The 11 Best Inspirational Movies (May 2024)

CODA (2021): A Different Kind of Coming of Age Film

Teenage Ruby (Emilia Jones) acts as an interpreter for her deaf parents, who she also helps run a fishing business. However, her true love is music, and she's starting to feel torn between following her dreams and supporting her family.

CODA won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor.

Skater Girl (2021): An Untraditional Teen Sports Movie

Skateboarding isn't for girls. At least, that's what they're told. Nonetheless, a group of teen girls in rural India is about to prove their traditional community wrong. This cute coming-of-age story crosses gender and cultural boundaries, which makes it appealing to everyone, even if you're not a fan of the sport.

Remember the Titans (2000): An Inspirational and Timeless Story of Unity

This inspirational sports story is based on an African American coach's real-life experience brought to lead the first integrated football team at a Virginia high school. While the players, coaching staff, and town members initially express resistance and intolerance, hope and unity win.

This movie delivers an enduring message of racial acceptance that doesn't require you to love football to root for the team or feel moved by their bonds.

The 40-Year-Old Version (2020): Finding Your Voice at Any Age

Based on playwright Radha Blank's real-life career struggles, this semi-autobiographical film follows the main character's attempt to reinvent herself as a hip-hop artist. In music, she finds relief from feeling that she's sacrificing too much of her authentic voice to gain recognition in New York City's theater world.

If you need a reminder that success doesn't always have a set path or fall by a certain age, this is a cathartic and humorous homage to staying true to oneself.

Good Will Hunting (1997): Best Movie About Therapy and Moving On

While working as a janitor at a university, Will Hunting (Matt Damon) impresses a math professor with his knack for numbers. At the advice of his mentor, Will agrees to meet with psychologist Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), who helps unlock Will's true potential.

An emotional masterpiece, Good Will Hunting won Affleck and Damon an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and Robin Williams won Best Supporting Actor at that year's Oscars.

Inside Out (2015): A Comforting Reminder That It's OK to Feel All the Things

Inside Out is one of those solid inspirational movies that offer time away from reality while gently tackling the genuine nature of life transitions' ups and downs.

While the story centers around young Riley and her new move to San Francisco, it's a priceless reminder to all of us, at any age, that embracing our emotions is an excellent thing.

Mangrove (2020): An Inspiring True Story of Activism

Mangrove is one of five films in Amazon Prime Video's Small Axe collection.

This movie recounts the real-life heroism and activism of Frank Crichlow, the owner of the Mangrove restaurant that serves as a gathering space for the West Indian community in London. In 1970, Crichlow and others organized a peaceful protest against mistreatment by the police and were later tried in court for inciting a riot.

Their trial leads to the first acknowledgment of racially motivated behavior in the London police system. The film is a stirring tribute to those who stand up against injustice.

Hidden Figures (2016): Inspirational Women Who Shaped History

Hidden Figures draws back the curtain to tell the true story of the brilliant African-American female mathematicians at NASA. Though unknown to the public, they made John Glenn the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth. This movie is a celebration of their brilliance and their deserving place in the history books.

Crip Camp (2020): Celebrating the Power of Community and Advocacy

This film documents the true story of camp members and counselors who met at Camp Jened, an inclusive camp for young people with disabilities who become advocates for their community.

They are visible and independent at camp and strive to achieve the same qualities in everyday life by fighting for representation and long-overdue civil rights for people with disabilities.

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019): Adventure Tale About Friendship and Chosen Family

This touching adventure tale follows Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who dreams of becoming a wrestler. After escaping from the senior home where he's assigned to live by the state, he quickly finds an unlikely new friend looking for a fresh start.

Heartwarming without being saccharine, it's a story about unconditional acceptance and forging friendships and family in unlikely but beautiful places.