We all look for inspiration in different ways. Some people turn to religion; some turn to the self-help section at the local Barnes & Noble. Some crank up their go-to motivational tunes (read: anything by Destiny's Child), while others pore over The Secret and try to bibbidy-bobbedy-boo their way into realization of their goals.
And us? Well, a good ol' movie night always helps. Whether it's a biopic celebrating someone who turned the world upside-down for the better, a sports film with "Eye of the Tiger" on repeat, or a tale of overcoming adversity, certain movies simply have a knack for lifting us up and inspiring us to do more and be more.
Who hasn't aspired to the wisdom of Atticus Finch, or the tenacity of Rocky Balboa? What movie-goer hasn't felt a spring in their step after watching the women of Hidden Figures rightfully get their due? Hell, even the Jamaican bobsled team can make a compelling case for the importance of chasing your dreams, no matter how far-fetched they may seem.
Looking to shake yourself out of complacency and get a little fired up? These films should do the trick.
Selma (2014)
Who's more inspiring than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? Ava DuVernay's Oscar-winning drama about King's fight for civil rights and the events leading up to his march on Washington is moving and motivational. A true testament to the ability of one person to make a difference.
Pictured: David Oyelowo as Dr. King
Photo: Atsushi Nishijima/Paramount/Pathe/Harpo Films/REX/Shutterstock.
Moana(2016)
At last, a Disney princess who doesn't need some floppy-haired prince to save her hide. Despite the efforts of The Rock's mighty demigod Maui, it's clear that Moana is the one with all the strength and determination. Get it, girl.
Pictured: Moana
Photo: Disney/REX/Shutterstock.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Every word out of Morgan Freeman's mouth will have you nodding your head in agreement. This drama starring Freeman (Red) and Tim Robbins (Andy) is about so much more than just prison life; it's about holding on to hope, letting yourself live, and tap-tap-tapping away at those goals.
Pictured: Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman
Photo: ITV/REX/Shutterstock.
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Though it's one of director Baz Luhrmann's lesser-known films, this Australian rom-com is a must-watch for anyone who likes to cheer on underdogs, so-called ugly ducklings, and splendid, sequined dance numbers.
Pictured: Tara Morice and Paul Mercurio
Photo: Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock.
Milk(2008)
Like MLK, Harvey Milk was a hugely important champion of civil rights who met a tragic end. Sadly, few outside the LGBT community knew about his work and legacy as the first openly gay man to hold political office in the U.S. until this biopic was released.
Pictured: Sean Penn as Milk
Photo: Focus Features/REX/Shutterstock.
Hidden Figures(2016)
Let's hear it for the unsung heroes of the Space Race: the Black female geniuses who helped send John Glenn to space.
Pictured: Janelle Monae, Taraji P. Henson, and Octavia Spencer
Photo: 20th Century Fox/REX/Shutterstock.
Remember the Titans (2000)
Come for the early Ryan Gosling film credit, stay for the powerful story of a newly desegregated football team beating the odds, one racist official at a time.
Pictured: Will Patton and Denzel Washington
Photo: Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock.
A League of Their Own (1992)
This story about the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League still makes us want to trade it all in for a baseball bat.
Pictured: Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna
Photo: Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock.
Slumdog Millionaire(2009)
With all due respect to Drake, Jamal's (Dev Patel) started-from-the-bottom-now-we're-here story has his beat. Dude won a pile of money, got the girl, and broke it down to "Jai Ho"... what could possibly be better?
Pictured: Dev Patel as Jamal
Photo: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1992)
This film has so many bittersweet and tragic moments, but somehow Atticus Finch's (Gregory Peck) moral compass guides us through. Let's just forget all about Go Set a Watchman, shall we?
Pictured: Mary Badham and Gregory Peck
Photo: Universal/REX/Shutterstock.
Creed(2015)
Consider this a blanket endorsement for the inspirational attributes of all 3 billion Rocky films.
Pictured: Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan
Photo: Barry Wetcher/Warner Bros./MGM/REX/Shutterstock.
Working Girl (1988)
Never mind your body. If you've got a mind for business, this tale of an unappreciated underling who outbosses her boss is pure inspo-board material. Here's to one day getting your own office and having your best friend shout it from the rooftops.
Pictured: Melanie Griffith
Photo: 20th Century Fox/REX/Shutterstock.
Eddie the Eagle(2016)
This feel-good sports film about Britain's first Olympic ski-jumper is an excellent reminder that it's not whether you win or lose, it's whether you even dare to dream.
Pictured: Taron Egerton
Photo: Larry D Horricks/20th Century Fox/Marv Films/Saville Productions/REX/Shutterstock.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Responsible for countless young girls signing up for soccer (okay, fine, football) teams.
Pictured: Parminder Nagra
Photo: Bend It Films/Film Council/REX/Shutterstock.
Sing(2016)
Yes, that was you totally tearing up at an animated elephant overcoming her crippling stage fright.
Pictured: Meena, voiced by Tori Kelly
Photo: Universal Studios/REX/Shutterstock.
Hector and The Search for Happiness(2014)
This under-the-radar film stars Simon Pegg as a bored British psychiatrist who travels the world in search of meaning. Think of it as the male version of Eat Pray Love.
Pictured: Simon Pegg as Hector
Photo: Egoli Tossell Film/Film Afrika World Wide/Construction Film/Wild Bunch/REX/Shutterstock.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Speak of the devil. For all its criticisms, this film based on Elizabeth Gilbert's bestseller is a handy argument for leaving the drama behind and indulging in some self-discovery. Now, who's going to bankroll all this navel-gazing?
Pictured: Julia Roberts
Pictured: Columbia Pictures/REX/Shutterstock.
Cool Runnings (1993)
If Jamaica can have an Olympic bobsled team, you can at least take a stab at whatever your goal may be.
Pictured: Malik Yoba, Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, and Rawle D. Lewis
Photo: Paramount/REX/Shutterstock.
Joy(2015)
Anyone with big dreams and a thankless job can take comfort in the story of self-made businesswoman Joy Mangano, a struggling single mother who became a hugely successful entrepreneur.
Pictured: Jennifer Lawrence as Mangano
Photo: Fox 2000/REX/Shutterstock.
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