Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
No one’s immune to falling into the occasional rut. Hours turn into days, days into months, and before you know it, the Big Bang Theory is on its TENTH SEASON. Where does the time go? Thankfully, Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu have stocked their virtual shelves with a bevy of inspirational titles to help you break out of your funk.
We’ve focused on films and TV shows you can watch with a subscription to a streaming platform, so, unfortunately, inspirational icons like Rudy and Rocky — which you can rent right here — didn’t make the list. Even though it’s not available on the major platforms, we’re going to include Rudy’s climactic finale below as an honorable mention.
Think of it as some bonus inspiration!
It doesn’t matter how many times I watch that clip, I still get goosebumps. Academy Award-winning composer Jerry Goldsmith’s score is simply the best (Tina Turner voice: Better than allll the rest). In fact, Goldsmith is also responsible for another iconic musical moment we’ve included on our list of inspirational titles. Which one? Let’s find out!
'The Karate Kid'
Who doesn’t love an uplifting sports montage? When paired with the proper song, a well-crafted montage can inspire you to get out there and run a half-marathon! Sure, you might be like, “Screw this noise. Running is borophyll 2000” after one mile, but you know what? You ran that mile.
Scored to Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best,” Daniel LaRusso’s journey from Karate Kid to Karate Man is the gold standard of movie montages. You need some inspiration? Look no further, friend!
'Creed'
Ryan Coogler’s Creed is like inspirational espresso.
It’s impossible to watch this beautiful film without experiencing a wide array of emotions. Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone deliver poignant, nuanced performances, and Donnie’s training montage rivals its cinematic predecessor.
I continue to believe that Creed is the best Rocky film of the franchise. It’s life. It’s humanity. It’s the triumphant of the human spirit. It’s as real as it gets.
'Friday Night Lights' Season 1 Episode 22 "State"
This. Freaking. Speech. Goosebumps, man. Goosebumps.
Coach Eric Taylor aka America’s dad is the tough but fair father figure we know we can turn to when the chips are down. He won’t always provide an inspirational jolt of guidance when you want it, but he’ll always, without fail, be there when you need it.
Unless Friday Night Lights leaves Netflix. Then we’re all screwed. But for now, you can currently watch this inspirational episode right here.
'The Pursuit of Happyness'
Watching The Pursuit of Happyness is like taking a shot of humanity. We all get bogged down in the doldrums of the day to day every now and again, and while this motivational Will Smith film — which is based on a true story — isn’t a cure-all for everything, it is a pleasant reminder of the indelible spirit of the human condition.
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.”
'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
Sure, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is funny, but is it really inspirational?
Yes! John Hughes’ iconic comedy is a pleasant reminder of the importance of actually taking the time to enjoy life. Those prone to vocational tunnel vision would be smart to follow Ferris’ sage advice: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Although, I do not recommend hijacking a parade.
'Sing Street'
This delightful cinematic charmer checks so many of the boxes on our inspirational checklist.
A coming-of-age tale in which our hero overcomes immense adversity? Yep! An uplifting story about chasing your dreams? You know it! An endearing romantic underdog winning the affection of the apple of his eye? Well, you’ll just have to watch to find out.
'Hoosiers'
Our resident movie maven Joe Reid calls this long-revered gem the “sports movie that defines all other sports movies.”
I can’t refute his argument. Ollie sinking his free throws, Jimmy’s final shot, GENE HACKMAN! Classics are classic for a reason. Our main man Jerry Goldsmith crafted the historic Hoosiers theme, once again showing us how good can be elevated to great with the proper musical accompaniment.
I’m getting misty just thinking about this beloved sports classic.
'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'
I know it’s not completely analogous since E.T. is (minor spoiler) an extra-terrestrial, but if this 1982 treasure doesn’t reaffirm your faith in friendship, well then you, my friend, have a scientific malady known as Grinch-heart.
“I’ll be right here…” crying while I watch Elliot and E.T.’s heartbreaking final farewell.
'The Martian'
Stranded on Mars, Matt Damon’s Mark Watney must rely on his wits and ingenuity to survive in Ridely Scott’s critically acclaimed 2015 film The Martian.
An inspirational sci-fi film that celebrates friendship, overcoming the obstacles, and the perils of space travel, The Martian’s uplifting final rescue mission will fill your heart with joy… while also souring you on hopping on a rocket to outer space.
'Braveheart'
In terms of invigorating monologues, it doesn’t get much better than William Wallace’s dramatic declaration of freedom before engaging in battle.
“Fight and you may die. Run, and you’ll live… at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin’ to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take… OUR FREEDOM!”
