Our excitement for the weekend never fades, and we begin making plans from the weekdays. Weekdays are too busy to relax and watch Netflix, so the weekends are our only chance and hope. Movies based on true stories about courage, the human spirit’s resiliency, and greatness are fascinating to watch.
As a result, we’ve compiled a list of some of Netflix’s most inspiring original films to watch over the long weekend. Movies have the power to alter our perceptions of love, life, and ourselves. Movies are a great source of inspiration, motivation, and upliftment.
No matter how confined we are, we must keep our minds and hearts active. What about watching Netflix after a long week to unwind? Get the popcorn ready, because it’s time to be inspired and motivated.
You can find the list of best movies below to watch but some of the movies can be region restricted. To access region-restricted movies on Netflix, you need to get a VPN to stream. ExpressVPN and other VPNs like NordVPN, SurfShark, etc are the best for Netflix. ExpressVPN is offering a three-month trial with a money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN is recommended to stream Netflix smoothly.
All-Time Top 10 Best Movies on Netflix to Watch
Here is a list of the best Netflix motivational movies to help you stay motivated.
1. Moonlight
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Stars Cast: Mahershala Ali, Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders
IMDB Ratings: 7.4\10
Moonlight is one of the most moving and inspiring films I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a person’s soul saved in this film. The film’s director used a combination of gritty realism, broad brushstrokes, and intoxicating loveliness to portray the hopelessness of the situation.
2. Marriage Story
Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Stars Cast: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern
IMDB Ratings: 7.9\10
The story of a couple’s marriage is an emotional roller coaster. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver deliver one of their best performances in this film. Because it is based on a real-life divorce saga, this film may leave you feeling emotional. Laura Dern won the “Best Supporting Actress Oscar” for her work in Marriage Story, and she nailed it.
3. Lady Bird
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Stars Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf
IMDB Ratings: 7.4\10
Lady Bird is a semi-autobiographical dramedy that has received some of the best reviews of all time. Many debuts may have been watched recently, but I bet this one will be a sensation! and now that it’s out, I see that the film is breaking records at the box office.
4. The Prom
Directed by: Ryan Murphy
Stars Cast: Meryl Streep, Jo Ellen Pellman, James Corden
IMDB Ratings: 6\10
A lesbian teen is helped by four Broadway stars as they travel to Edgewater (a conservative small town). The story of “Prom” follows their journey (who was banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom). Some viewers felt that she was able to put a smile on the audience’s faces despite the negative comments about James Corden’s performance. This is a frothy good time for me in the cinema.
5. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Directed by: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Stars Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Maxwell Simba, Lily Banda
IMDB Ratings: 7.6\10
Chiwetel Ejiofor, who was nominated for an Oscar for his directorial debut on William Kamkwamba’s inspiring story, stars in “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” (2019). This film depicts how a young boy uses ingenuity to save his village from famine. This is one of the most inspiring films I’ve ever seen.
6. The Pursuit of Happyness
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Star Casts: Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith
IMDB Ratings: 8/10
Inspirational movies like this are hard to come by these days, but this one is a standout. This is the only film that, no matter how many times you see it, you’ll always come away inspired. The story of Chris Gardner and his son is the inspiration for this Netflix original movie. The film is primarily concerned with the two characters’ struggle to remain homeless. The father and son’s quest for a better life is filled with motivational dialogue in the film.
7. Good Will Hunting
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Star Cast: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
IMDB Ratings: 8.3/10
The film tells the story of a brilliant but little-known individual (Will Hunting). The movie depicts the protagonist’s journey to find the right path. Three Oscars have been given to this moving film. The icing on the cake is Matt Damon’s energizing performance throughout the film. It’s hard to beat this Netflix original. In the end, the film will allow you to see how life can be transformed by opportunities.
8. Hillbilly Elegy
Directed by: Ron Howard
Stars Cast: Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Haley Bennett
IMDB Ratings: 6.7\10
Hillbilly Elegy (2020) takes place in a small Southern town and follows a family caught up in the drug addiction cycle. This film is a critical and commercial success, and as a result, Netflix decided to include it. The film’s director opted to keep the focus on the movie’s emotional core. The director’s vision, in my opinion, was crucial to the film’s Oscar success.
9. My Life as a Zucchini
Directed by: Claude Barras
Star Casts: Sixtine Murat, Gaspard Schlatter, Paulin Jaccoud
IMDB Ratings: 7.3/10
This is an animated inspirational film that manages to be both amusing and insightful at the same time. The story revolves around a group of orphans who hope to find success outside of the orphanage. The plot is amusing, but it also demonstrates the strength of the human spirit, making it an uplifting film. This is a great movie for the entire family.
10. The Shawshank Redemption
Directed by: Frank Darabont
Star Casts: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
IMDB Ratings: 9.3/10
One of the most important themes of The Shawshank Redemption is the bond formed between two inmates while confined together in a prison cell. The film encourages us to never give up hope and to always take a positive outlook on life. During a time of struggle, only calmness and patience will get you through it. It’s amazing to see the connection that two inmates form both inside and outside the prison walls. This is a must-see movie.
