The 15 Best Inspirational Movies of 2021

Celebrating the Power of Community and Advocacy: Crip Camp (2020)

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.

At camp, they were visible and independent, and they strived to achieve the same qualities in everyday life by fighting for representation and long-overdue civil rights for people with disabilities.

An Inspiring True Story of Activism: Mangrove (2020)

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 organize a peaceful protest against mistreatment by the police and are 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.)

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

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 who is looking for a fresh start.

Heartwarming without being saccharine, this is a story about unconditional acceptance and forging friendships and family in unlikely but beautiful places.

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

This semi-autobiographical film, based on playwright Radha Blank's real-life career struggles, follows the main character's attempt to reinvent herself as a hip-hop artist. In music, she finds relief from the feeling that she's sacrificing too much of her true voice to finally 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.

A Movie for Daydreamers and Doers: The Biggest Little Farm (2018)

This film follows the journey of a couple who leaves the bustle of city-living in Los Angeles to start a new life on the 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.

An Uplifting Movie for Tireless Strivers: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

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.

A Film for Fathers, Foodies, and Families: Chef (2014)

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.

An Inspirational and Timeless Story of Unity: Remember the Titans (2000)

This inspirational sports story is based on the real-life experience of an African American coach 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, root for the team, or feel moved by their bonds.

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

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 mixed in: iconic music, love, friendship, and the universal importance of acceptance and visibility.

Inspirational Women Who Shaped History: Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures draws back the curtain to tell the inspirational true story of the brilliant African American female mathematicians at NASA who were influential in helping John Glenn become the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the earth. This movie is a celebration of their brilliance and their deserving place in the history books.  

For Entrepreneurs, Big Thinkers, and Mothers Who Do it All: Joy (2015)

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 completely enthralled by Joy's determination and won't-quit attitude. 

Irresistible Cheer and Whimsy Any Time of Year: Elf (2003)

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.

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

Inside Out is one of those solid inspirational movies that offers time away from reality while also gently tackling the very real nature of the ups and downs of life transitions. 

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 a very good thing.

Finding Love, Off Repeat: Palm Springs (2020)

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 truly appreciating the opportunity to do so.