While movies are an important form of entertainment, they are also one of the most effective ways to emphasize important themes and inspire viewers. Hollywood has its fair share of blockbuster superhero movies and high-octane flicks, but it also has some of the most poignant and well-crafted movies that can bring a tear to one’s eye while also infusing motivation. Here’s a list of 20 such movies that are gut-wrenchingly emotional but equally inspirational.
1. Moonlight (2016)
Based on an unpublished semi-autobiographical play by Tarell Alvin McCraney, Moonlight, is a coming-of-age drama movie directed by Barry Jenkins. Starring Trevante Rhodes, Janelle Monáe, and others, the movie spans three stages in the life of Chiron, the protagonist. It covers his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, as he navigates questions about identity as a black homosexual man. The movie has themes of physical and emotional abuse but is beautifully poignant and stays with the viewers.
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
Directed by Céline Sciamma and starring Noémie Merland and Adèle Haenel, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, is a romantic drama set in 18th century France. The movie is about the lesbian romance between a bride-to-be and a painter who has to create her portrait. The movie has received high praise for its direction, cinematography, and performances. Each scene is evocative and glides beautifully. The movie is a heartbreaking look at the loss of love in times of strict morality.
3. A Walk to Remember (2002)
Starring Mandy Moore, Shane West, and others, A Walk to Remember is a romantic drama directed by Adam Shankman and based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks. A heart-wrenching movie, it revolves around the love story that blooms between the rebellious teenager Landon and the reserved Jamie. Tragically, Jamie suffers from leukemia and does not have much time. The movie has important themes of love, sacrifice, and faith, that are beautifully told and will resonate with the viewers.
4. A Star is Born (2018)
A musical romantic drama, A Star is Born, is directed by Bradley Cooper who also stars in the movie along with Lady Gaga. The movie is the fourth remake of the story. It revolves around an alcoholic musician, who discovers a young singer at a bar, falls for her, and gives her the platform to shine while he progressively goes down a spiral. Poignant and expressive, the movie is an intimate look at love, stardom, and life.
5. Me Before You (2016)
Starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke, Me Before You, is a romantic drama directed by Thea Sharrock and based on a novel by Jojo Moyes. Will is a successful banker who has become disabled due to an accident and Louisa is hired to take care of him and uplift his spirits. Different in personality and outlooks, the two fall for each other but destiny has other things in mind. Heart-breaking yet uplifting, the movie highlights the importance of living to the fullest.
6. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on an autobiographical memoir by Steven Conrad, The Pursuit of Happyness, is a drama directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith and Jaden Smith. Widely regarded as one of the best movies, it focuses on a homeless salesman who tries his best to provide for his son, while facing mounting financial troubles. The movie is emotionally heavy and a tear-jerker. But it also includes important life lessons. This movie will force viewers to reflect and ponder upon it.
7. An Affair to Remember (1957)
Starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, An Affair to Remember, is a classic Hollywood romance movie. Directed by Leo McCarey, the film revolves around Nickie, a playboy, who meets Terry aboard a cruise liner and the two begin to fall for each other. Both decide to meet each other in six months’ time but Terry suffers from an accident and becomes disabled. The movie movingly portrays Terry’s sorrow and Nickie’s confusion. This one is a classic and a must-watch.
8. Penguin Bloom (2020)
An Australian drama, Penguin Bloom, is based on a book by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive. Directed by Glendyn Ivin and starring Naomi Watts, an avid surfer and mom of three, Sam (Watts), becomes disabled. Despite her family’s encouragement, she remains despondent and it is only when an injured magpie comes into her life, that she and the bird embark on a healing journey together. A beautiful movie that reflects upon life and the bond between humans and animals.
9. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Based on a memoir by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, is a drama directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor who also stars in it. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy, William, who is a prodigy but unable to continue his studies due to money. His teacher helps by sneaking him inside the library. During a drought, he uses his knowledge to build a windmill and gives life to his townspeople. This one is thoroughly motivating.
10. Wild (2014)
Starring Reese Witherspoon, Wild, is a biographical drama based on a memoir by Cheryl Strayed. Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, the movie is about Strayed (Witherspoon), who decides to go for a solo hiking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail after suffering from personal tragedies. Set in 1995, Strayed hikes across the trail and reflects upon her mother’s death, her drug use, and her failed marriage. Somber and beautiful, this movie instills faith that one can always turn their life around. It's a meditation on personal reinvention, the strength of the human spirit, and the possibility of redemption.
11. The Truman Show (1998)
A psychological comedy-drama, The Truman Show, is directed by Peter Weir and stars Jim Carrey. One of the most acclaimed movies of the 1990s, it revolves around Truman (Carrey), who has lived his whole life inside a set and whose daily happenings are broadcast to the world, unbeknownst to him. The movie focuses on important themes like the nature of reality and illusion and the role of ever-growing media in personal lives. Tragically motivating, it is rather a timeless and essential watch.
12. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Directed by Peter Weir, Dead Poets Society, is a coming-of-age drama starring Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, and others. The movie is set in 1959 and revolves around John Keating (Williams), an English teacher at a boarding school, who uses unique methods to instill a love for poetry and a zest for life in his students. The movie is about looking at life differently, and building individualism, and is an enchanting film. It is more than just a film about education—it's a heartfelt tribute to the power of inspiration and the need for individuality in a world that often seeks to suppress it. This masterpiece by Weir is surely a must-watch.
13. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Directed by Frank Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life, is based on a short story by Philip Van Doren. Starring James Stewart, the movie is about his character, George, who has given up on life and happiness and contemplates suicide. But when a guardian angel shows him the beauty and joys of life, he decides to give life another chance. Regarded as one of the most influential films, the movie is a poignant reminder of never giving up.
14. The Color Purple (1985)
Starring Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and others, The Color Purple is a coming-of-age drama directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a novel by Alice Walker. It revolves around a Southern Black woman, Celie, who goes through relentless abuse at the hands of her father and husband, and whose close relationship with her sister and other women is explored. The movie is unrelenting in its themes of abuse, mistreatment, and racism. Goldberg’s heart-breaking yet resolute portrayal is a must-watch.
15. Lion (2016)
Starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, and others, Lion, is an Australian biographical drama based on a book by Saroo Brierley and is directed by Garth Davis. The movie is an adaptation of the true story behind Brierley’s life. Portrayed by Patel, it is about Saroo’s quest to find his Indian parents, after being adopted by an Australian couple. Filled with intense emotions, poignant performances, and themes revolving around identity, the movie is a compelling piece.
16. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
A coming-of-age romance, The Fault in Our Stars, is based on a novel by John Green and stars Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, and others. Directed by Josh Boone, it revolves around a teenage cancer patient, Hazel, who is forced by her parents to attend a cancer patient support group and meets Augustus, another cancer patient, falling in love with him. One of the most touching films in recent times, it is a movie that looks at life, love, and sacrifice. It's a movie that stays with the viewers long after the credits roll, reminding all that, the connection we make and the love we give have the power to endure.
17. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, and others, 500 Days of Summer, is a comedy-drama that will tug at one’s heartstrings. Directed by Marc Webb, the movie moves nonlinearly and is about Tom (Joseph) recounting his beautiful but tragic relationship with Summer (Zooey). The movie was a success and provides a realistic look at love and relationships in modern times. At a time when dating is layered and complex, this movie is a beautiful reminder of loving oneself.
18. Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013)
Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, Blue is the Warmest Colour, is a French romantic drama starring Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos. The movie is about Adèle, a young girl, who meets the free-spirited Emma (Léa) and falls in love with her. Emma pushes Adèle out of her comfort zone and the two begin a lesbian relationship. But over time, the two grow distant and Adéle yearns for love. The movie is a beautifully realistic portrayal of falling out of love.
19. The Blind Side (2009)
Based on a book by Michael Lewis, The Blind Side, is a biographical sports drama directed by John Lee Hancock. Starring Sandra Bullock, it is about Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), who is a talented football lineman but comes from poverty. He befriends a friend at school, whose mother, Leigh Anne (Bullock) decides to support him. Michael soon overcomes the odds to play in the NFL and turns his life around. The movie illustrates the power of helping and is highly inspirational.
20. Marley & Me (2008)
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Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, Marley & Me, is a comedy-drama directed by David Frankel and based on a memoir by John Grogan. The movie is about a couple, John and Jenny, who decide to start a family and get a puppy to see if they are ready. The naughty dog is named Marley and through various troubles and difficulties, Marley stays by the family’s side. The movie has a heart-breaking end but emphasizes the undying loyalty of dogs.
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