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The 15 Best Inspirational Movies of 2022

Get motivated with a few feel-good movies

By Yoona Wagener Yoona Wagener Writer, Commerce Editor Bowling Green State University Yoona Wagener is a tech editor and writer. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 8, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Streaming TV, Movies, & More Netflix Hulu Disney+ Prime Video Apple TV+ Favorite Events The best motivational movies leave you laughing, smiling, and maybe even a little misty-eyed. This collection of inspirational and feel-good films is a tribute to what touching movies do well: motivate, educate, and offer an escape from the daily grind. If you're ready to celebrate real-life heroes alongside fictional characters that aim to move the needle forward in their own lives or for the greater good, you're sure to find something on this list. Grab a box of tissues and a snack and gather loved ones to stream these uplifting movies over a weekend-long marathon or a digital viewing party. 01 of 15

Hidden Figures 2016 Inspirational Women Who Shaped History

20th Century Studios IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Genre: Biography, Drama, History Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae Director: Theodore Melfi Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 2 hours, 7 minutes Hidden Figures draws back the curtain to tell the true story of the brilliant African American female mathematicians at NASA. They were instrumental in making John Glenn become the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the earth, though unknown to the public. This movie is a celebration of their brilliance and their deserving place in the history books. Watch 'Hidden Figures' on Disney+ Now 02 of 15

The 40-Year-Old Version 2020 Finding Your Voice at Any Age

Hillman Grad Productions IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 Genre: Comedy, Drama Starring: Radha Blank, Peter Kim, Oswin Benjamin Director: Radha Blank Motion Picture Rating: R Runtime: 2 hours, 3 minutes Based on playwright Radha Blank's real-life career struggles, this semi-autobiographical film follows the main character's attempt to reinvent herself as a hip-hop artist. In music, she finds relief from feeling that she's sacrificing too much of her authentic voice to gain recognition in New York City's theater world. If you need a reminder that success doesn't always have a set path or fall by a certain age, this is a cathartic and humorous homage to staying true to oneself. Watch 'The 40-Year-Old Version' on Netflix Now 03 of 15

The Peanut Butter Falcon 2019 Adventure Tale About Friendship and Chosen Family

Roadside Attractions IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama Starring: Zack Gottsagen, Shia LeBeouf, Dakota Johnson Director: Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes This touching adventure tale follows Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who dreams of becoming a wrestler. After escaping from the senior home where he's assigned to live by the state, he quickly finds an unlikely new friend looking for a fresh start. Heartwarming without being saccharine, it's a story about unconditional acceptance and forging friendships and family in unlikely but beautiful places. Watch 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' on Vudu Now Watch 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' on Amazon Prime Video Now 04 of 15

Remember the Titans 2000 An Inspirational and Timeless Story of Unity

Walt Disney Studios IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris Director: Boaz Yakin Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 53 minutes This inspirational sports story is based on an African American coach's real-life experience brought to lead the first integrated football team at a Virginia high school. While the players, coaching staff, and town members express resistance and intolerance at first, hope and unity win. This movie delivers an enduring message of racial acceptance that doesn't require you to love football to root for the team or feel moved by their bonds. Watch 'Remember the Titans' on Disney+ Now Watch 'Remember the Titans' on Amazon Prime Video Now 05 of 15

Mangrove 2020 An Inspiring True Story of Activism

Amazon Prime Video IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 Genre: Drama Starring: Shaun Parkes, Letitia Wright, Malachi Kirby Director: Steve McQueen Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Runtime: 2 hours, 7 minutes This movie recounts the real-life heroism and activism of Frank Crichlow, the owner of the Mangrove restaurant that serves as a gathering space for the West Indian community in London. In 1970, Crichlow and others organized a peaceful protest against mistreatment by the police and were later tried in court for inciting a riot. Their trial leads to the first acknowledgment of racially motivated behavior in the London police system. The film is a stirring tribute to those who stand up against injustice. (Mangrove is one of five films in Amazon Prime Video's Small Axe collection.) Watch 'Mangrove' on Amazon Prime Video Now 06 of 15

Inside Out 2015 A Comforting Reminder That It' s OK to Feel All the Things

Walt Disney Studios IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black Director: Pete Doctor, Ronnie Del Carmen Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes Inside Out is one of those solid inspirational movies that offer time away from reality while also gently tackling the genuine nature of life transitions' ups and downs. While the story centers around young Riley and her new move to San Francisco, it's a priceless reminder to all of us, at any age, that embracing our emotions is an excellent thing. Watch 'Inside Out' on Disney+ Now 07 of 15

The Pursuit of Happyness 2006 An Uplifting Movie for Tireless Strivers

Sony Pictures IMDb Rating: 8.0/10 Genre: Biography, Drama Starring: Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith Director: Gabriele Muccino Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1 hour, 57 minutes Inspirational movies based on true stories offer encouragement to all of us, and this biographical movie does that in abundance. It tells the story of how real-life entrepreneur Chris Gardner went from struggling and homeless with his young son to eventually completely changing his profession and transforming the course of his life for the better. It's impossible not to root for Gardner and his son and feel moved by the heartfelt outcome of the main character's hard work and determination. Watch 'The Pursuit of Happyness' on Amazon Prime Video Now Watch 'The Pursuit of Happyness' on Apple TV Now Watch 'The Pursuit of Happyness' on Netflix Now 08 of 15

Happiest Season 2020 A Feel-Good Holiday Love Story

Tristar Pictures IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Starring: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary Steenburgen Director: Clea DuVall Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes If you love a festive holiday movie, Happiest Season checks those boxes with humor and hijinks. It centers around a young couple, Abby and Harper, traveling to spend the holidays with Harper's family for the first time. The only catch is that Harper's family doesn't know Abby is her girlfriend—or that Harper is gay. Part rom-com, part holiday movie, this feature doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it offers Yuletide cheer with a fresh pinch of inclusivity. Watch 'Happiest Season' on Hulu Now 09 of 15

The Biggest Little Farm 2018 A Movie for Daydreamers and Doers

NEON IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 Genre: Documentary Starring: John Chester Director: John Chester Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 31 minutes This film follows the journey of a couple who leaves the bustle of city-living in Los Angeles to start a new life on a sustainable farm of their dreams. They struggle through obstacle after obstacle but emerge with a new appreciation for the land and nature and a desire to share their experience with others. Be warned: This movie could leave you wanting to frolic in nature and take better care of the planet. Watch 'The Biggest Little Farm' on Hulu Now 10 of 15

The Sapphires 2013 A Feel-Good Music Movie with Universal Appeal

Goalpost Pictures IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy Director: Wayne Blair Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes Loosely based on the story of the real-life Aboriginal Motown girl group from Australia, The Sapphires, this movie tells the unlikely story of how they traveled to Vietnam to perform for U.S. troops. There's a little bit of everything: iconic music, love, friendship, and the universal importance of acceptance and visibility. Watch 'The Sapphires' on YouTube Now 11 of 15

Palm Springs 2020 Finding Love Off Repeat

NEON IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery Starring: Andy Samberg, Cristin Millioti, J.K. Simmons Director: Max Barbakow Motion Picture Rating: R Runtime: 1 hour, 30 minutes Palm Springs delivers many of the same aspects you love about the original looping film plot from Groundhog Day, with a timely 2020 twist. While it's a love story that centers around two characters stuck on the same day at a Palm Springs wedding, it offers a wry, humorous, and slightly out-there message of living every day fully present and genuinely appreciating the opportunity to do so. Watch 'Palm Springs' on Hulu Now 12 of 15

Crip Camp 2020 Celebrating the Power of Community and Advocacy

Higher Ground Productions IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 Genre: Documentary Starring: Judith Heumann, Jim LeBrecht, Denise Sherer Jacobsen Director: Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht Motion Picture Rating: R Runtime: 1 hour, 46 minutes This film documents the true story of camp members and counselors who met at Camp Jened, an inclusive camp for young people with disabilities who become advocates for their community. They are visible and independent at camp and strive to achieve the same qualities in everyday life by fighting for representation and long-overdue civil rights for people with disabilities. Watch 'Crip Camp' on Netflix Now 13 of 15

Joy 2015 For Entrepreneurs Big Thinkers and Mothers Who Do it All

20th Century Studios IMDb Rating: 6.6/10 Genre: Biography, Drama Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper Director: David O. Russell Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 2 hours, 4 minutes Inspired by real-life, self-made millionaire Joy Mangano and her struggle to do more than make ends meet as an out-of-work mother and aspiring entrepreneur, this movie follows Joy's journey as she struggles with numerous professional and personal obstacles. It's easy to feel wholly enthralled by Joy's determination and won't-quit attitude. Watch 'Joy' on Amazon Prime Video Now Watch 'Joy' on YouTube Now 14 of 15

Chef 2014 A Film for Fathers Foodies and Families

Open Road Films IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama Starring: Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo Director: Jon Favreau Motion Picture Rating: R Runtime: 1 hour, 54 minutes Some of the best feel-good movies revolve around food and family, and Chef keeps these priorities in heartwarming harmony. After a creatively and personally stunted chef gets a fresh start with a food truck, he rediscovers his passion for food and his family. If you love delicious food, there's plenty to eat up with your eyes in this food-centric feel-good feature. Watch 'Chef' on Amazon Prime Video Now 15 of 15

Elf 2003 Irresistible Cheer and Whimsy Any Time of Year

Warner Bros. IMDb Rating: 7.0/10 Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart Director: Jon Favreau Motion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes One of the best feel-good movies during the holiday season, this story follows Buddy's search for his biological father after growing up raised by Santa's elves. What follows is cheer, merriment, and a heartwarming message about family bonds and believing in what you can't always see. Watch 'Elf' on Amazon Prime Video Now Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Best Teen Movies on Netflix (September 2022) The Best Kids Movies on Netflix (September 2022) The Best Family Movies on Amazon Prime Right Now (October 2022) The Best Disney Plus Movies Right Now (October 2022) The Best Movies on HBO Right Now (October 2022) The Best Movies on Apple TV+ Right Now (October 2022) The 10 Best 90s Movies to Watch Right Now The 10 Best Movies of the 2010s to Watch Right Now The Best Kids Movies on Disney Plus (October 2022) The 22 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix (2022) The Best Movies on Hulu Right Now (September 2022) The Best LGBT Movies on Netflix Right Now (October 2022) Best Free Movies on YouTube (September 2022) The Best Romantic Movies on Netflix Right Now (September 2022) The 10 Best Sports Movies to Watch Right Now The 10 Best 80s Movies to Watch Right Now Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies