Movies are for entertainment and escapism, but they can also be so much more. They can leave a lasting impact on audiences long after the credits have stopped rolling, no matter the genre—a great comedy can lift one’s spirits, while an intense drama can leave one moved. For some viewers, movies can even be life-changing, offering a new perspective on life which makes it impossible to walk away from without being affected.
Some of the most impactful movies are ones about living life to the fullest, whether they focus on making a difference in the lives of others or simply enjoying your time while you have it. They’re inspiring, motivational stories about embracing who you really are, and they can serve as moving reminders of all that life has to offer.
10
‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006)
Dir. Gabriele Muccino
In The Pursuit of Happyness, single father and struggling salesman Chris Gardner (Will Smith) does his best to lift himself out of poverty and build a good life for himself and his 5-year-old son, all while facing multiple struggles and setbacks, including the loss of Chris’ job and their apartment. The film also marks the debut of Will Smith’s son, Jaden Smith, who plays Christopher Jr., and is based on a true story.
The Pursuit of Happyness is a moving film about the ways people can struggle in life, the amount of hard work it can take to get ahead and how difficult it can be to overcome those problems and achieve success, no matter what you do—and watching Chris finally do so is very satisfying. It’s also relatable, from the ways Chris struggles financially to the impact it has on his relationship.
The Pursuit of Happyness
- Director
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Gabriele Muccino
- Cast
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Will Smith
, Todd Black
, Jason Blumenthal
, James Lassiter
, Steve Tisch
, DeVon Franklin - Writers
-
Steven Conrad
9
‘The Bucket List’ (2007)
Dir. Rob Reiner
Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman star in The Bucket List as Edward and Carter, two very different men who meet by chance when they share a hospital room. After they’re both diagnosed with terminal cancer, they decide to leave the hospital and enjoy what time they have left by going on a road trip and completing their respective bucket lists—all the things they want to do and experience before they die.
The Bucket List is a heartwarming movie about making the most of what limited time one has left—and it touches on the things that very different people with very different lives can have in common, including illness and death, which no one can avoid. Despite poor critical reception, audiences enjoyed the movie and its optimistic view of the end of life, as well as its depiction of of an unlikely friendship.
8
‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ (2013)
Dir. Ben Stiller
In The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the titular Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) works for Life magazine developing photos, and in order to escape the monotony of his job, he imagines himself as the hero of thrilling daydreams, while crushing on co-worker Cheryl (Kristen Wiig). In addition to starring in the film, Stiller also directs, and the movie was based on the short story of the same name by James Thurber.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is about much more than escaping the boredom of work—it’s about living in the moment and the big ways taking risks can pay off. It also serves as an uplifting reminder that although life can be difficult, it can also be beautiful, and things can and will improve. On top of the moving story, it also features some gorgeous scenery thanks to its filming locations.
Walter Mitty, a daydreaming magazine employee, embarks on a global adventure to find a missing photograph that’s crucial for his publication. Through his journey, he discovers courage, new experiences, and a life beyond his wildest dreams.
- Release Date
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December 25, 2013
- Writers
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Steve Conrad
7
‘The Darjeeling Limited’ (2007)
Dir. Wes Anderson
A year after their father’s death, three estranged brothers, who haven’t spoken since—Francis (Owen Wilson), Peter (Adrien Brody) and Jack (Jason Schwartzman)—embark on a train trip across India in The Darjeeling Limited. Each brother is also struggling with something in their lives. Francis was recently in motorcycle accident, Peter is having a hard time handling his wife’s pregnancy and Jack is obsessing over an ex. Eventually, they become stranded in the desert.
The Darjeeling Limited is not only marked by Wes Anderson’s distinct style, but it’s a funny and charming yet emotional film about the complicated relationships between family members and the ways they can hurt each other, plus the ways they can reconcile. The film also deals with moving forward from the past but not forgetting it and not ignoring its impact, as well as the profound effect a major event can have on a person, both good and bad.
- Release Date
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September 29, 2007
6
‘Amélie’ (2001)
Dir. Jean-Pierre Jeunet
A young woman named Amélie (Audrey Tautou)—who has an active imagination due to being homeschooled and lonely as a child—secretly influences the lives of everyone around in a quest to help them find their happiness her in French comedy-drama Amélie, set in the Montmartre district of Paris. In the midst of her meddling, she falls in love. The film was directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and has also been adapted as a stage musical.
Amélie is a sweet movie about the ways small chains of events can lead to something larger, and it’s a reminder of how the little things in life can make a big difference and matter quite a lot to people, as well as a reminder of how much joy life has to offer. Amélie’s quest to make people happy is a lovely and admirable one, and it’s a delight to watch it play out.
Amélie
- Release Date
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August 16, 2001
- Director
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Jean-Pierre Jeunet
- Cast
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Audrey Tautou
, Mathieu Kassovitz - Writers
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Jean-Pierre Jeunet
5
‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)
Dir. Gus Van Sant
Despite having a genius-level IQ, a photographic memory and a gift for mathematics, Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is working as a janitor at MIT in Good Will Hunting. After solving a graduate-level math problem—and getting arrested—Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard) realizes how much potential Will has and decides to help him realize it. The movie was written by Damon and Ben Affleck and won them the Oscar for Best Screenplay.
Good Will Hunting remains among both Affleck and Damon’s best work and one of the best films of the ‘90s. The movie is about moving on from one’s past, embracing one’s talents rather than stifling them and looking towards the future—and that there’s much more to a person than their intelligence or what you might know about them. The movie also boasts an impressive cast, with stars whose careers were just beginning.
Good Will Hunting
- Release Date
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December 5, 1997
4
‘Harold and Maude’ (1971)
Dir. Hal Ashby
In Harold and Maude, while they’re both attending a funeral for fun, Harold (Bud Cort)—rich, disillusioned and obsessed with death—meets the nearly 80-year-old Maude (Ruth Gordon), an optimist who’s still full of life, despite her age and despite every reason not to be. Maude shows Harold a different perspective, and the two develop a relationship as he falls in love with her. The movie also features a soundtrack by Cat Stevens.
Harold and Maude is a beloved cult classic which has been likened to the work of Wes Anderson, and it’s wonderful to watch, with equal parts dark humor and sweet sincerity, although it was a box-office failure when it was released. The two characters couldn’t be more different, which is what makes the movie such a delight—it celebrates what makes them different from other people, and in doing so, it’s a movie about making the most of life.
Young, rich, and obsessed with death, Harold finds himself changed forever when he meets lively septuagenarian Maude at a funeral.
- Release Date
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December 20, 1971
- Director
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Hal Ashby
- Cast
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Ruth Gordon
, Bud Cort
, Vivian Pickles
, Cyril Cusack
, Charles Tyner
, Ellen Geer - Writers
-
Colin Higgins
- Tagline
-
3
‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ (1986)
Dir. John Hughes
Teenager Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) has a reputation for skillfully skipping class and not getting caught, and he intends to have one last big day out on the town in Chicago before graduation, along with his girlfriend and uptight best friend, in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Meanwhile, Principal Rooney (Jeffrey Jones) is suspicious of Ferris’ “illness” and is determined to catch him. The movie was written, co-produced and directed by ‘80s teen-movie icon John Hughes.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a fun ‘80s classic with a different take on living life to the fullest—while most movies on the subject are dramas about the meaning of life, Ferris Bueller is about having fun and not taking life too seriously. Ferris both begins and ends the film by saying, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
A popular high school student, admired by his peers, decides to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off, to the chagrin of his Principal, who’ll do anything to stop him.
- Release Date
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June 11, 1986
- Director
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John Hughes
- Cast
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Jennifer Grey
, Matthew Broderick
, Mia Sara
, Alan Ruck
, Jeffrey Jones - Writers
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John Hughes
- Tagline
-
2
‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)
Dir. Robert Zemeckis
In Forrest Gump, the most pivotal moments of life in America from the 1950s through the ‘70s are explored from the perspective of the titular character (Tom Hanks), who has an IQ of 75—and the unwavering support of his mother, who never treats him differently. The film follows Forrest from his relationship with his troubled childhood friend Jenny (Robin Wright) to his deployment during the Vietnam War and is based on the novel of the same name.
Forrest Gump is a sweet, uplifting movie that’s considered a classic story of quintessential American life, and it earned critical praise, including six Academy Awards. The film deals with the themes of pushing back against societal expectations and not letting one’s circumstances in life serve as a limitation. It’s also known for Forrest’s mother’s saying that life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.
Forrest Gump
The history of the United States from the 1950s to the ’70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75 who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.
- Writers
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Winston Groom
, Eric Roth
1
‘Dead Poets Society’ (1989)
Dir. Peter Weir
In Dead Poets Society, John Keating (Robin Williams) is hired as the new English teacher at an all boys’ prep school with a reputation for old traditions and high standards. The students are under a lot of pressure both at home and at school, and Keating’s unconventional methods inspire them to think for themselves and “carpe diem”—seize the day. One student in particular is torn between his parents’ expectations and his personal desires.
Dead Poets Society is a moving, emotional coming-of-age drama about living life for oneself rather than doing what others want and expect, as well as the importance and impact of the arts. Among its most compelling moments is the scene in which Keating is quietly leaving his classroom for the last time when the boys reference the poem “O Captain, My Captain” and stand on their desks as a sign of solidarity.
Dead Poets Society
Maverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys’ boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.
- Release Date
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June 2, 1989
- Writers
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Tom Schulman
