There’s nothing better than staying in on a Friday night and watching a great movie. Check out my top four inspirational movie choices below!
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
The Shawshank Redemption, written by Stephen King, is set in the 1940s US prison system. Successful banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife and her secret lover. He builds a strong friendship with fellow inmate Red (Morgan Freeman), and together they come to understand the significance of life, even in a seemingly hopeless circumstance.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
This 2008 film, directed by Danny Boyle, follows Jamal Malik, an eighteen-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai who is one question away from winning twenty million rupees on India’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? He is arrested on suspicion of cheating—a poor, uneducated teenage boy is not expected to know the answers to such questions. Each question he answers correctly ties back to a moment in his impoverished, adventurous, and often dangerous childhood. This is not a story of money, but a story of suffering, resilience, and love.
FORREST GUMP
This classic film tells the story of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a man who faced a number of trials and tribulations growing up, including being bullied for wearing braces on his legs and having a low IQ. Even so, he beats the odds by attaining a college football scholarship and becoming an honored Vietnam War soldier. Throughout his life he always thinks back to his one childhood friend Jenny (Robin Wright), with hopes of capturing her heart. Forrest Gump is a story of utter determination, courage, and love in the face of hardship.
REMEMBER THE TITANS
Remember the Titans, which is based on a true story, is set in Virginia in the early 1970s. African-American football coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) is the new head coach at the newly desegregated T. C. Williams High School. Tensions and emotions run deep, as players of different races are now forced to practice and play on the same team. As the season progresses, the team begins to bond over its wins, and the community begins to accept the new social and cultural changes.
Looking for more inspirational movies? Also check out 42, A Beautiful Mind, A League of Their Own, Dead Poets Society, Eat Pray Love, Erin Brockovich, Hotel Rwanda, Rocky, Soul Surfer, and The Normal Heart.
About the Author: Brittany Peterson is an entertainment enthusiast with experience in entertainment marketing, account management, and PR/events. She is the account coordinator for Virgo Girl Media and loves interfacing with VGM’s client base of creativepreneurs. She spends her free time exploring New York City with friends, watching movies in bed, and walking her dog. Find her on Twitter and LinkedIn!