Hey readers! Are you looking for the best inspirational English movies? If yes, congrats, you have landed on the right page! There are a lot of English movies that you can watch during your leisure. However, these movies which I have listed in this article will make a deep impact on you and make you feel motivated. No matter what happens in life, watch these movies and you will feel that the problems and the hardships are nothing at all.
Best Inspirational English Movies
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption is one of the best inspirational English movies, where a banker named Andy Dufresne is twice serving a life sentence for murdering his wife. Though he is innocent, he has been falsely accused of the murder. Despite the frustrations of prison life, Andy never loses hope and eventually finds a way to overcome his circumstances.
- IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
- Cast: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and more
- Director: Frank Darabont.
- Movie Duration: 142 minutes.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
This movie is based on a true story, Chris Gardner, who struggles with homelessness while raising his 5-year-old son. It is one of the best inspirational business movies to watch for all entrepreneurs. As a salesman, he invests in bone density equipment but loses everything when none of it gets sold. After that, Chris works as an intern at a brokerage firm without getting paid, exhibiting the power of resilience and determination to secure a better future for himself and his son.
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
- Cast: Will Smith (Chris Gardner), Jaden Smith (Christopher), Thandie Newton (Linda), Brian Howe (Jay Twistle).
- Director: Gabriele Muccino.
- Movie Duration: 117 minutes.
3. 50/50 (2011)
50/50 is one of the best inspirational English movies which portrays the life of a 27-year-old radio journalist with a rare form of colon cancer. With a 50/50 chance of survival, he overcomes the complications of his illness, supported by his best friend Kyle. The film explores themes of friendship, love, and humor found in life’s darker moments, as Adam’s health journey is transformative and deeply human!
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and more
- Director: Jonathan Levine
- Movie Duration: 100 minutes
4. Rocky (1976)
This movie is all about Rocky Balboa, a Philadelphia boxer, who gets an unexpected shot at the heavyweight championship. Despite his stereotype, Rocky’s indomitable spirit and determination to “go the distance” against Apollo Creed earns him self-respect. His journey isn’t just about boxing, it’s about proving to himself that he can rise above his circumstances.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, and more
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Movie Duration: 119 minutes
5. Freedom Writers (2007)
This is one of the best inspirational English movies that everyone must watch once. The movie is about Erin Gruwell, a young teacher in California who inspires a class of students who have emotional and psychological problems to learn tolerance and education beyond high school. Through education, students can express their experiences and realize and begin to see the value in their words and their lives.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Cast: Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton, and more
- Director: Richard LaGravenese
- Movie Duration: 123 minutes
6. Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is one of the best inspirational English movies that will make us emotional and inspired by the life of Forrest Gump. Forrest despite having a few mental challenges, continues to participate in important historical events in America and leads a wonderful life. He strives as a college football star, fights in Vietnam, etc. The movie also talks about Jenny Curran, who barely survives. with whom he has been deeply in love since childhood.
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and more
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Movie Duration: 142 minutes
7. Life of Pi (2012)
Has any survival movie inspired you a lot? If not then this movie will. Life of Pi is all about a young man named Pi who survives a shipwreck. A dangerous Bengal tiger also survives and he has to live with the tiger till he gets saved by someone. The movie is a survival film, yet the screenplay and the attitude of Pi who never gives up in any situation won the hearts of people.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, and more
- Director: Ang Lee
- Movie Duration: 127 minutes
8. Perfect Days (2023)
This is a movie that follows Hirayama, a cleaner who cleans public toilets in Tokyo. Her normal life is disrupted by the arrival of her runaway sister, causing a change and revealing some of her past. The story unfolds as Hirayama goes through his structured life, capturing the Komorebi moments and getting into old family connections that make her happy.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Cast: Koji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, and more
- Director: Wim Wenders
- Movie Duration: 125 minutes
9. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
This is really one of the most inspiring movies to watch as a 13-year-old boy from Malawi cleverly builds a windmill to save his family and village from famine and drought. The film tells his journey from a curious student to an inventor and showcases his determination and inventiveness. In adversity, he uses knowledge from books and just the scrap materials to build a windmill, bringing hope and change to his community.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Cast: Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and more
- Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Movie Duration: 113 minutes
10. King Richard (2021)
King Richard is none other than the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. This is a movie about the life of Richard Williams, and his efforts to showcase the talent of his children to the world. The movie shows his unwavering commitment to his daughters’ success and unique teaching methods in tennis. Despite the challenges, Richard’s dedication and belief in his daughters’ abilities make them legends in today’s tennis world! The dialogue in the movie is so deep and serves as short inspirational quotes for students that are useful for life!
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Cast: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, and more
- Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
- Movie Duration: 145 minutes
11. Big George Foreman (2023)
This movie is again a biopic of George Foreman and his journey from a poor childhood to world heavyweight champion. After he wins the championship, he also becomes a glorified minister inspiring a lot of people. Teh most inspiring part is he returned to boxing after a long gap and created the history of the oldest champion boxing at the age of 45! The life story of George makes it one of the best inspirational English movies to watch!
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Cast: Khris Davis, Jasmine Mathews, and more.
- Director: George Tillman Jr.
- Movie Duration: 129 minutes
12. Darkest Hour (2017)
The Darkest Hour is a movie set during World War II and portrays the life story of Winston Churchill and his early days as Prime Minister of Britain. During his reign, Britain faced the threat of Nazi Germany, and he was put in several diplomatic complications where he must decide whether to negotiate peace or fight for his country’s independence. The film shows his leadership through Britain’s darkest times and his efforts to rally his people against invasion
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and more
- Director: Joe Wright
- Movie Duration: 125 minutes
13. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Life is Beautiful is a heart-touching story and one of the best inspirational English movies that I have ever seen! The movie is all about a Jewish Italian bookshop owner who uses humor and wit to protect her child from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. This movie is the best example that portrays the love of a father and is worth watching for all.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Cast: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, and more
- Director: Roberto Benigni
- Movie Duration: 116 minutes
14. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This is a wonderful movie that inspires all of us by making us realize the importance and value of life. The movie is about George Bailey who plans to commit suicide. An angel shows him the impact he has had on the community and what life would be like without him. The film is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the value of individual lives and the difference one person can make.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, and more
- Director: Frank Capra
- Movie Duration: 131 minutes
15. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of the most inspiring movies to watch as it is a visual exploration of the beauty of the world. Walter Mitty goes for a job at Life magazine. He is a daydreamer and embarks on a worldwide adventure to find a missing photograph for the magazine’s latest print.
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Cast: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, and more
- Director: Ben Stiller
- Movie Duration: 114 minutes
16. Stronger (2017)
Stronger is a biographical movie that tells the story of Jeff Bauman who lost his leg in the Boston Marathon bombing and became a symbol of hope. The film portrays the physical and emotional recovery from the bombing with hope which is an important message in the film. Jeff faces the challenge of depression and the journey of healing with a never-give-up attitude that makes the movie inspiring!
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, and more
- Director: David Gordon Green
- Movie Duration: 119 minutes
17. Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Hacksaw Ridge” is a movie about Desmond T. Hacksaw, a conscientious objector who worked as a medic during World War II. It is one of the best inspirational English movies that tells us about the importance of being kind and helpful. Hacksaw, despite not being treated well by his fellow soldiers, saved the lives of seventy-five men during the Battle of Okinawa without firing a single shot. His unwavering faith and courage are a lesson to all.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Cast: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, and more
- Director: Mel Gibson
- Movie Duration: 139 minutes
18. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The Beautiful Mind is one of the best inspirational English movies that tells the life story of John Forbes Nash Jr., a brilliant mathematician who revolutionized economic theory with his game theory. However, Nash gets affected by schizophrenia, a brain disease and he struggles with depression. The film explores Nash’s struggles with his mental health, his strain on his relationships, and his eventual triumph over adversity. It is a touching story of wisdom, love, and the enduring human spirit.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Cast: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, and more
- Director: Ron Howard
- Movie Duration: 135 minutes
19. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dead Poets Society is all about an English teacher John Keating who encourages his students at an all-boys preparatory school to embrace poetry and save the day. Keating’s unique teaching methods encourage children to challenge their status and follow their passions. The film is a testament to the impact of inspirational teaching and the traumatic journey of self-discovery and personalization faced by students.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Cast: Robin Williams, and more
- Director: Peter Weir
- Movie Duration: 128 minutes
20. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting is another biopic that narrates the life of self-taught professor Will Hunting. While he was working as a janitor at MIT, his talent for math was discovered by Gerald Lambeau who is a professor at the university. Will must confront his past and inner demons with the help of therapist Sean Maguire. The film deals with themes of identity, love, etc. making it one of the best inspirational English movies!
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Cast: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, and more
- Director: Gus Van Sant
- Movie Duration: 126 minutes
21. The Theory Of Everything
The Theory of Everything is one of the best inspirational English movies which is a biopic of the physicist Stephen Hawking. The film talks about his early years at Cambridge, and his his brilliant career in theoretical physics. Also, the movie stresses his battle with motor neuron disease. Hawking’s determination, and his support for Jane, despite his brutal diagnosis at the age of 21 inspires him to defy the odds and make a significant contribution to science!
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, and more
- Director: James Marsh
- Movie Duration: 2h 3m
22. Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild “Into the Wild” tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who hikes to Alaska after graduating from Emory University and leaves behind his possessions. He uses up all his savings to travel around the world, live in the wilderness, meet new people, etc. The film talks bout his journey of self-discovery and stress on the meaning of life.
- IMDb Rating:8.1/10
- Cast: Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, and more
- Director: Sean Penn
- Movie Duration: 148 minutes
23. The Truman Show
The Truman Show is a comedy-drama movie starring our favorite Jim Carrey, that delves into the life of Truman Burbank, a man who is unaware that his entire life has been a reality TV show! The film explores liberalism, reality, etc. making it one of the best inspirational English movies in the world! Truman slowly discovers the truth about his arrival and fights to escape his artificial world which makes us realize the truth of the real world.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Cast: Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, and more
- Director: Peter Weir
- Movie Duration: 1h 43m
24. Moneyball
Moneyball is a sports drama movie which has been inspired by the true story of Billy Bean, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team. He is a talented baseball coach who faced difficulties gathering a team with a tight budget, Bean changed the course of the team by using statistical analysis to recruit undervalued players and still managed to win. The film is one of the best inspirational English movies which makes us realize the importance of teamwork and innovation.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and more
- Director: Bennett Miller
- Movie Duration: 2h 13m
25. The Blind Side
Blind Side is one of the best inspirational English movies which is actually a true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and troubled boy who becomes an All-American football player and first NFL draft pick with the help of Leigh Ann Tuohy and her family. The film highlights the power of love, acceptance, and the impact of an opportunity, while also addressing issues of race and class.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Cast: Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, and more
- Director: John Lee Hancock
- Movie Duration: 2h 9m
