Most Inspiring Movies
A Curated Guide - As the lazy days of summer unfold and long weekends beckon, many of us find ourselves with a precious commodity: time. While vacations offer a respite from our daily routines, they also present an opportunity for personal growth and reflection. In our increasingly fast-paced world, sitting down to watch a thoughtfully crafted film can be a form of meditation, allowing us to explore new perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and nurture our emotional intelligence.
Movies have the unique ability to transport us to different worlds, times, and experiences. They can inspire us, move us to tears, or leave us contemplating life's big questions long after the credits roll. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching the latest trending series this vacation season, consider dedicating some of your leisure time to films that will enrich your mind and soul.
To help you make the most of your viewing hours, we've curated a list of exceptional films that offer more than mere entertainment. These movies span various genres and themes, each chosen for its ability to provoke thought, stir emotions, or shed light on the human condition. Whether you're looking for inspiration, seeking to broaden your horizons, or simply searching for a profoundly moving story, these films will leave a lasting impression.
So, as you pack your bags or settle in for a staycation, remember to add these cinematic gems to your watchlist. Here are our top recommendations for movies that will make your vacation time not just relaxing but truly rewarding: NEWS OF THE WORLD News of the World is a beautiful film about Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a former Confederate captain who travels around Texas reading newspapers to the public. One day, he encounters an abandoned little girl who has suffered immense violence. He decides to take her home, beginning a journey that will return Johanna to her true home. This movie explores what it means to embark on a journey to find one’s home and to reclaim freedom, as Jefferson Kyle Kidd also finds himself while bringing Johanna back home. It is a meaningful and exciting film, resonating with the current times by illustrating the importance of every man’s journey to rediscover himself.
ONE CHANCE The film One Chance - The Work of My Life tells the story of Paul Potts (James Corden), a shy, bullied salesman with a magnificent voice, who, with the support of his wife, musters the courage to participate in Britain's Got Talent. He wins and, with his powerful voice, becomes an opera star. This film illustrates that life presents opportunities, but one must know how to seize them. It also emphasizes the importance of having people by your side who are willing to take the necessary risks to help you realize your potential and the gifts you have been given.
BACK IN THE GAME I enjoyed this movie because it’s about a man who is a scout for a baseball team, an aging man who, through his relationship with his daughter, finds himself. It is a movie of great existential depth. Still, I would only recommend it to my children because, among other things, they can see their aging and weary father and perhaps discover something about him.
BLUE MIRACLE: FISHING FOR A DREAM Blue Miracle: Fishing for a Dream tells the true story of the boys of Casa Hogar. It’s a tale about fishing and the profound nature of true human relationships, where even a glance can open up new possibilities. It shows that for every victory given, so much more is achieved, not just in winning a race, but in the victories of the human spirit.
EL CAMPEON El Campeon tells the story of Diego, a young Atletico Madrid soccer player with immense talent but uncontrollable arrogance and anger. He is assigned a teacher who, through a meaningful relationship, helps him rebuild his self-esteem, leading him to make life-changing decisions and break free from the control of figures like his father and agent. The film highlights how much young people today need a look of confidence to rediscover themselves.
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME The Beautiful Game is a film about homeless people and a competition called The Homeless World Cup. It conveys a simple yet powerful message: everyone deserves a second chance. The movie tells stories of moments where those who are lost can find themselves again.
100 METROS A man with multiple sclerosis trains for the Ironman Triathlon with the help of his father-in-law. Based on a true story, the movie depicts the drama of living with multiple sclerosis and the strength required to face it.
BIG GEORGE FOREMAN Big George Foreman tells the story of the legendary boxer who, after converting to Christ, discovers how the energies within his heart can open up new perspectives and lead to outstanding achievements.
YOU WILL NOT HAVE MY HATE You Will Not Have My Hate are the words of Antoine Leiris, spoken on November 17, 2015, after the Paris attacks and the death of his wife. The film recounts the dramatic experience of Antoine Leiris as he confronts the deep grief caused by this terrible act of terrorism.
AMERICAN UNDERDOG American Underdog is a beautiful movie that tells the story of Kurt Warner, his love for Brenda, and his improbable success in American football. This film shows how life often unfolds in unpredictable ways, and that one must be fully present to recognize the wonderful things God has in store.
IO CAPITANO IO CAPITANO, directed by Matteo Garrone, is based on the real-life testimonies of those who journeyed from Africa to Italy. The film follows the odyssey of two young Senegalese men, Seydou and Moussa, who leave Dakar in hopes of reaching Europe. Their story reveals the human side of the perilous journey many undertake in pursuit of the European dream, shedding light on the risks they face and the exploitation they endure.
OSCAR OSCAR is a moving film that tells the story of Oscar Klein, a Jewish musician who faced the Nazi occupation in Arsiero, a town in northern Italy, after September 8th. The film captures his adventurous escape and the hospitality he received from the local community, as well as the partisan struggle to save the Jews. It is a testament to how love can overcome hatred and evil, as reflected in the words of Don Franco to the musicians in the band: "Here we are all equal; music unites us."
WHERE THE TRACKS END Where the Tracks End is a movie that tells the story of the friendship between four boys and their teacher, Georgina, set in suburban Mexico where a train serves as their school. The film focuses on love and the bond between the boys, which drives them to want the best for each other. It’s also about Georgina's attentive gaze towards her students, which infuses the school with humanity. This film is a fascinating portrayal of how education nurtures those who grow under a loving gaze.
I KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU I Know Everything About You by Roberto Lipari is a play that explores the modern dilemma of whether to be a protagonist in life or to have one’s existence manipulated by power. Lipari's work is a modern fairy tale that reflects on our society's reliance on algorithms, where by entrusting our secrets and desires to these tools, we gradually lose our ability to choose. The narrative turns this situation upside down by giving superpowers to a fool, portrayed by Lipari.
IN YOUR HANDS In Your Hands, directed by Ludovic Bernard and starring Jules Benchetrit and Lambert Wilson, is a beautiful movie that tells the story of Mathieu Malinski, a boy from the Parisian suburbs, who is discovered by Pierre Geithner, the director of the Paris Conservatoire. Against everyone's advice, Geithner bets on Mathieu's musical talent. This film illustrates how the beauty of music can liberate a person from their limitations and conditions, and highlights the importance of having someone in life who recognizes and appreciates your potential.
JOHNNY - A NEW LIFE The film Johnny - A New Life, directed by Daniel Jaroszek, tells the story of the friendship between Father Jan, a priest who runs a hospice for the terminally ill, and Patrick, a young delinquent sent there for social rehabilitation. Raised with the belief that going to prison was honorable, Patrick encounters the drama of suffering and the human gaze of Father Jan. This gaze, filled with love, is not only directed at the sick but also at Patrick, who is seen not for his past misdeeds but as a person of value. This love transforms Patrick, allowing him to face his challenges with a new perspective, even as he prepares to face prison once again. The film is a testament to the power of love and how it can redefine a person’s life.
THE INNER CAGE Directed by Leonardo Di Costanzo, The Inner Cage is a must-see movie from 2021, featuring Toni Servillo, Silvio Orlando, Fabrizio Ferracane, Salvatore Striano, and Roberto De Francesco. The film tells the story of an emergency situation in an old prison that is scheduled to close, but where 12 inmates cannot be relocated immediately. This leads to a temporary imprisonment controlled by officers, where mutual distrust initially prevails. However, a change occurs, showing how humanity can prevail even in the most challenging circumstances, including the relationships between prisoners and their guards.
GENIUS GENIUS is a powerful film that explores the relationship between writer Thomas Wolfe and editor Max Perkins. It is a story about the art of editing and the labor involved in crafting a beautifully written book. The film highlights stories of people who vibrate with love and friendship, ultimately showing that what matters most in life is not success, but the commitment to living deeply and authentically.
A MAN NAMED OTTO A Man Named Otto is a beautiful film, masterfully acted by Tom Hanks, that shows the immense capacity of the human heart. No matter how resistant one might be, in the end, the heart wins because human beings are made to connect with others and to be in relationships.
EAST-WEST EAST-WEST tells a love story set against the backdrop of Stalin’s alleged 1946 pardon for those who had gone to the West. The film reveals how those who trusted Stalin’s promise fell into a trap, focusing on the story of Alexei and Marie, who find themselves in an oppressive situation in Kiev. The film’s striking portrayal of everyday life in Stalinist USSR highlights the lack of freedom and the growing desire for it in those who listened to their hearts. Amidst the alienation that breeds inhumanity, love emerges as a powerful force, with Alexei’s devotion symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of another.
NIGHT CROSSING Night Crossing tells the story of two families attempting to escape from East Germany to the West in 1979. It is a film that documents the powerful desire for freedom, which can drive people to attempt the seemingly impossible.
BREACH: THE INFILTRATOR Breach: The Infiltrator, directed by Billy Ray, follows the story of Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillippe), a computer scientist who aspires to join the FBI. His opportunity arises when Agent Kate Burroughs (Laura Linney) offers him a position in the Homeland Security Division, where he is tasked with working closely with Robert Hanssen (Chris Cooper)...
HIDDEN FIGURES Based on the novel by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures tells the extraordinary true story of three African-American women, brilliant mathematicians who defied segregationist attitudes and played a critical role in America’s success in the space race.
THE TRIALS OF CATE MC CALL The Trials of Cate McCall is a movie about a woman who makes mistake after mistake but eventually finds herself again.
THE RAILWAY MAN The Railway Man is based on the true story of Eric Lomax, a British officer who was captured and tortured by the Japanese during World War II. Upon his return home, he embarks on a long and dramatic journey toward forgiveness.
HUSTLE Hustle is a sports film that intertwines the stories of Stanley Sugarman, a former basketball player turned talent scout, and Bo Cruz, a talented but troubled player. Sugarman discovers Cruz in Spain and, impressed by his athletic abilities, decides to bet everything on him. The journey is challenging, but the film reveals that sometimes a man needs the faith of another to find himself and realize his potential.
PURPLE HEARTS Purple Hearts is an emotionally charged movie about two young people facing difficulties: one is a talented singer battling illness, and the other is a Marine struggling to overcome drug addiction. The film shows how love can reconstruct a human being, blossoming when both individuals accept each other fully.
THE CROSSING The Crossing recounts one of the many true stories from the Norwegian war era, focusing on the attempts of Jewish children to escape to Sweden. It is a story of friendship and the pursuit of freedom.
THE SPY The Spy is a captivating film about Sonja Wigert, who became a Swedish spy in 1942. Assigned by the Swedish General Staff, she travels to Norway to spy on German officers, including Josef Terboven, under the cover name Bill.
THE CHAMPION Directed by Leonardo D'Agostini, The Champion is a 2019 film featuring Stefano Accorsi, Andrea Carpenzano, Ludovica Martino, Mario Sgueglia, and Camilla Semino Favro. The story showcases how human relationships can thrive even in the world of football.
GUY RITCHIE'S THE COVENANT The Covenant, co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, Alexander Ludwig, Emily Beecham, and Jonny Lee Miller. The film explores the bond that forms between an American sergeant and his interpreter.
LONE SURVIVOR Lone Survivor is a 2013 film written and directed by Peter Berg, based on the autobiographical book by Marcus Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL who served in Afghanistan. It is the dramatic story of a Marine who finds himself hunted by the Taliban.
GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story is the inspiring tale of Benjamin Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon, showcasing how the richness of life lies in giving to others.
These films offer diverse stories and experiences, each with the potential to enlighten, inspire, and entertain. They cover resilience, forgiveness, pursuing dreams, human connections, historical struggles, and personal growth. As you embark on your vacation, remember that the time you spend with these movies is an investment in yourself.
Let the power of cinema expand your horizons, challenge your perspectives, and inspire positive changes in your life.
So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to embark on these cinematic journeys. Your vacation viewing may become the most rewarding part of your time off. Whether you're in the mood for a historical drama, an uplifting sports story, a thought-provoking thriller, or a heartwarming tale of human connection, this list has something for everyone. Happy watching!
