Films are a great source of motivation, inspiration, and life lessons for young people. Students, especially, have a lot to learn from inspiring movies. There comes a time when everyone could use an extra dose of positivity, and watching a good movie is a great way of getting that feel-good boost. Films can have a profound impact on us. Sometimes, emotions we don’t regularly access or feel can be stimulated by an impactful film.
Despite being busy with academic work, trying to have a social life, and balancing it all, watching an inspirational film every week can provide some much-needed positivity and motivation for students. Watching a motivational movie can give you the energy to achieve anything you put your mind to. On that note, here are some of the best films of the last decade that can educate and inspire students.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
A biopic of one of the world’s greatest scientists Steven Hawking, The Theory Of Everything is a deep dive into the life of the genius. It tells us the story of Hawking and how he reached the peak of his career despite the many odds he faced. The Theory of Everything is a thrilling and emotional tribute to the various achievements of Stephen Hawking. While shedding light on his tragic medical condition, the movie shows the audience the light at the end of the tunnel and motivates us to persevere through it all. Although autobiographical movies or history films may not be your first picks when you think about what inspirational movies you would watch, they can be really moving and motivational, as they are based on real events, thus showing you the actual journeys people had.
Life of Pi (2012)
Life of Pi, another motivational story, follows the journey of a boy and his family across a vast and endless ocean. Through difficulties and uncertainties, the protagonist makes it through a tragic accident where he loses everything dear to him. Despite these challenges, Pi Patel and his tiger friend travel through the ocean and try to survive.
This moving story has elements of both drama and comedy, so it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Additionally, it teaches you how to be brave and resilient, even in the worst situations.
Although an inspirational film can really boost a student’s drive to study, sometimes that is not enough to excel. Many students get so many assignments that they despair and don’t know where to start while the deadlines are approaching fast. In this case, students are encouraged to Google, “who can help write my paper?”. They will discover a myriad of academic writing services that are ready to help. Pick a trustworthy one, and you will be able to take a break and watch that movie you keep putting off.
Boyhood (2014)
Written and directed by visionary filmmaker Richard Linklater, Boyhood is a love letter to the period during which a boy grows into a young man. This emotional coming-of-age drama shows the life of a young boy whose parents are divorced and sheds light on how a young child processes something like this.
A cool fact about this movie is that it was shot over 12 years, and it tells the story of the protagonist’s life during the period. The film shows us the protagonist’s relationship with his parents at different stages in his life. It gives young students an idea of different life situations.
Inside Out (2015)
A beautifully honest and emotional film, Inside Out, has been loved and celebrated by both young and adult audiences. Filled with a character cast of people trying to process recent changes in their lives, Inside Out shows the story of Riley and her family. Riley is moving out of her childhood home and is trying to process this situation.
The movie tells us that no matter what kind of situation we are in, we must process positive and negative emotions to go through it. Suppressing our emotions can’t be the answer. Inside Out tells us to mindfully embrace every emotion we have to reach true peace. Such a film is essential for young students experiencing stress and anxiety because of busy schedules and packed curriculums. Inside Out is a lovely depiction of sadness, joy, and the anxieties of growing up.
Lady Bird (2017)
Lady Bird is a popular coming-of-age drama by contemporary filmmaker Greta Gerwig. The film captures the transformation of a young girl in school preparing herself to move out for college. Lady Bird, the protagonist, feels like she has lived an ordinary life so far with nothing to show for it. This is why she wants to have an awesome college experience, unlike anything her not-so-well-off mother or father had. Her resentment for the home she grows up in leads to misunderstandings. Lady Bird delicately and beautifully captures the hardships of a mother-daughter relationship. Many students can relate to and empathize with such a story.
Thoughts to Leave You With
The movies listed above are not your average coming-of-age stories. They are empowering films about breaking free of molds and expectations by challenging yourself to improve. The protagonists of all these films go through numerous difficulties in their lives and come out victorious. We hope that this list motivates you to stay hopeful and look forward to good things as a student.