While many people are sure that spending time in front of the screen can only harm one’s desire to study and participate in college life, that is not always the case. A multitude of popular movies has the power of motivating the youth to conquer new heights. Whether you want a little 2-hour break to get your mind off all the campus life stress or need an extra push toward succeeding in college, there are many movies to do both simultaneously. Our professional EssayShark writers recommend these seven movies to inspire you to succeed in college and life, so grab some popcorn and enjoy!
1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The protagonist of the story is Chris Gardner, a hard-working man, and a loving father to his young son, who experiences major struggles in life, both in his job and his relationships. In order to break the circle of misfortunes, Chris, played by Will Smith, undertakes an unpaid internship position at a successful company and fights his way up the ladder toward a paid job.
While some of the scenes will make you feel sorry for the man and his child, the film itself is pierced with hope, dedication, and, yes, the pursuit of happiness. If you needed somebody to tell you that everything gets better if you work hard enough, Will Smith is here for you.
2. Dead Poets Society (1989)
The film follows a young English teacher, John Keating, who is passionate about inspiring his students to follow their dreams and aspirations. While teaching poetry in a conservative all-male boarding school, Keating brings innovative and unique approaches to the classroom. “Seize the moment” is essentially the lesson the educator is imposing upon his students, and the tagline “He was their inspiration” could not be closer to the truth.
If you still think that the education system is developed with the purpose of demolishing any sign of one’s personality, this is the movie you should watch. Even though classical poetry, you may be able to discover your previously unknown passions. So, learn how to seize the moment while being at school through watching “Dead Poets Society.”
3. School of Rock (2003)
Are you still convinced that learning anything at school is always boring, and your personal interests can only be explored outside of the classroom? Well, you haven’t seen “School of Rock” yet. History and science can be taken into account while talking about essentially any subject you’re passionate about, and Dewey Finn, played by Jack Black, is here to prove the point. Love for music and passion for performance can transform unhappy upper-class kids into the fiery individuals, who are ready to light the stage up at any given moment. And all without leaving the classroom, so imagine what you can get inspired for in college!
4. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
We all know there might be a class or two in college you just go to in order to pass and get the credit. What if we told you that such could be changed with the right approach and mutual goal between the teachers and students? Whoopi Goldberg undertakes the role of Deloris van Cartier, who, in turn, reprises her persona as Sister Mary Clarence. If the most uncontrollable of the teenagers can get passionate about singing in a choir, what stops you from being interested in those classes you need for credit? If to combine the ideas from “Sister Act 2” with, for example, “Dead Poets Society,” do you think there’s anything that you cannot achieve during your college years and further in life?
5. 21 (2008)
The movie follows a group of college students and their professor, collectively known as the MIT blackjack team, who engage in gambling and card-counting techniques in order to raise money for tuition and retirement. While college math classes may seem complicated, imagine fooling the casinos in Las Vegas with formulas! Adventures and intrigues are an important part of the plot, and the entire story is framed by one question: “What are you ready to do to dazzle the scholarship directors?” The film will surely leave you inspired not to zone out in your next class, apply the theory in real life, and think out of the box. All of the said emotions are only supported by the fact that the movie is based upon a real story.
6. Pay It Forward (2000)
Maybe, you’re in need of something emotional rather than purely motivational? “Pay It Forward” is based upon a novel by Catherine Ryan, and it suggests the easiest way of changing the world for the better. A 12-year-old decides that doing a favor for three people and asking each of them to do the same for the other three people. The story examines the ideas of kindness and healing, and some of the episodes are sure to make you emotional. So, if you’ve ever wondered if there is a way for one person to change the world, – here it is.
7. Life Is Beautiful (1997)
Sometimes, all we need is a little inspiration to remain positive and do our best to get through struggles. “Life Is Beautiful” is an Italian movie, which follows the story of Guido, a Jewish man, whose family is sent to a concentration camp during the years of World War II. Guido tries his best to protect his young from the new reality and says that they are competing with other families. The story is beautifully emotional, despite being developed in a dark setting, and it teaches you that optimism is the best way to remain strong in the face of struggle.
If you’ve ever struggled to find motivation for being the best version of yourself both in college and life, be sure to check these movies. Whether you’re concerned with finding your true passion or being optimistic at times, each of the films will become the push toward a better life. Also, a short break from studying while getting motivated to study more, – what is a better way to succeed in college?