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April 24, 2025
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While growing up, we all hit those moments when our inner fire needs a little rekindling. As Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Since films are one of the best things that have ever happened to humankind, you can always resort to motivational movies for students, which serve as the perfect form of education. Without further ado, let's get to the 23 best motivational movies for students, their cast, and famous dialogues.
23 Most Inspirational Movies for Students
The best inspirational movies for students don’t always need to be boring, with long monologues full of heavy words. Rather, these 23 motivational movies for students listed below will take you on a journey you will never want to return from.
1. Dead Poets Society
"No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world."
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Year of Release: 1989
Cast: John Keating, Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke
Genre: Comedy, Melodrama, Tragicomedy
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: This is one of the best motivational movies for students and is about an English teacher who inspires his students at a strict prep school to embrace poetry and seize life's opportunities. They form a secret club and learn to think for themselves. Tragedy strikes when the school's rules clash with their newfound freedom.
"Dead Poets Society" talks about breaking the shackles of tradition. It's still one of the top-grossing motivational movies for students. The issues addressed in this 1980s movie are what we still face today! Being one of the most encouraging movies for students teaches a valuable lesson—you must question the norms instead of blindly accepting everything.
2. Forrest Gump
"Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Year of Release: 1994
Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Action
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: Adding to the list of most motivational movies for students, this film follows a kind-hearted man with a low IQ. Despite challenges, he becomes a football star, war hero, and successful businessman. He's motivated by love for his childhood friend, Jenny.
“Forrest Gump” is one of the best motivational movies for students that shows it is not always easy to find happy endings! The movie is still one of the most relevant and encouraging movies for students as it was in the 1990s.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness
"It's okay to fail; it's not okay to quit."
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
Year of Release: 1994
Cast: Will Smith, Jaiden Smith, Thandiwe Newton
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Melodrama
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMOBlEcRuw8
Storyline: This is one of the most motivational movies for students and is based on a true story about Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman and single father who faces homelessness. He takes on an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm while caring for his son. Through perseverance and determination, he eventually secures a better future.
“The Pursuit of Happyness'' is, without a doubt, among the best inspirational movies for students. This life changing and one of the best motivational movies for students touches on happiness, something you can't put a number on but can definitely feel. As it’s also one of the best life lesson movies, you will also learn how to find happiness and share your joy with those you care about, even in extreme circumstances.
4. Good Will Hunting
"You'll have bad times, but that'll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to."
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Year of Release: 1994
Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Horror
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: Regarded as one of the best motivational movies for students, this film is about a young janitor named Will, who has extraordinary mathematical talent. Discovered by a professor, Will confronts his past traumas with the help of a therapist. Will navigates relationships and decides his future, ultimately embracing his potential for personal growth and success.
“Good Will Hunting” is one of the most motivational movies for students, addresses issues like educational stereotypes and shows how to win in life; the need to banish your fears is vital.
5. The Theory of Everything
"Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change."
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Year of Release: 2014
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Charlie Cox
Genre: Documentary, Historical drama, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: This is one of the most well-known motivational movies for students that portrays the life of physicist Stephen Hawking. It follows his early career breakthroughs, his diagnosis of ALS, and his relationship with Jane Hawking. Despite physical decline, this motivational movie for students talks about Stephen continuing his groundbreaking work on the universe's mysteries, showing resilience and the power of love.
“The Theory of Everything” is based on the life of Stephen Hawking and his endeavours leading to his unmatched success & efforts for a better world. This motivational movie for students explains the journey of Stephen Hawking's accomplishments despite his sickness: how he survived, prospered, and achieved success individually and for humanity's benefit. If you want to study at one of the best acting schools in the world, this movie will show Eddie Redmayne’s resilience to study ALS, meet ALS patients, and deliver a powerful performance.
6. The Social Network
"If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook."
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Year of Release: 2010
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake
Genre: Documentary, Drama, Historical Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: This inspirational movie for students dramatises Mark Zuckerberg's founding of Facebook. It explores his rise to success and his legal disputes with former partners. The film delves into ambition, friendship, and the complexities of entrepreneurship in the digital age.
“The Social Network” is the story of Mark Zuckerberg & the various situations he tackled to make Facebook what it is today. It is among the best movies for students.
7. Inside Out
"Crying helps me slow down and obsess over the weight of life's problems."
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Amy Poehler, Jacob Hopkins, Mindy Kaling
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUAzGQ3nSY
Storyline: This motivational movie for students follows the emotions inside a young girl named Riley: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. When Joy and Sadness get lost in Riley's mind, the others try to manage her emotions. Through adventures, they learn the importance of all feelings.
“Inside Out” debunks the idea of perennial happiness. Being one of the educational motivational movies, it helps you understand that all your emotions are valid. Not only does happiness play a role in your life experiences, but sadness, anger, disgust, and fear also. It is one of the top inspirational movies for students, as they can learn how to navigate challenges and the value of collaboration.
8. Freedom Writers
"Don't be afraid to be what you are, cause all you can be is you."
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Year of Release: 1999
Cast: Hilary Swank, April Lee
Genre: Comedy, Teen, Romance
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: This inspirational movie for students is based on a true story about a teacher, Erin Gruwell, who inspires at-risk students to overcome their struggles through writing. She uses literature to bridge divides and empower them. The students learn to embrace hope, unity, and the power of education.
“Freedom Writers” is hands down one of the best motivational movies for students. The movie revolves around the ideals of life, stating that life can be difficult in many ways, but it is what you make of it.
9. The Breakfast Club
"You see us as you want to see us."
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Year of Release: 1985
Cast: Jude Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy
Genre: Teen, Comedy, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: This motivational movie for students follows five high school students from different cliques who spend a Saturday in detention together. Initially at odds, they bond over shared experiences and open up about their struggles. Through connection and understanding, they discover common ground and friendship.
Are you struggling with how to make friends in college? Then, “The Breakfast Club” will become your pick-me-up soon! The motivational movie for students encourages the breaking down of preconceptions and social boundaries as a means of identification and greater communication. It's humorous and illustrates how to make friends even in the most unlikely settings, making it one of the best student inspirational movies.
10. The Intern
"You're never wrong to do the right thing."
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: The Intern follows the story of a 70-year-old widower, Ben Whittaker, who becomes an intern at an online fashion company. Despite the age gap between him and his younger coworkers, he quickly proves that experience and wisdom are timeless assets, building meaningful relationships and helping the company’s founder navigate the challenges of leadership and growth.
Are you thinking about how to find balance in life and career? The Intern, one of the best motivational movies for students, offers valuable insights. This uplifting film shows how different generations can learn from each other and how important it is to keep growing, no matter your age. From this movie, you’ll see how experience, combined with a willingness to adapt, can be a powerful tool for success.
11. Life of Pi
"Life on a lifeboat isn't much of a life. It is like an endgame in chess, a game with few pieces. The elements couldn't be more simple, nor the stakes higher."
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Year of Release: 2012
Cast: Suraj Sharma, Tabu, Rafe, Gerard Depardieu, Irfan Khan
Genre: Adventure, Survival, Suspense
Where to Watch: Disney+
Storyline: This motivational movie for students tells the story of Pi Patel, who survives a shipwreck and is stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Pi's journey explores faith, survival, and the power of storytelling amidst the vastness of the sea.
“Life of Pi”, an Oscar winning film is one of the best inspirational movies for students of all time. It talks about life and its realities and teaches us how to overcome the challenges we face in life. One major lesson from this movie for students is that we must not lose hope. It is one of the main themes of this highly acclaimed and inspirational movie for students.
12. It's A Wonderful Life
"When a bell rings, an angel gets its wings."
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
Year of Release: 1946
Cast: John Stewart, Frank Capra, Donna Reed
Genre: Children’s film, Melodrama, Fantasy
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: This inspirational film for students follows George Bailey, a man contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. An angel shows him how his life has positively impacted others. George realises the value of family and community, finding hope and gratitude in the midst of hardship.
“It's A Wonderful Life”, a classic and one of the best motivational movies for students, indirectly teaches us how unintentional good can pay off at the right time. It is one of the best life changing movies for students if they want to discover some answers about good and bad.
13. The Great Debaters
"Speak the truth even if your voice shakes."
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Year of Release: 2007
Cast: Denzel Washington, Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker
Genre: Action, Animation, Thriller
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: This motivational movie for students is based on a true story about a college professor who coached an African-American debate team in the 1930s. They challenge racial inequality through intellectual prowess, ultimately competing against prestigious universities.
“The Great Debaters” has become one of the most inspiring films for students because it focuses on education as a tool for empowerment. It tells the tale of how a professor from Wiley College motivated students through debates and built the most phenomenal debating teams in history.
14. Lean On Me
"Self-respect permeates every aspect of your existence. If you don't have respect for yourself, you're not gonna get it from anyone else."
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
Year of Release: 1989
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Karen Malina White
Genre: Action, Melodrama, Teen
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: This inspirational film for students is based on a true story about Joe Clark, a tough high school principal in New Jersey. He transforms a troubled school by imposing discipline and inspiring students to excel. Clark's unconventional methods spark controversy but lead to positive change and academic improvement.
“Lean On Me” is about the second chance in life. This is one of the best inspirational films for students, which can change your perspectives. Lean On Me is a fan-favourite and one of the best English movies for students to watch.
15. The Paper Chase
"You come here with a skull full of mush, you leave thinking like a lawyer."
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Year of Release: 1973
Cast: Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner, John Houseman
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: This motivational movie for students follows law student James Hart as he navigates Harvard Law School. He faces intense pressure from his demanding professor, Charles Kingsfield, while balancing relationships and personal challenges. James learns the value of dedication and perseverance in pursuit of his academic goals.
“The Paper Chase”, one of the most motivational movies for students, showcases the struggle of a student in the learning phase. Moreover, this inspirational movie for students is not about grand gestures or overcoming odds but rather a real-life story about the hardships faced by law students.
16. 3 Idiots
“All izz well”
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
Year of Release: 2009
Cast: Amir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Mahadevan, Boman Irani
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Adventure, Tragicomedy, Coming-of-Age Story
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: When wondering about the best motivational movies for students Bollywood edition, this movie should be your top choice. It is about three college friends- Raju, Rancho, and Farhan, navigating the pressures of higher education and societal expectations in India. They challenge traditional teaching methods and pursue their passions. Through humour and drama, the film highlights the importance of individuality, friendship, and following one's dreams.
"3 Idiots" is a heartwarming motivational movie for students of college life and friendship. It follows a student's journey, navigating through the challenges and pressures of academia. This inspirational movie for students resonates with many because of its down-to-earth portrayal of the struggles and joys of student life.
17. Udaan
“Itni door aa gaye hai ki ab bhool gaye hai joote kahaan utare the…”
(We have come so far that we have forgotten where our shoes came from…)
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Year of Release: 2010
Cast: Manjot Singh, Ronit Roy, Rajat Marmecha
Genre: Melodrama, Drama, Coming-of-Age Movie
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: Imagine being kicked out of school and forced to live with a strict dad. That's Rohan's world! Trapped at home, he finds solace in poetry and his little brother. This motivational movie for students follows Rohan's journey from a caged bird to a soaring eagle as he breaks free from his father's grip and chases his writing dreams.
"Udaan" is a powerful film and one of the best movie for students that doesn't sugarcoat life. This encouraging movie for students shows the harsh reality of many families, where dreams are crushed and expectations are high. It's a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the complex bond between family members. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
18. The Man Who Knew the Infinity
“They must be true because, if they were not true, no one would have the imagination to invent them.”
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Devika Bhise
Genre: Biographical Drama
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: Srinivasa Ramanujan, a young Indian man with a brilliant but unpolished mind, struggles against poverty. However, Ramanujan's hard work takes him across the world to Cambridge University. Facing prejudice and homesickness, he fights to prove his worth in the world of mathematics.
“The Man Who Knew Infinity” isn't just a story about numbers. Inspired by the 1991 book of the same name by Robert Kanigel, this motivational movie for students is a battle between pure, raw talent and the rigid rules of academia. This is the best movie for students that shows us that learning isn't just about fancy degrees. It's a story about breaking free from expectations and proving that even the wildest ideas can change the world.
19. Boyhood
“You don't want the bumpers, life doesn't give you bumpers.”
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Year of Release: 2014
Cast: Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette
Genre: Coming-of-Age Story, Documentary, Drama, Comedy
Where to Watch: Netflix
Storyline: Mason's life unfolds like an open book, chronicling the raw and relatable experiences of growing up. From a distracted schoolboy to a college freshman, we witness his triumphs, heartbreaks, and the complexities of family life. Navigating through childhood, adolescence, and the cusp of adulthood, Mason grapples with school, friendships, family dynamics, and the search for his own identity.
Considered one of the best English movies for students, “Boyhood” is like looking into someone's life, not watching a movie. It isn’t just about a family, but about the rollercoaster of growing up. From the pain of divorce to the challenges of single parenting, this amazing addition to the best motivational films for students shows life's ups and downs in a raw, honest way.
20. Everest
“You know what they say, man. It's not the altitude, it's the attitude.”
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: The story unfolds in 1996 with multiple teams aiming for the Everest summit. Their journey is filled with challenges, from the gruelling trek to base camp to the treacherous climb itself. As they inch closer to the summit, the weather takes a turn for the worse. A ferocious blizzard traps climbers, testing their limits and pushing human endurance to the brink. Tragically, many lives are lost, including Rob Hall, a true mountaineering legend. The survivors face unimaginable hardships, battling frostbite and exhaustion.
“Everest” is about the challenges faced along the way – unexpected storms, treacherous ice, and the constant battle against nature. It is a story of human spirit, courage, and the importance of teamwork. This is one of the most inspirational films for students and is about respect for yourself, your team, and the mountain itself.
21. October Sky
“The sky was the limit, and if you could dream it, you could achieve it.”
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Year of Release: 1999
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern, Chris Cooper
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Docudrama, Adventure, Melodrama
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: John Hickam, a proud miner, expects his sons to follow in his footsteps. But one son, Homer, dreams bigger. Inspired by the launch of Sputnik, he becomes obsessed with rockets. His dad isn't thrilled, but Homer, with the help of his friends and a supportive teacher, builds rockets against all odds.
"October Sky" is the best movie for students about chasing passions, even when everyone tells you it's impossible. The story is about discovering the magic of teamwork, the power of knowledge, and the importance of mentors.
22. I Am Kalam
“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
Year of Release: 2011
Cast: Harsh Mayar, Hussan Saad, Gulshan Grover
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: A brilliant young mind is trapped by the chains of poverty, his dreams as vast as the sky, yet seemingly out of reach. Fate intervenes when he forms an unlikely bond with a fellow student from a privileged background. Inspired by the life of a national leader, the boy discovers the power of ambition and the strength within himself.
"I Am Kalam" is more than just a movie; it's a powerful reminder that your circumstances don't define your destiny. The journey is a beacon of hope, proving that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background.
23. The Little Prince
“The important things in life you cannot see with your eyes, only with your heart.”
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Year of Release: 2015
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams
Genre: Children's literature, fable, novella, speculative fiction
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Storyline: Imagine a lonely prince from a tiny planet, who leaves behind his only friend, a rose, to explore a vast, unknown world. He learns about friendship, love, and the complexities of life on Earth.
“The Little Prince” is an animated inspirational movie for students that teaches us the biggest lesson: responsibility. This tale mirrors the journey of a leader. It teaches us that owning up to mistakes isn't easy, but it's a crucial step towards growth and becoming a truly exceptional leader.
Best Motivational Short Films
Whether it's a story of perseverance, the pursuit of dreams, or the importance of resilience, motivational short films can spark a fire within students, encouraging them to overcome challenges and strive for greatness. Have a look at some of the best ones:
1. The Wall, 2018
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqCZcMAC5Hk
Synopsis: A (dis)abled child ventures outside of his comfort zone in search of a solution after realising his father's dissatisfaction with the current election campaign.
2. Beyond Falling, 2019
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBRxEtq7DMU
Synopsis: As board exams resume in India, struggling student Sharain faces academic pressure and loneliness, pushing her to a breaking point. A chance encounter with a journalist helps her rediscover herself through dance, rekindling her self-worth and her bond with her father.
3. Tuna - Meaning of Life, 2023
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btc07Zm7xY8
Synopsis: Arjun, a focused entrepreneur, resists family pressure to marry until a humble fisherman refuses to sell him a prized fish. This encounter challenges his outlook on life and family in a heartwarming, motivational story of transformation.
Universities Offering Best Filmmaking Courses
Embarking on a journey in filmmaking requires more than just creativity; it demands a solid educational foundation. In this section, we’ll highlight some of the universities renowned for their filmmaking courses, showcasing their unique offerings and what sets them apart in the realm of cinematic education.
1. University of Southern California (USC)
2. NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts
3. American Film Institute (AFI)
5. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
7. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
So, next time you feel burnt out, grab some popcorn and catch one of these motivational movies for students. These motivational films for students are not only entertaining but also some of the best movies on students, life, and perseverance, as they also advocate for mental health support for students.
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