Here we are, deep in the winter blues and needing something uplifting to watch. With all the cold and the colds it is easy to get in a slump, but with the right inspirational movies maybe we can make the winter a bit easier.
I’ve compiled a list of great movies - from classic to modern, funny to romantic - and all of them in my mind are empowering and heartwarming. So take a look and hang in there!
For the Adventurous
Secret Life of Walter Mitty
When I’m needing a good travel movie, this is my go-to. Unlike Eat, Pray, Love - Walter Mitty is using travel to pursue a dream and push himself to his limits, rather than running away from his problems. The imagery, music, and all around ambiance is like a giant wanderlust hug.
Where’d you go Bernadette
What I love about this movie is that it addresses the anxieties that can build over time, but shows that it is never too late to be who you want to be. Bernadette struggles with social anxieties and disappointments but finds a way to channel her strengths and ambitions.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
This one is for the workaholics. Everyone wants to feel like they could take a day off from work and live their best life, right? If you have never seen this classic, stop reading right now and go watch it.
Zootopia
Judy Hopps works to become the first bunny cop in Zootopia. The not-so-subtle discussion of race and stereotypes is wonderfully portrayed. And the friendship of Judy and Nick is one of the most heartwarming relationships I’ve seen!
For the Romantic
Away we Go
Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski play an ADORABLE couple who are expecting their first kid. This life change takes them on a journey to find where they want to settle down, and along the way they reconnect with old “friends.” This is such a heartfelt, empowering, and hilarious story!
Crazy Rich Asians
The hype around this movie was for good reason. Crazy Rich Asians, showed that you can have a diverse cast, with a strong female lead, and still be a blockbuster rom-com. Rachel and Nick are a healthy and fun couple that support one another while dealing with their crazy families!
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen was ahead of her times when she wrote the classic Pride and Prejudice. Lizzie Bennet is one of my favorite fictional characters as she is witty, strong, and independent, and what makes it even better is that Mr. Darcy (begrudgingly) respects her for these qualities. Kierra Knightly plays Lizzie beautifully in this adaptation. A true feel-good romance!
Hundred Foot Journey
Hundred Foot Journey is about a family that moves to France from India and sets up a restaurant right across from a Michelin Star French restaurant. In a way, this is similar to Pride and Prejudice, addressing a more modern version of these topics but through food. Be sure to watch this with Indian food close at hand, it will make you hungry!
Chocolat
In this romance, Caroline moves from place to place with her daughter, establishing a chocolate shop wherever she ends up. The latest move brought them to a conservative French village during Lent where indulging in chocolate is unacceptable. Watching Caroline’s persistence in breaking down barriers is beautiful (and so is her love interest, Johnny Depp).
Cinderella (2015)
For most Cinderella stories, I would not put it in the “empowering” category. However, this Disney take on Cinderella brought a new perspective with the theme of “have courage and be kind” running throughout. This version builds up a backstory of her kind mother and father who gave Cinderella her spirit. It is also wonderful to see Kit (the prince) as a flustered man in love, rather than the hero.
For the Independent
Juno
This teen-pregnancy comedy somehow is a comfort movie. Watching Juno take control of her pregnancy without the help of anyone else is empowering, but there is still the heartwarming friendships and hilarity to keep it light.
Miss Congeniality
She kicks ass, she’s smart, she’s beautiful, and she eats pizza! This rom-com is such a fun and empowering classic. The love story is subtle and takes a back seat to Sandra Bullock’s investigation into the Miss America beauty pageant.
Pitch Perfect
Another one where the independence and drive of the women is front and center, with the love story in the background. Beca, played by Anna Kendrick, finds her creative edge after joining an a cappella group. Anna Kendrick’s dry wit is amazing!
A League of their Own
Gena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna - need I say more? Watching women kick ass in this period piece on women’s baseball is so the epitome of heartwarming and empowering. It deals with gender roles, inequality, and prejudice all while getting “dirt in the skirt.”
Moana
And finally, since I love Disney so much, here is another instant classic! Moana, a strong and independent daughter of a chief, sets off on a journey to save her community. The animation is gorgeous, the story is inspiring, and the songs are beautiful! Also, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson sings…just sayin’.
So there you have it - a heartwarming list with something for everyone! Anything to add? Leave a comment below!