Get ready to dive into a world of cinematic wonder with 12 of the best feel-good philosophical movies that will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and perhaps even enlightened. These films are not just your average blockbuster hits; they’re the kind of movies that make you think, question, and ponder about the deeper meaning of life.
1 – Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures is a phenomenal film that depicts the lives of the Black women who were the brain behind the scenes at NASA during the early years of the U.S. Space Program.
2 – The Room (2003)
Even the actors and writers of The Room couldn’t tell you exactly what it’s about. However, the film has garnered a cult following and is truly an experience.
3 – Amélie (2001)
Amélie is a charming and quirky romantic comedy that tells the story of a shy waitress named Amélie who lives in Paris. She decides to help those around her in unconventional ways while also embarking on a journey of self-discovery and love. The philosophical themes explored in this film include the power of kindness and human connection.
4 – Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine is a heartwarming comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family on a road trip to get their daughter to a beauty pageant. Along the way, the family members confront their own personal issues and come to realize the true meaning of family. Little Miss Sunshine is about coming to terms with the differences between the ones we love and acceptance.
5 – About Time (2013)
About Time is a romantic comedy-drama that follows a young man named Tim, who discovers he can time travel. He uses his powers to try to improve his own life and the lives of those around him but soon learns that changing the past can have unexpected consequences. About Time is about the value of living in the present moment and making the most of our time.
6 – Wall-E (2008)
This animated science-fiction movie tells the story of a robot named Wall-E, who is left on a deserted Earth to clean up the planet. Wall-E falls in love with another robot named Eve and embarks on a journey through space to save humanity. Wall-E explores the consequences of consumerism, excessive materialism, and environmental degradation.
7 – Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a romantic science-fiction drama that explores the idea of erasing memories. Joel and Clementine, two former lovers, undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other. As their memories start to fade, they begin to realize the actual value of their relationship. While this is quite a sad film throughout its duration, it does pull through in the end with an endearing story about the nature of memory, love, and the human experience.
8 – Cast Away (2000)
Cast Away is a survival drama about a FedEx executive named Chuck (played by Tom Hanks) who gets stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. He must learn to survive on his own and finds a new appreciation for the simple things in life. It touches on the importance of human connection and the value of resilience in the face of adversity.
9 – A Beautiful Mind (2001)
This is a biographical drama about mathematician John Nash, who suffers from schizophrenia. The movie follows Nash’s struggles as he tries to distinguish reality from hallucinations and delusions. A Beautiful Mind is about the fragility of the human mind and the power of love and support.
10 – Good Will Hunting (1997)
Starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon in their career-best performances, Good Will Hunting is a film that explores the search for meaning and self-discovery. This drama follows a young janitor named Will, who is a genius at math but lacks direction in life. With the help of a psychologist, he learns to confront his past and discover his true potential.
11 – Pay It Forward (2000)
Pay It Forward is a drama about a young boy named Trevor who comes up with a plan to make the world a better place. He starts a chain reaction of kindness where each person helps three others and asks them to “pay it forward.” The potential for small acts of kindness to have a ripple effect and create positive change in the world.
12 – The Razor’s Edge (1984)
The Razor’s Edge is a drama about the search for enlightenment and meaning in life. It tells the story of a man named Larry who seeks enlightenment after World War I. He travels to India, where he meets a spiritual guru and learns to see the world in a new light.
13 – Harold and Maude (1971)
Harold and Maude is a romantic black comedy about a young man named Harold who is obsessed with death. He meets an eccentric 79-year-old woman named Maude, who teaches him to embrace life and find joy in the small things. This film is a celebration of life and the rejection of societal norms.
14 – The Way (2010)
The Way is a drama about a father who travels to France to collect the remains of his son, who died while hiking the Camino de Santiago. He decides to embark on the pilgrimage himself, meeting various people and discovering the transformative power of the journey. It’s an embodiment of the transformative power of travel and the importance of self-discovery.
Source: Reddit.
Jaimee Marshall is a writer who hails from the suburbs of Philadelphia but has spent the past few years living abroad in Australia. She considers herself a bit of a movie buff with a knack for horror and clever sci-fi flicks. When she isn’t watching or writing about movies, she’s probably either posting political memes, cooking vegan food, or being active. She covers entertainment news, and reviews films and television for Wealth of Geeks. You can also catch her deep dives on sociopolitical issues at Evie Magazine, Katie Couric Media, and Her Campus or watch her appearance on Popcorned Planet, where she discusses heated issues like due process in our current social climate.
