Seasons may change but not as soon as everyone may like. But thankfully winter is nearly at an end, at least as far as the calendar is concerned, and spring is around the corner. So, it's the perfect time for some inspirational films to get you in the springtime mood - a time that's full of renewal and new possibilities.
There are more than a few documentary films that can put a smile on one’s face. These films are capable of lifting the spirit and will possibly even inspire one to embark upon a bit of self-improvement.
Undefeated - Netflix
Several football movies have been made over the years and many of them are impressive, but not all of them have really been inspirational. In the documentary Undefeated, the focus is on the Manassas High School football team in North Memphis that is determined to win a playoff game and finally put an end to the team’s 110-year losing streak.
Naturally, there are significant challenges along the way, but through all the ups and downs, the team has former high school coach Bill Courtney, who encourages the players to give the sport everything they’ve got.
Resurface - Netflix
This 2017 documentary film centers on a man named Bobby Lane, who has been dealing with depression, nightmares and seizures for years since he returned from the Iraq war. Things have gotten so bad that he’s even contemplated taking his own life.
But then, Lane discovers a surf therapy program where the participants are just like him. The men were introduced to this form of therapy through the program, Operation Surf, and as it turns out, riding the waves has a way of healing a person from the inside out.
Homecoming - Netflix
Beyoncé’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was one for the books. The two-hour spectacle that also came to be known as "Beychella" features several empowering song and dance numbers that fans are still replaying over and over again.
Homecoming offers an intimate look into how Beyoncé made all this happen after just giving birth to her twins, Rumi and Sir Carter. The film documents her struggles in preparing her body for such a strenuously physical undertaking.
The Short Game - Netflix
While there is the recently released HBO documentary on Tiger Woods and other similar sports documentaries that are just as intense, if you're looking for something more lighthearted, there’s always The Short Game on Netflix.
This documentary also focuses on golf, however, the players are a lot smaller and younger than Woods. Here, the focus is on eager seven-year-old golfers from all over the world who are determined to become golfing legends. The film chronicles their experience as they compete at the World Championships of Junior Golf in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet - Amazon Prime
A lot of critically acclaimed musical biopics) have been released in recent years. But there is nothing quite like this documentary centered around Jason Becker, a musician who was diagnosed with ALS just before his 21st birthday.
Following his diagnosis, some may have thought he would simply fade from the music scene. But Becker, who was once a guitarist for David Lee Roth, had always been determined to keep on going. This documentary is truly an inspiration, as is its subject.
The Pixar Story - Disney+ / Amazon Prime / Netflix
For anyone who dreams about becoming an animator, this Emmy-nominated documentary is the perfect way to feel inspired and start working on their vision.
In this film, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look inside Pixar Animation Studios, offering a glimpse into how the studio came up with some of its most memorable animated films, including the Toy Story franchise, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. At the same time, the film also reveals the studio’s beginnings, including its connection with Steve Jobs.
Happy - Amazon Prime / Netflix / Tubi
This documentary from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Roko Belic offers an introspective look into how one can discover true happiness. Not surprisingly, the film also discovers that money and wealth don’t necessarily make one truly happy. In fact, the U.S. reportedly only ranks as the 23rd happiest country in the world.
No matter where you live though, Belic has a simple piece of advice. He told Run Riot, “Appreciate what’s going well in your life.” To discover more about living happier, check out this documentary.
Knock Down The House - Netflix
This 2019 Netflix documentary offers an in-depth look into the journey of four working-class women as they campaign their way to Congress for the Democratic Party. Prior to winning the midterm elections, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was working in restaurants while organizing a grassroots campaign. Meanwhile, Amy Vilela decided to run for office after a loved one died from a preventable health condition.
Viewers also meet Rep. Cori Bush, who took to the streets following the shooting of an unarmed Black man. In addition, the film also features Paula Jean Swearengin, who ran for office after the coal industry made her community sick.
RBG - Amazon Prime / Netflix
This critically acclaimed documentary explores the extraordinary life and career of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman who served as the Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1993 up until her death in 2020. During her tenure, Ginsburg championed women’s rights as well as gender and civil rights.
Discover Ginsburg's journey to making history in this film that also features appearances from President Bill Clinton and several of Ginsburg’s childhood friends and close associates.
Becoming - Netflix
In this Netflix documentary, viewers get to former First Lady Michelle Obama on the road as she sets out on her book tour. In the film, Obama also gets candid about the family’s time in the White House, as she relives some significant highs and lows.
At the same time, viewers also get to see what life is like on the road and what Obama’s daughters, Sasha and Malia, think about their mom’s post-White House life. Aside from this, Obama also recalls her first meeting with her now-husband, former U.S. President Barack Obama.