9 Uplifting and Inspiring Movies for a Rainy Summer Day

“A film is – or should be – more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what’s behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later.”
Stanley Kubrick

“It’s not what a movie is about, it’s how it is about it.”
Roger Ebert

I don’t know if I have mentioned it here on the blog before but I love movies.

Long before I started this website – in the early 00s – I even studied film theory for three semesters at the Gothenburg University here in Sweden.

It was, mostly, a ton of fun.

So today I want to combine personal development, inspiration and motivation with my love of movies and the regular occurrence of rainy days during the summer.

Here is my very personal list of 9 movies – in no particular order – that have lifted my spirits and inspired me over the years.

Be sure to chime in with your tips for most uplifting and inspiring movies in the comments section.

Gattaca (1997)

In a not too distant future one man wants to achieve his dream of traveling into space. In this future he is however deemed genetically inferior and part of an underclass that only gets to do the simplest jobs. But he’s got a very risky plan that he hopes will get him up there among the stars.

This is a movie about not giving up. A movie about the untapped and often undervalued potential we have inside of us.

It is also a truly suspenseful thriller and drama with excellent performances by Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and especially Jude Law. And it contains a very beautiful soundtrack that adds a sad and longing undertone to the whole story.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

My personal favorite among all the fantastic animated movies Hayao Miyazaki has made.

It’s uplifting, light and filled with childlike curiosity, imagination and energy. It makes you smile. A lot.

It doesn’t have a villain. But it has a magical bus.

And lots of fantastic and fabled creatures that two young girls encounter during their adventure in the Japanese forests.

Rocky (1976)

This classic from the 70’s about the underdog boxer still packs a big emotional punch. Probably because although it is motivating and inspiring it is also relatively low-key and realistic compared to the sequels (Rocky IV sure is entertaining but maybe not so grounded in reality).

Unlike the other Rocky movies it is also more focused on Rocky and his rather lonely life in a worn-down apartment rather than the upcoming boxing match and winning in the ring.

Features my favorite performance from Stallone who also has a really nice chemistry with Talia Shire as the shy pet shop clerk Adrian.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Andy Dufresne is sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife and her lover. But unlike the other men in the prison who all claim that they are innocent, Andy actually is.

And so begins a long movie and story that spans over decades about friendship, hope and freedom.

Truly one of the best movies ever made. There is a reason why it has been # 1 on The Internet Movie Database’s list of the top 250 movies of all time for many years now.

The Muppets (2011)

In the beginning of most light-hearted entry of this article the Muppets have been forgotten. But as their old theater is threatened the three friends Gary, Mary and Walter start reuniting up the old gang to put up a fight against an evil oil tycoon.

Like Rocky and many movies on this list The Muppets is about not giving up and going home even when things are tough.

But with more dance. And awesome muppets.

Plus, with a real heart pounding beneath all the light and clever fun and comedy. Mostly in the form of Kermit. He sure is one awesome frog.

October Sky (1999)

In the 50’s in a small town called Coalwood pretty much every man works in mines.

But as young Homer Hickam sees Sputnik pass by in the night skies a dream of launching his own rockets is ignited.

October Sky is about going for your dream even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s about going your own way even if the most important people in your life – like Homer’s father in the movie – may not understand.

The contrast between the young people’s dream and the confining, souldraining and bodybreaking work in the mines combined with great performances from Chris Cooper, Jake Gyllenhaal and Laura Dern makes this something more and bigger than just one than just another inspiring movie you have forgotten a week from now.

Amélie (2001)

A young woman named Amélie anonymously helps people to find happiness and love. And she sees the world from her very own and unique perspective.

This is a fantastically creative and imaginative story and world that the director Jean-Pierre Jeunet builds on the streets and in the landscape of Paris. And it is a sad and joyful movie about life and enjoying the small things and perhaps breaking out of your comfort zone and going for something bigger than that too.

I remember that this French movie was insanely hyped up when it first came out. And it was one of the few movies I have seen that actually lives up to such a hype.

Before Sunrise (1995)

The American tourist Jesse and the French student Celine has a brief encounter on a train in Europe.

A connection is quickly formed and they decide to spend a day together in Vienna before his flight leaves the next morning.

The wonderful and realistic dialogue and the relaxed chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as they walk around in beautiful Vienna makes this simple love story into my favorite romantic movie.

Has two sequels, Before Sunset (also really good) and Before Midnight (haven’t seen it yet, it is brand new).

The Intouchables (2011)

Philippe is lonely man in the middle of Paris. He has millions but as a quadriplegic he is confined to his motorized wheelchair and a boring existence.

But his life is shaken up when he hires Driss, a new care person from the poor projects in the city.

This recent French movie could just like October Sky become an overly cheesy movie about overcoming difficulties that you have seen too many times before and can be summarized as “pretty good I suppose”.

Fortunately it, thanks to an excellent script and especially the performance by Omar Sy, hits the notes just right and becomes one of those inspiring movies of recent years that you’ll find yourself still thinking about months later.