Top Inspirational Movies List

Everyone loves an inspirational movie. The movies that shake us emotionally before we leave the theater are the ones we remember vividly. Sometimes leaving a theater is incredibly tough to do when you want the movie to just keep going because it was so touching. When people overcome obstacles and hurdles on their way to greatness it really has a way of connecting with an audience. Movies don't have to reveal a plot where the person reaches a certain level of greatness or fame to be inspirational. Movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" are touching because they put life into perspective and make us appreciative of what we have.

I have compiled a list of inspirational movies that have not only been extremely memorable to me but have served as inspiration in my personal life throughout the years. Each of these movies is motivational in more ways than one.

My inspirational movies list includes five different categories. I have a favorite sports, career, love, life and general overcoming the odds movie. There are other movies in the same categories that have directly impacted my life or made an impression-but these are the ones I would choose if I were in need of some heavy motivation. Let's just say all of the movies on my list bring me to tears at the end. I am a sucker for these types of flicks and for good reason.

With that in mind, here is my inspirational movie list.

Inspirational Sports Movie
"Rudy", 1993

Sean Astin plays "Rudy" Ruettiger-a high school football player who has one wish. The trials of "Rudy" on his way to suiting up for the Notre Dame football squad provide so many inspirational baby step moments. It's the ultimate sports inspiration and I believe it also applies greatly to the courage it takes to accept challenges with grace and humility in life. Believe it or not, I know people in the state of Indiana who will not watch this flick because they claim they aren't Notre Dame fans. It's unfortunate because they are missing out on a movie that sends a valuable message about perseverance. If you can't find "Rudy"-I highly recommend "Invincible" with Mark Wahlberg.

Inspirational Career Movie
"The Pursuit of Happyness", 2006
Will Smith plays Chris Garner-a guy who lives on the street with his son before working his way through an unpaid internship to land his dream job. This story is based on a true story where Garner eventually owns his own firm after being homeless. This is also an inspirational life story but I feel it fits mostly in the career genre. It's also a timely "unemployment" movie given the surrounding economy these days.

Inspirational Love Movie
"Jerry Maguire", 1996

Tom Cruise plays a sports agent who finds his own place in the world with a career outside of a big agency. The funny thing about this inspirational flick is that it seems like a sports or career movie-in the end it's ultimately a fantasticly rich love story between Jerry and single mom Dorothy. I don't think there are many more romantic movie lines than "you had me at hello." This movie definitely shows you what can happen when you least expect it. Cruise was so overwhelmed and concerned with his career that he nearly almost overlooks his greatest shot at love. This movie could fit into any of these categories but I'll take the love story anyday.

Inspirational Life Movie
"It's A Wonderful Life", 1947
It's hard to watch this James Stewart classic without being inspired about what life has to offer. Centered around Christmas time, George Bailey loses nearly everything financially and considers suicide. What happens in the next hour or so will leave you feeling great about what you may have and what is to come in life. It's one of those rare movies that will make you thankful for all the good stuff because that is the conclusion Bailey reaches at the end of the movie. This is also an incredibly warm "family" inspirational movie.

Inspirational Triumphing Against Odds Movie
"The King's Speech", 2010
Colin Firth plays George VI-a future king with a stutter. Firth is brilliant as his character slowly works to get over his stutter so he can speak publicly as needed for the position he inherits after his brother vacates the spot. Firth provides a role for the ages in one of the most inspiring movies ever made. While this is relatively new to the list, I feel it's a must see for generations to come. "The King's Speech" also serves as a great motivational career movie. It touches our basic fear and anxiety of public speaking and overcomes that within the framework of the movie