Having a hard time starting work on Monday? Well, that is a feeling everyone has had. While there are plenty that can be done, one of the best way to inspire oneself is to catch a great movie. That should be easy given the extensive movie library of Netflix. However, with hundreds of movies to choose from, finding the right one is no small feat. But no longer. Here is a handpicked list of the best motivational movies on Netflix, created to inspire.
1. Moonlight (2016)
Source: rogerebert.com
- Director: Barry Jenkins
- Writer: Barry Jenkins
- Cast: Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe
- IMDb Ratings: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
It is perhaps the best place to start. The Academy Award-winning movie chronicles three stages of the life of its protagonist- Chiron. Hailed as one of the finest films of this century, Moonlight explores the question of sexuality and selfhood in a torn environment in a way like never before.
2. Julie & Julia (2009)
Source: cageclub.com
- Director: Nora Ephron
- Writer: Nora Ephron
- Cast: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci
- IMDb Ratings: 7.0
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Julie & Julia has a certain charm to its brand of storytelling that only Meryl Streep and Amy Adams could bring. Julie faces a steep target in her life in cooking all the recipes from Julia Child’s book in a year. Though faced with challenges, she perseveres. Streep brilliantly renders out Julia Child on-screen and elevates the film to a surreal level.
3. Marriage Story (2019)
Source: medium.com
- Director: Noah Baumbach
- Writer: Noah Baumbach
- Cast: Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver
- IMDb Ratings: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The film witnesses Scarlett Johansson at the peak of her craft. The movie has already proved its merit and should not be missed. Noah Baumbach struck a great balance between compassion, pain and angst in her work. Marriage Story accurately captures the feelings that a divorce can bring and the emotional strain it can leave behind.
4. Miracle (2004)
Source: amazon.com
- Director: Gavin O’Connor
- Writer: Eric Guggenheim and Mike Rich
- Cast: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
It is quite a challenge for a sports movie to stand out, given the genre’s saturation. But Miracle does and does so spectacularly. It encapsulates the pride of an entire nation that manifests in the victorious tale U.S Ice Hockey team. The tale of winning against the Soviets in the Winter Olympics deserved admiration. And the movie earns that beautifully.
5. Lady Bird (2017)
Source: Netflix.com
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Writer: Greta Gerwig
- Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts
- IMDb Ratings: 9.4
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Ronan, through her performance, tells the story of every teen. That aspect of relatability is what makes the film stand out. Lady Bird takes itself very seriously in not shying away from the trials and tribulations of teenage years. It is an individualistic and truly one of a kind movie for every young adult to watch.
6. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Source: Netflix.com
- Director: David O. Russell
- Writer: David O. Russell.
- Cast: Jacki Weaver, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence
- IMDb Ratings: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
A combination of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence can never backfire. Silver Linings Playbook resonates with every broken heart. It is a story of healing and fighting back the traumas. That was certainly not easy stuff to bring out, but the duo achieves it effortlessly.
7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Source: npr.org
- Director: Stephen Chbosky
- Writer: Stephen Chbosky
- Cast: Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman
- IMDb Ratings: 8.0
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Based on the popular Stephen Chbosky, it is another inspiring movie for those on adulthood’s threshold. The film develops as a means of coping mechanism for Charlie and told with care is a great journey to witness and learn from
8. Carol (2015)
Source: rogerebert.com
- Director: Todd Haynes
- Writer: Phyllis Nagy
- Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson
- IMDb Ratings: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Carol is one of those movies that needs to be watched without wasting any more time. Set in the 1950s, the film tells a story of love that society would never have wanted to happen. But love finds its way. Carol is a statement of determination and one of inspiration and acceptance.
9. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Source: rogerebert.com
- Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Writer: Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Aïssa Maïga
- IMDb Ratings: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The film is a real tale of admiration and steadfastness. Will and his village face a severe crisis for survival. Following the riots and drought in his village, he finds a way for his community to sustain itself. It’s inspiring and motivating to see Will succeed and thrive.
10. Hugo (2011)
Source: rogerebert.com
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Writer: John Logan
- Cast: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Hugo inspires in quite an unthinkable fashion. Scorsese takes his protagonist through a magical journey in the streets of Paris. Entangled in an unexpected journey, Hugo with Isabelle discovers the unimaginable. Chirpy and fun, the Academy Award-winning film can cheer up any mind.
11. Spotlight (2015)
Source: rogerebert.org
- Director: TomMcCarthy
- Writer: Tom McCarthy
- Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams
- IMDb Ratings: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The story is about a secret that was never supposed to be exposed. The movie is about The Boston Globe’s journalist who discovers unsavoury truths about Roman Catholics. A tale of bringing justice, the movie delivers big time.
12. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Source: imdb.com
- Director: Gus Van San
- Writer: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
- Cast: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
- IMDb Ratings: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Chances are you have already come across the film so that you will know its greatness. The story tells the genius of Will Hunting. But above, his genius speaks about the value of a good mentor and a friend Robin Williams’ Dr. Sean is. The film can be watched and rewatched a million times and never fails to touch the heart.
13. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Source: variety.com
- Director: Robert Mulligan
- Writer: Horton Foote
- Cast: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Robert Duvall
- IMDb Ratings: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Based on the Harper Lee novel, the film is an all-time classic. Despite releasing half a century ago, the movie remains relevant in today’s world. Most importantly, it remains a story of willingness to make a change to a broken social structure. The movie is quite everlasting.
14. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Source: Hollywood reporter.com
- Director: Frank Darabont
- Writer: Stephen King
- Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, William Sadler
- IMDb Ratings: 9.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Another movie everyone is aware of and the perfect one to end the list with. There can be very few better stories of friendship and hope than The Shawshank Redemption. Andy’s optimism is infectious and motivating and is a source of hope even in the worst of times.
15. Lion (2016)
Source: ft.com
- Director: Garth Davis
- Writer: Luke Davies
- Cast: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara
- IMDb Ratings: 8.0
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The 2016 Oscar nominee is a quest for reaching back to one’s roots. Separated from his family very young, Saroo finds a route to Australia. It will only be years later that he will finally track down his village and return back. Telling a tale of love and reconciliation, the movie never ceases to give up on hope.
Sometimes help can arrive in the unlikeliest of forms. Movies can be the best way to inspire the most broken minds and provide inspiration. This list can prove to be the best way to end those stressed hours to give the energy to pick up and move on.
