Movies have the invisible control to affect us deeply, evoke various emotions, and leave a lasting impact. They push us to pursue our dreams, embrace life with purpose & passion, and face challenges. Be it Hollywood, Bollywood, Telugu, or the Tamil film industry, they have all given us several best motivational movies that encourage and inspire us, combining determination, grit, and resilience.
If you’re searching for a dose of motivation, here are 30+ best motivational movies you must watch. Each one of them will rekindle your spirit and motivate you to tackle life’s ups and downs with improved energy. Keep reading to check these cinematic gems that inspire your life’s journey!
Latest List of Inspirational Movies to Watch
| Title | Release Date | IMDb Rating | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th Fail | 29 Dec 2023 | 9.2 | Hindi |
| Chandu Champion | 2024 | N/A | Hindi |
| Vijay 69 | 27 Nov 2024 | N/A | Hindi |
| Superboys of Malegaon | 10 Oct 2024 | N/A | Hindi |
| Srikanth | 2024 | N/A | Hindi |
| The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind | 1 Mar 2019 | 7.6 | English |
| October Sky | 19 Feb 1999 | 7.8 | English |
| Steve Jobs | 9 Oct 2015 | 7.2 | English |
| Soorarai Pottru | 12 Nov 2020 | 8.7 | Tamil |
| Swades | 17 Dec 2004 | 8.2 | Hindi |
| Gully Boy | 14 Feb 2019 | 8.0 | Hindi |
| English Vinglish | 5 Oct 2012 | 7.8 | Hindi |
| Dear Zindagi | 25 Nov 2016 | 7.6 | Hindi |
| Dead Poets Society | 9 Jun 1989 | 8.1 | English |
| Udaan | 16 Jul 2010 | 8.1 | Hindi |
10 Best Motivational Bollywood Movies
Are you feeling pretty down today? Scroll through the hand-picked motivational movies from Hindi Cinema.
1. I am Kalam
- 🎥 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- ⏳ Duration: 1 Hour 28 Min
- 📅 Release Year: 2010
This is a heart-touching tale of a poor boy, inspired by the previous President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He dreamt big and continued his education despite all the hardships. I am Kalam movie puts a heavy focus on education as a tool for resilience and empowerment while reflecting the inspiring influence of positive role models. This is considered one of the best motivational movies in Hindi – thanks to its inspiring tale of ambition and the transformative power of education.
2. Chak De! India – Top Motivational Hindi Movie
- 🎥 Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 33 Min
- 📅 Release Year: 2007
The movie is based on the amazing journey of the Indian women’s hockey team coach. It tells an inspiring tale of achievement against all odds. Chak De! India highlights the core of teamwork, leadership, and breaking barriers, resulting in a powerful message about challenging stereotypes and perseverance. This motivational Hindi movie is a must-watch as it has thrilling sports drama and a patriotic spirit that encourages viewers to chase greatness.
3. Gully Boy
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 28 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2019
Gully Boy, a cinematic treasure, clicks the raw overall determination and dreams. The film features Murad, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, who dares to break free from societal constraints to choose his enthusiasm for rap. The movie ignites the courage to pursue your dreams fearlessly. It’s a reminder to break barriers, embrace your passion, and never stop believing in your potential.
4. Swades
- 🎥Where to Watch: Netflix
- ⏳Duration: 3 Hours 9 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2004
Swades revolves around the tale of a NASA scientist who backs to India and goes on a path of self-discovery while working to transform a rural village. The film explores themes of community upliftment, finding purpose through service, and the importance of rural development. This is one of the most inspiring movies, and you must watch it to see the cultural exploration, interesting story, and how inspiring ideas bring change in society.
5. Queen – Top Motivational Hindi Movie
- 🎥Where to Watch: Netflix
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 17 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2013
Queen is one of the most famous motivational Bollywood movies. The movie tells the story of a woman who chooses to go on her honeymoon alone after her wedding is called off. What follows is a transformative journey of freedom, adventure, and self-realization. Recommended for its inspiring narrative and relatable themes, the film significantly captures the essence of personal growth and empowerment.
6. Neerja
- 🎥Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 2 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2016
Neerja is a gripping biopic, honoring the extraordinary courage of Neerja Bhanot: A flight attendant who heroically gave her life to protect passengers during a hijacking. The film shows her selflessness, courage, and right move in danger. Neerja is one of the best motivational movies in Hindi, giving an emotional tribute to a real-life hero who put others before herself.
7. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney + Hotstar
- ⏳Duration: 3 Hour 7 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2013
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag brings to life the incredible journey of Milkha Singh (India’s renowned athlete). From a difficult childhood to earning international fame, the film showcases his persistent perseverance and tough spirit. It’s a story of triumph against all odds, filled with moments of grit and inspiration. A must-watch for anyone seeking motivation to fulfill their dreams.
8. Secret Superstar –
- 🎥Where to Watch: Netflix
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 30 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2017
Secret Superstar is the story of a young girl and willing to become a singer. She fights social barriers and family opposition to achieve her goal. The film features a journey of courage, self-discovery, and finding one’s passion despite all odds. Secret Superstar is a must-watch due to its powerful performances, and inspiring tale, making it the best motivational movie for would-be artists.
9. Manjhi: The Mountain Man
- 🎥Where to Watch: Netflix
- ⏳Duration: 1 Hour 58 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2015
The movie follows Dashrath Manjhi, a man who dedicated 22 years of his life to creating a path through a mountain with nothing but a hammer and chisel. Motivated by love and determination, he brought a lasting change to his village. It is one of the popular Inspirational movies in Hindi. Manjhi’s story displays how one person’s willpower can defeat even the hardest obstacles.
10. Mary Kom
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 2 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2014
Mary Kom is one of the best motivational movies in Hindi, focusing on India’s boxing champion. She achieved immensity not just in the ring but by fighting against societal norms and personal challenges. The film depicts her sacrifice, relentless courage, and unwavering spirit while highlighting how determination can defeat all odds.
10 Best Motivational Movies in Hollywood
Keep scrolling to learn the 10 Hollywood motivational movies!
1. Forrest Gump – Motivational Hollywood Movie
- 🎥Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 22 Min
- 📅Release Year: 1994
A heart-touching story, Forrest Gump depicts a simple man having a low IQ who leads an unusual life. With determination and innocence, Forrest unknowingly impacts various historical events and becomes a part of several notable moments in American History. This movie is recommended for the importance of staying true to yourself and its uplifting message about destiny and life. If you’re scrolling the web to find one of the best motivational movies in Hindi, look no further than Forrest Gump.
2. Dead Poets Society – English Movie Inspirational
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hours 8 Min
- 📅Release Year: 1989
Dead Poets Society is amongst the best inspiring movies that feature a teacher. He pushes his students to think independently and chase their dreams. Set in a strict prep school, the film highlights the importance of individuality, questioning old traditions, and how literature can open new perspectives. The film explains how to live true to yourself and pursue what really matters to you.
3. The Shawshank Redemption
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 22 Min
- 📅Release Year: 1994
The movie revolves around themes of friendship, hope, and resilience. It depicts the story of Andy Dufresne, a man wrongfully convicted of murder, who forms a deep bond with his fellow prisoner, Red, as they navigate life behind bars together. Among all Motivational Hollywood movies, The Shawshank Redemption is considered best as it shows that perseverance and belief can help defeat even the toughest challenges.
4. Into the Wild
- 🎥Where to Watch: Zee5, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony Liv
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour
- 📅Release Year: 2010
This is the true story of a young man, Christopher McCandless, who leaves his comfortable life to explore the wilds of Alaska. He embarks on a journey to find freedom and discover who he really is. Throughout the journey, he meets people who change his life but eventually finds peace in the woods. The film is about the search for meaning, self-find, and the consequences of leading a solitary life. Into the Wild is one of the top motivational movies on Netflix.
5. Good Will Hunting
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 6 Min
- 📅Release Year: 1997
The film is about a young janitor ‘Will Hunting’ at MIT having extraordinary mathematical skills. Despite being talented, he struggles with his past and his future. Will learns to face his fears, open up, and realize his potential with the help of a therapist. Good Will Hunting discovers ideas of friendship and overcoming personal issues, making it one of the must-watch motivational Hindi movies.
6. A Beautiful Mind
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 15 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2001
The story of John Nash, a gifted mathematician who battles schizophrenia, is both moving and inspiring. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, his passion for mathematics never fades. His determination leads him to make valuable contributions to his field. A Beautiful Mind is one of the finest Inspirational Hollywood movies that highlight perseverance, genius, and one’s ability to triumph over adversity.
7. Freedom Writers
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 2 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2007
In the Best Hollywood Motivation movies list, another best movie is Freedom Writers: a tale of a dedicated teacher called Erin Gruwell. He uses writing as a method to reach her at-risk students. Set in a racially divided classroom, Erin pushes her students to showcase their feelings, break through their challenges, and open their hearts. The film shows that even in the most difficult situations, the right guidance can alter lives and inspire one to obtain their potential.
8. The Social Network
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 1 Hour 51 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2008
The Social Network delves into the journey of Facebook’s creation and focuses on the ambition and drive that led to its success. The movie also discovers the personal and legal difficulties faced by its founder. This is one of the popular English Motivational movies, ensuring a thought-provoking approach to ambition, innovation, and the price of success.
9. Million Dollar Arm
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 4 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2014
Million Dollar Arm has a notable position on the English Movies Inspirational list. It is the story of a sports agent who travels to India in search of baseball pitchers. He found two talented young men and brought them to the US where they had to adjust to the challenges of a new life and sport. Overcoming cultural differences, determination, and belief in untapped potential are some of the major highlights of this film.
10. The Great Debaters
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 6 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2007
The Great Debaters features a professor who builds a debate team from scratch and helps students challenge social norms and fight for justice. This film, set during the Civil Rights Movement, shows how words can make a difference. If you’re looking for the best motivational English movies, the Great Debaters could be an excellent movie to watch. The reason is that it proves determination can make an impact.
5 Best Motivational Tamil Movies
Here are the best inspirational movies from the Tamil Entertainment Industry:
1. Mugavaree
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 36 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2000
Mugavaree is a motivating movie about a struggling musician, acted by Ajith. He works hard to earn success as a music composer. The film inspired various aspiring individuals in the film industry. It is regarded as one of Ajith’s significant early words and became a super hit. The tale of the movie explores passions, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.
2. Vaaranam Aayiram
- 🎥Where to Watch: Prime Video
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 59 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2008
The movie depicts Surya who is a young man coming across life’s struggles, including a mental breakdown and dealing with depression. Despite these challenges, he finds strength through fitness and a renewed zest for life and eventually gets back on track. This film connects immensely with audiences because of its portrayal of overcoming personal hardships and the power of transformation. Because of such reasons, it is considered one of the best Motivational Movies in Tamil.
3. Annamalai
- 🎥Where to Watch: YouTube, Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 42 Min
- 📅Release Year: 1992
It depicts the journey of a person who starts from a simple beginning and works continuously to become successful. After a fallout with his childhood friend, Annamalai sets out to prove that hard work can lead to wealth and success. This is one of the best life lesson movies with a message of perseverance, focusing on how no matter how tough the path is, determination can open up opportunities.
4. Velaiilla Pattadharai
- 🎥Where to Watch: Hotstar, YouTube
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 13 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2014
Vellaiilla Pattadharai is a story of a young engineer, acted by Dhanush, struggling to search for a job. He faces many failures, but finally gets a job when his family does something good for others. The film encourages the audience, especially the youth, to keep trying despite setbacks. It teaches kindness, perseverance, and staying true to yourself can provide opportunities.
5. Jeeva
- 🎥Where to Watch: YouTube
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hours 7 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2014
This movie focuses on the life of a man named Jeeva in his effort to live a better life despite many struggles. His journey involves overcoming challenges, dealing with personal challenges, and finding strength in relationships. Jeeva gives a powerful message about resilience, persistence, and the power of determination. Jeeva is definitely one of the best Tamil motivational movies one shouldn’t miss out.
5 Inspirational Movies in Telugu
Below is a list of the top inspirational movies in Telugu<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>!
1. Swayamkrushi
- 🎥Where to Watch: YouTube
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 44 Min
- 📅Release Year: 1987
It is a Telugu film about a man who rises above adversity to create a better life for himself and those around him. A humble self-made man, the protagonist deals with many setbacks but remains determined to accomplish his goals. The film incorporates themes of hard work, self-reliance, and social responsibility.
2. 1940 Lo Oka Gramam
- 🎥Where to Watch: N/A
- ⏳Duration: N/A
- 📅Release Year: 2010
Amongst the best inspirational movies, 1940 Lo Oka Gramam is based in a rural village during the pre-independence period. 1940 Lo Oka Gramam depicts the story of villagers struggling to maintain their values and traditions while facing external difficulties. Unity, community strength, and the fight to preserve culture in an evolving world are some themes of this movie.
3. Aa Naluguru
- 🎥Where to Watch: Sun NXT
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 22 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2004
This motivational movie in Telugu features a middle-aged teacher. The tale revolves around his struggle to make ends meet, despite his genuine efforts and integrity. Aa Naluguru is one of the top motivational movies, which discovers personal values, self-respect, and the setbacks of leading an honest life.
4. Gamyam
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hours 8 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2008
It follows the journey of two people, each with different life goals, who go on a road trip. This is one of the best life lessons movies, exploring friendship and redemption. As the actors face personal struggles and find their beliefs, both learn valuable lessons about love, life, and the significance of understanding oneself.
5. Vedam
- 🎥Where to Watch: MX Player
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 15 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2010
One of the popular inspirational movies in Telugu, Vedam merges together several interconnected tales of individuals from different walks of life. It focuses on issues like poverty, caste discrimination, and love. The movie gives the audience a strong message about social justice, humanity, and the influence of choices.
5 Motivational Study Movies for Students
In this section, we’ll discover the most motivational movies for students:
1. Super 30
- 🎥Where to Watch: Hotstar
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 42 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2019
Based on the life of popular mathematician ‘Anand Kumar’, Super 30 is the best Hindi motivational movie. It reflects Anand’s journey of teaching underprivileged students and educating them for India’s toughest entrance exam: IIT. His innovative approach along with dedication helps the students deal with their struggles and achieve their goals.
2. Taare Zameen Par
- 🎥Where to Watch: YouTube
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 45 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2007
A heartwarming film from Bollywood, Taare Zameen Par depicts a young Boy named Ishaan. In this movie, he struggles with dyslexia and faces challenges in school. This is one of the must-watch motivational movies for students as it explores Ishaan’s emotional journey. Also, it tells how a compassionate art teacher assists him find his true potential.
3. 3 Idiots
- 🎥Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- ⏳Duration: 2 Hour 50 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2009
Follows the journey of 3 engineering students at an Indian engineering college, 3 Idiots is one of the best motivational movies for students. The film challenges the conventional education system and focuses on a passion that rises above societal expectations. The film is a blend of novelty, friendship, and the quest for knowledge.
4. The Pursuit of Happyness
- 🎥Where to Watch: Zee5
- ⏳Duration: 1 Hour 57 Min
- 📅Release Year: 2006
A real story based on Chris Gardner: a man who witnesses homelessness and, at the same time, tries to give a better future for his son. The emphasis is on resilience, hope, and determination in the pursuit of happiness. It also shows how hard work and determination lead to success, no matter how difficult the circumstances. This is one of the best motivational study movies for students who move towards their goals even when faced with adversity.
5. Soul Surfer
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
- Duration: 1 Hour 46 Min
- Release Year: 2011
It is the real story of Bethany Hamilton (a professional surfer) and one of the best motivational movies for students. Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack but never gave up on her goals. No matter how emotional and physical difficulties come across, she returns to surfing and eventually becomes a champion.
FAQs
1. What are the best motivational movies of all time for students?
Below are some of the all-time popular motivational movies you must watch:
- Super 30
- 3 Idiots
- The Pursuit of Happyness
- Freedom Writers
- A Beautiful Mind
- Taare Zameen Par
2. How do motivational movies help students with academic tension?
Motivational movies help students cope with academic stress as they help them overcome difficulties, provide relaxation and mental relaxation, motivate them to keep going despite challenges and realize that they are not alone in their struggles.
3. Which motivational movies are based on real-life stories?
- Super 30
- Dangal
- Mary Kom
- The Pursuit of Happyness
- Manjhi: The Mountain Man
4. What is the Top Motivational movie?
The best movies about inspiration often rely on true stories, and this is the case with Pursuit of Happyness. The film follows Chris Gardner as he goes from being a homeless single father to becoming successful in the city.
5. What are the educational advantages of streaming motivational films?
- Support children’s mental health and overall well-being.
- Improve cognitive skills.
- Enhance language growth.
- Strengthen understanding of literature.
- Develop awareness of difficult topics.
Conclusion
It’s good to watch the best motivational movies listed above, but remember that the most thoughtful lessons usually come from real-life experience. These movies can light the spark, but there are other methods to boost motivation, such as inspirational speeches, books, TED talks, and biographies of successful people. Getting involved in other activities, having positive role models, and setting personal goals can also notably increase one’s motivation. Don’t forget to share with us which motivational movie you’ve watched from our list and share your experience below!
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