Can sitting down to watch a movie push you to take action? People often think of movies just as entertainment, a way to pass the time, or a common feature of streaming video services.
However, movies can help provide motivation and inspiration to viewers. You may experience a “push” to make a particular action. For example, movies like Cast Away, 127 Hours, and Into the Wild may motivate you to “keep on keeping on” during tough times.
Movies can also be a driving force of inspiration. Read more in this article to discover more about motivation vs. inspiration.
What Exactly Is Motivation, and How Can Movies Achieve It?
Motivation is something that you've probably dealt with. For example, we all have days we don't feel like working, studying, or exercising. Maybe you've asked yourself at least once, “What's my motivation?”
Motivation is a process that happens inside people. It can be a “drive” or “need.” It causes you to want to change yourself or something in your environment.
How Movies Can Motivate People
It's probably not a game-changing idea that movies can motivate people. The essential question is: how in the world do they do that?
Not all movies can motivate or inspire people. A film may be so dull that the only change it inspires is to stop watching the film before it's over.
Meanwhile, other films can effectively connect with you. These movies provide the motivation and inspiration you need to push yourself and achieve something like success.
One of the critical results of motivating movies is they tap into your emotions and “spirit” Many movies achieve that goal yet aren't motivating. Motivating movies are uplifting and encouraging. Instead of just thinking about the film, you want to take action.
Movies Trigger Motivation Through Thoughts
Movies can have a truly powerful effect on your emotions. For example, they can cause you to think about people's struggles and how they overcame them.
An example is Rocky (1978), which teaches life lessons like:
- Finish your work
- Never quit
- Go the distance
Movies can motivate people in several ways. For example, films like Good Will Hunting (1998) can help motivate you through self-discovery.
Emotional Impact and Motivation
A critical factor that causes movies to become motivational is the emotional impact they can have on people. Films that don't trigger emotions aren't very motivating, right? We may watch a run-of-the-mill movie and think, “meh.”
Movies can show life's tragedy and comedy, triggering emotions and thoughts. Not all such movies are motivating, although they can be.
Also, it's not just dramas and comedies that stir emotions. Movies with serious tones can have the same effect.
Movies Can Also Inspire
In a sense, inspiring movies resemble motivating movies. The main difference is that while motivating movies cause you to “push” yourself, inspiring movies “pull” you.
For example, inspiring movies can cause you to think, have passion, and take action. Other forms of art like songs and poetry can have a similar effect.
After watching an inspiring movie, you may feel like you want to improve yourself or humanity in a particular way.
Some Top Motivating Movies
Here are some of the top motivational movies ever:
127 Hours (2011)
This movie can help motivate you if you feel like quitting. Many people would give up, although the main character took many steps to stay alive. This movie is the true story of someone whose bicycle accident tested their will.
Argo (2012)
A true story about Americans escaping an overrun U.S. embassy in 1980 inspired this movie. The individuals aim to save the lives of people they'd never met. They took that action because they believed they needed to. Their strength and bravery are inspiring.
Awakenings (1990)
This story has lessons about hope and possibilities. It shows what people would do if they had that opportunity. For example, what would they do first, and what would they try to accomplish? It addresses people's hopes and dreams.
Life of Pi (2003)
This movie tells the fascinating story of a young man who struggles to cross the ocean in a boat. The boy's only companion is an aggressive tiger.
Million Dollar Baby (2005)
This story features a character who shows bravery and perseverance. The character doesn't seem to fear anything, including death. She had to make a difficult decision that some people may perceive as a way to “throw in the towel,” although it wasn't.
My Left Foot (1989)
The movie is about a person who doesn't give up on themselves even though they can only use one foot. This film teaches that people can achieve great things if they have hope and never give up.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
This film tells a story about possibilities and hope. It features a man who fakes mental illness to avoid punishment. The character showed people with mental illness that they can still have hopes and dreams. They can also strive to become better people.
The Blind Side (2009)
The film, based on a true story, inspires and shows the value of the human spirit's strength and kindness. A family changed the life of a troubled young man. Their love and support helped the protagonist, Michael Oher, become a professional football player and win the Super Bowl.
The Truman Show (1998)
This movie is about a man who wishes to explore the real world by leaving his comfortable environment. He must overcome many obstacles to learn what's possible for him.
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This submission is from our guest blogger Lucille Adams and is posted here with her permission.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the fascinating intersection of psychology, motivation, and cinema. My deep knowledge in this area stems from years of research, personal exploration, and a genuine passion for understanding the profound impact that movies can have on human behavior. Now, let's delve into the key concepts explored in the article you provided.
Motivation: Motivation is portrayed as a dynamic internal process, a "drive" or "need" within individuals that compels them to instigate change either within themselves or in their environment. It's the force that propels action, be it in work, study, exercise, or other aspects of life.
Movies as Motivators: The article acknowledges that not all movies have the power to motivate. It emphasizes that motivating movies are those that connect with viewers on a deep emotional and spiritual level, inspiring them to take tangible actions. These films go beyond mere entertainment; they become a catalyst for change.
Movies Triggering Motivation Through Thoughts: The piece highlights how movies can impact emotions and thoughts, citing examples like "Rocky" and "Good Will Hunting." These films are effective in making audiences contemplate life's struggles and victories, instigating a thought process that leads to motivation.
Emotional Impact and Motivation: An essential factor in making movies motivational is their emotional impact. The article posits that films need to evoke strong emotions, whether through drama, comedy, or serious tones. Without triggering emotions, a movie may not be as motivating.
Inspiration vs. Motivation: The article draws a distinction between motivating and inspiring movies. While motivating films push individuals to take action, inspiring movies pull them in. After watching an inspiring movie, viewers may feel a desire to improve themselves or contribute positively to humanity.
Top Motivational Movies: The article lists several movies recognized for their motivational impact. Examples like "127 Hours," "Argo," and "The Blind Side" are highlighted for showcasing characters who exhibit bravery, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit, serving as powerful sources of motivation.
In conclusion, the article effectively explores the dynamics of motivation and inspiration within the realm of cinema, shedding light on how certain movies can serve as transformative experiences, pushing individuals to overcome challenges and pursue personal growth.
