A lot of us have been rescued by the world of films, from situations we found no cure for otherwise. Netflix is perhaps the biggest deedbox for just that. In the past few years, the dimensions of the popular streaming site have only expanded to include more stellar entertainment content, including movies that amaze you with their surreal tales and leave you with a new-found sense of inspiration.
Of one thing we are quite positive, once you get around to ticking off the mentions on this list of the most inspirational movies on Netflix, you will experience a restored motivation to turn your life around, along with an inkling of the direction you should aim for. So, without any further ado, we bring to you a curated collection of the best inspirational movies to watch on Netflix.
Note: The movies listed here are available on Netflix, on a temporary basis.
1. The Truman Show
Perhaps, one of the most thought-provoking movies you will come across, this is a film about an ordinary insurance salesman, who ends up discovering that the life he knows and lives, is actually a reality TV show! True to most films starring Jim Carrey, this cinematic masterpiece continues to be one of the best comedy movies even after more than 2 decades of first being released. The lauded actor even won a Golden Globe Award for his brilliant performance in The Truman Show which more than proves his stunning display of extraordinary acting prowess. The plot begins with an intriguing premise and goes on to introduce you to the kind of satire that has provoked countless discussions over 20 years. And that's precisely why, The Truman Show falls in the category of great movies to watch on Netflix.
Image Courtesy - Romper
Director
Peter Weir
Star Cast
Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney
IMDb Rating
8.1/10
2. The Little Prince
This is an animated film you'll frequently encounter on almost every list of the best inspirational movies on Netflix India. The movie revolves around the story of a little girl who deals with a grown-up world with the help of her mother's suggestions. The mother has laid down various grand plans for her daughter, but her eccentric neighbour sweeps her off into an extraordinary world, where anything you want is possible. The world of "The Little Prince". This story is a strong reminder of the phrase "you only live once", and urges you to start realizing the importance of enjoying every moment of your life, the way you intend to. So naturally, for anybody feeling like they're stuck in a rut, this movie will prove to be one of the most inspirational movies on Netflix.
Image Courtesy - Electric Literature
Director
Mark Osborne
Star Cast
Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams
IMDb Rating
7.7/10
3. Lion
Lion is a recently released film, that fairly quickly obtained the status of being one of the best inspirational movies on Netflix. It's based on the story of an Indian boy who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, and the various hardships he has to endure before finally being adopted by a couple from Australia. About 25 years later, he sets out on a search for his Indian family, the ones he got separated from all those years ago. The movie comes with an incredibly emotional storyline and is packed with scenes you won't forget very easily. It has continually been deemed as one of those great movies everyone needs to watch to gain a deeper understanding of life and its nuances.
Image Courtesy - The Arabian Post
Director
Garth Davis
Star Cast
Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara
IMDb Rating
8.1/10
4. Seven Pounds
In every list of inspiring movies on Netflix, one or two featuring Will Smith are bound to come up. And the movie Seven Pounds goes on to prove why. Based on the notion of redemption, a man haunted by a dark secret seeks to absolve himself by radically transforming the lives of seven strangers. In the process, however, he encounters unprecedented circumstances, including a growing love for one of the people on his list, a woman who transforms him instead. This is one of those beautiful films, that make you feel sincerely for the central characters and invest in how their stories unfurl. Undoubtedly one of the most inspirational movies on Netflix India currently available, Seven Pounds is a touching, sad and absolutely heartwarming tale you must witness!
Image Courtesy - IMDb
Director
Gabriele Muccino
Star Cast
Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson
IMDb Rating
7.6/10
5. Dangal
A must-mention in the category of inspiring Bollywood movies, Dangal is an Amir Khan blockbuster that won several hearts with its energetic story, and emotional lessons. Based on the story of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, and his attempts to train his two wrestler daughters into making their way to the Commonwealth Games, Dangal gives you a peek at unwavering focus in the face of societal oppression. With a meaningful message, this emotional movie on Netflix shows us how Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari went on to win the gold and silver medal respectively, at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. This movie reaffirms your faith in girl power, and the ability to achieve seemingly impossible dreams with sheer willpower and dedicated hard work.
Image Courtesy - Akshar Nama
Director
Nitesh Tiwari
Star Cast
Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh
IMDb Rating
8.5/10
6. Into The Wild
A lot of times when the going gets tough, we fantasize about escaping it all and heading out for an adventure. But then it dawns on us, that doing something so spontaneous would actually require a lot of effort, so, instead, we shrug the urge off and go back to watching movies like " Into The Wild" on Netflix. This movie is one of the best things to watch on Netflix that would recharge you and make you truly consider the meaning of wanderlust. Into The Wild tells us the story of a guy named Christopher Johnson McCandless who gives away his life savings to charity, and proceeds to hitchhike to Alaska with the aim of living in the wilderness. Into the Wild is one of the best movies on Netflix, with an awe-inspiring background score, one that will make you connect with every scene depicting the film’s happy-go-lucky spirit.
Image Courtesy - Lostbird
Director
Sean Penn
Star Cast
Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener
IMDb Rating
8.1/10
7. Forrest Gump
It's been almost 30 years since the portrayal of the life of an intellectually disabled man, left the world awe-struck and teary-eyed, in equal measure. And now, worldwide critical appraisal, a legion of loyal fans, and 6 Academy Awards later, Forrest Gump still continues to make its way to every list of the most amazing movies ever made in modern history. Based on a 1986 novel by the same name, Forrest Gump features a heartwarming performance by Tom Hanks as the lead character. The movie plot spans several decades in the life of a man with a below-average IQ, whose way of looking at things and living life strikes as an inspiring lesson for all of us. Forrest teaches Elvis Presley to dance, becomes a football star, meets John F. Kennedy, serves in Vietnam and speaks at an anti-war rally at the Washington Monument, just to name a few of his remarkable achievements deemed out of reach by a judgemental world.
Image Courtesy - Film Daily
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Star Cast
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
IMDb Rating
8.8/10
8. Pay It Forward
Based on the idea of giving back to the world, and doing your bit to make it a kinder place even if fate dealt you a bad hand, Pay It Forward is a movie we can't skip out on while naming inspirational movies on Netflix. In this sentimental movie, we watch the young protagonist venture on an assignment given by his social studies teacher (played by Kevin Spacey) to change the world with individual efforts. Trevor, the young kid, comes up with the notion of paying a favour, not by returning the same service, but instead by doing something kind for three new people (Yes, Jai Ho derived its inspiration from this one!). His good deeds, go on to fundamentally alter not just his own life, but also of those around him. One of the best movies on Netflix India right now, Pay It Forward challenges the assumption of an individual never being enough to make a substantial difference in the harsh world outside.
Image Courtesy - Pinterest
Director
Mimi Leder
Star Cast
Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt
IMDb Rating
7.2/10
9. 3 Idiots
An absolute must-watch Bollywood film, in case you haven't already seen it, 3 Idiots starts with the story of two friends searching for their old college friend. Meanwhile, we watch them reminisce about the golden days of their college life, packed with exciting stories, profound lessons, and some important ideologies that most of us should inculcate in our lives. Arguably, one of Amir Khan's best films to date, 3 Idiots reintroduced the Indian population to the importance of knowledge over information, and the need to follow our dreams and pick passion over money, with lighthearted comedy and plenty of tear-jerker moments.
Image Courtesy - Twitter
Director
Rajkumar Hirani
Star Cast
Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi
IMDb Rating
8.4/10
10. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Released as recently as 2019, this stunning movie has been winning several accolades and making rounds all over the globe due to its inspiring story. The story is based on the country of Malawi, Africa that's struck by a terrible drought, rendering countless civilians without drinking water. A child of barely fourteen when he first witnesses the drought, William Kamkuamb goes on to study and think of an innovative idea to save his native village for perishing due to thirst. This inspirational movie on Netflix takes us through the boy's journey, who battled against all odds to do something extraordinary not just for himself, but for everybody around him.
Image Courtesy - The New York Times
Director
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Star Cast
Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Felix Lemburo
IMDb Rating
7.6/10
11. The Bucket List
Two unrelated men, one a corporate billionaire and the other a simple mechanic, are brought closer because they share a fate. And that fate is a terminal illness. One of the latest inspiring movies to hit our screens, The Bucket List is about a chance encounter between these two strangers, who then venture on a unique journey together to tick off everything they've always wanted to do in life, but now even more so, because there's not much life left to live. This movie gives a renewed meaning to the phrase You Only Live Once, narrated by two people on the verge of death. The Bucket List is a must watch movie on Netflix for anybody who continues to put off their lifelong dreams for a future "someday".
Image Courtesy - IMDb
Director
Rob Reiner
Star Cast
Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes
IMDb Rating
7.4/10
12. Four Minutes
A highly underrated cinematic masterpiece in the category of the best inspirational movies we've been blessed with, Four Minutes is bound to tug at your heartstrings. Based on the story of an elderly Piano teacher who gives classes at a prison to a few members and a security guard, this emotional movie takes us through what happens when she offers to teach a rude, aggressive and highly unlikely candidate. The former sees a flicker of immense potential in her rowdy new student, and as the story unfurls, we see unexpected sides of both the characters. They grow through each other's nurturance and trust, and this inspiring movie with its brilliant scenes leaves you with an imprint about the power of believing in someone and having someone believe in you.
Image Courtesy - Pinterest
Director
Chris Kraus
Star Cast
Hannah Herzsprung, Monica Bleibtreu, Vadim Glowna
IMDb Rating
7.4/10
13. I Am Kalam
A charming story that leaves you with a poignant lesson, I Am Kalam with its two hours of heartwarming scenes, proves that a man's final destination is determined by a number of things, in which predetermined destiny can play a negligible role. This inspirational movie is based on the unique friendship that transpires between a destitute, impoverished child and the young son from a royal family. The film goes on to highlight how the human spirit is absolutely indestructible even when one's circumstances try to hold him back. The movie is based on A.P.J Abdul Kalam, and should be on everybody's radar, especially those doubting their own willpower and ability to achieve great heights.
Image Courtesy - Directors Notes
Director
Nila Madhab Panda
Star Cast
Gulshan Grover, Harsh Mayar, Pitobash
IMDb Rating
8/10
14. Invictus
A sentimental portrayal of Nelson Mandela's role in pushing the South African national rugby team to win the World Cup during his first year of presidency, Invictus is one of the most cherished inspiring movies on Netflix of all time. More than the struggles of a sport stream, this inspirational movie takes a look at a nation torn both racially and economically in the wake of Apartheid and attempts to bring his diverse people together, with a unified love for sports. Both Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, true to their reputation, deliver stellar performances, and the movie leaves you feeling uplifted with its extraordinary true story.
Image Courtesy - Empire
Director
Clint Eastwood
Star Cast
Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge
IMDb Rating
7.3/10
15. Lee Daniels' The Buttler
A provocative film based on the true story of a black man named Cecil Gaines who served eight US presidents during his tenure at the White House, this stunning movie creates a deep impact in the viewer, lasting long after the movie has ended. One of the most inspiring movies on Netflix you can watch right now, The Buttler takes you through the protagonist's journey as a person of African descent in the middle of the American Civil Rights Movement. Historically accurate, thought-provoking and highly educational, this beautiful movie gives us a peek at the inside happenings and changes Cecil experiences in his own life as a person of colour, while the fight to end racial segregation continues to rage outside the walls of the White House.
Image Courtesy - Variety
Director
Lee Daniels
Star Cas
Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack
IMDb Rating
7.2/10
16. Pad Man
The topic of menstruation in India has always been a hush-hush affair, riddled with taboos and shaming, that make the already difficult monthly ordeal even more challenging for the women in our country. The movie takes us through a revolutionary activist by the name of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who recognised the struggles of menses and vowed to expand access to sanity napkins for the women residing in rural areas. Instead of giving in to the societal reputation of periods being "dirty" and "unholy", this inspiring man sets out on a journey to build his own pad producing machine. Pad Man sheds light on an issue often discussed behind closed doors, and with the inclusion of just one sex. What makes it one of the best inspirational movies on Netflix to be released recently, is its heart-touching portrayal of the story of an ordinary man's extraordinary open-mindedness that makes him a saviour in the lives of countless poor Indian women.
Image Courtesy - Forbes
Director
R. Balki
Star Cas
Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte, Sonam Kapoor
IMDb Rating
7.9/10
17. Dallas Buyers Club
There's are several reasons this movie went on to win 3 Oscars, the most fundamental of them being, that it leaves the viewer absolutely awestruck. Based on the true story of electrician and rodeo bull rider Ron Woodroof, who got diagnosed with AIDS owing to his carelessly promiscuous lifestyle, Dallas Buyers Club takes us through his journey of working around a beauracratic system to increase access to AIDS medication. With a fellow patient, he forms a club by the same name, and attempts to prove treatment to the rapidly growing population of HIV-positive individuals. A heartwarming tale of a man's transition from someone using homophobia to deny his own diagnosis, to a person dedicated to helping those with a shared fate, Dallas Buyers Club is undoubtedly one of the most inspirational movies and motivational films on Netflix.
Image Courtesy - The New York Times
Director
Jean-Marc Vallée
Star Cas
Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto
IMDb Rating
8/10
18. Begin Again
This inspiring movie on Netflix will warm your heart even more if you've recently undergone a painful breakup and are struggling to find your bearings. Begin Again tells the story of a heartbroken Gretta, who meets a discredited record label executive and strikes an unlikely friendship. Together, the odd pair venture on exploring life all over again, finding their lost selves, and in the process, transforming each other. Begin Again, with its simplicity, hauntingly beautiful music, and graceful performances, manages to strike a chord with the audience, taking them to emotional depths and profound realisations. True to its name, this inspiring movie on Netflix makes the viewer ponder over some heavy questions about love and life, and leaves them with the courage to start afresh.
Image Courtesy - Hollywood Reporter
Director
John Carney
Star Cas
Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine
IMDb Rating
7.4/10
So what are you waiting for? Binge through the best inspirational movies on Netflix, and reawaken your lost motivation!
FAQs
Q: Can you recommend a movie about pursuing dreams and passions on Netflix?
A: Certainly, "La La Land" is a mesmerizing musical film about chasing dreams and passion, streaming on Netflix.
Q: Is there an inspirational animated movie for children on Netflix?
A: Yes, "Moana" is a heartwarming animated film promoting courage and self-discovery, perfect for children, available on Netflix.
Q: What are some inspirational movies available on Netflix?
A: Netflix offers a variety of inspirational movies such as "The Pursuit of Happyness," "The Blind Side," and "Forrest Gump."
Q: Can you recommend a motivational sports movie on Netflix?
A: Definitely, check out "Remember the Titans" for an inspiring sports story available on Netflix.
Q: Is there a heartwarming family movie to watch on Netflix?
A: Absolutely, "Wonder" is a touching family film available on Netflix, promoting empathy and acceptance.
