Are you searching for the best motivational movies for students on Netflix? Then you are at the right place cause we have compiled the list of what you are looking for.
Life of a student is never easy. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication and even after all your best efforts, there come times when you feel low and under academic stress.
Its a common knowledge that students often face challenges and can feel demotivated at times. We have all been there. Some of us are still living through those rough days.
In this article, we will explore some of the best motivational movies for students, and learners of any field, on Netflix. These movies offer valuable lessons on resilience, determination, teamwork, leadership, and on top, self-belief.
Here is the list of Top 10 Best Motivational Movies for Students on Netflix:
Taare Zameen Par (2007)
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
Cast: Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tanay Chheda, Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma, Girija Oak, M.K. Raina
Taare Zameen Par is Aamir Khan‘s directorial debut who also play the role of a teacher in the movie. Aamir Khan is a famous name in Bollywood with blockbuster movies like PK, 3 Idiots, Dangal to his name.
The movie is about an 8 year old boy, Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary), who is struggling to keep up with his peers in school. When his parents send him to a boarding school, he is still unable to fit in.
Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan) is appointed as a temporary art teacher and helps Ishaan to overcome his inabilities and re-discover his lost confidence.
Darsheel Safary delivers a knockout performance, and Aamir Khan is excellent in a supporting role.
The movie is directed towards parents trying to make them understand that every child is special and talented in their own way.
But it also serves as a great motivational movie for all kinds of students who are struggling with their studies. It inspires you to find your inner talent and find your true identity.
The Social Network (2010)
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Josh Pence, Brenda Song, Rashida Jones, John Getz, David Selby
“The Social Network” is an inspiring movie for students in the sense that it showcases the story of a young college student, Mark Zuckerberg (portrayed by Jesse Adam Eisenberg), who goes on to create one of the most successful and influential tech startups of all time. Despite facing numerous obstacles and legal battles, Zuckerberg’s determination and ingenuity ultimately lead to the creation of Facebook (now Meta, ofc).
The film, though mostly fiction, does provides the valuable lesson to students about the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and being completely in love with what you do.
Now, the film is a controversial take on how Facebook came to be, showing the legal battles and friendships built and broken. But, it depicts a perfect picture of how things works for most entrepreneurs.
Even if you do not feel inspired after watching “The Social Network”, you can still see that students’ life can be entertaining even when there is a lot going on. This one is a must watch for how brilliantly it is made.
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Cast: Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Aïssa Maïga, Lily Banda, Lemogang Tsipa, Philbert Falakeza, Joseph Marcell, Noma Dumezweni
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” is a 2019 movie based on a true story about a young Malawian boy who builds a windmill to save his village from famine.
The film follows the journey of 13-year-old William Kamkwamba, who lives in a Malawian village facing a severe famine.
Inspired by a book on wind energy, William decides to build a wind turbine to save his village from the drought. The film explores the challenges he faces, including lack of resources, education, and support from his community.
Starring Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Aïssa Maïga, rated for 13+ audience with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes, is available for streaming on Netflix.
This movie teaches us about the power of innovation, creativity, not-giving-up and total determination in overcoming obstacles.
Coach Carter (2005)
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri’chard, Rob Brown, Ashanti, Debbi Morgan, Vincent Laresca, Rick Gonzalez, Antwon Tanner, Nana Gbewonyo, Channing Tatum
“Coach Carter” is one of the best sports-based movie of all time. Samuel L. Jackson has done a ridiculously good job and you will be reminded once again why he is one of the greatest actors in Hollywood scene.
A motivational sports drama, Coach Carter is based on the true story of a high school basketball coach who holds his team to high academic and personal standards even when it means to be extra-disciplined and highly-hardworking.
The 2005 released sports movie, now streaming Netflix, portrays the story of Ken Carter, who takes over as the basketball coach at Richmond High School.
The new coach, Carter, sets high expectations for his team and demands that his players excel academically as well as athletically. The film highlights the challenges faced by the coach and his players as they navigate the pressures of sports and academic success.
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri’chard, and Rob Brown, this movie has a maturity rating of 16+ and a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes.
This movie teaches us about the importance of discipline, consistency, hard-work and determination in pursuing our goals in life.
Hustle (2022)
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Cast: Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangómez, Queen Latifah, Ben Foster, Kenny Smith, Robert Duvall, Jordan Elizabeth Hull, María Botto, Heidi Gardner, Ainhoa Pillet, Anthony Edwards
“Hustle” is a 2022 US movie that follows the story of a basketball scout who is struggling to make ends meet. However, he sees potential in a basketball player in Spain, and decides to take a chance on him.
The scout and the player both dream of making it big in the NBA, and together they set out to prove their worth.
Starring Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangómez, and Queen Latifah in the lead act, the movie is a reminder that take risks in your life and give your all to make them pay off.
With powerful performances and a beautiful message for people looking to achieve their goals, this is one of best sports movie that has come out in recent times. Available on Netflix, ‘Hustle’ is a must-watch.
The Swimmers (2022)
IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
Cast: Manal Issa, Nathalie Issa, Matthias Schweighöfer, Ahmed Malek, Ali Suliman, Kinda Alloush, James Krishna Floyd, Nahel Tzegai, Akuc Bol
This one is a heartfelt story that world needed to witness.
“The Swimmers” is a 2022 chasing-dreams movie that follows the journey of two sisters from war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Despite the risks, the sisters embark on a perilous voyage to pursue their dreams and showcase their swimming skills at the Olympic Games.
The film highlights the challenges they face, including navigating dangerous waters and overcoming cultural barriers, while also emphasizing the bond between the sisters.
Both Manal Issa and Nathalie Issa have done a wonderful job portraying the Syrian sisters. The supporting cast is equally good.
In short, ‘The Swimmers’ on Netflix is a must-watch if you are looking for some motivation in pursuing your dreams against all the odds.
The Blind Side (2009)
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Adriane Lenox, Kathy Bates, Catherine Dyer
“The Blind Side” is a 2009 movie based on a true story and adapted from a book.
The film follows the life of a homeless teenage boy who finds success in football and beyond, after being taken in by a determined mother and her wealthy family.
The movie highlights the challenges he faces, both on and off the field, and how the love and support of his new family helps him to overcome them.
Starring in lead is the talented Sandra Bullock with Tim McGraw and Quinton Aaron in pivotal roles.
With a maturity rating of 13+ and a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes, ‘The Blind Side’ is one of the most loved movie on the Netflix platform.
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009)
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Kimberly Elise, Aunjanue Ellis, Gus Hoffman, Maestro Harrell, Jaishon Fisher, Ele Bardha, Danny Goldring, John Hoogenakker, Guy Van Swearingen, Tajh Bellow
“Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” is a 2009 social issue drama movie that portrays the real-life struggles of Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon, in his journey to overcome obstacles to study medicine and save lives at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The film highlights Carson’s personal life and his challenges growing up, including poverty and racism.
Cuba Gooding Jr., Kimberly Elise, and Aunjanue Ellis, the leading cast, has done a great job at making this one as a great source of motivation for all.
Zero To Hero (2021)
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
Cast: Sandra Ng, Louis Cheung, Leung Chung-hang, Fung Ho-yeung, Lo Hoi-pang, Chin Siu-ho, Tony Wu Tsz-tung, Mak Pui-tung, Alan Yueng, Chung Suet-ying.
“Zero to Hero” is a 2021 movie based on a true story that follows the life of So Wa-wai, a record-breaking Paralympian.
The film showcases the bond between So and his mother, as they both work towards achieving his dreams of becoming a successful athlete.
The movie highlights the challenges that So faced due to his physical disability and how he overcame them to become a hero in his own right.
Now, the movie has some downsides, but, overall the story is an inspirational take on not-giving-up ever.
Work It (2020)
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
Cast: Sabrina Carpenter, Jordan Fisher, Liza Koshy, Keiynan Lonsdale, Michelle Buteau, Drew Ray Tanner.
“Work It” is a 2020 teen movie that follows the story of a high school student who is determined to get into her dream university by transforming herself and a group of misfits into a championship dance squad.
Despite being brilliant, the main character is clumsy and lacks dance skills, but she is determined to succeed. The film highlights the challenges she faces in her journey, including tough competition and personal setbacks.
‘Work It’ is the least IMDB rated movie in our list mainly because it takes a humours take on going against the odds.
But, the movie is a great watch for all the comic-relief and its inspirational message told through a dance competition.
