4 Movies That Will Change Your Perspective On Life

We all have days when we feel down, lost – or simply just more emotional than usual. However, sometimes the trials and tribulations of life can get a bit too much, and we lose sight of what really matters. 

Trying to stay positive when you’re dealing with “life problems” is easier said than done. Whether it be a failed relationship, financial worries, or work stress – all of us experience challenges which can become overwhelming at the best of times. 

To help you when you’re at your lowest, here are our must-watch movies for when you feel like things just aren’t going your way. 

The Shawshank Redemption 

This 1994 classic is a story about friendship, perseverance, and above all – never giving up hope. Wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) shows us how to build tenacity in even the toughest times of adversity. If we can take one lesson from this cinema masterpiece, it’s to always look at the silver-lining – no matter what you’re going through. Learning to transform a negative into a positive will put you in good stead for any challenges that you face now, and in the future. 

Good Will Hunting 

An oldie but a goodie. Learning to accept that knowledge isn’t everything is a key message in this film, starring Matt Damon. Robin Williams plays psychologist, Sean Maguire who subtly teaches high-school student, Will (Matt Damon) that wisdom comes through experience. If you’re still not convinced, go and watch “the bench scene” – a standout performance by Williams, and arguably – one of the greatest speeches in movie history. 

Forest Gump 

I mean, we couldn’t talk about uplifting movies and not include Tom Hanks, right? Learning to accept life for what it is, and appreciate what you have, while you’ve got it, really is at the heart of this film. Hanks’ iconic performance as Forest, sheds a light on how to live in the present - without judgement, and without agenda. After all, “life really is a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”. 

Dead Poet’s Society 

Another star-studded performance by Robin Williams – this film exudes optimism. Williams’ character, Mr. Keating, emphasizes the importance of Carpe Diem, “seize the day” to a group of high-school students, encouraging them to live passionately, and be their unapologetic selves. In challenging conformity and highlighting the beauty of spontaneity, this movie teaches us universal lessons about life that still ring true today. As Mr. Keating puts it, “make your lives extraordinary”. 

So, next time you’re not quite feeling yourself or you’re looking to shift your mindset, get watching one of our feel-good classics! You’ll be surprised at how much a heart-warming movie-marathon can boost your mood! 

In case you missed it, Flicks for the Fall: 2021's Movie Must-Watch List.