Top 10 Most Uplifting Movies of All Time
#10: “Paddington 2” (2017)
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If you have skipped out on the “Paddington” movies because you’re over the age of 12 and don’t have kids, let us tell you: you are missing out. This franchise truly is fun for the whole family, and seeing that adorable little bear persist through difficult (and sometimes hilarious) situations is just as inspiring as the more serious films on our list. While the first “Paddington” is certainly a delight, the second film features our marmalade-loving friend ending up in prison and still managing to find a way to make the best of the situation.
#9: “Good Will Hunting” (1997)
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The titular character from this 1997 movie is a genius when it comes to mathematics. Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon) works as a janitor at MIT, but is just as smart as the students enrolled there. But Will has problems in his personal life that get him in trouble with the law. He ends up being referred to Dr. Sean Maguire (played by Robin Williams), a psychology teacher who helps bring down his defenses. This movie shows what people are capable of even when faced with the greatest adversities, and reminds us all to stay true to who we really are.
#8: “Coach Carter” (2005)
Even if you’re not a sports fan, there can be something so inspirational about sports movies. “Coach Carter” is one example that transcends the genre and would appeal to anyone, no matter their tastes. Samuel L. Jackson plays the titular Coach Carter, a sporting goods store owner who finds himself coaching the local high school’s basketball team. He’s disappointed by the boys he encounters, though, finding them to be disrespectful and ambivalent about their education. The coach is tough on his players, but eventually pushes them to reach their true potential, even if there are a few bumps along the way.
#7: “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)
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Olive Hoover is not your typical beauty pageant contestant, but she is dedicated to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant regardless. She manages to get her entire family to join her for a road trip from Albuquerque and let’s just say it is not smooth sailing the entire way. The family ends up banding together when Olive’s big performance isn’t well-received and showing that they really do love and support each other at the end of the day, despite their differences. Also, how can you not feel great watching Olive’s hilarious routine?
#6: “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)
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This is a lot of people’s favorite movie of all time for good reason. Andy Dufresne is a convicted murderer who ends up at the Shawshank State Penitentiary and befriends Ellis "Red" Redding, who has also been sentenced to life. The two men bond and within the confines of the prison, manage to find a bright spot of optimism despite their dour circumstances. We’re not going to spoil it in case you’re one of the five people who hasn’t seen the movie, but the ending is absolutely worth the wait.
#5: “Legally Blonde” (2001)
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Not every movie on our list is a “feel good” romp all the way through, but here’s at least one exception. If you need a boost to push you to believe in yourself, is there any better movie pick than this one? Elle Woods begins her story by being dumped by the man she thought was going to propose to her and then picking herself up by getting into Harvard Law School. Not only that, but once she’s there, she quickly shifts her goal of getting her ex back to actually succeeding in her own right. By the end of the film, she has achieved so much more than she ever expected of herself.
#4: “School of Rock” (2003)
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In an effort to make some money to pay rent, rock enthusiast Dewey Finn, who has recently been kicked out of his band, takes up a substitute teacher position at a fancy prep school… despite the fact that he has no teaching experience. Instead of following the curriculum, he decides to teach the kids about having an appreciation for rock n’ roll and eventually turns them into a band. Dewey’s methods may be unconventional, but he manages to ignite a passion in his students, boosting their confidence and bringing many of them out of their shells.
#3: “Forrest Gump” (1994)
Forrest Gump may have a below-average IQ, but that doesn’t stop him from achieving great things in this iconic film. Forrest is truly himself, and sticks to his values throughout his story, managing to travel the world and insert himself into several important moments in history. He overcomes bullying as well as a physical disability, and his positive attitude keeps him going despite the many other adversaries he encounters. One of the morals of the story is that one man really can make a difference as long as his heart is in the right place - and what’s more inspiring than that?
#2: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
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Sometimes you just want to watch a Christmas movie, no matter what time of year it is. And what movie gives you that warm fuzzy feeling as much as the classic “It's A Wonderful Life?” While it begins with a dark premise, a man debating whether to end his own life, George Bailey is convinced of all of the incredible things he has actually done and shown what the world would be like without him in it. It’s an annual holiday season reminder to appreciate what you have and to be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how dismal things may sometimes seem. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Love, Simon” (2018) A Modern Teen Film About a Boy Coming Out to His Friends &Family “Mamma Mia!” (2008) A Musical Romp Through Greece Set to ABBA “Sense and Sensibility” (1995) A Jane Austen Adaptation About Surviving Through Trying Times “Billy Elliot” (2000) A Coal Miner's Son Learns Ballet “Amélie” (2001) A Parisian Woman on a Journey to Spread Joy
#1: “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
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Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) finds himself in pretty disheartening circumstances in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” His wife leaves him, his business is proving to be unsuccessful, he’s left with custody of his young child, and he’s being evicted from their home. Chris and his son Christopher find themselves homeless, but despite a situation that would cause many to give up, he persists, maintaining a level of hope and optimism along the way. The story, which is based on true events, shows that if you work hard enough and believe in yourself, anything is truly possible.
