The 20 most inspiring movies on Netflix to lift your spirits

From tear-jerking true stories to Oscar-winning films, the streamer has inspiration to spare.

We often choose a movie to watch based on how we want to feel. Comedies are a great remedy when you’re feeling sad, of course, and horror films are a nice jolt to the system when you’re craving a rush of adrenaline.

Sometimes, though, we don’t need frivolous frights or light-hearted laughs. Instead, we need a healthy dose of inspiration to help us get through the day. If that sounds like what you’re searching for, look no further than EW’s list of the 20 most inspiring movies on Netflix right now.

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

This documentary has the inspirational movie recipe memorized. Just take one ambitious climber (Nirmal Purja), a huge dream (trekking the world’s 14 highest mountains in only seven months), and let those simmer for around two hours.

Beyond the pulse-quickening story, this film largely succeeds thanks to the riveting footage shot by the expedition team. The other production efforts are still impressive, but nothing beats the raw experience of walking alongside those trying to make the impossible possible. —Chris Snellgrove

Where to watch 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible: Netflix

Director: Torquil Jones

Cast: Nirmal Purja

Related: The 15 best nature documentaries and docuseries

Becoming (2020)

After Michelle Obama’s 2018 memoir became a best-seller, it was only a matter of time before it was adapted into a film. Director Nadia Hallgren had immense access to Obama, following her across a 34-city book tour and turning the introspective writing into a dynamic reflection of the author as the archetypal modern woman.

As EW’s critic writes in the review, “[G]enerally, Obama comes across as she always has — commanding but approachable, thoughtful but funny, sincere but guarded. But after spending eight years in the White House glare, that guard is understandable.” —C.S.

Where to watch Becoming: Netflix

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Nadia Hallgren

Cast: Michelle Obama

Related: Michelle Obama on her new book, her pop culture faves, and the downside of streaming

The Black Godfather (2019)

Clarence Avant, a music producer affectionately dubbed the “Godfather of Black music,” mostly flew under the mainstream radar with his brilliant artistic contributions. This documentary aims to change that by chronicling an unbelievable life that reshaped the music industry and made waves in politics, discussions of race, and business. With appearances from big names like Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and even former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, this inspirational movie is the perfect send-off for Avant, who died in 2023. —C.S.

Where to watch The Black Godfather: Netflix

Director: Reginald Hudlin

Cast: Hank Aaron, Dina R. Andrews, Clarence Avant

Related: Clarence Avant, music executive known as the 'Black Godfather,' dies at 92

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind may be a film about wind power, but the story runs on pure optimism. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie follows the titular boy (Maxwell Simba) who is kicked out of school because his parents can’t afford tuition. This doesn’t keep him from secretly studying science, however, as he builds a windmill that can provide power for his humble village’s broken water pump. Inspirational and innovative, this film instantly harnesses your attention and affection. —C.S.

Where to watch The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Netflix

Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Cast: Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lily Banda

The Greatest Night in Pop Music (2024)

The ‘80s were a different time, man. Back then, you could convince 45 of the world’s biggest musical artists to spend one night recording a song, with all sales intended to help fight famine in Africa. The song — “We Are the World,” co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson — facilitated one of the biggest and most successful charitable collaborations in musical history, and the story of how that one night came to pass makes for a pretty great documentary.

Narrated by the living artists who participated in the recording, the film is a shining example of what can happen when celebrities combine their platforms for good, and its relevance is particularly strong today. Littered with celebrity anecdotes and musical history, The Greatest Night in Pop is a lovely reminder of the healing powers of music, and a moving tribute to the artists involved who have since died. —Ilana Gordon 

Where to watch The Greatest Night in Pop: Netflix

Director: Bao Nguyen

Related: Sheila E. claims that 'We Are The World' producers only invited her in attempt to lure Prince

Hustle (2022)

"Guys in their 50s don't have dreams," says Adam Sandler's character, Stanley Sugerman, in the sports film Hustle. "They have nightmares and eczema." Stanley is unwilling to admit it, but he hasn't given up on his fantasy of becoming an NBA coach, even though he's spent his life on the road working as an international scout for the Philadelphia 76ers. After finally receiving a promotion to assistant coach, Stanley is able to realize his professional ambitions and spend more time at home with his wife (Queen Latifah) and daughter.

But when Stanley's mentor dies, precipitating a changeup in the 76ers' front office, Stanley finds himself demoted back to talent scout. During a trip to Spain, he discovers Bo Cruz (former Toronto Raptors player Juancho Hernangómez), an unknown baller with an undeniable gift. But if Stanley is going to convince the league to take Bo seriously, both he and the budding athlete will need to put in some serious work. —I.G.

Where to watch Hustle: Netflix

EW grade: A– (read the review)

Director: Jeremiah Zagar

Cast: Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah, Juancho Hernangómez, Ben Foster, Kenny Smith, Anthony Edwards, Robert Duvall

Related: The 11 best Adam Sandler movies

Is That Black Enough For You?!? (2022)

In the age of erroneous YouTube video essays, documentaries like Is That Black Enough For You?!? are more important than ever before. This Elvis Mitchell feature examines Black cinema (with an emphasis on 1970s Blaxploitation) and interviews stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, and Laurence Fishburne to help bridge generations of Black performers and media. The result is a carefully crafted, inspiring record of Black excellence at the movies. —C.S.

Where to watch Is That Black Enough For You?!?: Netflix 

Director: Elvis Mitchell

Cast: Margaret Avery, Harry Belafonte, Charles Burnett

Lionheart (2018)

Though it was sadly snubbed at the Academy Awards, Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart is a still breathtaking directorial debut. The film focuses on Chief Ernest Obiagu (Pete Edochie), who must step down from running a company, and his daughter Adaeze (Nnaji), who wants to take his place.

But after he chooses her brother instead, the pair must reconcile their resentment and cope with the practical fallout. Like some of the best inspirational movies, Lionheart weaves a captivating portrait with threads of loyalty, loss, and heartbreak. —C.S.

Where to watch Lionheart: Netflix

Director: Genevieve Nnaji

Cast: Genevieve Nnaji, Nkem Owoh, Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Kanayo O. Kanayo

Related: Academy disqualifies Nigeria's Oscar entry from International Feature race due to predominantly English dialogue

My Octopus Teacher (2021)

My Octopus Teacher is a story of relationships, as told by a filmmaker who bonds with an octopus. Craig Foster spent a year free-diving and following the animal living in a South African kelp forest, and the more he understands her underwater way of life, the better he becomes at connecting with his son. This movie may be about a sea creature, but it's also an important story of humanity that is affecting, educational, and inspiring. —C.S.

Where to watch My Octopus Teacher: Netflix

Directors: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed

Cast: Craig Foster, Tom Foster

Related: The Boys cast explain the bizarre influence of My Octopus Teacher on season 3

The Other Shore (2013)

Marathon swimmer Diana Nyad had a dream: To perform an unassisted swim from Florida to Cuba, a never before accomplished feat. Starting in the 1970s and ending in the 2010s, Nyad's pursuit of this beyond-human endeavor offers more than a portrait of a standout athlete.

Nyad's journey from shore to shore — also immortalized in the 2023 sports drama Nyad starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster — tells the story of a person striving to overcome trauma and achieve greatness at great personal cost. A tale of determination, friendship, aging on one's own terms, and the resilience of the human spirit, The Other Shore is a story that will float to top of mind when you're least expecting it. —I.G.

Where to watch The Other Shore: Netflix

Director: Timothy Wheeler

Cast: Diana Nyad, Bonnie Stoll

Related: See Annette Bening as a world-class swimmer in Nyad first look

Pelé (2021)

In certain corners of the world, the name of soccer (or should we say football?) star Pelé is spoken with the reverence reserved for saints. Because of this star power, it’s easy for even the biggest fans to lose sight of the real man, whose legend still grows by the day. Fortunately, this documentary blends interviews, games, and other archival footage into a heartfelt, honest portrait of the man behind the myth. —C.S.

Where to watch Pelé: Netflix

Directors: Ben Nichols, David Tryhorn

Cast: Pelé

Related: The best sports movies and TV shows

Rustin (2023)

Rustin is a biographical drama with an impeccable pedigree: It’s directed by George C. Wolfe, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground, and features great supporting actors like Chris Rock and Jeffrey Wright. Colman Domingo particularly shines as Bayard Rustin, a legendary LGBTQ+ activist who helped organize the March on Washington in 1963. He’s an often-overlooked figure, partially due to his sexuality, but this film helps further cement his place in American history. —C.S.

Where to watch Rustin: Netflix

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: George C. Wolfe

Cast: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald

Related: Rustin director George C. Wolfe on recreating the March on Washington and the amazing man behind it

Shirley (2024)

According to Regina King, there are many elements of the biopic Shirley — the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to compete for a presidential nomination from a major political party — that were a long time coming. King stars as Chisholm opposite her own real-life sister, Reina King, with whom she co-produced the project. As Regina tells EW, the sisters chose Shirley “because we realized there were far too many people who didn’t even know her name.”

The film more than corrects this, detailing Chisholm’s inspiring attempt to secure the Democratic nomination in 1972, and drilling into the sexism and racism she had to overcome in order to win the respect of her peers. The script does an excellent job of detailing Chisholm’s political career and legacy, while still humanizing her with familial and relationship issues to overcome. And now all that history is available for you to watch on Netflix. —I.G.

Where to watch Shirley: Netflix

Director: John Ridley

Cast: Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, André Holland, Terrence Howard

Related: Shirley star Christina Jackson calls playing Rep. Barbara Lee the ‘opportunity of a lifetime’

Simone Biles Rising (2024)

Simone Biles took back her power in 2024 at the Summer Olympics, but before she ever set foot on a mat in Paris, fans got a chance to revisit her story in the first half of her four-part docuseries, Simone Biles Rising. Episodes 1 and 2 focus on Biles’ mental health issues during the 2020 Olympics, and her struggle to prepare for 2024.

Part two of the series debuts on the platform on Oct. 25, and will presumably cover Biles’ experience competing in Paris. If you’re already nostalgic for this year’s games and unwilling to wait until 2028 in Los Angeles, Simone Biles Rising is here to help you recapture some of that gymnastics magic. —I.G.

Where to watch Simone Biles Rising: Netflix

Director: Katie Walsh

Cast: Simone Biles

Related: Taylor Swift pays tribute to Olympic standouts Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and Sha'Carri Richardson

Society of the Snow (2023)

Society of the Snow may be adapted from a non-fiction book, but this cinematic tale of a doomed rugby team’s plane crash in the Andes mountains brings several new elements to light. For one, the cast — most of them first-time actors from Uruguay — feels refreshingly authentic, while the crisp direction and artful cinematography make for a beautiful contrast with the characters’ cannibalistic fate. It’s not for the weak of heart, but this showcase of humanity’s resilience is inspirational on its own bleakly noble terms. —C.S.

Where to watch Society of the Snow: Netflix

Director: J. A. Bayona

Cast: Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, Felipe González Otaño

Related: Inside Society of the Snow's true story about plane crash survivors in the Andes

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019)

What you see is what you get with Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am. The movie celebrates the beloved author (and author of Beloved) who became one of the most authoritative voices on race, privilege, and raw emotion in American history.

The late writer tells her story in her own words here, while other major figures (including Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama) bounce off her profound meditations. The very presence of the former leader of the free world says it all; When Toni Morrison speaks, we listen. —C.S.

Where to watch Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am: Netflix (last day to watch: October 15) 

Director: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Cast: Toni Morrison

Related: Toni Morrison, Beloved author and Nobel Prize winner, dies at 88

Unbroken (2014)

Unbroken’s true story is so bizarre that it sounds made up. This inspirational odyssey centers on an American athlete (Jack O'Connell) whose Olympic dreams are dashed first by World War II and then by a plane crash, culminating in him becoming a Japanese POW. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Angelina Jolie’s film is as visually lush as it is emotionally raw, with EW’s critic deeming it an “oddly old-fashioned drama” that is “gorgeously shot and beautifully acted, and it has moments of heartbreaking poignancy.” —C.S.

Where to watch Unbroken: Netflix

Director: Angelina Jolie

Cast: Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock

Related: See Louis Zamperini's story continue in Unbroken: Path to Redemption trailer

Under Pressure (2023)

When the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team won the FIFA World Cup in 1999, the sport changed. Women’s soccer became a phenomenon, and players like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain became household names. But after years of dominating in international competitions, the U.S. began feeling the heat of other countries’ developing soccer programs.

The story of how the United States women’s soccer team became the team to beat — before getting beat themselves — is best expressed in their own words. The series unfolds in four episodes, all of which follow the players as they attempt to make it onto the squad, and win the 2023 World Cup. A sports fan’s dream, Under Pressure gives exceptional insight into the process, training, and mental strength required to make it onto the most famous women’s soccer team in the world. —I.G.

Where to watch Under Pressure: Netflix

Director: Rebecca Gitlitz

Cast: Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Savannah DeMelo, Alyssa Thompson, Lynn Williams, Kristie Mewis, Lindsey Horan, Sofia Huerta

Related: Taylor Swift inducts U.S. Women's National Soccer Team into her squad

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

The love for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood lives on in the hearts and minds of those who grew up learning life lessons from its cardigan-clad host. This archival footage documentary centers on the life of Fred Rogers and the guiding sense of decency that he infused into the beloved children's program.

Won't You Be My Neighbor? smartly demonstrates Rogers' empathetic approach while also depicting his fight to keep his show on the airwaves. As EW's critic puts it, the documentary is "a security blanket for our troubled times," and a reminder of the inherent value of kindness in a world that needs it now more than ever. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch Won't You Be My Neighbor?: Netflix

EW grade: A (read the review)

Director: Morgan Neville

Cast: Fred Rogers

Related: Mister Rogers was helping parents talk to their kids about gun violence as far back as 1968

Zero to Hero (2021)

Despite its jaunty title, Zero to Hero is a profound and serious story of human triumph in the face of adversity. This Hong Kong film’s guiding force is So Wa Wai (Chung-Hang Leung), a real athlete whose aspirations were nearly thwarted by cerebral spasms that made even walking difficult. Throughout the film, we see him remarkably regain his ability to run against all odds, paving the way for a major victory. If you need a truly inspirational movie, this is a solid place to start. —C.S.

Where to watch Zero to Hero: Netflix

Director: Chi-Man Wan

Cast: Chung-Hang Leung, Louis Cheung, Siu-ho Chin, Hoi-pang Lo

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.