The best motivational, inspirational and overcoming movies available on Netflix. We selected titles that go through drama, sport, social and cultural issues, based on real and fictional facts for those moments when we need a little more inspiration in our lives.
Amateur (2018)
Genre: drama, sport, overcoming.
How far would you go to make your dreams come true? In Amador, we follow the journey of overcoming Terron Forte, a 14-year-old boy passionate about basketball who dreams of playing in the NBA (National Basketball Association). A sports prodigy, the boy will catch the attention of an elite school that will recruit him. Faced with many adversities, Forte will have to put his priorities in order in order to achieve what he has always wanted.
Lesson from the movie: knowing how to listen to the advice of people who want our success is a sign of maturity.
The Boy Who Discovered the Wind (2019)
Trailer:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind • Subtitled TrailerGenre: drama, overcoming, based on real facts.
Based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, this Netflix original film tells the story of a young man from Malawi who will use his aptitude for studies to save his small village that suffers from drought. We follow William's journey as he tries to build a windmill to power a water pump and save his village and the people he loves most from poverty.
Lesson from the movie: Regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, fighting for the collective good is everyone's duty.
Happiness by a Thread (2018)
Trailer:
Nappily Ever After | Trailer | Dubbed (Brazil) [HD]Genre: comedy, drama, overcoming, self-esteem.
In this empowering and inspiring film, we follow the journey of Venus, a successful black woman who led a life under complete control. However, when things start to get complicated in her seemingly perfect relationship and ideal job, she will realize that her hair, which she has cared for for years, was also a symbol of her life and her imprisonment. When Venus performs a hair treatment that goes wrong, she shaves her hair and will find in her new look a new way of seeing herself, living and freeing herself.
Lesson from the movie: when we think we're at rock bottom, there's always a new way to see life and hope to start over.
Battles (2018)
Trailer:
Netflix Battles - Dubbed TrailerGenre: drama, dance, overcoming
A romantic drama surrounded by dance and an incredible story of overcoming obstacles, Batalhas is a great title to get excited and inspired. The film tells the story of a young ballerina who is preparing for an intense dance competition. However, complications in her personal life will jeopardize her entire career and dreams.
Lesson from the movie: never give up fighting for your dreams, even if life throws you some stones along your journey.
Alice Junior (2019)
Trailer:
Alice Junior | Official Trailer | Now Available on PlatformsGenre: LGBTQ, overcoming, bullying, drama, comedy.
This Brazilian film directed by Gil Baroni, tells an important story of overcoming and acceptance through the eyes of a trans teenager, Alice, played by Anne Celestino Mota. On this journey, we accompany the young woman who moves from Recife to a city in the interior of Paraná. At the new school, the young woman will have to face the harsh reality of an environment that is more prejudiced and retrograde than she was used to and will have to fight for the simple right to be who she is.
Lesson from the movie: respect, understanding and love should not be the privilege of a few, but the right of everyone, regardless of who you are.
Once Upon a Dream (2020)
Trailer:
Once Upon a Dream - A Ron Howard Film | Official trailer | NetflixGenre: drama, social issues, based on real events.
This moving story based on true events follows a family of three generations facing the hardships of a postwar life in the fight for the American Dream. JD is the youngest in the family, he will study law at the prestigious Yale University and when he returns home, he will face all the contradictions and problems that have always been present in his life, such as alcoholism, racism and abuse. Starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams, this film features memorable performances wrapped in a story of struggle and hope.
Lesson from the movie: our past can leave its mark on us, but learning from it and exceeding the expectations of others is an achievement that you will celebrate with even more pleasure.
Rose and Momo (2020)
Trailer:
Rose and Momo | Official Trailer | NetflixGenre: drama.
This moving and inspiring film starring one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time, Sophia Loren, presents the life journey of a Holocaust survivor, Rosa, who welcomes into her home a 12-year-old boy who recently assaulted her. The film was based on the novel by Romain Gary and is guaranteed to move and inspire you with a story surrounded by love, hope and human kindness.
Lesson from the movie: moving film that shows us the power of love, charity and acceptance as essential goods in our lives.
Marshall: Equality and Justice (2017)
Trailer:
Marshall 2017 Subtitled TrailerGenre: legal drama.
This biographical film, starring Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther), presents the story of the first black justice of the American Supreme Court. Thurgood Marshall had to face countless adversities to pursue his brilliant and inspiring career that had a profound impact on the fight for equality and civil rights in the United States. An exciting and inspiring film that will make you even more confident in the fight for your dreams.
Lesson from the movie: never give up fighting for your dreams and what you believe in. If you manage to help others along the way, your victory will be even more significant.
On the Way to the Moon (2020)
Trailer:
ON THE WAY TO THE MOON | Official Trailer 1 | A Netflix/Pearl Studio productionGenre: animation, fantasy, adventure.
With a strong and fearless female lead, Walking to the Moon is a great family movie choice that will inspire and motivate everyone. It tells the story of Fei Fei, who will build a spaceship and leave for an epic journey on the Moon, as he wants to prove the existence of a divinity that supposedly inhabits our satellite. With a breathtaking soundtrack, the film also reveals an emotional story of the love between father and daughter and reveals hope in the eyes of a child.
Lesson from the movie: a child's imagination should never be let go when we grow up. Keep having wild dreams, one day they might come true.
The 40-Year-Old Version (2020)
Trailer:
The Forty-Year-Old Version | Official Trailer | NetflixGenre: comedy, drama.
Do our dreams have an expiration date? In this Netflix original film, we follow the story of a playwright, who, now in her 40s, faces rejection in the theater community of which she is a part. Her life will take a new turn when Radha returns to her great passion: rap. Now in her new version, she will realize that her dreams don't have a time to start.
Lesson from the movie: It doesn't matter how old you are, if you have a dream, fight for it, adapt and don't stop being who you are.
Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Trailer:
Eat Pray Love | Trailer A Subtitled HD | On display in cinemasGenres: comedy, romance, adventure, spirituality.
Starring veteran Julia Roberts and based on the best-selling autobiographical book by American writer Elizabeth Gilbert, “Eat, Pray, Love” is a film full of lessons and inspiration. In the plot, Liz is a recently divorced woman who decides to take a journey of self-knowledge and motivation around the world. She starts her adventure in Italy, where she proposes to eat all the delights of Italian cuisine. In India, Liz seeks her spiritual evolution and in Indonesia she finds a new love.
Lesson from the movie: it's never too late to change our destiny. In the film, Liz goes in search of new life purposes and teaches us valuable lessons about self-knowledge and self-love.
Good Sam (2019)
Trailer:
Good Sam | Official Trailer [HD] | NetflixGenre: inspiration, drama.
Good Sam is a Netflix original film based on the book by Dete Meserve that first and foremost demonstrates the power of kindness. It tells the story of an anonymous Good Samaritan who leaves money on the doorstep of seemingly random people. When this selfless act of kindness begins to be investigated by journalist Kate, she will realize that other acts of charity and kindness are spreading across the city.
Lesson from the movie: As the poet said: Kindness generates kindness. This message of love and charity is always a good reminder to restore faith in humanity.
Coach Carter – Training for Life (2005)
Trailer:
Coach Carter: Coaching for LifeGenre: sport, maturing, drama.
Our teen teachers and mentors can leave positive marks throughout our lives, even helping to shape our personality and triumphs. In this beautiful and moving story of learning, discipline and respect, we follow the journey of a basketball coach who returns to his old school in California to not only coach a new team, but also teach valuable lessons to young people.
Lesson from the movie: confidence and determination are virtues that can be learned if we have good people as mentors.
Hip-Hop Beats (2019)
Trailer:
Hip Hop Beats | Trailer | Subtitled (Brazil) [4K]Genre: music, social issues, drama, comedy.
An inspirational film powered by music and hope. Hip-Hop Beats follows the story of August, a young music prodigy whose life has been marked by trauma. Living only with his mother, the young man is unmotivated with life. When Romelo, the security guard at his school, enters his life, things start to change, as this mentor will understand the potential of August's talent.
Lesson from the movie: we cannot let our traumas take over our lives and shape our future. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Walking Ride Rodeo - Amberley Turning (2019)
Trailer:
ANDAR MONTAR RODEO Brazilian Trailer SUBTITLED (Netflix 2019)Genre: based on real facts, overcoming, inspiration.
Based on a true story, this film tells the journey of Amberley Snyder, a young woman passionate about professional rodeo competitions. However, a car accident will leave her without the movement of her legs and Amberley will have to adapt to pursue her big dream and find hope of living fully in this new situation.
Lesson from the movie: regardless of what life throws at you, all the obstacles and stones in the middle of your journey will one day be a ladder to your true success.
Let's Dance (2019)
Trailer:
Let's Dance (2019) - Trailer (French)Genre: dance, resilience, comedy, romance.
Directed by Ladislas Chollat, Let's Dance is a French film set against the background of dance. Joseph is a passionate hip-hop dancer, he will refuse to join his father's dance company to try his luck in Paris. In the French capital, the young man will try to win an important hip-hop competition, but before that, he will become a teacher at a traditional classical dance school. A film driven by dance, music and the breaking of prejudices in relation to different styles of dance that can unite and separate art lovers.
Lesson from the movie: working with something you are passionate about is very rewarding, but also learning with the differences can open new doors and reveal new dreams.
Feminists: What Were They Thinking? (2018)
Trailer:
Feminists: What Were They Thinking? I Official Trailer I NetflixGenre: documentary, feminism.
This incredible documentary directed by Johanna Demetrakas explores issues of feminism in the United States through the recording of several women who appeared in an overwhelming photo album in the 1970s. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Michelle Phillips.
Lesson from the movie: the fight for equality is still far from over, but observing the achievements we've had in a few decades is always a way to inspire us to keep fighting.
My Families (2019)
Trailer:
All In My Family | Official Trailer [HD] | NetflixGenre: documentary, LGBTQ.
Chinese director Hao Wu explores in this medium length documentary (40 minutes) the relationship he has with his family and how they see and deal with his homosexuality. In Minhas Familias, Wu brings a personal portrait of his experiences in the United States and China, now that he is ready to be a father and live an openly same-sex relationship with his partner.
Lesson from the movie: we can't change our past or even the people we love the most. But learning to respect and finding a middle way can be the best solution.
By Amazing Places (2020)
Trailer:
All The Bright Places, with Elle Fanning and Justice Smith | Official Trailer | NetflixGenre: romance, teen, drama.
Starring Elle Fanning and Justice Smith, All the Bright Places is based on the novel by Jennifer Niven and tells the story of Violet and Theodore, two teenagers who are at a delicate moment in their lives. Marked by trauma and loss, young people will have a school task that consists of exploring the wonders of the state in which they live. As a result, they will rediscover hope in life and in believing that something better can happen for both of them.
Lesson from the movie: don't let the marks of your past determine your future. Brilliant events can be in front of you if you have hope and trust in the people who are by your side.
Fatherhood (2023)
Trailer:
Fatherhood, with Kevin Hart | Official trailer | NetflixThe dramatic comedy “Fatherhood” stars comedian Kevin Hart and addresses a sensitive topic: solo parenthood. In the story, after Matt's wife died during childbirth, it is now up to him to take care of his new daughter. Seeking help from support groups and through his direct network of friends and family, Matt will try to navigate the challenges of being a single parent and provide the best for his daughter.
Lesson from the movie: Based on a true story, “Fatherhood” reveals that a father's love is capable of overcoming any obstacle and challenge that life presents to us.
Pygmalion Effect (2019)
Genre: inspiration, overcoming, maturation.
On the outskirts of Paris, Samia Zibra will become the new educational advisor at a school where young people no longer see a promising future. The reality of these young people is marked by trauma, poverty and other adversities. Samia will not only change the lives of the young people she meets, but also of several teachers who also have harsh realities in that part of the French city.
Lesson from the movie: it is in people who believe in our potential that we can see a better future for the world.
