83 Uplifting or Inspirational Movies to Bring Hope, Joy and Wisdom

Films that focus on triumph over adversity

Copyright 20th Century Studios.

Something a little different today that just might be needed. Last night, after stupidly watching a certain inauguration, we watched Hidden Figures, the true story of three African-American woman and mathematical geniuses, who play pivotal roles in America’s quest to place a man on the moon. Despite their astonishing natural talent they have to fight for both racial and gender equality in a white male world.

It occurred to me later on in bed in one of the many waking hours I seem to have these days, that we have watched a spate of inspirational, uplifting films recently, which focus on triumph through adversity and the human condition. Why we are subconsciously feeling the need to reaffirm our faith in humanity is up to you to decide, but I realised that perhaps we are not alone in our quest for hope, joy, inspiration, love and wisdom right now.

So, without further ado, here is my list of all the films I have watched over the years, well, the ones I can remember at least, that will move you, make you laugh and cry and hopefully restore a little of your own faith in us wretched humans. Even in the worst of times there is always hope. Some of these may surprise you.

---

This is a free post for all, most of my posts are not. This newsletter is only possible because of the people who contribute. Upgrade now and get 20% off an annual subscription for just £3.73 a month, that’s 50p cheaper than an M&S Club sandwich for goodness sake, it’s practically free! Come and spend 2025 with us and transform your home and garden.

---

The List

1. Hidden Figures

2. Erin Brockovich

3. The color Purple (1985 and the musical of 2023)

4. Pride

5. The Imitation Game

6. The Help

7. Nine to Five

8. Made in Dagenham

9. The Six Triple Eight

10. Milk

11. Bend it like Beckham

12. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle-stop Cafe

13. Gandhi

14. Kinky Boots

15. Tea with Mussolini

16. Beautiful Thing

17. Prom

18. The Pursuit of Happiness

19. Hotel Rwanda

20. Amistad

21. Suffragette

22. A League of their Own

23. Little Women (1994)

24. A Time to Kill

25. Forest Gump

26. Cry Freedom

27. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

28. Empire of the Sun

29. Dead Poet’s Society

30. Mississippi Burning

31. Mandela

32. Schindler’s List

33. The Shawshank Redemption

34. The Truman show

35. A Beautiful Mind

36. The Notebook

37. Gorillas in the Mist

38. Pay it Forward

39. Babe

40. Chariots of Fire

41. Legally Blonde

42. Mrs Harris goes to Paris

43. Lion

44. Yentl

45. Woman in Gold

46. 12 Years a Slave

47. Anne Frank

48. The Long Walk Home

49. Good Will Hunting

50. The Green Mile

51. About Time

52. Philomena

53. Hairspray (2007)

54. Working Girl

55. Boy Erased

56. My Left Foot

57. Miss Potter

58. War Horse

59. A United Kingdom

60. Shirley Valentine

61. The Queen

62. Sully

63. The Theory of Everything

64. Florence Foster Jenkins

65. The Butler

66. Darkest Hour

67. The King’s Speech

68. Pretty Woman

69. The Iron Lady

70. Invictus

71. The Power of One

72. Cinderella Man

73. Cast Away

74. Once

75. Slumdog Millionaire

76. The Kite Runner

77. The Sound of Music

78. Shine

79. Powder

80. The Man Who Knew Infinity

81. Jane Eyre (2011)

82. Billy Elliot

83. Calendar Girls

PLEASE do leave a heart ♥️ to say you liked it, comment if you want to, I’d love to hear from you, or if you really want to make my day Restack it (that’s the recycle symbol below) as well. It’s so important as it helps this post get seen by new people. Thank you so much! Xx