10 Films That Will Inspire You Not to Give Up

When do you make time to watch a film? What movie genres do you prefer? In today’s list, we’re presenting you with films that will reassure you to look at the brighter days ahead, no matter what situation you are in.

Inspiration is everywhere. Today, we’re bringing you ten films that will inspire you NOT TO GIVE UP.

  1. Cast Away

    For most of us who were used to do all the hustle outside and are currently stuck at home, COVID-19 has somehow changed the way we deal with our lives on a daily basis. The film Cast Away shows how a time-praising workaholic like the FedEx Systems Engineer Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks) got stranded on a deserted island and with that he learned how to value the things that really matters. As COVID-19 continues to make us adjust and adapt, Cast Away shows how Chuck was forced to navigate new landscapes, even without knowing if his normal life would return. A story of hope and resiliency, may we all be inspired by Cast Away to continue the fight and come out stronger as we await the brighter days ahead.

    Cast Away Lessons to Remember:

    • We must seek for our strength within.
    • Being alone doesn’t necessarily mean being lonely. It is actually in solitude wherein we can realize the strength that we didn’t know we have.

  2. Whiplash

    Are you willing to do whatever it takes to pursue your passion? Whiplash is a story of a promising young drummer who enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness were mentored by an abusive bandleader who will stop at nothing to realize his students’ potential. This film inspires viewers not to give up - yet on a different light, as encouragement may not always be on our side, but still, we have to persevere, we have to ride the tide, and we have to have the tough days for us to be sharpened, for us to be able to improve, for us to hone our skills and talents. This film teaches us on how to turn the negative energy into a positive one. Plus, tough love works.

    Whiplash Lessons to Remember:

    • When you have dreams, make no excuses.
    • Stand up for yourself.
    • Your real competition is yourself, not other people.
    • When you focus on growing and improving, the possibilities will be endless.

  3. The Pursuit of Happyness

    Based on a true story about a man named “Christopher Gardner,” The Pursuit of Happyness shows a struggling salesman who took custody of his son as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional career. One of Chris Gardner’s (played by Will Smith) popular line from the film is as follows;

    “Don’t ever let somebody tell you… you can’t do something. Not even me. All right?”

    Remember, naysayers, detractors and harsh critics will always be around, as well as opportunities. Don’t ever let those people shape your life and how you approach your dreams. Just accomplish what you’re bound to do and set your eyes on the prize.

    The Pursuit of Happyness Lessons to Remember:

    • Believe in yourself, even when others don’t.
    • Protect your dream.
    • Life keeps changing.
    • Don’t pay attention to others’ opinions.

  4. Life of Pi

    To say that Life of Pi is a brilliant film is just an understatement. It’s a film full of wonder, adventure, and excitement. Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure drama film depicting a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of discovery, and how about the famous Bengal tiger you may ask? Well that’s one of the reasons why you have to watch the film. Nevertheless, here are some lessons that struck us while watching the Life of Pi.

    Life of Pi Lessons to Remember:

    • Having a plan is essential, not optional. In life, you always have a choice on how to approach every challenge that stumbles upon you, and having a concrete plan and even some back up plans are always vital, that’s why giving up when you initially didn’t get what you wanted should never be the option, as you still have another way to reach your goal.
    • Don’t give up! Yes, that’s what this article is all about but let the Life of Pi marvel you in its wonderful story on why giving up is never an option, even in the face of adversity.
    • Always make time to reflect. In the film, one of the ways in which Pi kept his sanity was his habit of keeping a journal. Writing down your experiences, especially when you aren’t that comfortable in sharing your thoughts with others, can be very beneficial for yourself and your mind. Pi was able to remain calm and collected despite his harsh circumstances because of this.

  5. 127 Hours

    127 Hours is a true story based on the life of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah, and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.

    127 Hours Lessons to Remember:

    • Mental strength is vital. Yes, physical strength matters but remember to take care of your mental health as well. Having a good mental strength means you’ll be able to focus your effort and energy on the things that matter most. In Aron’s case, he may be physically weak and in terrible pain, but his positivity to overcome his adversities alone is stronger because internally, he believes he can survive.
    • Appreciate your loved ones. We may get so busy in our lives that we may sometimes take our loved ones for granted. Remember that you have one life – so live it well and make your loved ones feel loved and appreciated whenever you can.
    • Don’t quit even when you’re alone. You have to help yourself first. You will be in situations wherein you have to do and solve things alone so don’t fret and don’t quit. Gather your strength and always think positive.

  6. The Martian

    During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and was left behind by his crew. He must rely on his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to find a way to signal Earth that he is alive.

    The Martian Lessons to Remember:

    • Always stay optimistic. Through the whole ordeal, Mark Watney manages to stay optimistic and resourceful.
    • Focus on the moment. Imagine being left alone on a planet that’s not your home, right? Even the knowledge that the situation can be quite hopeless didn’t stop Mark from taking immediate actions necessary to ensure his short-term survival.
    • Keep on trying. When Mark was left behind, he initially thought that surviving was impossible. Yet, he kept on trying to find ways to contact his team from Earth.

  7. Inside Out

    Inside Out has moved viewers of all ages to take a look inside their own minds. The film is filled with amazing animation, original concept, and a relatable story line. It tells the story of an 11-year-old girl, Riley, and the emotions inside of her.

    Inside Out Lessons to Remember:

    • It’s totally okay to be sad sometimes. Since they didn’t want Sadness (the cute blue character) to be sad as much as possible, they hardly let Sadness do anything. What they missed to understand is that she has her own purpose and that she was part of the group. Just like in our real lives, we have to be sad at times. It’s completely normal and it’s okay.
    • Take risks. As you watch the film, you will know that there are moments when Joy almost gave up, but she eventually learned that she have to take risks and think outside the box.
    • Letting go is a part of growing up. In life, there are moments where we have to sacrifice old things or old memories to make way for the new - and that’s completely normal.

  8. Saving Private Ryan

    Are you willing to risk eight lives just to save one? If you are looking for an inspiring film to watch this weekend in the War/Action genre, Saving Private Ryan is just the perfect film for you. Lead by Captain John Miller, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to bring home Private James Francis Ryan whose brothers have been killed in the war.

    Aside from being a brilliant war film, Saving Private Ryan shares some inspiring lessons too.

    Saving Private Ryan Lessons to Remember:

    • Learn from your mistakes. No spoilers here so make sure to add Saving Private Ryan in your “Films to Watch” bucket list.
    • Don’t be afraid to show your weaknesses. Remember that nobody’s perfect and we’re just humans. Like Captain Miller (played by Tom Hanks), already a veteran of the North African and Italian campaigns, the effects of war have already taken their toll on him, yet he won’t let that stop him from leading.

  9. The Shawshank Redemption

    You’ve seen the opening quote of this article, right? It’s a famous quote from the award-winning Crime/ Drama film, The Shawshank Redemption.

    “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

    The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of banker Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), who is sentenced to life in Shawshank State Penitentiary for the murders of his wife and her lover, despite the claims of innocence. While there, he forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), experiences brutality of prison life, adapts, helps the warden and so much more, all in 19 long years.

    Considered as one of the greatest films of all time, here are some of its notable lessons.

    The Shawshank Redemption Lessons to Remember:

    • Get busy living or get busy dying.
    • Hope is always a good thing.
    • Keep your mind occupied when things around aren’t just fine.
    • Don’t break, build!

  10. La Vita e Bella (Life is Beautiful)

    Buongiorno Principessa! (Good Morning, Princess!)

    A heart-wrenching story of love, hope and imagination, let Guido’s positive spirit take you on a roller-coaster ride that perfectly colors the award-winning Italian film.

    La Vita e Bella Lessons to Remember:

    • When everything feels heavy, learn to look outside and search for things you can be thankful about.
    • Learn to appreciate every precious moment with your loved ones.
    • Life is as beautiful as we want it to be, and as we make it to be. So remember that even in the dark days, you can always create your ways to make your life meaningful – and beautiful.

Good films continue to live with us, especially the lessons that they bring. We hope that these films may inspire you to keep pushing forward and never ever give up! Hope is a good thing, remember?

Do you have inspiring stories to share, along with a love for filmmaking? Pitch your stories to Ole Entertainment. Ole Entertainment blends an artist’s vision with the business and technical resources to make the vision turn into reality. Send us your pitch at https://ole-entertainment.com/contact/.