The film industry does a bit more than provide mere entertainment. There’s always a thing or two to learn from movies, even the ones that may seem a bit corny. So here are 21 movies that taught us important life lessons and what those lessons are:
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
There are so many takeaway lessons from The Pursuit of Happyness, but the most important emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity and when it would be easier to give up on chasing our dreams. Chris held on to his dreams and succeeded.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
This emphasized the importance of individuality over conformity. It showed us how important it is to find yourself and embrace it while being willing to try new perspectives. Another vital lesson was the importance of seizing the day—doing things now instead of waiting.
The Lion King (1994)
My favorite lesson from The Lion King is probably that of identity. For a long time, Simba forgot his place as the heir to the throne and roamed about with Timon and Pumbaa, and while he learned “Hakuna Matata” with them, that wasn’t where he was supposed to be.
Life of Pi (2012)
Pi’s determination to survive in the middle of a lifeboat after a storm sinks the ship his family was on teaches us the importance of resilience in the face of impossible circumstances. It also helps audiences understand that trust and faith are important no matter the situation we find ourselves in.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Few movies have been able to communicate the importance of having a big heart and kindness in a cruel world as much as Forrest Gump. The film further shows the importance of following our passions and going on to do something we genuinely love.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
After George Bailey contemplates taking his life on Christmas Eve, guardian angel Clarence Odbody shows him the impact he had made in his life, even with small things. Without him, other people would have lost their lives in different circumstances. Ultimately, it helped us understand that no life is pointless.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Following the journeys of the two main characters—Andy and Red—taught us two very important lessons. First, with Red, it’s important never to lose hope. Red believed he wouldn’t get out but was eventually paroled. Andy, meanwhile, showed resilience by planning his escape for years and continued to progress slowly but steadily.
Finding Nemo (2003)
I think Finding Nemo is probably the perfect family film, and little wonder it is the best-selling DVD ever. It underscores the importance of family and just how important familial bonds are. Even though our families can be annoying, they usually still have our best interests at heart.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
While emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and chasing one’s dreams, it also reminds us that it is vital to remember that there are always people who care for us. Ambition does not require isolation. Human connections are powerful and usually more important.
The Green Mile (1999)
Although it focuses on the perspective of race, the lessons from this movie can be expanded to many aspects of life. It taught us always to attempt to look beyond stereotypes and embrace human differences and complexities. Never judge a book (or person) based on its cover.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Everyone is different, but at the end of the day, we still share some things in common. To form deep and meaningful connections that even exist in the most unexpected places, we must learn to break out of our comfort zones while staying true to ourselves.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
It’s almost mind-blowing that there is so much to learn about mental health challenges from a movie that came out in 2001. Most of what we learned here is from Alicia Nash, who stands with her husband at the height of his schizophrenia, helping him to get through it.
Freedom Writers (2007)
Freedom Writers teaches us the transformative power of education and empathy. Based on a true story, it shows how a dedicated teacher’s efforts to connect with troubled students through shared experiences and literature can break down barriers, inspire change, and empower individuals to overcome challenges and create a brighter future.
Patch Adams (1998)
Laughter is truly the best medicine, and that is one of the things this movie teaches us. It also teaches us to care for people genuinely. Although it frames it in the context of doctors treating their patients, it’s a lesson everyone can benefit from.
Into the Wild (2007)
The film primarily explores the pursuit of meaning beyond societal norms. It then underscores the importance of self-discovery, and the balance between independence and human connections, offering insights into personal growth, freedom, and the consequences of extreme choices.
The Karate Kid (1984)
How can we forget Mr. Miyagi’s legendary lessons? To get good at anything, discipline and persistence are key. Also, there’s always a learning curve. Most of the time, we are never instantly good at things the first time we try them. Even in our failures, trust the process.
The Blind Side (2009)
The Blind Side underscores the significance of kindness and shows how great it is to help. By helping a disadvantaged youth discover his potential and providing a nurturing environment, Leigh Anne in the film demonstrates how compassion and guidance can lead to remarkable personal growth and achievement.
Pay It Forward (2000)
Pay It Forward teaches us never to underestimate the effect a single act of kindness you carry out has. Acts of kindness are incredibly powerful and have ripple effects, growing out to have life-changing impacts on our community. It also emphasizes the responsibility that we have to care.
Stand and Deliver (1988)
Good teachers change lives. Jaime Escalante commits himself to the success of his students with innovative teaching techniques and consistent motivation, and students who had never known academic success began to experience it. The film also shows how anything is possible with hard work.
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Life’s short, and this film reminds us of that. It also teaches that making the most of the time we get is important. Amidst illness and mortality, it emphasizes the power of connection, the importance of cherishing moments, and embracing life’s imperfections.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The importance of the right friends cannot be overemphasized. Imagine how different Charlie’s life would have been if he had tried to fit in as soon as he got into high school. He probably would never be able to chase his dream of becoming a writer.
