**Intro
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Over the last couple of years I’ve watched a lot of inspirational movies that have helped me improve myself and my life in general. During this period I’ve stumbled upon some gemstones that have aided me in living a more conscious life.
Being selective about the information I let into my life made a big impact on my thoughts and behavior. These days I’m only looking for movies that contain empowering messages! These movies are the ones who (IMO) stood out above all the others I’ve ever seen. They are all a must watch for anyone looking to be inspired. Happy watching!
**Note;
**This list will be updated over time to include more movies that are essential to see. (Last Updated 27/08/2014)
#1) The Green Mile
What’s it about?
The life of prison guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) gets turned upside-down when he meets death row inmate John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan). John is accused of child murder and rape, yet is pure of heart and has some amazing talents. The movie tells a story of love and almost seems magical…
I found this movie to be very inspiring and thought-provoking. It made me believe more in basic kindness of all human beings and that love should be a part of our daily life. Love is its own unique miracle.
Essence?
“The good is in all of us”
#2) The Shawshank Redemption
What’s it about?
This movie tells the story of two inmates; Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who is accused of violent murder and Red (Morgan Freeman). They bond with each other during a number of years after which they eventually find what they’ve always been looking for…
I found this movie very powerful and made me think twice about the way I treat others and the beliefs I cherish the most. Hope is a gift that needs to be cultivated!
Essence?
“There’s great power in decency, belief and love.”
#3) Forrest Gump
What’s it about?
A “special” boy named Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) grows up to be one of the most successful men in the world. He teaches the essentials of what life is really about…
By far one of my favorites on this entire list. This movie teaches everything you need to know about creating a lovable character for yourself. It tells us how a good man cannot possibly fail despite the setbacks he may encounter in his life.
Essence?
“Good things happen to the one who’s pure”
#4) The Bucket List
What’s it about?
Two terminally ill man (Morgan Freeman & Jack Nicholson) from totally different walks of life grow together through their fight against their disease and a new-grown passion for living…
This movie makes you think twice about the way you’re living life. It makes you see how valuable your times is on this planet and that you shouldn’t waste it on things that are meaningless to you.
Many people don’t realize this until something extreme happens to them (car crash, disease, death of a relative,…). I encourage you to act now instead of putting your life on hold!
Essence?
“Life is short, live it now.”
#5) Limitless
What’s it about?
Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a struggling writer who isn’t in control of his own life. Financial problems, relationship issues and many more plague him every single day. His life turns around when he meets Vernon (Johnny Whitworth) who gives him a pill that lets him access 100% of his brain. This new given power literally transforms his life. But with great power comes great responsibility…
I loved this movie because it made me wonder what we are capable of if we actually try to pursue the things we want in life. The pill is just a metaphor for belief in my opinion. We often claim that our limitations are caused by a lack of resources but I like to believe otherwise. It’s our resourcefulness that limits our ultimate potential. This movie fires you up to take action!
Essence?
“We have more potential than we think”
#6) The Pursuit Of Happiness
What’s it about?
A struggling salesman Chris Gardner (Will Smith) tries to provide a sustainable life for his wife and son but finds only resistance and setbacks on his path. Trough hard work and belief will he finally able to turn things around for the better?
One of the most inspirational movies of all time. It contains some essential lessons everyone needs to know before they start chasing any goal. It teaches the value of hard work, persistence and belief.
Essence?
“Don’t you ever give up, take what you want in life.”
#7) Bruce Almighty
What’s it about?
Bruce Nolan (Jim Carrey) is a notorious complainer who blames his bad luck on outside circumstances. He blames god for not giving him the life he wants. God (Morgan Freeman) intervenes and grants his powers to Bruce, to teach him the best way to start changing his life and that of others. But can he manage such power?
Beautiful movie about being accountable and responsible for your own life. It teaches the value of pro-activity, responsibility and love.
Essence?
“The best way to change the world is to start with yourself.”
#8) La Vita È Bella (Life Is Beautiful)
What’s it about?
The life of Guido (Roberto Benigni) and his family is like a fairy-tale until the world-war breaks out. They are Jewish and therefore sent to a Nazi death camp. The movie unfolds the story about how Guido tries to protect his son from the harsh reality by using his gift of humor and imagination to transform a horrible situation into a game.
Our reality is based on how we perceive it. We mostly focus on the negative aspects because society has conditioned us this way. If we’re able to change our focus in life, we’re able to transform our reality.
Essence?
“You create your own reality”
#9) Peaceful warrior
What’s it about?
Dan’s life is perfect. He’s popular, athletic and loved by many women. But when disaster strikes his life changes dramatically. It’s not until he meets a stranger called Socrates (Nick Nolte) that Danny realizes what he needs to do…
This movie contains some of the greatest insights I’ve ever had on belief, happiness, love and many more. It’s based on the book “The Way Of The Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. A great story that ties together dozens of little wisdom-nuggets!
Essence?
“What it means to be alive”
#10) Yes Man
What’s it about?
Carl has a boring and unfulfilled life until he becomes a es-man. This is a challenge which requires him to say yes to everything for an entire year. This choice drastically turns his life around and make him realize how much he was missing out!
This movie reminds me of how short life is and that we don’t have that many opportunities to really make something great out of it. It definitely made me rethink of how I spend my time. Another great tip I got from this is that getting out of your comfort zone is always a great idea!
Essence?
“Opportunity doesn’t knock twice.”
#11) V For Vendetta
What’s it about?
A future British tyranny faces resistance by V (Hugo Weaving), a freedom fighter who has vowed to free everyone from the oppression they face.
The story has a beautiful message to it. So many times we let our circumstances be decided by other people instead of actually taking what we want. Inaction and settling for mediocrity will never bring us happiness nor fulfillment
Essence?
“Freedom is worth fighting for.”
#12) Gladiator
What’s it about?
Maximus (Rusell Crowe) is a Roman general who is betrayed by Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). He tries to find redemption and revenge for his murdered family and himself by climbing the ranks as a gladiator in the arena.
This is a very emotional movie which really stands out from anything else I’ve ever seen. The power and determination to leave his mark on this world and to get what he wants in life is inspiring by all standards. This motivated me to do better in my own life and to actually claim the things I want.
Essence?
“Live for something or die for nothing.”
#13) Fight Club
What’s it about?
An everyman (Edward Norton) leads a boring, unsatisfying life until he meets Tyler Durden. Tyler is the complete opposite of the protagonist and encourages him to establish a fighting club with him. Word spread fast and soon they have a big following. Then some strange things start to happen…
One of the most interesting movies I’ve seen the last couple of years. It’s really thought-provoking but also downright confusing the first time you watch it. You’ll have to see it a couple of times before you can really make some sense out of it. Nevertheless one of the best of all times.!
Essence?
“Make your life meaningful.”
#14) Gattaca
What’s it about?
Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) lives in a futuristic world where genetic discrimination reigns supreme. Trough eugenics it has become possible to conceive children with the best genetic traits from both parents. However, Vincent was borne outside of this program and therefore has to struggle hard to get by in a world where his opportunities are limited by his genetic code.
But Vincent decides that he wants more out of his life and therefore steals someones identity so he can pursue his dream to travel into outer space.
Great movie on the power of persistence, character and “beating the odds”. Definitely a must-see, although it’s already a bit dated.
Essence?
“Don’t let others determine what you’re capable off”
Honorable mentions
- The Terminal
- John Q
- The Dark Knight
- Braveheart
Essence
Movies can be a great source of distraction but also a great source of valuable information. The key to take away from this is to be selective to what kind of information you let into your life. These movies are definitely going to add great value to your life or otherwise provoke some awesome thoughts. Re-cap of all the movies;
- The Green Mile
- The Shawshank Redemption
- Forrest Gump
- The Bucket List
- Limitless
- Pursuit Of Happiness
- Bruce Almighty
- La Vita È Bella
- Peaceful Warrior
- Yes Man
- V For Vendetta
- Gladiator
- Fight Club
- Gattaca
Allright, be sure to check them all out! They are definitely worth watching! If you’re having any questions or thoughts on this topic, feel free to share those with me! Take Care! Love Simon