20 Movies That Inspire Gratitude

These films are widely recognized for fostering an "attitude of gratitude" and encouraging viewers to appreciate the, sometimes, overlooked blessings in life. 

1. The Revolutionary Optimists - This is an incredibly inspiring movie about a group of children living in a Calcutta slum who band together to change their community. Funded by the Gates Foundation.

2. It’s a Wonderful Life - An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed.

3. Forrest Gump - Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. But whatever life gives you, take every opportunity and make the most of it.

4. Mr. Holland’s Opus - A frustrated composer finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher. The lesson of gratitude and sacrifice comes when he sacrifices his own career to help the kids.

5. It Could Happen to You - A police officer promises to share his lottery ticket with a waitress in lieu of a tip. If you appreciate and give to other people more than yourself, you will receive riches far beyond lottery winnings. Charlie and Yvonne find happiness by giving their money away, but when they lose it all, they find love for each other.

6. The Blind Side - The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. Shows how one person who is committed can really make a difference.

7. The Pursuit of Happyness - A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor. Despite many obstacles including homelessness, greatness can be achieved.

8. Freedom Writers - A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school.

9. Hidden Figures - Three brilliant African-American women at NASA serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.

10. Patch Adams - Based on the true story of a misfit medical student whose unconventional approach to healing causes headaches for the medical establishment but works wonders for the patients.

11. The Peanut Butter Falcon - A heartwarming story about friendship and acceptance, with a focus on appreciating each other’s unique qualities.

12. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - Inspired by Mister Rogers, this film highlights themes of forgiveness, understanding, and being grateful for the people in our lives.

13. Wonder - A story about a young boy with facial differences attending school for the first time, teaching lessons of kindness, acceptance, and being thankful for diversity.

14. The Farewell - A touching family drama about love, gratitude, and cultural differences, where a family hides a terminal illness from their grandmother to keep her happy.

15. Coda - A coming-of-age story about a young girl who is the only hearing member of a deaf family, highlighting gratitude for family bonds and the importance of communication.

16. The Intern - A comedy-drama about an older man becoming an intern at a start-up, emphasizing gratitude for mentorship, growth, and intergenerational friendships.

17. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - An animated adaptation of a popular book, sharing a gentle message about friendship, gratitude, and finding your way home.

18. The Pursuit of Happiness - This biographical drama of a struggling father shows deep themes of gratitude, resilience, and the appreciation of life’s triumphs over challenges.

19. Chef - A comedy-drama about a chef rediscovering his passion for cooking and life, underscoring gratitude for creativity, family, and second chances.

20. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - A story about an ordinary man who goes on an extraordinary adventure, learning to appreciate the present and the beauty in life’s little moments.

"Every minute of every hour of every day you are making the world, just as you are making yourself, and you might as well do it with generosity and kindness and style."

-REBECCA SOLNIT