Films truly have the power to instill hope, inspiration and encouragement to those who watch, with some of the most memorable cinematic greats motivating audiences to reflect on themselves and make a change. A movie that ends on a positive note or one where the protagonist overcomes all obstacles and becomes successful tends to help the viewers look on the bright side of life, even if (like life) there may be great suffering along the way.

According to Dr. Gary Solomon, the author of The Motion Picture Prescription, watching movies can have therapeutic values which benefit the quality of one's life. Janet Singer goes on to state that movies can shape the way that we "think, feel, and ultimately deal" with life.

Updated October 8th, 2022: If you're a fan of uplifting films that are also certain to motivate you, then you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content and films.

Whether it's a fad diet or New Year's resolutions, sometimes our efforts at self-improvement can create guilt or shame about not being the illusory ideal selves everyone wants to be. Movies about self-improvement, however, can motivate and encourage us to persevere and hope for the best, even after we fail. Here are some of the most inspiring movies about self-improvement that are sure to embolden and motivate you.

9 Slumdog Millionaire

Director Danny Boyle’s Academy Award-winning movie is all about endurance and persistence. As the title suggests, Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a poor man made rich in one night simply due to his kind-hearted nature, honesty, and ability to fight against any obstacle. The movie follows an Indian boy through his childhood poverty as he shifts from theft and other minor criminal activities to odd jobs.

Not only does Jamal Malik, the protagonist played by then-newcomer Dev Patel, educate himself through his jobs as a kind of substitute for his school experience, but his harsh encounters allow him to become a better person, building patience and endurance. The story ends with Malik winning the Indian version of the international game show Who Wants to be A Millionaire. The money is not the important aspect here, though-- it's watching a boy become a man through endurance, patience, education, and hope.

8 The Theory of Everything

With the excellent Eddie Redmayne delivering his most inspiring performance, The Theory of Everything is sure to uplift the spirit of every viewer by showing how any person, regardless of any challenge, is capable of achieving great heights. This movie brings the story of the theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking into the cinematic register, focusing on Hawking's life before and after he was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Regardless of the disease and the challenges he had to face due to it, Hawking ended up being one of the most famous scientists of all time, practically a household name who advanced the understanding of black holes. This movie can be seen as a representation of how anyone can overcome any struggle and fulfill their ambitions.

7 On the Basis of Sex

Formerly the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg undoubtedly opened doors for many women across the world. She is not just a feminist icon, but was a role model to many women who were facing the inequalities of patriarchy. However, Ginsburg herself had to face many struggles to become the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. The prime focus of On the Basis of Sex is how Ginsburg, played by Felicity Jones, was subjected to brutal injustices merely due to her gender.

As a female lawyer in the '60s and '70s, Ginsburg was not only underestimated but also denied certain opportunities that her husband was given with respect and commendation. The shattering of gender norms by Ginsburg (and her loving husband) is clearly represented in the film, which is why On the Basis of Sex is sure to motivate its viewers, showing how one can achieve their goal if they are determined to challenge any and every barrier they face.

6 Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde is undeniably a feel-good, beloved comedy staple that tells the inspiring story of sorority girl Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon), who in an effort to win back the affection of her boyfriend sets her sights on Harvard Law School to become a lawyer. Though her journey initially begins for the sole reason of proving to her undeserving ex that she can achieve great things and be taken seriously, Elle slowly begins to re-discover her true worth and self-value, realizing she can in fact succeed in the legal world. The iconic blonde overcomes degrading stereotypes and changes the way she views herself, demonstrating to audiences the power of hard work, confidence and a positive mindset.

Related: These Are Some of the Best Feminist Comedy Movies

Legally Blonde continues to motivate and inspire moviegoers across the world over twenty years later, with Witherspoon herself still in awe over the impact of the smash hit. She told WSJ Magazine, "At least once a week, I have a woman come up to me and say, 'I went to law school because of Legally Blonde. It's incredible... You can be unapologetically feminine but also smart and driven."

5 3 Idiots

3 Idiots is a Bollywood Comedy movie which shows how class clowns can end up also being the biggest achievers in school. The story focuses on a trio who refuse to follow the authoritarian teaching-learning system at University. "Rancho," Farhan, and Raju are three unique students/friends who follow a carefree learning method which contrasts with the dictator-like college director's. Even though the trio is detested by the authorities and is constantly punished, they end up being successful in their career paths.

3 Idiots is the perfect movie for someone who is biased towards unconventional learning methods, and who believes they can succeed without the help of often claustrophobic systems. The movie ends with the message that as long as you find and create fulfillment in what you are doing, you can become successful regardless of how unusual your methods may be.

4 The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption, featuring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, is sure to lift your spirits and beautifully shows how there will always be something at the end of however dark a tunnel. Robbins plays Andy, a man suffering through a life sentence in a notoriously bleak prison, and his perseverance through the cruel encounters of wardens, guards and fellow prisoners is inspiring to behold. His ultimate attempt at escape breaks open the true realities behind the barred cages so many systems create, showing viewers that one should never give up on hope, regardless of the many injustices they face.

3 The Pursuit of Happyness

Chris Gardner’s story is undoubtedly one about success and love. In The Pursuit of Happyness, the adaptation of the man's real-life struggles, Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith, give tear-jerking performances as a family trying to survive the 'American dream' with their ethics and souls intact. The movie depicts how life is like a rollercoaster with ups and downs and how, at the end of day, hard-work should always be rewarded.

Smith's role as a single Black father shatters gender and racial stereotypes, and the movie's illustration of Gardner's hard-working attitude as well as his honesty and generosity (and how this goodness leads him down a road which ends in success) leaves viewers with a very hopeful message — improvement is possible, even if it requires suffering.

2 Rocky

Rocky was a surprising smash hit with audiences and critics alike, making literally 225 times its budget and winning numerous Oscars in the process. With Sylvester Stallone writing and starring as "Rocky" Balboa, the story follows a hardworking Italian-American whose strength and good-nature propel him along his way to becoming a successful boxer.

The proverb "where there's a will, there's a way" is given life through Rocky's hard work; the film is important here because, even though he loses in the end, Rocky still improved himself so much, becoming a better fighter and person along the way, that it hardly mattered whether he won or lost at all. The movie ends with the positive message that titles and awards are not the only things which matter in life.

1 Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump is a timeless movie which shows how a person’s uniqueness should never be seen as a disability. The character’s encounters with both harsh reactions and the inclusion among historical icons goes to show how one should never judge a person based on their differences. Forrest Gump is shown to be a great human being and, despite struggling through differences, his good-natured qualities end up leading him to a happy life.

By the end of Forrest Gump, Tom Hank’s character has undeniably convinced the audience that everyone is unique in their own way, inspiring each viewer to embrace the year ahead and find their own unique voice. People don't need to guilt themselves or create impossible-to-achieve resolutions in order to be some warped ideal version of themselves; they only need to discover their own uniqueness and goodness, and tap into that, making themselves and others happier in the process.