The Top 100 Inspirational Movies: 100 - 81

100 - Homeward Bound

Looking back, the talking animal genre of films is probably the silliest genre that I enjoyed as a kid. These days it has mostly been relegated to direct-to-DVD releases and pun filled titles (Air Bud: Golden Retriever, for one!). Now it may be my own sense of nostalgia looking back, but I remember talking animal films to be serious business. I loved the bond formed between Milo and Otis, and it was only surpassed to me by the brilliance of Homeward Bound.

What does it mean to have a home? That is the core theme of a movie that ultimately sees three animals endure an (entirely unnecessary) trek through the wilderness. What is touches on though, is the deep sense of longing that we all feel to be with the ones who love us. Animals are perhaps the best at showing that because at least as we perceive them, they are far more lovingly devoted than we humans are. Perhaps that’s why Homeward Bound has always stuck with me – these animals are willing to go through absolutely anything to find the ones they loved.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could say the same?

~ Stephen Russ

99 - Mon Oncle

Jacques Tati made four films starring the bumbling and lovable Monsieur Hulot, of which Mon Oncle is only the second. He is a French successor to Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, and a predecessor to such characters as Mr. Bean. He is affable and unassuming, and the films he breezes through are not out-and-out comedies like we’ve come to expect in America, but relaxed reflections on life that cause you to laugh out loud on occasion. Watching Hulot, you want to approach life like he does – without care and worry, and certainly without deep concern over what others might think of you. He is a truly happy individual and we’d do well to emulate his outlook on life.

~ Evan Derrick

99 - Fireproof

Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is a conflicted firefighter in Georgia, more committed to his job than his wife. He firmly keeps the cardinal rule of all firemen, "Never leave your partner behind." But his seven-year marriage to his Catherine (Erin Bethea) is on the verge of collapse. Neither understands the pressures the other faces. After a heated argument, she yanks off her wedding ring and declares she wants out.

Caleb blames her to his co-workers; she blames him to her friends. Further intensifying her betrayal is discovering his addiction to Internet porn and $24,000 he’s hoarded for a fishing boat – never mind her mother’s desperate need for medical equipment that insurance refuses to cover.

When Caleb tells his father about the impending divorce, Dad challenges Son to a 40-day "Love Dare." Caleb reluctantly agrees, but more for his father than his marriage. Catherine – who is flirting with an affair with a married doctor – scoffs at his half-hearted attempts to win her back, deepening his resentment and frustration.

How can this marriage ever be fixed? It’ll take God. And that’s the point of this remarkable film, produced by a little church in Georgia that decided some time ago to produce movies with a worthwhile message. It was easy to scoff at their first attempt, Flywheel, which was pretty amateurish. Then on a shoestring budget of $100,000, they released a football film, Facing the Giants, which grossed $10 million.

They poured the profits back into Fireproof, which grossed an unheard-of $33 million for a do-it-yourself film. Now their latest, Courageous, is already surpassing Fireproof.

Fireproof is inspirational on multiple levels – it’s been credited with saving a lot of marriages – particularly with the Bible study guides and seminars developed around the film. But who knows how many wanna-be filmmakers out there are listening to a call from on high … and saying, “OK, if Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, can make world-changing movies, so can I.”

~ Rob Kerby

97 - The Passion of the Christ

One of the most controversial, yet beloved and hated films of all times, this depiction of the violent final hours in the life of Jesus is perhaps the life accomplishment of the enigmatic Mel Gibson – who sank millions of his own money into his vision of portraying a graphic account of what Jesus endured on our behalf.

As a result, Gibson has been basically blacklisted in Hollywood and the press – for daring to defy political correctness. Panned by critics, the film was embraced by the public – even Muslims in such countries as Egypt viewed it over and over. U.S., Canadian and British churches bought out theaters for multiple weeks. Folks who had given up on Hollywood and not attended a movie in decades returned again and again to cry and pray at the sight of Jesus’ sacrifice, which transformed world history.

The film grossed a record-destroying $370 million in the U.S., then another $241 million worldwide with little having to be shared with investors – since Gibson couldn’t find many. The Passion remains the top-earning R-rated (for its graphic depiction of Christ’s beating and execution) of all time as well as the top-earning non-English language film in history – with not a word uttered on screen in anything but Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic.

It should be no surprise that it was ignored by the Academy Awards, nominated for three minor nods, but winning none. However, it was showered with recognition elsewhere, including the National Board of Review’s Award for Freedom of Expression, the People's Choice Awards for Favorite Motion Picture Drama, the Motion Picture Sound Editors’ Golden Reel Award, USA Today’s Consumers Choice for Favorite Movie Award, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ Henry Mancini Award and Gospel Music Association Dove Awards for the best Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and best Instrumental Album of the Year.

The story opens in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is praying alone, burdened with His eternal destiny. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, He is arrested and taken before the leaders of the Pharisees, who confront him with accusations of blasphemy. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Palestine, listens to the charges – and knows none of them deserve death. Pilate defers to King Herod, who sends Him back to Pilate, who thinks he can placate the howling mob by brutally flogging Jesus. They are not appeased – not until Jesus is inhumanely executed between two common thieves.

The film is neither preachy nor pedantic, but presents the historical figure of Jesus Christ and the beauty of His philosophy and teachings. It has been much-maligned for supposed anti-semitic content, but the story is taken straight from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

One cannot help but be inspired by the unquestionably flawed Gibson who doggedly refused to shy away from sensitive topics to create a sterile, gutless flick. His courage and artistic integrity still out-weigh his various much-publicized stupidities that the press and entertainment industry delight in flaunting, retelling, parodying and then retelling once more just to make sure we got the message that they detest this guy who followed his vision and would not cave into some of the most intense peer pressure ever experienced by any filmmaker.

~ Rob Kerby

96 - The Princess Bride

A kindly grandfather (Peter Falk) sits down with his ill grandson and reads him a tale that has been passed down from father to son for generations. Reluctantly, the child (9-year-old Fred Savage) consents – as long as there is “no kissing.” As the grandfather reads, the story comes alive, a classic tale of love and adventure as the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright Penn), engaged to the odious Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), is kidnapped and held against her will in order to start a war.

It is up to her first love, Westley (Cary Elwes), who has become the Dread Pirate Roberts, to rescue her. On the way he teams up with a thief (Wallace Shawn) and his hired helpers, an accomplished swordsman (Mandy Patinkin) and a giant (Andre the Giant), who become Westley's devoted companions.

Almost stealing the show are comedian Billy Crystal as the ancient Miracle Max and his screeching wife, Valerie, played hilariously by Carol Kane.

Young viewers will parrot some of the classic lines for days – Elwes’ gentle “As you wish” to Buttercup’s every request; Shawn’s over-used “Inconceivable!” and Patinkin’s vengeful "You killed my father. Prepare to die." Even better than Crystal’s Max is Elwes’ memorable, time-stalling speech, “To the pain …”

This is one of those films you will watch over and over – chuckling as young Savage finally objects when Falk acts like he might skip over the parts with that have kissing.

~ Rob Kerby

95 - Ratatouille

It may not be the highest grossing animated film nor the most popular of the Disney / Pixar franchise. However, Ratatouille holds a special place in the heart of anyone who loves to cook and knows that food can tell a story. Titled after a French vegetable dish, Ratatouille is tells the tale of a rat named Remy and a young man named Alfredo. Both wish they could be world-class chefs, but Alfredo is the struggling runt in the kitchen of a high-class French restaurant, and Remy is... well, a rodent. Despite his furry disposition, Remy has a highly developed palate, and when he crosses paths with Alfredo, Remy moves Alfredo's arms and legs to make him an extraordinary cook. The lesson of Ratatouille is that everyone can cook and food is powerful enough to bring out the best in us all.

~ Jennifer Jones

93 - Spirited Away

The beginning of Spirited Away always scares my children. Chihuro, a 10-year old girl who has just moved away from the life she knew, ends up exploring some nearby ruins with her parents. Inadvertently they stumble into an alternate fantasy world filled with ghosts and spirits, and her parents are turned into pigs when they end up gorging themselves on food that isn’t theirs. Chihuro is then forced to make her way through the strange world, looking for a way to save her parents.

The film is a beautiful fantasy straight out of the mind of Hayao Miyazaki, whom many consider to be the Japanese equivalent of Walt Disney. One of the things that is so remarkable is that it doesn’t pander to audiences; there are not long, drawn out explanations for why the world is the way it is. Instead, viewers share the fate of Chihuro, experiencing the sights and sounds and inhabitants of the spirit realm with no one to guide them.

What makes this film inspiring, however, is Chihuro’s gumption and what she learns on her journey. She’s faced with some tough odds, essentially becoming an indentured servant in the bathhouse that serves as the center of the world. But she perseveres, learns to rely on her own strength rather than cowering in the corner, and in the end triumphs over the witch who seeks to trick her. She’s a wonderful role model, and one who’s lead I hope my own children will follow.

~ Evan Derrick

92 - Cry the Beloved Country

South African pastor Steven Kumalo (James Earl Jones) rushes from his village to the big city after his son, Absolom, is arrested for killing a white boy during an armed robbery. The father of the slain teen, rural farmer James Jarvis (Richard Harris), is indifferent to racial apartheid, the separation of whites and Africans, which in the film was still required by law in South Africa. When the black preacher and the white farmer encounter each other, both come to unexpected realizations not only about their sons, but about their own humanity.

This 1995 effort is a remake of a 1952 Sidney Poitier film, made when apartheid was still law. Since South African authorities were unbending, black stars Poitier and Canada Lee and white director Zoltan Korda cooked up a scheme where they told immigration authorities that Poitier and Lee were were Korda's servants. Otherwise, they would not have been allowed to associate with each other while in the country.

Pastor Kumalo’s grief and confusion is heart-rending as he discovers the killing was accidental – but his son has confessed. As a bereaved father, farmer Jarvis is stunned to find his son had repudiated baaskap, the dogma of white superiority, believed from childhood by most South African whites.

Will mercy be extended to the pastor's son who cooperated with authorities – but wrongfully confessed – or will he suffer the ultimate penalty while the guilty go free? Amid terrible misery, this movie surprisingly offers a flicker of hope for the future.

~ Rob Kerby

91 - The Blindside

This satisfying family film is based on the true story of Memphis fast-food store owners Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy who take in a massive, homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher.

The almost non-speaking Michael has no idea who his father is; his mother is a street junkie. Michael has had little formal education, few learning skills and absolutely no support from anybody – yet gets himself into a private academy where he refuses to give up despite the impossibility of his life.

Leigh Anne spots something in the enormous loner that no one else can see. As is her nature, she doesn’t just give him a home, but ensures that her new son has every opportunity to live up to his incredible, but very hidden potential. When he expresses an interest in football, she goes all out to help him, including lecturing the high school coach with her insights on how to best to motivate Michael to greatness … not something every high school athletic director will tolerate.

The Tuohys – including Michael’s delighted new little pre-adolescent brother – not only provide him with a loving family, but the emotional support and personal drive to achieve his dreams and rise to a potential that nobody but he and Leigh Anne can see.

~ Rob Kerby

89 - The Bucket List

I've never been able to figure out if the phrase came first or the movie did. However, we were all talking about what we'd like to do before we died after watching The Bucket List. The 2007 Rob Reiner film starred veteran actors Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson as unlikely friends. Carter Chambers (played by Freeman) has lung cancer and less than a year to live. He writes his "bucket list", and Edward Cole, his equally as terminal hospital roommate (played by Nicholson), insists they get started. The list will make both men confront their fears and live the lives they've always dreamed of. The inspiring film got us all thinking about taking chances, being bolder and loving fully.

~ Jennifer Jones

88 - Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

In Salmon Fishing, curmudgeonly fishing expert Fred (Ewan McGregor) is tasked by charming consultant Harriet (Emily Blunt) to take on what appears, at first, to be a ridiculous task: bring salmon fishing to Yemen. Fred is naturally incredulous, but his protestations are quickly drowned out when the entire affair becomes a PR bonanza for the British government and Harriet’s client, Sheikh Muhammed, deposists $40 million into an account for the project. The film quickly becomes not about the process of transporting salmon to Yemen, but about the faith it will take to believe that it is possible.

With its challenge to believe in the impossible and hope in the unattainable, the story is not only a metaphor for the act of filmmaking, but also for life itself. The best, most joyous things in life often come from pursuing absurd yet beautiful goals. It’s a lovely film that makes you want to leave the theater and tackle some foolish personal mission, whether its to lose 30 pounds or write a novel or ask that enigmatic girl out that you know you have absolutely no shot with. It asks you to have faith in the impossible and tells you that doing so is not stupid, but wonderful. Magical, even.

~ Evan Derrick

86 - Captain's Courageous

This 1937 adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s novel is set in the North Atlantic off of Newfoundland – and stars many of the greats of that day: famed child actor Freddie Bartholomew, the legendary Spencer Tracy, Broadway giant Lionel Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas, John Carradine and a teenage Mickey Rooney. Captains Courageous was nominated for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Editing, and won Tracy his first Oscar for Best Actor.

Rich boarding school adolescent Harvey Cheyne Jr. is a spoiled brat used to getting his own way. When a prank goes awry aboard a luxury liner, he tumbles overboard and nearly drowns. Fortunately he's plucked out of the water by Manuel (Tracy), a rough Portuguese fisherman just heading out for the season. The crew can't afford to take the arrogant kid back to land, and so Freddie spends three months at sea, gradually mellowing into a rugged, no-nonsense teen mentored by the rough and ready Manuel.

The film belongs to the masterful Tracy and young Bartholomew, an astute and intuitive actor, bringing warmth, compassion and drama to a role that could have been over-sentimentalized – particularly with the heart-wrenching final scene between boy and beloved role model. This is a story of hero worship at its best. A messed up kid is saved both from drowning, then as a human being, by the most unlikely of champions.

They don't make films any better than this – with not a word of profanity, no sex or even innuendo, must a wonderful, heart-tugging story, well acted, tragic but uplifting and even life-changing.

~ Rob Kerby

84 - Les Miserables

The 1862 classic novel by Victor Hugo came to Hollywood in 1998 starring Academy Award favorites Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush and Uma Thurman. Les Miserables tells the downtrodden lot of Frenchmen and women in the 19th century. One of the most inspiring parts of this tale is the redemptive story Jean Valjean. He went to prison for stealing bread to feed his family. He would spend the rest of his days wrestling with the bad name society gave him and the good man that he'd become. The character of Valjean was kind and cared for others more than himself. He demonstrates how hard a man will fight to preserve his personal truth and right a wrong even if it costs him everything.

~ Jennifer Jones

83 - On Golden Pond

Wild loons have returned to Golden Pond and so have retired professor Norman Thayer (Henry Fonda) and his wife of half a century, Ethel (Katherine Hepburn). They are retreating to their summer cottage just as they have since early in their marriage.

However, this year, their daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda) – whom they haven't seen for years – feels she must be there for Norman's birthday. She and her fiance are on their way to Europe the next day, but will be back in a couple of weeks – will it be OK if they drop off the fiance's 13-year-old son, Billy?

What follows is a gentle war of the wills as Norman teaches the resentful boy how to fish on Golden Pond – and to enjoy life. When she returns, Chelsea is married and her stepson has the relationship with her father that she always wanted. Will father and daughter be able to communicate at last? And is there a subtext here – considering that in real life Henry and Jane are really father and daughter?

Henry Fonda won his only Oscar for this role – and On Golden Pond it is fun to watch if for no other reason to watch him and Hepburn, 50-year veterans of the silver screen, just enjoying working together.

~ Rob Kerby

82 - The Pursuit of Happyness

Before I saw this film, I saw the trailer online and those two minutes moved me to tears. The Pursuit of Happyness tells the heart-breaking, yet triumphant true story of Chris Gardner, a down-and-out single father who loses everything except his will to provide a better life for himself and his son. The title (purposely misspelled based on a scene in the film) sums up the trials and hardships Garner and his son face while trying to make it. The two are played impeccably by real life father and son team Will Smith and Jaden. The Pursuit of Happyness will renew your faith that anything is possible if you believe that the valley is not the end.

~ Jennifer Jones

81 - Rattle and Hum

22 Grammy awards, 150 million albums sold, and immeasurable contributions to the emotional lives of their fans and the physical well-being of others. U2 has accomplished a great deal in their thirty plus year career, and one of their crowning achievements is the rockumentary Rattle and Hum. What Rattle and Hum accomplishes is putting on film the world changing positivity that U2’s music possesses.

The movie establishes a personal connection with the band through interviews, but draws the audience in mainly through intense live performances, rare rehearsal videos, and the power of U2’s music. It is raw, entertaining, and inspiring, perfectly capturing U2 as they rose from rock sensations to worldwide superstars. Many of the scenes are inspiring, but at the top is a performance of “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” with a gospel choir that will make you view the song and your beliefs in a totally different light.

~ Stephen Russ