
22. The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Thrilling (and Oscar-winning) soundtrack and breathtaking tale, The Last of the Mohicans is a colossal set in XNUMXth-century North America.
With a backdrop characterized by the wars between the French and the English to secure control of the North American colonies, we witness the adventures of the Mohican Chingachgook and his two sons, Uncas and Hawkeye.
MOTIVATIONAL FILMS ABOUT LIFE
We conclude with 8 other cinema masterpieces, which may have the power to motivate us to live a fuller and more fulfilling life.
23. The Secret Dreams of Walter Mitty (2013)
Film directed and starring Ben Stiller. The protagonist, Walter Mitty, works in the negative archive of Life magazine, and spends his days developing photos of other people's adventures. Walter is also a great dreamer: he makes incredible mental journeys, which allow him to momentarily come out of his gray and monotonous existence.
At one point he launches himself on a great adventure: finding the perfect cover for the latest physical issue of Life (which will then be distributed only online). This adventure takes him on a magnificent journey around the world in the footsteps of the lonely photographer Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn).
The film is gorgeous, with a thrilling soundtrack and a surprise ending. It motivates us to step outside our comfort zone, to explore all the wonders that lie outside of it.
“See the world, in all its wonder, aspiring to the imperceptible infinity. Dangerous things to achieve, because you don't need to live if you don't try to outdo yourself more and more. Finding each other, and feeling, just feeling your heart beating like it never did. See the world, dangerous things to reach, find each other, and feel. "
24. Forrest Gump (1994)
One of the most famous and beautiful films ever, which always manages to move, make you smile and inspire.
Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) is a simple and unintelligent man, but with his good intentions and a lot of determination he manages to achieve enormous success in all the things he tries to do.
The film teaches us that you don't have to be a genius to succeed in something: just be determined and follow your heart.
The image of Forrest starting to run by blowing off the prostheses that supported his legs, is a splendid metaphor for life, and for the limiting false beliefs that each of us has and that we should get rid of.
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25. The Big Kahuna (1999)
Larry (Kevin Spacey) and Phil (Danny DeVito) are seasoned sellers of industrial lubricants with many years of work together and friendship behind them. The two find themselves in a hotel room with a young colleague, Bob, and as they await the meeting with clients they begin to talk about life, work and human nature.
The film was famous for the extraordinary final monologue on the life of Danny DeVito, which you find above.
26. The Fleeing Moment (1989)
Professor Keating (Robin Williams) explains to his students the meaning of time, which runs continuously and never comes back, for this reason it must be exploited to the maximum: you have to seize the moment.
“We are food for the worms, boys. Because, strange to say, each of us in this room will one day stop breathing, get cold and die.
Now approach everyone, and look at these faces of the past: you have seen them a thousand times, but I don't think you have ever looked at them. They are not very different from you, are they? Same haircut, full of hormones, like you, invincible, how you feel. The world is their oyster, they think they are destined for great things, like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like yours.
Will they have waited until it was too late to realize at least an iota of their potential? Because you see, these guys now, they're fertilizer for flowers. But if you listen carefully, you will hear them whisper their warning. Courage, draw near. Listen to them. Do you hear? Carp… Hear it? Carpe ... Carpe diem ... Seize the day, guys ... make your life extraordinary..."
In addition to the theme of time, the film analyzes that of dedication and passion for one's work, which we all should have, but which often the system in which we find ourselves makes it impossible to put into practice. All this with the enlightening example of Professor Keating.
27. October Sky (1999)
Is it possible to pursue one's dreams by openly going against the expectations of one's family?
October Sky teaches us brilliantly that it is possible to do this, if you are determined enough and never stop believing in yourself.
28. The Wings of Freedom (1994)
The Wings of Freedom is an incredible masterpiece, still firmly in first place in the ranking of the best films of all time compiled by imdb (find it here).
The protagonists are two inmates - Andy (Tim Robbins) and Red (Morgan Freeman) - who form a deep friendship in a harsh environment like that of Shawshank prison.
The film teaches you to never give up, and to cling to hope, even when life unfairly punishes you in terrible ways (Andy is not guilty of the crime for which he received his sentence).
29. The Millionaire (2008)
The Millionaire is the story of Jamal, an XNUMX year old Indian boy of humble origins, who finds himself participating in the Indian version of the television quiz "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?".
The strong message of this film is that there will always be ups and downs in your life no matter where you come from. The important thing is to be able to be happy in the present regardless of the circumstances and conditions in which you find yourself.
30. A Dream For Tomorrow (2000)
Trevor is a very mature and intelligent eleven-year-old boy who lives a difficult life with a former alcoholic mother who works from morning to night to bring the family money home.
Trevor's social science teacher teaches him to have hope, and at the beginning of the school year he assigns the class to find a way to change the world and put it into practice.
Trevor implements a system whereby he will perform good deeds towards other people, asking them to return the favor to other different people.
Everyone in our small way can change the world, this film teaches us that.
"This is me, and these are three people, to whom I will help, but it has to be something important, something they can't do alone, so I do it for them ... and they do it for three other people ... "
That's it for this list of motivational movies. If you have others to recommend, don't hesitate to write it down in the comments! ?
