Best Motivational Movies on Netflix to Watch Now

Having a hard time starting work on Monday? Well, that is a feeling everyone has had. While there is plenty that can be done, one of the best ways 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 inspiring movies available on Netflix, created to inspire. Here is the list of the best motivational movies on Netflix.

30. Air(2023)

• Director: Ben Affleck
• Writer: Alex Convery
• Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:93 %
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

With “Air” (2023), dive into the past with a story that sketches the birth of a legendary partnership. Back in 1984, Nike faced a tough decision of whether to save its deteriorating basketball shoe division or let it go. Marketing VP Rob Strasser and CEO Phil Knight enlist Sonny Vaccaro, a basketball talent scout, to bring a new face to their shoes.

The plot takes a major turn as Vaccaro fixates his vision of third pick Michael Jordan from the 1984 NBA draft. They work to secure the iconic endorsement, the film presents the determination, negotiations, and creative process that led to the creation of the famous “Air Jordan. ” The movie “Air” Provides a captivating narrative filled with a dose of nostalgia.

29. A League of Their Own (1992)

• Director: Penny Marshall
• Writer: Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel
• Cast: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Jon Lovitz, David Strathairn
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:81 %
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

“A League of Their Own” (1992) hits a home run with its heartwarming tale of women’s baseball during World War II. Starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Madonna, the film brings the struggles and triumphs of female athletes to the big screen.

With laughter, camaraderie, and a touch of history, this movie is a grand slam for anyone seeking an inspiring and entertaining story. Watch to cheer for the strong women who prove they can excel in a “men’s game” while forming unforgettable bonds on and off the field.

28. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

• Director: Ryan Murphy
• Writer: Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt
• Cast: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Richard Jenkins
• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:35 %
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

“Eat, Pray, Love” Is an enhancing trip with Julia Robert. She, as a woman, searches for meaning after a sad divorce. She travels all over the globe and tries different things to feel good and be with herself. From Italy’s delicious cuisine to spiritual growth in India, and finding love in Bali, she goes through a soulful exploration of self-discovery, adventure, and healing.

The stunning visuals and relatable story in this film make us remember the importance of embracing change, seeking happiness, and finding our destiny in life.

27. Get On Up (2014)

• Director: Tate Taylor
• Writer: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth
• Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis
• IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:80 %
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

“Get On Up” (2014) is a musical journey through the life of the all-time legend James Brown, acted excellently by Chadwick Boseman. This movie portrays it all, his humble beginnings to becoming the Godfather of Soul, highs, lows, and energetic performances.

With extraordinary narrative and tunes that make you want to dance, it’s a splendid experience that celebrates Brown’s effect on music and culture. To miss this movie is to miss the chance to groove to the rhythm of history and get to see Chadwick Boseman’s phenomenal talent in a role.

26. The Prom (2020)

• Director: Ryan Murphy
• Writer: Bob Martin, Chad Beguelin
• Cast: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Keegan-Michael Key, Andrew Rannells, Jo Ellen Pellman
• IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 54%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

The Prom is a dazzling musical that spreads the idea of acceptance and spreading love. When a small town in Indiana refuses to conduct a high school prom to avoid hosting a lesbian couple, Broadway stars enter in to save the day.

With the main stars being Meryl Streep and James Corden, the cast ignites the screen with their incredible performances and vibrant dance. The catchy tunes and heartfelt moments make The Prom a feel-good film that celebrates diversity. 

25. The Pursuit of Happyness (1994)

• Director: Gabriele Muccino
• Writer: Steven Conrad
• Cast: Will Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Jaden Smith
• IMDb Rating:8 /10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:67 %
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

It is one of the best motivational films and probably the best performance of Will Smith. 

“The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) is a tale of Chris Gardner’s path from homelessness to success. The main role is played by Will Smith who is faced with financial problems while taking care of his young son. With a strong determination to find a job, he joins an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm.

He hopes for a chance to get better at life. This inspiring movie portrays the journey of his life and celebrates the power of determination.

24. Paddington (2014)

• Director: Paul King
• Writer: Paul King
• Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Nicole Kidman
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

In the charming world of “Paddington”, there is a lovable bear from Peru, with a taste for marmalade, who discovers himself in London. This heartwarming movie takes us through Paddington’s life as he navigates the city brings smiles to those he meets and becomes part of the Brown family.

The delightful humor, whelming moments, and sparks of adventure in “Paddington” bring the sweet bear to life in a visually stunning manner.

23. Darkest Hour (2017)

• Director: Joe Wright
• Writer: Anthony McCarten
• Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup, Ben Mendelsohn
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:84 %
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

“Darkest Hour” (2017) takes us to a central moment in history. It was the time when Winston Churchill became the British Prime Minister during World War II. Gary Oldman’s marvelous performance brings Churchill’s leadership to life.

The film helps us to know the story behind closed doors, depicting the challenges he is faced with and the hard decisions that shape the fate of a nation. 

22. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

• Director: Morgan Neville
• Writer: Morgan Neville
• Cast: Fred Rogers, François Clemmons, Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Negri, David Newell, Tom Junod, Joanne Rogers
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score:97 %
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ (2018), a heartwarming documentary that brings Mr. Rogers to life once again. The film surrounds the life and works of Fred Rogers who is the beloved host of the iconic children’s TV show named ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.’

This movie blends hearts, nostalgia, and pieces of magic. The documentary brilliantly shows what behind the scenes of the show that touched millions of hearts looks like. This movie guarantees a dose of happiness and inspiration to the audience. 

21. The Karate Kid (2010)

• Director: Harald Zwart
• Writer: Christopher Murphey
• Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson
• IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

The plot revolves around a kid named Dre. He is a young school-going kid who gets bullied by a kid named Cheng in school. Cheng is a Kung Fu player, and he likes to tease kids at his school.

However, things change when Dre meets a man named Mr. Han, he is a Kung Fu expert, and he teaches Dre that Kung Fu is much more than violence and that Kung Fu can be used in self-defense and to achieve peace. 

20. Moonlight (2016)

• 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.

19. Julie & Julia (2009)

• Director: Nora Ephron
• Writer: Nora Ephron
• Cast: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci
• IMDb Ratings: 7.0
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

The movie 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.

18. Marriage Story (2019)

• 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. This epic divorce saga will be remembered for generations to come.

17. Miracle (2004)

• 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. Miracle is one of the best inspiring movies on Netflix.

16. Lady Bird (2017)

• 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 it one of the most inspiring movies. Lady Bird takes herself very seriously in not shying away from the trials and tribulations of her teenage years. It is an individualistic and truly one-of-a-kind movie for every young adult to watch.

15. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

• 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 achieved it effortlessly.

14. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

• 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 developed as a means of coping mechanism for Charlie, and is told with care is a great journey to witness and learn from. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of the most moving Netflix movies.

13. Carol (2015)

• 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 one must watch 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. This inspirational movie is so hard to ignore!

12. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

• 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.

11. Hugo (2011)

• 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 on a magical journey in the streets of Paris. Hugo, with Isabelle, is entangled in an unexpected journey and discovers the unimaginable. Chirpy and fun, the Academy Award-winning film can cheer up any mind.

10. Spotlight (2015)

• 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 unsavory truths about Roman Catholics. A tale of bringing justice, the movie delivers big time.

9. Good Will Hunting (1997)

• 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 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. Seas. The film can be watched and rewatched a million times and never fails to touch the heart.

8. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

• 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 and one of the best Netflix movies. 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.

7. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

• 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. The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most uplifting movies on Netflix.

6. Lion (2016)

• 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. Based on a true story, this movie aims to tell a tale of love and reconciliation; the movie never ceases to give up on hope.

Sometimes help can arrive in the unlikeliest of forms. This real-life story 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. The movie received a ton of awards and recognition, including Best Supporting Actor (Dev Patel), Best Supporting Actress (Nicole Kidman), and Best Adapted Screenplay.

5. Forrest Gump (1994)

• Director: Robert Zemeckis
• Writer: Winston Groom (Forrest Gump novel)
• Cast: Tom Hanks; Robin Wright; Gary Sinise; Mykelti Williamson; Sally Field
• IMDb Rating: 8.8
• Rotten Tomatoes: 70%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

Forrest Gump is one of the best inspirational movies that embodies the most versatile performance of Tom Hanks. In this feel-good movie, Hanks plays the character of a timid Forest Gump who has a lower IQ. He is seen recollecting the golden memories of the past when he was part of a major historical event.

He also has a burning desire to reunite with his crush Jenny. Forrest Gump is one of the best classic movies of the 90s. This movie has everything you wish to see in a movie: action, comedy, entertainment, music, romance, drama, and also brilliant acting.

4. Dunkirk (2017)

• Director: Christopher Nolan
• Writer: Christopher Nolan
• Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard
• IMDb Rating: 7.8
• Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
• Streaming Platform: Prime Video

Whenever the name Christopher Nolan comes up, just know that it is going to be a complicated yet unbelievably exciting ride. Dunkirk is one of the best inspirational movies that follows the life of allied troops who are summoned by the enemy forces.

They had to deal with extreme conditions to survive. This is the best film concentrated on British soldiers. The characters and their backgrounds are extremely detailed and beautifully written. The background music is extremely terrifying, and it adds a lot of charm to the thrilling storyline.

Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy created magic in the movie with their incredible performances. This inspiring movie is truly a masterpiece.

3. My Fair Lady (1964)

• Director: George Cukor
• Writer: Alan Jay Lerner (My Fair Lady novel)
• Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Gladys Cooper
• IMDb Rating: 7.8
• Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

My Fair Lady is one of the best motivational movies available on Netflix; that revolves around a fussy professor who pledges to make a timid flower girl named Elizabeth Doolittle into a presentable woman who knows all the manners and etiquette of high-class society.

Audrey Hepburn’s spellbound performance leaves the viewers awestruck every single time. This is such a captivating film with a list of memorable songs still cherished by people nowadays.

This movie has won four Academy Awards Nominations and received positive reviews from the audience. The movie is based on the popular novel by Alan Jay Lerner of the same name. This is one of the best classical movies on Netflix.

2. The Trial of The Chicago 7 (2020)

• Director: Aaron Sorkin
• Writer: Aaron Sorkin
• Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniel Flaherty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kelvin Harrison Jr.
• IMDb Rating: 7.7
• Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

This historical legal drama revolves around seven people on trial who were aiming to do a peaceful protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which eventually resulted in a clash with the National Guard and police.

The incredible script and unbeatable performance of the cast members will leave you speechless. The movie creators have created a gem that will stay in the hearts of people forever. This movie presents a powerful message that needs to be understood by everyone. This is one of the best inspiring movies in history.

1. 42 (2013)

• Director: Brian Helgeland
• Writer: Brian Helgeland
• Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni, André Holland, Lucas Black
• IMDb Rating: 7.5
• Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
• Streaming Platform: Netflix

This biographical sports film is about the beloved baseball player Jackie Robinson. He was the first black athlete who received the honor to play in Major League Baseball. The title of the movie denotes his jersey number. This movie has presented the issues of discrimination and racism towards black people insanely well.

Through this movie, we get to know about the hurdles the legendary baseball player has to go through to achieve his goal. This movie forces us to have a positive outlook on our problems in life and to fight our fears courageously. 42 is one of the most amazing inspirational movies.