The American Film Institute recently named its Top 100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time. I wish there was an Academy Award for the Most Inspiring Film of each year.
Here are 14 of my favorite inspiring films of all time, in order of release date. (See here also for my list of Top 10 Most Inspiring Films of 2008.)
1. Casablanca (1942) – The best kind of inspiring film: it didn’t seem like it was trying to be one. That is, until the tragic hero becomes the pathetic anti-hero and then becomes the redemptive hero!
2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Hard to top this classic. I’m glad it only plays around Christmastime–I can’t help but get misty at every viewing.
3. The Sting (1973) - Okay, to some it’s a gentle comedy about con men in a prior time, but to me it was a buddy flick that showed the power of being buddies, loyalty, doing what you’re good at, and the stakes of getting caught. It kept me out of a lot of trouble, too!
4. Day of the Dolphin (1973) - Overlooked by many “Best Of…” lists, this movie about conviction and love–even at a cost–should be must-see for animal lovers and people lovers everywhere.
5. Chariots of Fire (1981) - Some consider it one of the weakest Best Picture winners ever, but it was inspiring to me because it portrayed men of different faiths who experienced varying levels of conviction and triumph. Plus, it was one of the most intelligent and respectful presentations of faith ever showbn on the silver screen.
6. The Right Stuff (1983) - Didn’t you ever wanna grow up to be an astronaut? These guys did, and they made it, and there was a whole lot more to the story than most of us ever knew.
7. Hoosiers (1986) - Reconciliation is inspiring and redemption even more so. This was more than a feel-good flick: it had both.
8. Working Girl (1988) - Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver were stars at the top of their game, but it was Melanie Griffith’s character (Tess) who stole the film and showed a generation of young women they could believe.
9. Field of Dreams (1989) - The fantasy of a baseball field–and the even greater fantasy of marital partners free to pursue their dreams–never gets old! I still want to travel to Iowa to see the field.
10. Dead Poet’s Society (1989) - Okay, not really. But Robin Williams’s introduction to his class (the Feeding Daffodils scene) is among the finest I’ve ever seen.
11. Schindler’s List (1993) - Oh, if we could all live with that precious commitment to life. “If I could just save one more…” was a line more powerful than most sermons I’ve heard, or given.
12. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - While an older generation was still quoting “Caddyshack” and “Stripes,” along came a non-comedic, non-gratuitous film that is still quoted today. This was about everything, including hope–the most dangerous thing!
13. Shakespeare in Love (1998) - Just a wonderful epic; it’s beautifully crafted and musically captivating. Ms. Paltrow played four parts and we rooted for a historical figure we never knew. I walked out believing the sappiest of messages: that true love can triumph over anything.
14. Gladiator (2000) - A man was honorable and loyal. He turned blind with vengeance and then turned savior and sacrificer for the good of a country, a boy, and a mother. The film’s consideration of the afterlife–while not consistent with my personal view–was as inspiring as it was beautiful.
Which movies of all time inspire you? Share below.
posted January 1, 2009 at 4:42 am
I do not think I will ever see a movie that brought home a truth more vividly than The Passion of The Christ. When I think of this Man hanging on to the last bit of life on this earth after enduring humiliation, torture, beatings, being spat on, impaled with thorns, stripped naked and mocked in front of His mother, I weep with shame knowing that He asked forgiveness of all who were responsible for this inhuman crime against a completely innocent Man and yet sometimes I do not forgive others for things as trivial as a lost parking space or being cut off on the road.How can we be so IGNORANT ????
posted January 1, 2009 at 11:53 pm
I don’t think any film is more inspiring than “To Kill A Mockingbird”. The quiet understated strength in the lead character played by Gregory Peck is something for all of us aspire to. The film dealt with themes of bigotry, diversity, disability, compassion, mutual acceptance, respect and moral courage….long before these were “politically correct”. I’ll never forget the beauty of the scene when all the people of color (confined to the balcony of the courthouse) rose up as Atticus left the courtroom, and one said to his little daughter: “Stand up, Scout! Your father’s passing.”
posted January 2, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I agree with several that you mentioned, but some of the ones on the list, although they are favorites of mine, I’m not sure I see them as inspirational. I agree with the first comment: The Passion of the Christ. A film that effected me more than any other I have ever seen. I agree with the second comment too: To Kill A Mockingbird. I also agree with Chariots of Fire. Others on my list would be: The Hiding Place (The story of Corrie ten Boom and the holocaust) The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Places in the Heart, Sergeant York, and Schindler’s List (if you can get through it)
posted January 2, 2009 at 9:47 pm
I agree with most of the above, although in different order. –Er, Shakespeare in Love nor so much Gladiator — Spartacus better.
Beckett, High Noon,Paths of Glory…
To Kill a Mockingbird certainly. Along with it goes The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit. Although I like Dead Poets, what about Good Will Hunting? We are challenged & suceed to rise above.
Granted, theses are heavier & less ‘feel good’ than many mentioned.
However, there are lotsa others I’d put instead. Have to think about upbeat ones
posted January 3, 2009 at 4:22 am
The movie Fireproof in 2008 ranks in my top 5 along with wind beneath my wings theme song and Sally Fields along withan early Julia Roberts where ehe has kidney problems and has a baby and then loses her life-sorry I can’t remember these 2 titles.
posted January 5, 2009 at 2:40 am
What about “City of angels”? Or “To meet Joe Black”?? Or “The curious case of Benjamin Button”???
posted January 30, 2009 at 7:41 am
I like most of this list and some I haven’t seen but now plan to. I would also add to you list: The Green Mile, The Notebook, Castaway, and Forest Gump
posted February 3, 2009 at 7:31 am
Others? “Places in the Heart”‘s final communion scene with all partaking!
“Terms of Endearment”‘s scene where Jack Nicholson surprises Aurora at the motel. “Hoosier”‘s” “My team is on the floor.”
“Castaway”‘s volleyball “character” who floats away.
“La Strada”‘s scene where Anthony Quinn’s character squeezes the barbed-wire fence as he longs for Gelsomina.
Know there are others here recently with the AA’s coming up!
Must get to these, too.
posted February 3, 2009 at 8:56 am
Looking forward to seeing “Working Girl.” Must have missed it. Really enjoyed The Shawshank Redemption about hope. It held me on the edge of my seat. Great movie for men and women who like escape and action too.
But my favorite this year was “Fireproof.” This a must for all folks who are looking for a higher power to believe in. Exciting and interesting…do not miss it. Available in stores next week…Nancy
posted February 3, 2009 at 9:48 am
What about Forrest Gump??? I can’t believe it’s not on the list. That is a truly inspirational movie.
posted February 3, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Want to add a strange one. Yes it’s R rated and with good reason, but Original Sin seemed to be a very gripping and extraordinary tale of love and commitment, yes also redemption, when the character played by Antonio Banderas, was prepared to sacifice all, for his wife, even drink the poison for her! I agree, not suitable for all audiences, and I don’t want to keep on watching it again and again, however, I found it very inspirational!
posted February 3, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I liked “Shawshank Redemption,” and maybe a few others might be the first Harry Potter movie because he finally gained some acceptance by his peers and elders, and what else…
I actually liked “Evan Almighty” with Steve Carrell, though the critics panned it, and “Working Girl” is certainly an interesting pick, and Bogart and Hepburn surviving traveling down the river in “the African Queen.”
posted February 4, 2009 at 3:40 am
What about “A walk in the Clouds” a warm and thought provoking movie. You dont get many men like the hero these days
posted February 4, 2009 at 9:53 am
It is my all time favorite, i am truly surprised it didn’t make the list. It truly inspired me how someone so faithful to God excepted every down fall with gratitude.This truly is an amazing story if you haven’t seen it please try to. Our family loved it so much we went out and bought the DVD.
posted February 4, 2009 at 9:57 am
Above i just made a comment on a movie the name of the movie is Facing The Giants.
posted February 4, 2009 at 10:48 am
If anyone is looking for a truly insiring movie to watch, try “Pay it Forward”. This insirational movie is about a 12 year-old boy who see the good in human nature and that through one act of kindness you can can reach so many people. Consider this, that instead of paying back someone for an act of kindness shown to you, you tell them you will pay it forward by doing one kind act for someone else. Imagine a world where everyone pays it forward, instead of paying it back. Must see movie for all ages.
posted February 4, 2009 at 10:51 am
Edit comment about my last post. Please add the letter “p” where needed. insirational or insiring should be inspirational and inspiring. Sorry
posted February 4, 2009 at 11:12 am
If these are all we have to select from, Casablanca is the ultimate love story. It has it all!
posted February 4, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Take the Lead with Antonio Banderas can’t be beat!!
posted February 4, 2009 at 12:22 pm
One missing is “Pay it Forward”. Stars, Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Angie Dickinson, etc. Story is a young boy, from a difficult family who is challenged in school to make an outstanding contribution in the world. He chooses to provide unconditional love(forgiveness) to three people in his life and challenge them to do the same.
posted February 4, 2009 at 5:25 pm
This movie did not inspire me as much as ii moved me to want to share it with others. The title is’Iimatation of Life”.The movie was produced in late 1950′s and involves the friendship of two simgle parents one black and one white. If you find yourself home with nothing to do I highly recommend this movie.
posted February 9, 2009 at 12:19 am
i didn’t see “akeelah and the bee” “the notebook” fireproof” “a walk to remember” “secret life of bees” i know some of these are newer….but they still should be revised