8 Inspirational Movies About Personal And Spiritual Growth

Personal and spiritual growth is a vast concept, but, in short, it is about self-confidence, communication, blockages, changes in belief and changes in behavior. So, the purpose of personal development is to rediscover our virtues to live better, prosper in different areas in life and discover the potential we have.

Most of the techniques of this process are related to the New Age, and it has had a strong influence in arts such as literature and cinema. In fact, in this article, we are going to talk about  the best inspirational movies about personal growth, and we will explain how they can change your life and promote your spiritual evolution. 

8 best inspirational movies about personal and spiritual growth

Get some popcorn ready and enjoy this  list of inspirational movies about personal development. Press play!

1.‘The Pursuit of Happyness’

Director: Gabriele Muccino.

Actors: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies:  It is an extraordinary film about courage, determination, and education. Will Smith is a wonderful parent that will do anything he can to change his and his son's condition. 

We recommend it for all those who want to succeed, whether they are parents or not so that they can ascend without giving up anything along the way. It will show many that  the essential thing in life is to give love, especially to the little ones.

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2. ‘Good Will Hunting’

Director:  Gus Van Sant.

Actors: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies:  The inspiring story is about Will Hunting, a doorman endowed with an immense talent for mathematics and physics. In spite of the efforts of his teachers to motivate him to achieve a better life, he will find himself in a constant struggle over what he wants and should not do.

3. ‘Life is beautiful’ (‘La vita è bella’)

Director: Roberto Benigni.

Actors: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies: The movie takes us to the heart of World War II. A father and his son, both Jews, are sent to a concentration camp. From there, the father tries to have a positive character every day and convince his son that everything around them is not real and that, in fact, they participate in a contest. Without a doubt, 'Life is Beautiful' is one of the best personal growth films ever made in the last quarter of a century, and it was recognized with numerous awards, including an Oscar.

4. ‘Forrest Gump’

Director:  Robert Zemeckis.

Actors:  Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies: It shows us that limits are set by others. Forrest (Tom Hanks) is a man mentally disabled, but his character is overwhelming, and he has great vitality, so much so that he will get where he wants.

This inspiring movie shows us Forrest's childhood and adulthood, through significant moments in US history, such as the Vietnam War. This film about personal growth teaches us how someone who does not want to control the world that surrounds him, will just learn how to get the best things life has given him. 

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5. ‘The Shawshank Redemption’

Director:  Frank Darabont.

Actors: Tim Robbins y Morgan Freeman.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies: Because it tells us a story about a jailed man who has been charged with murder. In prison, he faces his own demons, as well as the threats that surround him. He understands that in order to endure and resist, he will have to change not only his state of mind but his whole character.

Despite the hostile environment, he will find the strength to remain motivated despite his seemingly desperate situation. The message of this personal growth film is clear: never give up, keep your hopes up and remember that to overcome difficulties you sometimes have to change your way of thinking or acting.

6. ‘The Bucket List’

Director: Rob Reiner.

Actors: Jack Nicholson y Morgan Freeman.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies: Because it tells the experiences of two men with an incurable illness, who have very little time to live and decide to enjoy the time they have left. Each writes a list of things they have always wanted to do and challenge each other to accomplish everything. And they learn to enjoy life, despite their age, teaching us that time is our most precious resource, and that we must take advantage of it to carry out what we always say and never do.

7. ‘Rocky’

Director: John G. Avildsen.

Actors:  Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies: Rocky Balboa is a debt collector and a part-time boxer. He is then offered an incredible opportunity to fight the heavyweight world champion, a unique opportunity to achieve the American dream to free himself from poverty and gain glory and wealth.

The image of Rocky on the floor of the ring, humiliated, but maintaining his positive vision will teach us to get out of the routine despite the risks.  As an inspirational movie, it will inspire each of us when we have to face seemingly insurmountable events and never to give up, to fight with determination.

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8. ‘Dead Poets Society’

Director: Peter Weir.

Actors: Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Josh Charles.

Why it is one of the best inspirational movies:  An English teacher, with unconventional methods, manages to inspire students despite his conservative and aristocratic rules. Its value among the best personal growth movies is because it teaches us to see life from new perspectives, to develop our own judgment, to question authority and life in general. And that we should follow our own path, rather than just accepting to be part of the same mold as others. It is a highly recommended inspiring movie.

• This article about "Inspirational Movies" was originally published in Spanish in Horóscopo Mágico