Over the years, specific films I’ve loved became my go-to-resources for inspiration whenever I felt lost, alone or hopeless. These are movies that injected my mind and spirit with a vision and a clear reminder of what courage, confidence and indestructible optimism looks like. They showed me heroes with unshakable faith and their solutions for overcoming immense challenges. They inspired me to persevere through dark times such as burnout from work, personal tragedy, unexpected financial crisis and clinical depression.
This list of my personal favourites was compiled based on multiple viewings over several decades. Watching these films became part of my creative coping strategies. They always remind me of my inner strengths and they can empower you to remember yours too. These cinematic role models demonstrate a high level of positivity, resilience and indestructible optimism!
Being There (1979)
Chance (Peter Sellers) is a simple-minded gardener who sees the world through child-like eyes. He can only communicate to others in metaphors of gardening which is always uplifting and positive. Read more: #654
Cinderella Man (2005)
James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) is a professional boxer that maintains a positive attitude and will to survive with his family during many years of the Great Depression. Based on a true story. Read more: #3 #41 #47 #54 #122 #147 #175 #233 #335 #347 #395 #475
Contact (1997)
Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) maintains her belief and dream of making contact with alien life despite people and setbacks that block her journey. Read more: #39 #129 #200 #300 #577 #840 #937
The Edge (1997)
Charles Morse (Anthony Hopkins) is a wealthy man who is able to apply his love of reading and knowledge to survive a plan crash in the Alaskan wilderness. Despite being the oldest of the group he takes on a strong leadership role. Read more: #45 #47 #123
Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Michael "Eddie" Edwards (Taron Egerton) has a dream of ski jumping in the Olympics and perseveres despite a lack of experience or the support of his country of Britain. Based on a true story. Read more: #953 #980
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) is a single mother who discovers an environmental disaster that has poisoned a community and is driven to find justice for its victims. Based on a true story. Read more: #25 #47 #501 #937 #986
Freedom Writers (2007)
Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) is a teacher in a racially divided Los Angeles school determined to connect and educate a class of at-risk teenagers. Based on a true story. Read more: #92 #94 #342 #501 #937 #951
Invictus (2009)
President Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) has a big vision to unite South Africa that is racially and economically divided through the sport of rugby. Based on a true story. Read more: #327 #335 #451 #849
The King’s Speech (2010)
Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) is an Australian actor and speech therapist who is determined and confident that he can help England's Prince Albert (Colin Firth) overcome his stammer. Based on a true story. Read more: #424 #433 #476 #538
Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is a student of fashion merchandising and determined to excel at Harvard Law School despite prejudice against her outward appearance and personality. Read more: #105 #175 #937
Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is an astronaut presumed dead and stranded on the planet Mars and uses all his skills and abilities to maintain his positivity that he will be rescued. Read more: #892 #900 #967
Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is a British officer determined to complete his mission to hunt down and capture an enemy vessel in 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars. Inspired by a true story. Read more: #293 #300 #834 #926
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)
Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) is newly appointed to the United States Senate and stands his ground to speak on the government corruption he discovers despite overwhelming obstacles and pressure to stay silent. Read more: #31 #47 #583 #589
Morning Glory (2010)
Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) is a newly hired producer on a national morning-news program and is determined to save it from cancellation and remain positive. Read more: #482
Pleasantville (1998)
David/Bud (Tobey Maguire) is a high school student who helps an entire community transform into being true to their individual gifts and feelings despite many people who are fighting and fearing change. Read more: #1 #30 #71 #197 #200 #212 #562 #840
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is a retired boxing champion who returns to the ring one last time after years of much success and loss. Read more: #18 #47 #99 #104 #335 #395 #717
Rudy (1993)
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) has a dream to play college football at the University of Notre Dame and accomplishes his goal despite a lack of grades and money. Based on a true story. Read more: #254 #300 #335 #475 #533 #980
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is a wrongfully accused banker with a life sentence and who maintains a positive, resilient attitude to survive and eventually be free. Read more: #47 #123 #188 #200 #362 #373 #395 #451 #533 #577 #834
Tomorrowland (2015)
Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) is a high school student who always sees the optimistic side of life and whose positive spirit is the key to saving the planet and to inspire Frank Walker (George Clooney), a disgruntled recluse, to rediscover his own optimism. Read more: #855 #958
Tucker: The Man and his Dream (1988)
Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) is an inventor determined to create a futuristic, safer car for the masses despite being suppressed by Detroit's auto manufacturers. Inspired by a true story. Read more: #235 #300 #376
BONUS EXTRA:
• Hidden Figures (2016): See Tip#1022
• The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): #22 #23 #40 #47 #84 #122 #136 #147 #197 #270 #300 #347 #395 #456 #475 #583
Having a vision of what indestructible optimism looks like is key to activating it within yourself. And about half of these movie heroes were based or inspired by real people which makes their stories even more inspirational. Let these movies be visions and mirrors for your own inner strengths to persevere with your challenges in life or at work. And take the time to identify your favourite films that always lift you up and make this a list of your own go-to-resources.
You already have the confidence and courage within to move forward even if you don't feel it. Believe it! And then remember there are cinematic role models you can watch anytime that are ready to lift you up and show you how to activate your indestructible optimism!
Related Tips:
Tip#200: How To Build Indestructible Optimism - Top 9 Movie Tips
Tip#593: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 1 - Argo
Tip#904: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 2 – Depression - The 33
Tip#974: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 3 - Ghostbusters 2016
Tip#977: Remember Your Indestructible Optimism, Part 4 - Me Before You
Tip#998: Top 20 Movies on How To Activate Indestructible Optimism!
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MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes
Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation
Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
The Movies-For-Motivation Speaker
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism
See website: www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2016
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