6 Motivational Movies to Kick Start 2019

By Ahmed Wafi

Watch these films based on true stories and get motivated today!

With the year coming to an end, everyone is starting to come up with a New Year’s Resolution while some are wondering if it’s even worth it to come up with a New Year’s Resolution anymore since the last one didn’t work.

A key to realizing your goals and achieving them is to firmly believe in yourself and your ability to achieve them. Conceive, believe and achieve is the phrase to live by. Of course, that self-belief and motivation must be paired with perseverance and hard work. There is no actual secret to success.

#1 Purusit of Happines (2006)
Despite the film’s title angering linguists, it was one of Will Smith’s most memorable roles to date where he starred as Christopher Gardner, a medical device salesman later turned unpaid intern stockbroker that struggled to make ends meet for himself and his 5-year-old-son Christopher Jr.

Later in the year, Smith would be nominated as Best Actor at the Golden Globes. A true tale of struggle and success, we recommend a box of tissues to go with your screening of The Pursuit of Happyness.

#2 Erin Brockovich (2000)
Julia Roberts starred as Erin Brockovich in the true story turned film released in 2000 as a single mother of three that lands a job working in a law firm despite not having any educational background in law. Through her curiosity and hard work, Brockovich stumbles upon a case that proves to be her big break.

According to Brockovich (not Roberts), the movie’s portrayal of the episodes of her life is 98% accurate.

#3 Eddie the Eagle (2016)
The 2016 film starring Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman follows the true story of Michael ‘Eddie’ Edwards’ dream to become an Olympian. Since he was a little boy, Eddie has always wanted to compete in the Olympics, trying out many different sports but finally found his calling in Ski Jumping. Follow Eddie through the trials and tribulations of becoming an Olympian!

#4 Gridiron Gang (2006)
One of Dwayne Johnson’s earliest and most memorable starring roles was in 2006’s Gridiron Gang. A story of parole office, Sean Porter working in a juvenile detention centre forms a football team after a young kid from the detention centre was murdered during a gang shootout. The team then discovers the meaning of friendship, family and discipline through football.

#5 Unbroken (2014)
This American war film directed by Angelina Jolie follows the story of Louie Zamperini, an American long distance runner who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics before his life took a 180o turn as he enlisted himself in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941. Things took yet another turn for the worst as the fighter vessel he was flying was shot down and he was stranded on sea along with other members of his crew.

When he was finally found, it was by enemy Japanese troops who took them in as war prisoners. Find out what life was like for Zamperini as an American war prisoner in Japan. (SPOILER: It’s not fun)

#6 Bleed for This (2016)
An inspirational boxing film based on the remarkable true story of Vinny Pazienza, a former Junior Middleweight World Champion who met a horrible car accident that saw him break his neck shortly after winning the coveted belt. He was told by doctors that he may never be able to walk again let alone fight again.

The stubborn Pazienza went against the advice of doctors and well, you should watch the movie to know the rest of it!

Whether you’re an athlete or a working professional, these films are bound to spark the candle of motivation within you and hopefully spur you on to reach greater heights in life.

Keep in mind that motivation cannot be kept alive through watching films alone and no matter how cliché it sounds, motivation must come from within. Remember the steps – conceive, believe, achieve. 2019 will be your year!

Picture courtesy of Fancycrave on Unsplash

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