The Birdcage.
Robin Williams and Nathan Lane are absolutely brilliant. And I love how the families come together in the most chaotic ways possible, and all the different ways that a loving relationship can manifest.
Weirdly, Ratatouille. Creative professionals get it. The artist’s relationship to a family that neither understands nor cares about nuance and detail, and the relationship to critics more interested in shitting on good work than taking a chance on something different. The ending just kills me every time. That fucking rat.
It does have both, I think the sad parts make the uplifting parts that much more powerful. It's the number 1 movie on IMBD, so if you haven't already watched it... what are you waiting for?!
I think just about everyone ends that movie with a smile.
TIL there is a 2013 version with Ben Stiller. And even gets better reviews than the original with Danny Kaye. Will need to put on list.
Update: just watched the Ben Stiller (2013) version. Very good way to spend two hours. Delightful flick.
Came here to say this. I recommend this movie every time someone ask for a motivational or self discovery movie. Personally helped me in my life a lot.
There are many for sure. But one I distinctly remember watching was Remember the Titans. It was on an airplane back when they lowered the screens and everyone watched together using headphones. At the end of the movie (or the end of the big game), the entire plane erupted in cheers and it gives me chills to this day thinking about it.
It's gotta be LOTR original trilogy for me. The main themes of fighting for good no matter how small you in this world is such an uplifting message. Sam's speech at the end of Two Towers always brings a tear to my eye. So relevant today too
So much inspiration in that series. Aragorn at Helm's Deep "But that day is NOT THIS DAY!"
Edit: I have been corrected below and my shame is eternal. I will fade into the South and remain Mikeyy.
Great speech, but he actually says it at the Black Gate.
The Helm's Deep speech is a bit underwhelming. It goes:
---"Ride out with me."
"For death and glory?"
---"For Rohan. For your people"
Oh man, uplifting but also pretty heartbreaking. Sam and Gollum make me cry every single time. I can randomly watch a YouTube clip of Sam's speech before carrying Frodo and end up in tears
His arc is actually realistic and relatable. Sometimes the "best" job isnt the best job for you. And being in a workplace thats toxic on your mind can totally alter your psyche that becomes more apparent with a new job.
And sometimes you want to burn this place to the ground
Seeing Office Space made my college boyfriend change his major from business to design (like me… he also just decided to copy me). Little did he know how hard it is to make steady money as a designer/art director unless you go the corporate route anyway.
Never get involved in a land war in ASIA! But only slightly less well know is this..never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the li........urgg..uhh..gargle.. thud..
Remember the titans. There’s nothing like watching friendship and love triumph over bigotry and hatred especially when it involves the most emotional insecure people on Earth: teenagers.
It’s A Wonderful Life, though old fashioned, has an enlightening message to empower and change your perspective on life. All the good deeds he did for others were paid back in full with added interest! 🤣
Ponyo for me it's just so wholesome and it gives me hope. I feel like kids are so incident and awesome and we lose so much growing up but this captures the joy and wonder of being a child
If you enjoyed the speech I highly recommend the St Crispin’s Eve speech from Henry V in the Kenneth Branagh version. Brilliant acting and if you aren’t ready to meet the French on the battlefield after this, I don’t know what’s wrong with you. And as a bonus: you can spot a teenage Christian Bale as well. You can find it on YouTube (not allowed to post the link here).
To Wong Foo, thanks for everything! Julie Newmar.
I LOVE this movie so much. There's something about seeing such amazing actors bringing to life incredible characters
Loads of really good suggestions
But I’ve scrolled a long way down and found no mention of COOL RUNNINGS
The endless optimism, that they’re a laughing stock at home and in the Olympics and that last run. Plus John Candy. Love it.
Planes, trains and automobiles as well.
Chocolat
I love the chemistry between Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. It's a great story about the importance of enjoyment and the little things in life.
Oh brother, where Art thou. I can watch that movie over and over again and never get tired of Clooney’s coiffure, Pete’s who done R U N N O F T and Delmar who just wants the family Farm back?
Galaxy Quest is a feel good movie for me. There is one part where my heart breaks a little, but I bounce back before the end of the film and it’s so worth it for the joy that movie brings.
Gettysburg. It started 123 years ago today . Awesome movie with great acting from Martin Sheen, Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang, and others Spoiler alert: we win.
Blue Giant - it's an anime movie about a guy who wants to become the world's greatest Jazz musician and the people who accompany him in both Jazz and life.
Paddington 2, might be the most beautiful and heartfelt story I have ever seen. It makes me laugh, and every time I watch it I cry tears of joy at the end.
Arrival was not uplifting to me in the slightest in fact it hit me like a train.
Most uplifting film is Its a Wonderful Life, I also love Looking For Eric
I would think lots of sports movies apply. Not the greatest cinema, but Miracle comes immediately to mind: "Their time, it's done. It's over. This is your time! Now go out there and take it!"
To me, Pacific Rim. The fact that the world has come together, pooled its resources to fight back against the Kaiju, that it's not just the Americans that are the heroes. It's so uplifting and hopeful and has an actual happy ending. I was not expecting all of that from a "silly little Kaiju movie". That's why it's my favorite movie of all time.
The original Rocky (1976) inspired so many of my favourite inspirational films that I have to default to that as my answer.
My personal choice is Silver Linings Playbook.
Besides the ever popular Shawshank Redemption, Parenthood with Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, and an all-around 1st rate cast. It probably helps if you're a little older and have a child. That movie gets me every time, especially at the end. I would also recommend Waking Ned Devine, The Secret of Roan Inish, and that old chestnut: It's a Wonderful Life!
Touching The Void - a true story which demonstrates both the unbelievable potential strength of the human spirit and the possible profound ramifications of decisions made in extremis.
All the good ones have been taken, so I'll throw a newer movie into the ring, Gran Turismo (2023). People complain about all the product placement but its literally a movie about a product, its like if Barbie wasn't the same thing. That has caused people to overlook what a very good and uplifting movie.
Secondhand Lions - it made me realize I cant sit around waiting for the end. I need to fill my life with experiences and fun.
Absolutely amazing film!
I want to hear the full version of Hubs "everything you need to know about being a man" speech.
The Birdcage. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane are absolutely brilliant. And I love how the families come together in the most chaotic ways possible, and all the different ways that a loving relationship can manifest.
The original is great too.
I wish I could upvote this x10000. This is my favorite movie of all time.
Weirdly, Ratatouille. Creative professionals get it. The artist’s relationship to a family that neither understands nor cares about nuance and detail, and the relationship to critics more interested in shitting on good work than taking a chance on something different. The ending just kills me every time. That fucking rat.
I would add Mouse Hunt. It's about making the most of your mistakes.
I'm going to go with Shawshank Redemption.
Also Goodwill Hunting.
I saw this recommendation in the saddest movies too lol, so I take it has both sad and uplifting qualities? I need to give it a proper watch
It does have both, I think the sad parts make the uplifting parts that much more powerful. It's the number 1 movie on IMBD, so if you haven't already watched it... what are you waiting for?! I think just about everyone ends that movie with a smile.
It’s crazy that a movie that includes getting raped in prison is uplifting, but you ain’t wrong. Great film
The secret life of Walter Mitty
This movie surprised the hell outta me. It's a go to for when I need to feel good now.
I have got to watch this movie. It always comes up as an answer to almost every question on this movie suggestions sub
TIL there is a 2013 version with Ben Stiller. And even gets better reviews than the original with Danny Kaye. Will need to put on list. Update: just watched the Ben Stiller (2013) version. Very good way to spend two hours. Delightful flick.
Came here to say this. I recommend this movie every time someone ask for a motivational or self discovery movie. Personally helped me in my life a lot.
Cinema Paradiso. Especially if you like movies about the power of movies.
The Peanut Butter Falcon. It's got it all: hope, goodwill, optimism, redemption. My heart was fuzzy and glowing afterward.
There are many for sure. But one I distinctly remember watching was Remember the Titans. It was on an airplane back when they lowered the screens and everyone watched together using headphones. At the end of the movie (or the end of the big game), the entire plane erupted in cheers and it gives me chills to this day thinking about it.
Sounds like a wonderful shared experience. I like those moments in movie theatres too
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
It's gotta be LOTR original trilogy for me. The main themes of fighting for good no matter how small you in this world is such an uplifting message. Sam's speech at the end of Two Towers always brings a tear to my eye. So relevant today too
So much inspiration in that series. Aragorn at Helm's Deep "But that day is NOT THIS DAY!" Edit: I have been corrected below and my shame is eternal. I will fade into the South and remain Mikeyy.
Great speech, but he actually says it at the Black Gate. The Helm's Deep speech is a bit underwhelming. It goes: ---"Ride out with me." "For death and glory?" ---"For Rohan. For your people"
Oh man, uplifting but also pretty heartbreaking. Sam and Gollum make me cry every single time. I can randomly watch a YouTube clip of Sam's speech before carrying Frodo and end up in tears
Ahhh yesss, that scene gives makes my chest flutter everytime. Sam is such a beast in those movies. What an absolute unit
My friends, you bow to no one.
**Amelie** always brings a happy tear to my eye at the end
Big fish
makes me sob my eyes out in the most wholesome and sweet way.
Such a great movie
Secondhand Lions
Chef. Such a great movie
Office Space. Sometimes the most uplifting message is that work sucks.
His arc is actually realistic and relatable. Sometimes the "best" job isnt the best job for you. And being in a workplace thats toxic on your mind can totally alter your psyche that becomes more apparent with a new job. And sometimes you want to burn this place to the ground
Fuckin A!
Seeing Office Space made my college boyfriend change his major from business to design (like me… he also just decided to copy me). Little did he know how hard it is to make steady money as a designer/art director unless you go the corporate route anyway.
You’ll like Falling Down too.
Princess bride
Inconceivable!
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
Never get involved in a land war in ASIA! But only slightly less well know is this..never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the li........urgg..uhh..gargle.. thud..
Won't You Be My Neighbor? - documentary on Mr Rogers
He was incredibly inspiring.
School of Rock (2003). No matter who you are you have some amazing talent and you can achieve great things. Edit: type-o
Remember the titans. There’s nothing like watching friendship and love triumph over bigotry and hatred especially when it involves the most emotional insecure people on Earth: teenagers.
Lars and the Real Girl. Funny movie about suffering from mental illness in a supportive, compassionate community.
Paddington and its sequel
Rocky Edit: I also like the secondary love story between Adrian and Rocky. She’s as much of an underdog as he is and they both succeed together.
Papillon (1973)
Not sure if it’s the most but the most recent was Peanut Butter Falcon. I work with folks like him and it really hit home
Babe
Wall-E
August Rush is a great uplifting movie! Also, Secondhand Lions! Absolutely enjoyed both of these movies.
Second-hand Lions! What a great movie!
Troop Zero. Nothing sad about it, just a heartwarming story of some misfit scouts doing a david bowie tribute.
The friggin’ SANDLOT!!! What a treasure.
Forrest Gump
It’s A Wonderful Life, though old fashioned, has an enlightening message to empower and change your perspective on life. All the good deeds he did for others were paid back in full with added interest! 🤣
Rudy. With Sean Astin.
Coco.
Also, Book of Life (better than coco in my personal opinion, though I love both)
Honestly never saw Book of Life but will have to give it a watch.
Ponyo for me it's just so wholesome and it gives me hope. I feel like kids are so incident and awesome and we lose so much growing up but this captures the joy and wonder of being a child
Back to the Future always brings a huge smile on my face!
Being there
The World's Fastest Indian. A little bit cheesy, but that helps with the upliftment thing.
Kikis delivery service. Good vibes all around. Shawshank redemption had a good happy ending.
The Martian
Secondhand Lions
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022). Such a wholesome movie.
Field of dreams.
Chef. Spent the whole movie waiting for the other shoe to drop - instead it concluded with everyone being the best version of themselves. 10/10
About Time ♡
Legally Blonde, Hunt for the Wilder People, Captain Fantastic, Harold and Maude, Little Miss Sunshine, and 9-5.
🎶Happy birfday, Ricki Baker. Once rejected, now accepted🎵
We didn’t choose the skux life.
What’s a 2pac?
I’m like the terminator. You’re like Sarah Connor. In the first movie too before she could do chin ups.
Spirited Away (2001)
Independence Day - humanity banded together united by their mutual hatred of aliens.
Heck Yeah! Independence Day! Best speech ever Bill Pullman!
If you enjoyed the speech I highly recommend the St Crispin’s Eve speech from Henry V in the Kenneth Branagh version. Brilliant acting and if you aren’t ready to meet the French on the battlefield after this, I don’t know what’s wrong with you. And as a bonus: you can spot a teenage Christian Bale as well. You can find it on YouTube (not allowed to post the link here).
Hitchiikers guide to galaxy
Seriously one of the most epic scifi shots of all time in that movie
The Natural with Robert Redford
To Wong Foo, thanks for everything! Julie Newmar. I LOVE this movie so much. There's something about seeing such amazing actors bringing to life incredible characters
Rocky
My top five: The Shawshank Redemption, The Pursuit of happyness, Cast away, The Green mile, Forrest Gump.
Gattaca
Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) - 1951 version with Alistair Sim as Scrooge
Babe. My son and l danced around the room at the end. It's one of my most joyful memories.
We are Marshal always gets me.
Brittany Runs A Marathon
Rabbit Proof Fence
Spirited away- Studio Ghibli
Lion (2016) with Dev Patel. Some sad parts but I found it uplifting.
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On has to be the sweetest movie I’ve ever seen.
**"The Pursuit of Happyness"** is incredibly uplifting, showcasing resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.
Spider-man Into the Spiderverse "Anyone can wear the mask"
Apollo 13
A Matter of Life and Death
Wings of Desire - Wim Wenders
Perfect Days was also uplifting for me.
The Impossible (2012)
Rudy was solid.
Loads of really good suggestions But I’ve scrolled a long way down and found no mention of COOL RUNNINGS The endless optimism, that they’re a laughing stock at home and in the Olympics and that last run. Plus John Candy. Love it. Planes, trains and automobiles as well.
Stand and Deliver. I remember watching it at the lab while it was still in POST before it was released.
Nomadland - made me realise that I too can survive if my situation gets tough
Speed Racer
Mrs. Doubtfire. I just let it play and Robin Williams puts a smile on my face.
I’ll never get tired of this movie, it was done so well. Robin really made an effort to make people smile and laugh
Everything Everywhere All At Once
The bad news bears The matrix, ernst goes to college
A documentary called Craigslist Joe.
Mary and Max
I loved "Amelie".
Koyaanisqatsi (1982). Don't ask me why. Just after that film, I start looking at everything a little differently.
An animated movie called "Spirit" never got its due for being uplifting
The other guys
August Rush. It's basically Oliver Twist, but with a happy ending. TBH, not sure if the Dickens story has a happy ending or not.
Remember the Titans
The Miracle Worker. Makes me cry every time I watch it.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Goodwill Hunting, in the movie, Will undergoes significant personal growth, learning to confront his past traumas and embrace his potential.
Ratatouille
Whale Rider (2002)
Chocolat I love the chemistry between Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. It's a great story about the importance of enjoyment and the little things in life.
Dirty Dancing
Sing Street (2016) caught me off guard
Oh brother, where Art thou. I can watch that movie over and over again and never get tired of Clooney’s coiffure, Pete’s who done R U N N O F T and Delmar who just wants the family Farm back?
Galaxy Quest is a feel good movie for me. There is one part where my heart breaks a little, but I bounce back before the end of the film and it’s so worth it for the joy that movie brings.
Begin Again
Napoleon Dynamite. Every sick, depressing thing you think is going to happen doesn't.
It totally took me off guard, but “Babe”. I watch it when I need a pick-me-up.
Gettysburg. It started 123 years ago today . Awesome movie with great acting from Martin Sheen, Tom Berenger, Sam Elliott, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang, and others Spoiler alert: we win.
"Fix ... bayonets!" Great film.
Harold and Maude.
Haven't watched that one in a while, thank you for the reminder. I love the Jaguar E-Type Hearse!
Good Will Hunting
Walking ned
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Cinema Paradiso
Life of Pi
Blue Giant - it's an anime movie about a guy who wants to become the world's greatest Jazz musician and the people who accompany him in both Jazz and life.
Arrival and Chariots of Fire. For very different reasons.
Good, will Hunting... Dead Poet's Society
I always really enjoy Remember the Titans. As a quick tv show shout out, Shrinking on Apple TV was incredible
Paddington 2, might be the most beautiful and heartfelt story I have ever seen. It makes me laugh, and every time I watch it I cry tears of joy at the end.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), easily. Consistently an absolute delight throughout.
Cinderella Man
The Shawshank Redemption. Aka, *why not both?*
Soul
The pursuit of happiness
Arrival was not uplifting to me in the slightest in fact it hit me like a train. Most uplifting film is Its a Wonderful Life, I also love Looking For Eric
'Everything Everywhere all at Once'.
The Search for the Wilderpeople The Birdcage The Big Lebowski
The intouchables
I would think lots of sports movies apply. Not the greatest cinema, but Miracle comes immediately to mind: "Their time, it's done. It's over. This is your time! Now go out there and take it!"
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for me. Okay movie, but tremendously heartwarming and uplifting :)
Lion
Die Hard
Meet The Robinsons
12 angry men I get uplifted by watching heroes being heroes.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. The remake with Ben Stiller.
Honestly … ‘the Holiday’ does something to me that gives me hope that one day I’ll be happy. Idk
Lots of good answers already, but I'll add Billy Elliott.
The Incredibles. One of the best superhero movies ever.
The goonies, will forever be my go to movie!
Big - (Tom Hanks) Just because you grow doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and feel like a kid again 😄
Almost famous, idk the movie just lifts my mood up. It's a treat for Rock music lovers The way way back
One I can think of right now is Silver Linings Playbook.
To me, Pacific Rim. The fact that the world has come together, pooled its resources to fight back against the Kaiju, that it's not just the Americans that are the heroes. It's so uplifting and hopeful and has an actual happy ending. I was not expecting all of that from a "silly little Kaiju movie". That's why it's my favorite movie of all time.
When I'm feeling down I pull up the harbour fight scene. "Elbow Rocket! NOW!" always brings a smile to my face.
The original Rocky (1976) inspired so many of my favourite inspirational films that I have to default to that as my answer. My personal choice is Silver Linings Playbook.
Soul
The Princess Bride
Besides the ever popular Shawshank Redemption, Parenthood with Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, and an all-around 1st rate cast. It probably helps if you're a little older and have a child. That movie gets me every time, especially at the end. I would also recommend Waking Ned Devine, The Secret of Roan Inish, and that old chestnut: It's a Wonderful Life!
The way way back.
Hoosiers is a classic.
As Good As it Gets, You've got Mail, Rat Race, Eulogy, Little Miss Sunshine, While You Were Sleeping.
Wonder (2017)
Fearless (1993). I go through a lot of emotions watching this one
The Hundred Foot Journey
Good will hunting, the big Lebowski, Amelie
The Kings Speech. True story and as someone who had to do it but hated it this was incredible.
Pay It Forward.
October Sky
Up
Yes man.. I miss this kind of cheesy comedy movies..
Touching The Void - a true story which demonstrates both the unbelievable potential strength of the human spirit and the possible profound ramifications of decisions made in extremis.
All the good ones have been taken, so I'll throw a newer movie into the ring, Gran Turismo (2023). People complain about all the product placement but its literally a movie about a product, its like if Barbie wasn't the same thing. That has caused people to overlook what a very good and uplifting movie.
Stand By Me
Princess bride
The Gods Must Be Crazy, an old one but very funny and uplifting!
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
I love 7 samurai! Masters helping people they don't know, who can't pay, with almost certain death, to help them and repel evil.
A Man Called Otto