Streaming Streaming TV, Movies, & More The 15 Best Inspirational Movies of 2021 Get motivated with a few feel-good movies by Yoona Wagener Writer Yoona Wagener has a background in content and technical writing. She has written for BigTime Software, Idealist Careers, and other small tech companies. our editorial process LinkedIn Yoona Wagener Updated on January 05, 2021 Streaming TV, Movies, & More Netflix Hulu Disney+ Prime Video Apple TV+ Favorite Events Tweet Share Email The best motivational movies leave you laughing, smiling, and maybe even a little misty-eyed. This collection of inspirational and feel-good movies 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 Celebrating the Power of Community and Advocacy: Crip Camp (2020) Higher Ground Productions IMDb Rating: 7.8Genre: DocumentaryStarring: Judith Heumann, Jim LeBrecht, Denise Sherer JacobsenDirector: Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrechtMotion Picture Rating: RRuntime: 106 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. 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. Watch Crip Camp on Netflix Now 02 of 15 An Inspiring True Story of Activism: Mangrove (2020) Amazon Prime Video IMDb Rating: 8.2Genre: DramaStarring: Shaun Parkes, Letitia Wright, Malachi KirbyDirector: Steve McQueenMotion Picture Rating: TV-MARuntime: 127 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 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.) Watch Mangrove on Amazon Prime Video Now 03 of 15 Adventure Tale About Friendship and Chosen Family: The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) Roadside Attractions IMDb Rating: 7.6Genre: Adventure, Comedy, DramaStarring: Zack Gottsagen, Shia LeBeouf, Dakota JohnsonDirector: Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz Motion Picture Rating: PG-13Runtime: 97 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 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. Watch The Peanut Butter Falcon on Hulu Now Watch The Peanut Butter Falcon on Amazon Prime Video Now 04 of 15 Finding Your Voice at Any Age: The 40-Year-Old Version (2020) Hillman Grad Productions IMDb Rating: 7.2Genre: Comedy, DramaStarring: Radha Blank, Peter Kim, Oswin BenjaminDirector: Radha BlankMotion Picture Rating: RRuntime: 123 minutes 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. Watch The 40-Year-Old Version on Netflix Now 05 of 15 A Movie for Daydreamers and Doers: The Biggest Little Farm (2018) NEON IMDb Rating: 8.1Genre: DocumentaryStarring: John ChesterDirector: John ChesterMotion Picture Rating: PGRuntime: 91 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 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. Watch The Biggest Little Farm on Hulu Now 06 of 15 An Uplifting Movie for Tireless Strivers: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Sony Pictures IMDb Rating: 8.0Genre: Biography, DramaStarring: Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden SmithDirector: Gabriele MuccinoMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Runtime: 117 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 07 of 15 A Film for Fathers, Foodies, and Families: Chef (2014) Open Road Films IMDb Rating: 7.3Genre: Adventure, Comedy, DramaStarring: Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, John LeguizamoDirector: Jon FavreauMotion Picture Rating: RRuntime: 114 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 Netflix Now Watch Chef on Amazon Prime Video Now 08 of 15 An Inspirational and Timeless Story of Unity: Remember the Titans (2000) Walt Disney Studios IMDb Rating: 7.8Genre: Biography, Drama, SportStarring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood HarrisDirector: Boaz YakinMotion Picture Rating: PGRuntime: 113 minutes 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. Watch Remember the Titans on Disney Plus Now Watch Remember the Titans on Amazon Prime Video Now 09 of 15 A Feel-Good Music Movie with Universal Appeal: The Sapphires (2013) Goalpost Pictures IMDb Rating: 7.0Genre: Biography, Comedy, DramaStarring: Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica MauboyDirector: Wayne BlairMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Runtime: 103 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 mixed in: iconic music, love, friendship, and the universal importance of acceptance and visibility. Watch The Sapphires on YouTube Now Watch The Sapphires on Netflix Now 10 of 15 Inspirational Women Who Shaped History: Hidden Figures (2016) 20th Century Studios IMDb Rating: 7.8Genre: Biography, Drama, HistoryStarring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle MonaeDirector: Theodore MelfiMotion Picture Rating: PGRuntime: 127 minutes 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. Watch Hidden Figures on Disney Plus Now 11 of 15 For Entrepreneurs, Big Thinkers, and Mothers Who Do it All: Joy (2015) 20th Century Studios IMDb Rating: 6.6Genre: Biography, DramaStarring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper Director: David O. RussellMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Runtime: 124 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 completely enthralled by Joy's determination and won't-quit attitude. Watch Joy on Amazon Prime Video Now Watch Joy on YouTube Now 12 of 15 Irresistible Cheer and Whimsy Any Time of Year: Elf (2003) Warner Bros. IMDb Rating: 7.0Genre: Adventure, Comedy, FamilyStarring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob NewhartDirector: Jon FavreauMotion Picture Rating: PGRuntime: 97 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 13 of 15 A Comforting Reminder That It's OK to Feel All the Things: Inside Out (2015) Walt Disney Studios IMDb Rating: 8.1Genre: Animation, Adventure, ComedyStarring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis BlackDirector: Pete Doctor, Ronnie Del CarmenMotion Picture Rating: PG Runtime: 95 minutes 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. Watch Inside Out on Disney Plus Now 14 of 15 Finding Love, Off Repeat: Palm Springs (2020) NEON IMDb Rating: 7.4Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, MysteryStarring: Andy Samberg, Cristin Millioti, J.K. Simmons Director: Max BarbakowMotion Picture Rating: RRuntime: 90 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 truly appreciating the opportunity to do so. Watch Palm Springs on Hulu Now 15 of 15 A Feel-Good Holiday Love Story: Happiest Season (2020) Tristar Pictures IMDb Rating: 6.8Genre: Comedy, Drama, RomanceStarring: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary SteenburgenDirector: Clea DuVallMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Runtime: 102 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit