Top 10 Inspirational Movie Scenes of All Time
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#10: Who V Is
“V for Vendetta” (2005) Despite the fact that Alan Moore, author of the graphic novel the film is based on, refused to watch it, “V for Vendetta” still managed to gross upwards of $100 million at the box office and was, for the most part, a critical success. Set in a dystopian United Kingdom, it is the story of a mysterious vigilante known only as “V”, who galvanizes the people in order to take down the country’s tyrannical government. The film culminates in an epic display of unity by the country’s citizens that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps. As parliament falls and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture swells, the film’s protagonist reminds us that V was “all of us”.
#9: Willy Goes Free
“Free Willy” (1993) If you don’t get choked up watching this scene, you might just be a robot. “Free Willy” is a family drama about a young boy named Jesse who befriends Willy, a captive whale; and subsequently works to set him free. In the film’s final, melancholy scene, Jesse shares a tearful goodbye with Willy before inspiring him to make the jump to freedom. Watching Willy leap over the rock wall as Jesse enthusiastically cheers him on is a sight most ‘90s kids will never forget. “Free Willy” has maintained a cult following since its 1993 release and this scene is likely a big part of its enduring popularity.
#8: Gardner’s Last Day
“The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) If this scene doesn’t inspire you to chase your dreams, we don’t know what will. Based on the incredible true story of Chris Gardner, who, along with his five-year-old son, battled homelessness in the 1980s before ultimately becoming a successful businessman, “The Pursuit of Happyness” is an emotional ride. However it’s this scene, the last one, which is by far the most moving. Watching Gardner struggle to hold back tears as his hard work is rewarded with a full-time job at a prestigious brokerage firm is incredibly powerful. As he exits the building, he is overcome with joy, clapping to himself before rushing to tell his son the good news. One word: wow!
#7: “We Are Infinite”
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012) “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a coming-of-age drama about a high school student named Charlie, who, with the help of his friends Sam and Patrick, works to overcome his depression. After a tumultuous high school experience that sees him engage in a number of high stress situations, each more dramatic than the next, Charlie is finally able to let go of the past in this truly inspiring scene. Together with his two best friends, the only two people he truly trusts, Charlie is free. It’s hard not to get chills as he stands with his arms outstretched in the back of the pickup truck and proclaims, “We are infinite”.
#6: Carpe Diem
“Dead Poets Society” (1989) When most people think of “Dead Poets Society,” their minds immediately jump to the scene in which the boys of John Keating’s class stand on their desks and proclaim “O Captain! My Captain!” And while that is a seminal moment in film history, it’s this one, the one in which Keating first peaks the boys’ interest with his speech about carpe diem, which is arguably the most inspiring. Robin Williams commands the viewer’s attention from start to finish, something that is mirrored in the way the demeanor of the boys slowly transitions from confused to attentive. By the end, we are as enamored with Keating as those boys, yearning to seize the day!
#5: “Freedom!”
“Braveheart” (1995) Outnumbered and outmatched, the army of Scots was all but ready to submit to the will of the English army until a rebellious freedom fighter by the name of William Wallace roused their spirits. “Braveheart”, Mel Gibson’s Academy Award winning semi-historical war epic is awash in breathtaking moments worthy of gasps, tears and even applause. However, none of them can elicit the kind of emotion that this one does. After riding dramatically to the front line of the Scottish army, Wallace delivers one of cinematic history’s most iconic speeches. As the music swells and the anticipation reaches a fever pitch, Wallace unleashes his most famous line; and historical films were never the same.
#4: The President’s Speech
“Independence Day” (1996) And you thought William Wallace’s speech was good! Just one year after “Braveheart” was released, the world was blessed with yet another incredible movie moment! With humanity’s backs against the wall, fictional U.S. President Thomas J. Whitmore recognizes that the world could use a little pep talk. What he delivers is one of the most earth-shatteringly badass and moving speeches of all time. It’s been more than 20 years since this film was released and Whitmore’s speech is as moving now as it was then. Sure the film’s digital effects didn’t exactly age gracefully, but who cares when the film contains such a timeless speech?
#3: “He Who Saves One Life Saves the World Entire”
“Schindler’s List” (1993) Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning historical drama about a real-life German businessman who risks his life to save thousands of Jews from the horrors of the Holocaust is one of the most celebrated films of all time. In one of the movie’s final scenes, the Jews Schindler saved present him with a signed letter attesting to his role in keeping them alive, as well as a ring with the inscription, “He who saves one life saves the world entire.” As Schindler laments the fact that he could have done more, Itzhak urges him to look at the 1,100 lives he did save. “Inspirational” barely scratches the surface when discussing this scene.
#2: Rocky’s Training Montage
“Rocky” (1976) The image of Rocky Balboa running through Philadelphia with his hands wrapped, dressed head to toe in sweats is one most people will never forget. The iconic training montage splits its time between the streets of Philly, a boxing gym and a meat locker, as Rocky pushes himself to the physical and mental limit. It culminates of course atop the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, now known as the “Rocky Steps”. How they’ve not erected a statue of him, we’ll never know. Oh wait, there is one! First made for “Rocky III,” the bronze figure now stands at the foot of the steps. Now that’s what you call a physical manifestation of inspiration! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Our Deepest Fear “Coach Carter” (2005) Charge of the Rohirrim “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003) Eric Liddell Wins “Chariots of Fire” (1981) “Mad as Hell” “Network” (1976) A Plea for Goodwill & Brotherhood “The Great Dictator” (1940)
#1: Andy Escapes
“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) When Andy Dufresne, the banker sentenced to life in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, finally escapes his tortuous surroundings through sheer will and determination, audiences the world over felt a chill go down their collective spines. After crawling through 500 yards of sewage, affectionately described by his best friend Red as “shit smelling foulness [he] can’t even imagine”, Andy is a free man; washed clean by the rain. As the music swells and Andy rips off his shirt, reaches into the sky and laughs, one can’t help but smile, knowing deep down that all troubles, no matter how demoralizing, will someday pass.