The 21 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time
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Rocky
Possibly the most well-recognized and most inspiring rags-to-riches tale of the century, the story of a small-time Italian-American fighter who rose to glory to fight Apollo Creed in the world heavyweight championship is a must-watch for anyone who's ever dared to dream the impossible. Released in 1976, the film has received accolades as one of the greatest sports films ever made. If you haven't seen it, isn't it time to feed your inner fighter?
Rocky Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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The Barkley Marathons: The Race that Eats Its Young
The term "glutton for punishment" doesn't seem severe enough in a race where the #1 bib is given to the person least expected to finish. Experience the pain alongside the runners as you gain insight into this 100-mile race through the Tennessee wilderness, where participants can choose between a 60-mile "fun run" or to attempt the whole 100-mile ultramarathon in a 60-hour period.
The race is limited to 40 participants and registration fills up quickly. Entrants are required to pay a $1.60 fee and submit an essay on "Why I should be allowed to run in the Barkley," and, if accepted into the race, you'll receive a "letter of condolence." Fifty-five percent of the races have had no finishers. Godspeed.
The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Chariots of Fire
Cue music. For every runner or would-be runner, this is the true tale of two champion runners from different walks of life who compete for the gold in the 1924 Olympics. Through sticking to religious convictions, a tough training schedule and an overall refusal to lose, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams show what it means to never give up and to go for the gold.
Chariots of Fire Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Super Size Me
Everyone knows that fast food isn't the healthiest choice when it comes to your next meal. But what would happen, independent filmmaker Morgan Spurlock wondered, if you ate it every day for every meal for 30 days? As it turns out, nothing good. Spurlock gained 24 pounds, raised his cholesterol levels, accumulated fat on his liver and other unhealthy side effects. Although we preach everything in moderation, it's an eye-opening experience to see the results of bad food choices on someone unfold right before your eyes.
Super Size Me Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Race Across the Sky
If even the thought of spin class makes your saddle sore, then the trailer for "Race Across the Sky" will surely make you cringe. The film takes you behind the scenes of the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. Take in all the blood, sweat and tears as you watch the world's best mountain bikers try not to be bested by the high-altitude course, then smile as you remember that us mere mortals only have to cycle around the neighborhood to get in a good workout.
Race Across the Sky Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Dodgeball
"No one makes me bleed my own blood. Nobody!" Quotable, quirky and downright hilarious, no one can resist rooting for the underdogs at Average Joe's gym as they compete against Globo Gym in a dodgeball tournament to end all dodgeball tournaments. Average Joe's proves sometimes it pays to be average.
Dodgeball Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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The Pursuit of Happyness
This movie tells the real-life story of Chris Gardner, a father down on his luck, evicted from his apartment and with custody of his young son, as he works hard every day to make ends meet and build a better life for his family. Billi Watland, SparkPeople's western region sales director, loves this movie because it reminds her that, during tough times, no matter the situation, you can always work hard, stay positive and never give up hope.
The Pursuit of Happyness Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Dead Poets Society
Picked by SparkGuy, Chris Downie, as one of his all-time most inspirational movies because, "It gets you thinking about what you can really become by figuring out what you are passionate about and going for it. It also teaches the value of having a great leader who helps you along the way," he says. "But it's realistic in that [it shows you how] the forces working to hold you back can have serious consequences."
Starring the late comedian Robin Williams as English teacher John Keating, the film portrays an English teacher who dared his students to not be afraid of living with authenticity.
Dead Poets Society Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Pumping Iron
Part documentary, part-scripted, this film tells the journey of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, at only 28 years old, is working toward his sixth Mr. Olympia title. Even if you're not a professional bodybuilder, you can appreciate the long, hard road to achieving your dreams, one impossibly heavy barbell at a time.
Pumping Iron Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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G.I. Jane
Demi Moore plays Lt. Jordan O'Neil, the first woman to be permitted to to train for the U.S. Navy's elite SEAL/CRT team. Determined to never give up, Moore portrays a woman stripped down to her most raw elements who then has to fight to complete the training, despite the odds stacked against her.
G.I. Jane Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Any Given Sunday
"Inch by inch, play by play, till we're finished." Al Pacino delivers one of his most inspirational speeches as Tony D'Amato, a football coach forced to reconcile his years of coaching tactics when an unknown, third-string quarterback comes up to replace an injured football legend. Football fans and sports fans alike will love this movie for its uplifting take on the human element in the ever-changing world of professional sports.
Any Given Sunday Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Field of Dreams
Who wouldn't want to relieve baseball's golden years right in your own backyard? It begins when farmer Ray Kinsella hears a voice telling him, "If you build it, he will come." Not knowing where it will lead, he plows some of his corn fields to create a baseball diamond. Then, other voices urge him to seek out other former baseball players to fulfill their dreams one last time. If you've ever wanted to follow a dream without knowing exactly where it will lead, only certain that it will lead somewhere, this movie is provides the perfect inspiration.
Field of Dreams Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Patch Adams
Being sick is no laughing matter. Or is it? "Patch Adams" is the true story of Hunter "Patch" Adams, a doctor who discovers his purpose in life is to treat patients with humor--to treat the whole person, not just the disease. Let Patch show you how to follow your heart and not be afraid to inject a little humor into life.
Patch Adams Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Prefontaine
The incredibly short life of Steve Prefontaine was nevertheless one for the history books. At one point in his 24 years, "Pre," a middle- and long-distance track star, held the American record for seven separate track distance events. Growing up, Pre was always told he was too small, too slow and full of foolish dreams, but he proved everyone wrong with his guts, determination and heart as he headed toward the 1972 Olympic games in Munich.
Prefontaine Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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A League of Their Own
This movie is a fan-favorite for Mark Westrich, a personal trainer with LA Fitness, because it "has a strong female character and you get [to see] her triumph through sports in a pre-feminist era. You also [get to see] a great sibling rivalry so lots of families can relate."
The classic film details the story of two sisters who team up to try out for the first professional female baseball league, which formed as a result of the male athletes being recruited during World War II. "A League of Their Own" captured the heart of not only America but also that of Jimmy Dugan, their drunk, disinterested manager played expertly by Tom Hanks.
A League of Their Own Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Rudy
No one wanted to play football for the University of Notre Dame more than Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger. The problem was, he didn't have the physical stature of a typical football player. Short and slight (5' 6" and 165 pounds), Rudy made the team as a walk-on after he was finally accepted to Notre Dame on his fourth try. Rudy inspired millions with his persistence and determination to achieve his athletic dreams.
Rudy Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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October Sky
Another one of SparkGuy's favorite motivational movies, this autobiographical story tells the life of Homer Hickam Jr. and his friends and their quest to build and launch rockets in a poor coal-mining town in 1950s West Virginia. Based on the novel "Rocket Boys," the film's central character Hickam is also a SparkPeople partner and his wife, Linda, is a longtime SparkPeople member. "'October Sky' is a true story that will make you want to do everything you can to reach your goals because it shows you that you can do anything you want," Downie says.
October Sky Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Wild
Based on the book "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" by Cheryl Strayed, Reese Witherspoon plays the title character, who, at 26, spurred on by major life changes, sheer will and determination and with no training whatsoever, hiked more than 1,000 miles through the Pacific Crest Trail alone. What would it be like to face some of the wild's toughest elements while facing your own demons? "Wild" will show you the way.
Wild Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Invictus
Sports can be unifying, from team to team and even country to country. It was 1995, a year after Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa. Looking to fix a racially and economically divided country, Mandela recruits the captain of the South African rugby team as they work together to unite the country through the well-loved sport of rugby.
Invictus Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Seabiscuit
Amazing things can happen when you have a great support team that truly believes you are capable. That's the premise of this Depression-era film, which takes a limping, undersized, seemingly lazy racehorse and tries to turn him into a champion. Raising the spirits of not only them horse's care team, but of a nation, Seabiscuit gave hope to a country down on its luck when it needed it most.
Seabiscuit Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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Fed Up
Sick and tired of being sick and tired? This documentary explores the sugar epidemic in America in relation to the obesity crisis. As a country, the documentary reveals that we are being fed foods that light up pleasure centers in our brain, an effect that is similar to the brain's reaction to opiates. "Fed Up" changes the way you'll view your food forever.
Fed Up Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
Did your favorite inspirational movie make the list? If not, tell us what it is in the comments!
See more motivation slideshows
21 Inspirational Movies That Will Motivate You to Live Your Best Life
By Elizabeth Lowry
Who among us hasn't been inspired by Sylvester Stallone's gritty portrayal of Rocky Balboa? Close your eyes and picture it now--Rocky, the underdog, has an upcoming fight with champion Apollo Creed, yet lacks the resources to train like the pros. Instead of working out in a fancy gym, he uses the streets as his training ground, running through downtown Philadelphia, high-fiving the locals as they join him on his run, culminating in the iconic stair-climbing finale at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, arms raised like the champion he has fought to become.
As easy as it is to envision your inner Rocky, there are many more movies that can inspire you to run farther, train harder, eat better or work toward your goals. From classic comedies to deep documentaries and inspiring dramas, these 21 movies are sure to tug at your heartstrings and make you believe you can achieve a better way of life.
Start Slideshow
Rocky
Possibly the most well-recognized and most inspiring rags-to-riches tale of the century, the story of a small-time Italian-American fighter who rose to glory to fight Apollo Creed in the world heavyweight championship is a must-watch for anyone who's ever dared to dream the impossible. Released in 1976, the film has received accolades as one of the greatest sports films ever made. If you haven't seen it, isn't it time to feed your inner fighter?
Rocky Available at Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon.
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