These 10 Inspirational Movies Will Lift You Up When You Need It

1. "Whale Rider" (2002)

There's something you should know first about New Zealand's Maori culture. They've got a leadership lineage tradition, right? Well, enter Paikea, a young girl. Now, here's the kicker: tradition dictates that the role belongs to males. When her twin brother (the heir-apparent) dies at birth, it creates quite the kerfuffle.

Paikea, against all odds and grandad's skepticism, believes she's the next in line. A whale, an ancient dance, and Paikea – it's not your usual coming-of-age tale.

2. "Tracks" (2013)

There's this woman, see? Robyn Davidson. Just packs up and decides to trek across 1,700 miles of Australian desert. Why? Heck, why not? Armed with four camels, a trusty dog, and an insatiable spirit, she steps out.

There are hurdles – blistering heat, loneliness, and personal demons – but girl's got tenacity. And the desert, it isn't just sand; it's a character in itself.

3. "Captain Fantastic" (2016)

In the deep forests of Pacific Northwest, a dad and his six kids live – think Robinson Crusoe, but eco-friendly and anti-establishment. They're living the dream, or so it seems: climbing, reading, and discussing Marxism over dinner.

But here comes a curveball: the death of their mother, leading them to confront the "real" world. As they board their green bus named "Steve," the family's idyllic vision is tested against society's norms. Do they fit in? Can they? The answer might surprise you.

4. "A Man Called Ove" (2015)

Swedes have this peculiar way of dealing with melancholy, ever heard of it? Ove is an old man, and he's set in his ways – like, really set. Every day is scheduled, every rule followed. But life? It laughs in the face of plans.

Cue a chatty new neighbor and a stray cat. Ove's monochrome world suddenly erupts in colors, reminding us that life's interruptions can be, well, life-saving.

5. "Queen of Katwe" (2016)

Let's jump into the colorful streets of Uganda, where dreams often get lost in the hustle. Here's Phiona, a young girl selling maize, with no hint of the grandness within her.

Chess, that strategic game of kings and queens, crosses her path. An underdog in life but a champion on the board, she begins to rewrite her story. Challenges? Oh, they're there, aplenty. But with every move, Phiona steps closer to her crown.

6. "The Way" (2010)

Ever felt lost? Dr. Thomas Avery sure did when he got that heart-wrenching news: his son's dead while trekking the Camino de Santiago. Instead of moping, Tom decides to complete the pilgrimage himself.

He embarks on this spiritual journey, backpack and all. Along the way, he picks up a motley crew of fellow travelers, each with their baggage (literal and emotional). The path is long, but memories, friendships, and revelations make every step worth it.

7. "Song of the Sea" (2014)

Ireland, with its mystical folklore, beckons. Young Ben discovers his mute sister, Saoirse, is no ordinary girl; she's a selkie, bridging the human and the fairy world.

On their quest to save the spirit world, the siblings face trials, monsters, and memories. Animated, you say? But oh, the colors, the magic – it's like poetry in motion. A song, a seal, a journey to remember.

8. "The Station Agent" (2003)

Tiny, a rundown train depot, and solitude – that's Finbar's idea of heaven. But life, with its twisted sense of humor, sends Joe, a chatty food truck owner, and Olivia, a grieving artist, crashing into his quiet life. And you know what? Sometimes, life knows better.

Through shared silences and conversations, the trio forms an unlikely bond. It's heartwarming to witness life's ability to engineer friendships in the unlikeliest of places.

9. "Wadjda" (2012)

Saudi Arabia. Girls don't ride bikes, period. But Wadjda? She's got spunk. Setting her eyes on a green bicycle, she's determined to race against her friend Abdullah.

The catch? She needs money, leading her to a Quran recitation competition. Root for this rebel as she pedals against conventions, teaching us a thing or two about determination.

10. "The Lunchbox" (2013)

Amidst Mumbai's bustling chaos, a lunchbox mix-up? Sounds simple, but wait for it. Ila, a housewife, tries to spice up her marriage with a special lunch, but it ends up with Saajan, a grumpy widower nearing retirement. Letters exchanged, secrets shared, and an unexpected bond forms.

It's not about the food, though the curry does look mouthwatering. It's about finding connection in unexpected places, proving that life might just have a second serving of happiness waiting for us.