Heartwarming Inspirational Movies You Must Watch Before You Die0

Forrest Gump- I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t know this one.  It’s a heartwarming story about overcoming disabilities and reaching for your dreams no matter who you are.  There may be a few dragging moments in this film, but you’re always gonna be anxious for what’s gonna happen next.

Pay It Forward- Haley Joel Osmentmade a stunning performance in this film.  It’s all about the networking business, but what you’re selling is goodwill.  After the release of this movie, the line “pay it forward” became more and more popular, until you could not mention it without automatically giving reference to the film.

Braveheart- Who could ever forget Mel Gibson’s shout of “Freedom!”  Set in the 13thcentury, this film mostly dedicates its minutes to battle scenes so if you’re into action and swordfight, then you’ll enjoy watching this one.  Braveheartis one of the most patriotic movies of all time.

Dead Poets Society – There is a tenuous thread of melancholy throughout this film, and although it may not be one that can be classified as heavy drama, it does always keep you thinking.  It isn’t one of my favorites, but truly inspirational nonetheless.

The Sound of Music – Now here’s one that’s truly a classic.  The Sound of Music is one of those movies you can’t get sick of watching.  It has a heartwarming atmosphere to it, beginning with the sets, the characters, the singing, and everything else that has blended into something real – a truly great masterpiece.  Music truly does touch the heart.

The Green Mile – Not all prisoners are guilty, and not all big people are violent.  Watching this film makes you wanna get in there and do something to help this guy but there is just no way.  The Green Mile embodies the concept of giving without expecting anything in return… a must-see, I should say.

The Color Purple– I was a little surprised to see WhoopiGoldberg in a film that wasn’t intended to make you laugh your lungs out – and play the character just as well.  This movie covers the whole genre of friendship and family, depicting the characters’ struggles against the culture of their time and the oppressive forces of society.

October Sky – This one is based on a true story about a boy who went deep in interest about rockets when the Russian satellite Sputnik was first launched into space – obviously, this is based on a true story.  In spite of what everyone told him – to get a grip on reality and focus on the real stuff at hand – he never stopped going after his dream, even if it meant making monumental sacrifices.

Valiant– Valiant is an animated film, centrally based on the notion that being small and different doesn’t make you inferior to everyone else.  This is a great film for kids to get lessons from, and for the not so young to enjoy or maybe get a wakeupcall.

Erin Brockovich – This film by actress Julia Roberts is based on true events.  It depicts the struggles that one faces in a not-so-ordinary situation, and the sacrifices a mother does for her children.  ..Two thumbs up for this one.

City of Angels – How far would you go to be with the person you love?  For Nicolas Cage, it was the distance between heaven and earth – literally.  City of Angels rekindles our belief in the good, and brings us back in touch with the reality that there is a Higher Being in control, and consequently, not all of our plans may come into completion.

Touch the Top of the World– This movie is one of the greatest performances by Peter Facinelli, and is based on a true story about the first blind man to peak Mt. Everest.  Again, the presence of a handicap does not necessarily mean failure.

The Miracle Worker– I truly love this film.  This is one of the best movie performances by a child actor, I must say.  Based on the life of HellenKeller and her struggle through life as a blind-deaf-mute girl since birth, this film truly awakens us to the things we have in life that we must be thankful for.  And of course, again, that handicaps can only be barriers if we allow them to be.

WALL·E– This Disney Pixarfilm is, in my opinion, one of the best of its kind.  The story ventures into a futuristic view of the earthif nature were to continue along its downhill walk to extinction… and the love story is epic.  This film, I should say, is in a whole other level.  You haven’t seen Pixaruntil you’ve watched this.

Miracle on 34th Street – Good for the holidays and the regular days, this movie is about the world’s fading belief in Santa Claus and everything he stands for – hope, love, kindness, generosity, imagination, reality.  This film keeps you wondering until the very end, and of course, touches your heart along the way.

The Lion King – I watched this film five times in the movies when I was a kid, and it was the first movie I ever saw on the silver screen.  For those who haven’t seen this, go and buy a copy now.  Basically the story is about family, friends, courage and bravery, and the value of putting the past behind you and moving on – while keeping the good memories and with you as you do.

The Pursuit of Happyness­­ – This is one of the greatest movies by Will Smith.  It’s truly amazing how a man can take it all without anyone even getting a hint of what he’s going through.  Money can make you happy momentarily, but it can’t buy you happiness.

Big Fish – Fairy tale mixed with reality – that’s what this movie is like.  It’s basically about the relationship between a father and a son, and most of the minutes are taken up showing flashbacks of the father’s experiences when he was younger – with a mix of fantasy.  However, eventually, all these “mythical” creatures turn up, which leaves you wondering if they really truly happened.

Finding Amanda – This is a story about a man attempting to rescue his niece from drugs, alcohol and prostitution.  However, he himself is struggling with addiction problems of his own.  And instead of being the good guy trying to lecture a rebellious teenager, the situation turns the other way around until he finally realizes he had found not Amanda, but himself. 

Eight Below– This movie is set in the icy regions of the earth, where a pack of snow dogs are sent on a mission. But the forces of nature catch up with them and they have to fight for survival on their own.  I don’t usually like animal stories where you always pity the helpless pup, but this one’s an exception.