While 2022's release slate is dominated (as usual) by superhero, video game, and comic book films - as well as the latest Fantastic Beasts installment, moviegoers looking for something to inspire will not be disappointed. From the action-inspiration of Maverick to the rock'n'roll inspiration of Elvis, there are plenty of movies to make anyone try to be their best. These are far from the first, though, and these Redditors had a discussion about what particular films stood out to them and made them want to be a better person after watching.
From heartfelt stories about putting others first to films that inspire viewers to chase their dreams, these are some movies that changed viewers' outlook on life for the better.
Seven Pounds (2008)
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Will Smith plays Ben Thomas, a man who took the lives of seven people after causing a car accident by texting and driving. Two years later, Ben still faces the guilt of what he's done and sets out to find seven people in need of vital organs, planning on donating his own to them after killing himself. Reddit Seven Pounds showed them that some mistakes in life can't be rectified with an apology, but "by becoming a donor, no matter how little I give, it will be of some benefit to somebody in need." The film makes an emotional statement surrounding love, self-sacrifice, and loss in a way that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll.
The Father (2021)
Stream On Starz and Hulu
The movie Olivia Colman's incredible role as Anthony Hopkins' daughter impacted them. The heart-wrenching acting provided by Colman and Hopkins translates to the real world, showing the terrors of the life-threatening disease and the toll it takes on everyone involved.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Stream On Starz
Phil is a self-centered meteorologist who finds himself living the same day over and over again. At first, he takes advantage of being stuck in a time loop but quickly grows tired of it, coming up with different ways to try breaking the cycle to no avail.
Redditor Groundhog Day evolves from escapism humor to a genuine shift in character from Phil. Though the movie is beloved for being a hilarious romantic comedy, the way Phil changes his outlook on life to become a better person inspires viewers to do the same.
Requiem For A Dream (2000)
Stream On Pluto TV
Movie fans have a variety of different things they take away from the films they watch. is a powerful film that shows the horrors of drug abuse. Despite the dark subject matter, DemoHD7 commented that "the part where his mother confesses she's alone with no one to care for" made them up their calls to their own mother. The realism of how drug addiction can tear families apart is a strong theme throughout the film, leaving viewers filled with hopelessness and despair, making it understandable that people who watch it want to reach out to their loved ones after watching.
Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
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Based on a memoir about Chris Gardener's life, The Pursuit Of Happyness gives a complex look at poverty in America and one man's struggle to himself and his 5-year-old son after losing everything. In one of Will Smith's most underrated roles, Chris Gardener is given an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm called Dean Witter and pursues the new career opportunity, refusing to let the hardships he faces hold him down. HardSteelRain spoke of how the film taught a great lesson about work ethic, but the movie does so much more than that, as it's an inspirational story about chasing your dreams no matter what ugliness life may bring along the way.
As Good As It Gets (1997)
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Jack Nicholson won an Oscar for his performance as Melvin Udall, a cranky writer who prefers to stay shut in his apartment. Melvin's life is turned upside-down after he's entrusted to take care of his neighbor's dog and forms an unexpected emotional bond with the animal.
More than one redditor stated that Melvin's change in demeanor throughout the course of the film showed them that life is as good as you make it. As Good As It Gets is a heartfelt story about forming unlikely relationships, and how those relationships can end up changing you for the better.
Arthur (2011)
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Russell Brand stars in the remake of the 1981 film Arthur, where he plays an irresponsible man-child who is told by his mother he must marry Susan, a woman he doesn't love, or he loses his $950 million inheritance. When Arthur meets Naomi, an illegal tour guide, he quickly takes a liking to her and strives to find employment to continue seeing her. DelusionalLaserB mentioned their want of being rich after watching the movie, but the overall message was to show that money can't buy true happiness. Russell Brand's performance may have fallen short for some viewers but, with the help of Helen Mirren, the film provides a light-hearted comedy about growing up.
The Big Year (2011)
Stream On Disney+
The Big Year follows three bird enthusiasts who set out to be named the greatest birder of the year. The characters of Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson are all going through different phases in their lives, and the movie uses that lens to show the various challenges life can bring. The ending of The Big Year stuck with SereneDreams03 who said, "essentially it teaches the lesson that life is about the journey, not the destination. Don't get so busy planning for tomorrow that you forget to live for today." With beautiful scenery and brilliant acting from the cast, this movie is definitely an underrated touching story of finding friends in odd places.
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013)
Stream On Hulu
Ben Stiller directs and stars in a truly uplifting story that pushes everyone who watches to live their dreams rather than daydreaming of what could be. Reddit is one movie that deserves a second look.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Stream On Prime
Dead Poets Society teaches everyone the importance of self-expression. John Keating (Robin Williams) is a new English professor who is introduced to an all-boys prep school, and the boys are inspired by his unorthodox teaching methods. VelvetFog90210 says the film made them want to take the arts more seriously, and Keating ruminates this when he tells the boys poetry and ion are just as important in life as science and technology. Dead Poets Society is deeply moving, the acting of Robin Williams as excellent as ever, and will make any viewer watching want to seize the day.
