How many times have you watched a movie and thought, “This is my life!”? Some of the best, most successful and memorable movies are relatable. Even when you don’t see your life reflected on film, you can learn a lot about your own life and may be inspired to change. These movies can teach you a few important lessons in life and entertain at the same time:
“Don’t Give Up”
For years, parents, teachers, and even motivational posters have reminded us to keep going and although it’s solid, sound advice, it can come across as a little trite at times. Fortunately, movies can deliver the same message without eliciting an eyeroll. Here are a few that will inspire you to keep going when the going gets tough:
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): Based on a true story, Will Smith portrays Christopher Gardner, who becomes a homeless single father after an investment goes wrong. You will become motivated by Gardner as he continues to provide for his son and works hard to make it to the top, never giving up.
- Rocky (1976): If Rocky Balboa doesn’t inspire you to keep going, there’s probably not much that will. Although this film is four decades old, it continues to remain a popular pick among young and old alike and has drawn in a new generation of viewers with Creed.
“Don’t Forget to Have Fun”
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): Ferris Bueller’s famous words, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it” have inspired Gen-Xers and Millennials to have a little fun.
- A Christmas Carol: This holiday classic is inspirational in many ways, but many viewers may not realize that it tells you to have a little fun, too. Scrooge, was well, scroogy, but after having a deeper look at his life he decided to have a little more fun. Whether you choose to watch the version voiced by Jim Carrey or starring the Muppets, take the message to heart.
“Celebrate the Differences”
- Crash (2004): This Academy Award winning movie take an indepth look at race, family, class, and gender in a post 9/11 world. It’s an important reminder to tolerate and consider celebrating and respecting the differences in everyone.
- Rain Man (1988): On the surface, this film may seem like an unlikely candidate for this particular category, but consider the storyline. Self-involved and money hungry hustler Charlie (played by Tom Cruise) finds out he has a brother, Raymond, who is an autistic savant (played by Dustin Hoffman), after their father dies and leaves all the money to Raymond. Eager to get what he thinks he deserves, Charlie takes Raymond on a road trip. While Raymond blows Charlie’s mind with his blackjack strategy, he also changes Charlie for the better.
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016): Based on the novel by Ransom Riggs, this fantasy/adventure has been drawing movie lovers of all ages to the theater since it’s release in September. Jacob arrives at Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and soon realizes that he’s not the only one with special powers.
Originally published November 2, 2016. Updated November 12, 2018.
